Hummelstown City Zoning Code
PART 18
SIGNS
§ 27-1801 Sign Classification.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
For the purpose of this chapter, the following signs, terms and words shall have the following description and meaning:
Any sign, printed or displayed upon cloth or other flexible material, with or without frames.
A stationary or revolving light which flashes or projects illumination.
A sign that is freestanding or attached to a building which directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business that is primarily offered or located at a location other than the lot upon which the sign is located. This shall not include an official sign or any directional sign specifically permitted by this Part.
A sign which directs attention to a business, profession, activity, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises where such sign is located, or within the building to which such sign is affixed.
A sign, providing no advertising of any kind, which provides direction or instruction to guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public including, but not specifically limited to, those signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, public walkways, parking areas, and other similar facilities.
An illuminated sign on which artificial or reflected light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
A sign which is attached to or a part of a completely self-supporting structure. The supporting structure shall be set firmly in or below the ground surface and shall not be attached to any building or any other structure whether portable or stationary.
A sign supported by structures or supports or upon the ground and not attached or dependent for support from any building.
Signs of an identificational or of informational nature bearing no advertising.
A sign in which an artificial source of light is used in connection with the display of such sign.
Illumination of a sign which is effected by an artificial source of light, which is contained within the sign itself.
A sign only indicating the name and/or address of an occupant.
A sign which does not adhere to the provisions of this chapter.
A sign which directs attention to a business, profession, activity, commodity, service, or entertainment other than one conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located, or within the building to which such sign is affixed.[1]
An on-premises sign or flag that expresses an opinion, interest, position or other noncommercial message.
[Added by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
A sign not permanently affixed to the ground, a building, or other structure, which may be moved from place to place.
A sign which is affixed to a building or wall and extends beyond the line of such building or wall or beyond the surface of that portion of the building or wall to which it is affixed by more than 16 inches.
A temporary sign placed upon property for the purpose of advertising to the public the sale or lease of said property.
Any sign wholly erected, constructed or maintained on the roof structure or parapet wall of any building.
Any identification, description, illustration, or device illuminated or non-illuminated which is visible to the general public and directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, flag, banner, pennant, or placard designed to advertise, identify, or convey information.
The area of the sign facing, including any border, framing or decorative attachments. In the case of freestanding letters, it shall be the area contained between the highest and lowest points of any letters and the extremity points of the first and last letters.
A non-permanent sign erected, affixed, or maintained on a premises for a short, usually fixed, period of time.
A sign attached directly to an exterior wall of a building or dependent upon a building for support with the exposed face of the sign located in a place substantially parallel to such exterior building wall to which the sign is attached or which it is supported.
A sign attached to, placed upon, or painted on the interior or exterior of a window or door of a building which is intended for viewing from the exterior of such building.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "political sign," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021.
§ 27-1802 Applicability, Permit Application and Fees.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
1.
Except for signs exempted under § 27-1808 of this Part, no person shall erect, cause to be erected, change or alter any sign on any property within the Borough until a permit for the same has been issued by the Zoning Officer. Property owners who authorize or allow any sign on their property shall ensure that all provisions of this Part are adhered to and shall comply with the following provisions:
A.
Application for a permit shall be made on an authorized Borough form and shall be accompanied by the following:
(1)
A detailed scale drawing showing the sign and its intended location.
(2)
A description of its type, construction, manner, and method of installation, and materials to be used.
(3)
Written authorization of the owner or lessee of the property, if other than the applicant.
(4)
A permit fee, as established by resolution of Borough Council.
B.
For the purpose of this Part, the terms "alter" or "change" shall not be interpreted to include routine maintenance.
§ 27-1803 Signs Permitted in Conservation, Residential Single-Family, Residential Two-Family Apartments, and Institutional Districts.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
1.
The following types of signs and no other shall be permitted in the Conservation, Residential Single-Family, Residential Two-Family Apartments, and Institutional Districts:
A.
Apartment Building Signs. One sign on each separate apartment building identifying the building; provided, that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet per street frontage.
B.
Directional Signs. A sign indicating the location and direction of facilities intended to serve the public such as restrooms, public telephones, public walkways, parking areas, and other similar facilities provided:
C.
Professional, Accessory Use, Home Occupation, or Name Signs. On the same lot indicating the name, profession, or activity of the occupant of the dwelling, provided:
D.
Public Utility Signs. Signs in connection with the identification, operation, or protection of any public utility or municipal activity, on the same lot therewith, provided:
(1)
The total sign area on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership shall not exceed eight square feet.
E.
Signs for Nonconforming Businesses. Businesses operating a legal nonconforming use through continual operation prior to zoning or a zoning change may be permitted one wall-mounted sign not to exceed 12 square feet.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
F.
Signs of Schools, Churches, Sanitariums, or Uses Defined as Special Exception Excluding Home Occupations. Provided:
G.
Signs for Exhibits, Shows, or Events. Signs identifying exhibits, shows, or special events which are temporary, non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated provided:
(1)
Signs shall not exceed 15 square feet.
(2)
Signs shall not be posted earlier than two weeks prior to the event to which it relates and shall be removed within one week after the event.
(3)
Street banners are prohibited, except in the case of civic or charitable non-profit organizations. When permitted, such banners shall not be placed earlier than two weeks prior to event and removed within one week after the event.
§ 27-1804 Signs Permitted in Commercial-Central Business District.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
1.
In the Commercial-Central Business District the following signs shall be permitted and no others:
A.
All signs permitted in § 27-1803 provided that the use for which the sign is placed is permitted in that district.
B.
Overhanging Business Identification Signs. Signs that hang over the pedestrian sidewalk in front of any business, provided:
(1)
Not more than one sign is erected and does not exceed 12 square feet.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
(2)
The applicant will be encouraged to make an effort to design a sign which aesthetically captures the nature of the business, and or the architectural style of the building in which the business is located.
(3)
The Borough will make initial and periodic inspections to ensure proper installation of all signs.
C.
Wall-Mounted Signs. Wall-mounted signs may be erected, provided:
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
(1)
One or more wall signs may be attached to or mounted on the building front, sides, or rear, provided that the total area of all signs does not exceed 36 square feet. However, in no case shall any one sign exceed 12 square feet per business. The size of only one wall sign may be increased in dimension based on the following:
(a)
If the commercial building on which the sign is mounted is greater than 25 feet along any street frontage, the wall sign may be increased in size by 1/2 square foot for every foot over 25 feet in street frontage. For multi-unit commercial buildings, each unit shall be measured separately. Signs increased in size by this formula must be mounted on the building frontage used in the formula.
D.
Free Standing Signs. Free standing signs may be erected provided:
(1)
One free standing sign may be erected on each lot of single or separate ownership, provided that one side of such sign does not exceed 15 square feet, and that the sign not be located within any public right-of-way.
E.
Advertising and Poster Signs. The display of advertising and poster signs attached to any facade, wall, or window of a building or commercial establishment shall constitute a sign within the meaning of this provision if they can be read from any lot line. A permit is not required for temporary signs made of paper or cardboard that are attached to a facade, wall, or window.
§ 27-1805 Signs Permitted in Commercial-Residential Neighborhood Districts.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992; and by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
1.
In the Commercial-Residential Neighborhood districts, the following signs are permitted and no others:
A.
All signs permitted in § 27-1803, provided that the use for which the sign is placed is permitted in that district.
B.
Freestanding Business Signs. Freestanding business signs may be erected, provided:
(1)
One sign may be erected for a business of single or separate ownership where such a sign is erected within the building setback area and is not connected with the building. The total area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
C.
Wall-Mounted Business Signs. Wall-mounted business signs may be erected, provided:
(1)
One or more wall signs may be attached to or mounted on the building front, sides, or rear, provided that the total area of all signs does not exceed 24 square feet. However, in no case shall any one sign exceed 12 square feet. The size of only one wall sign may be increased in dimension based on the following:
(a)
If the commercial building on which the sign is mounted is greater than 25 feet along any street frontage, the wall sign may be increased in size by 1/2 square foot for every two feet over 25 feet in street frontage. For multi-unit commercial structures, each unit shall be measured separately. Signs increased in size by this formula must be mounted on the building frontage used in the formula.
D.
Advertising and Poster Signs. The display of advertising and poster signs attached to any facade, wall or window of a building or commercial establishment shall constitute a sign within the meaning of this provision if they can be read from any lot line. A permit is not required for any temporary signs made of paper or cardboard that are attached to a wall, or window.
E.
Shopping Center Signs. For a shopping center that includes 10 or more independent establishments on one lot, the following signs are permitted:
(1)
In addition to signs permitted for individual establishments under this section, there shall be permitted one sign along each street frontage indicating the name of the shopping center, names of the various establishments, and schedules of events in the shopping center. These signs shall not exceed 150 square feet in size, per face of sign.
F.
Auto Service Station Signs. In addition to signs permitted for individual establishments under this section, the following signs are permitted:
(1)
One sign to identify the price and type of fuel sold by the service station. This sign shall not exceed 20 square feet per face.
(2)
Two portable, non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated, signs not exceed eight square feet per face may be displayed on the premises for the purpose of advertising the cost of fuel or other products or services.
G.
Overhanging Business Signs. One sign that overhangs the pedestrian sidewalk is permitted per property and may not exceed 12 square feet.
§ 27-1805.1 Signs Permitted in Commercial-General Districts.
[Added by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
1.
In the Commercial-General Districts, the following signs are permitted and no others:
A.
All signs permitted in § 27-1803, provided that the use for which the sign is placed is permitted in that district.
B.
Freestanding Business Signs. Freestanding business signs may be erected, provided:
(1)
One sign may be erected for a business of single or separate ownership where such a sign is erected within the building setback area and is not connected with the building. The total area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed 36 square feet.
C.
Wall-Mounted Business Signs. Wall-mounted business signs may be erected, provided:
(1)
One or more wall signs may be attached to or mounted on the building front, sides, or rear, provided that the total area of all signs does not exceed 48 square feet. However, in no case shall any one sign exceed 24 square feet.
D.
Advertising and Poster Signs. The display of advertising and poster signs attached to any facade, wall or window of a building or commercial establishment shall constitute a sign within the meaning of this provision if they can be read from any lot line. A permit is not required for any temporary signs made of paper or cardboard that are attached to a wall or window.
E.
Shopping Center Signs. For a shopping center that includes 10 or more independent establishments on one lot, the following signs are permitted:
(1)
In addition to signs permitted for individual establishments under this section, there shall be permitted one sign along each street frontage indicating the name of the shopping center, names of the various establishments, and schedules of events in the shopping center. These signs shall not exceed 150 square feet in size, per face of sign.
F.
Auto Service Station Signs. In addition to signs permitted for individual establishments under this section, the following signs are permitted:
(1)
One sign to identify the price and type of fuel sold by the service station. This sign shall not exceed 20 square feet per face.
(2)
Two portable, nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, signs not to exceed eight square feet per face may be displayed on the premises for the purpose of advertising the cost of fuel or other products or services.
§ 27-1806 Signs Permitted in Commercial-Warehousing Districts.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992; and by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
1.
In the Commercial-Warehousing Districts, the following signs are permitted and no others:
A.
Any sign which may be permitted in any other district; provided, that the use for which the sign is placed is permitted in that district.
B.
Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs identifying the use or occupancy of a certain lot, business or building may be erected within the front or side yard, provided:
(1)
One such sign may be erected for each independent establishment on any lot. The size of the sign shall not exceed 36 square feet per sign face. No sign shall be erected within any public right-of-way.
C.
Wall-Mounted Signs. Wall-mounted signs identifying the use or occupancy of a certain lot, business, or building may be erected, provided:
(1)
One or more wall-mounted use or occupancy signs may be attached to or mounted on the building front, sides or rear, provided that the total area of all signs does not exceed 50 square feet. However, in no case shall any one sign exceed 24 square feet.
§ 27-1806.1 Signs Permitted in Manufacturing/Light Industrial Districts.
[Added by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
1.
In the Manufacturing/Light Industrial Districts, the following signs are permitted and no others:
A.
Any sign which may be permitted in any other district, provided that the use for which the sign is placed is permitted in that district.
B.
Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs identifying the use or occupancy of a certain lot, business or building may be erected within the front or side yard, provided:
(1)
One such sign may be erected for each independent establishment on any lot. The size of the sign shall not exceed 50 square feet per sign face. No sign shall be erected within any public right-of-way.
C.
Wall-Mounted Signs. Wall-mounted signs identifying the use or occupancy of a certain lot, business, or building may be erected, provided:
(1)
One or more wall-mounted use or occupancy signs may be attached to or mounted on the building front, sides or rear, provided that the total area of all signs does not exceed 200 square feet. In no case shall one sign be greater than 100 square feet.
§ 27-1807 Off-Premises Advertising Signs.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992; Ord. No. 2018-2, 4/19/2018]
1.
Billboard Signs. Billboard signs or off-premises advertising sign structures, including poster panels, bulletins, conforming electronic signs, and the like, may be erected and maintained in the Commercial-General, Commercial-Warehousing and Manufacturing Zoning Districts, subject to the following regulations:
A.
No advertising sign structure shall be placed within 500 feet of another advertising sign structure. No such structure shall contain more than two advertising sign facings.
B.
Advertising sign structures shall not exceed a total of 125 square feet in surface area.
C.
No advertising shall be permitted to be erected within 50 feet of an adjoining residential district if visible from and designed to face into such district.
2.
Sandwich Board Signs. In any commercial district, one temporary sandwich-board-style message sign, which is off-premises, will be permitted per business. These signs, directing customers to a business off of a main street, are allowed, subject to the following conditions:
[Added by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
§ 27-1808 Signs Permitted in All Districts.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
1.
The following signs shall be permitted in any district; provided, that any use advertised by such sign is permitted and shall not require a permit as a legal use in such district:
A.
Parking and Traffic Control Signs. Parking and traffic control signs may be erected; provided, that they do not exceed six square feet, and where such signs are authorized by the Zoning Officer on the advice of the Police Chief or Borough Council. Said sign shall not describe any products of said business.
B.
Special Information Signs. These shall include the following: men, women restrooms, hours of operation, credit cards accepted and the name of said credit cards, membership in state or national organizations, revolving red and white striped barber poles, state inspection station, gasoline pump identification, gallonage register and identification of types of work done in service areas. Such signs shall be permitted only where attached to the building or equipment. No letter in excess of nine inches vertical height shall be permitted in such signs. The total area of such signs shall not be included when calculating permitted areas.
C.
Garage Sales and Auction Signs. Garage sales and auction signs are permitted, provided:
(1)
Garage sale signs shall not exceed four square feet and are limited to four such signs per event. All such signs must be removed within 24 hours after said event and erected no earlier than five days prior to the event.
(2)
Auction signs on the property where said auction is to take place shall not exceed 12 square feet and are limited to one sign per street frontage. In addition to on site signs, two other signs not to exceed four square feet each shall be permitted. Said signs may be erected no earlier than 30 days prior to the event.
D.
Signs Not Visible From Beyond a Lot Line. All signs that are not at all visible from any lot line on a given property.
E.
Official State and Municipal Signs. All signs that are required by the state or municipality.
F.
Temporary Signs. All temporary signs as defined in this Part.
G.
Memorial Plaques and Historic Tables. All memorable plaques and historic tables that have been authorized by the Borough Council, state, county or federal governments that have an area of less than 1 1/2 square feet.
H.
Signs and Mailboxes. Signs on mailboxes with printing not exceeding three inches in height.
I.
Building Cornerstones. All building cornerstones in connection with any property within the Borough.
J.
Contractor's Sign. Temporary signs of contractors, mechanics, painters, and artisans, erected and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed; provided, that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet; and, provided, that not more than one such sign for each contractor shall be erected on any property in single and separate ownership; and, provided, such sign shall be removed within 30 days after completion of the work.
K.
No Trespassing Signs. Trespassing signs and signs indicating private ownership of streets or other property, on the same premises therewith; provided, that the total area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed one square foot and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 50 feet of street frontage.
L.
Real Estate Signs.
(1)
For advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which the sign is erected; provided, that the total area of any side of such sign on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
For advertising on the premises, the sale or development of homes within a subdivision; provided, that the area of any side of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet; and, provided, that not more than one such sign shall be erected on any one street frontage of the property.
(3)
On lots or in subdivisions or portions of subdivisions approved for development only for as long as a lot or lots, dwelling or dwellings are for sale by the developer. All signs must be removed from a lot, development, or portion of development in which all lots have been conveyed by the developer.
(4)
Signs bearing the word "sold" or the word "rented" with the name of the person effecting the sale or rental.
(5)
All signs shall be removed within 15 days of final sale or rental.
M.
Official and Governmental Signs. Signs for the direction, regulation, and control of traffic, street name and legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other official signs which are on and/or off premises and are authorized or erected by a duly constituted governmental body. Such signs may be illuminated only as necessary or customary for traffic control or safety.
N.
Personal Expression Signs. On-premises signs and flags expressing an opinion, interest, position or other noncommercial message may be erected on any property, subject to the following:
[Added by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021[1]]
(1)
In the Commercial-General, Commercial-Warehousing and Manufacturing/Light-Industrial Districts, signs and flags shall not exceed 24 square feet. In all other districts, signs shall not exceed six square feet, and flags shall not exceed 15 square feet.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Subsection N, Political Signs.
§ 27-1809 Signs Prohibited in All Districts.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
1.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
No sign shall be permitted on or over a public sidewalk, except in districts that specifically permit them.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-3, 8/19/2021]
B.
No sign shall be permitted which flashes, moves or emits smoke, steam, or other visible particulates or odors.
C.
No sign shall project above the roofline of the building on which it is mounted.
D.
Signs which consist of pennants, spinners, banners, streamers or search lights, except for occasions such as grand openings, and then only with permission of the Borough for such an activity limited to a period of 15 days.
E.
Electronically flashing, blinking, twinkling, scrolling, animated or moving signs of any type, including window and signs on mobile stands. Electronic signs which change from one static image to another static image with a minimum of 10 seconds between changes shall be exempt from this subsection. Conforming electronic signs shall only be permitted in the Commercial-General (C-G), Commercial-Warehousing (C-W), and Manufacturing (M) Zoning Districts, and shall comply with all size and location requirements as set forth in said zoning districts, and as modified in § 1807.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2017-4, 11/16/2017; by Ord. No. 2018-2, 4/19/2018]
F.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
G.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color that they imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
I.
Signs that uses reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing, blinking, twinkling or electronically changing messages.
J.
Signs or displays that include words or images that are obscene, pornographic or highly offensive to public decency.
K.
Balloons of greater than five cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure and are primarily intended for advertising purposes.
L.
Signs advertising activities that are illegal under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances as applied to the location of a particular sign or the location of such activities.
M.
Signs which by reason of size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of drivers either when leaving or entering a public street from another street or driveway, and/or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic control device or traffic sign on a public street. Only official traffic and street signs shall be placed within the required clear sight triangle.
N.
Signs which make use of words such as "stop," "look," "one-way," "danger," "yield," "go slow," "caution," or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic or which imitate an official traffic sign or signal.
O.
Signs which advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer produced or conducted. In such case, such sign shall be removed within 30 days after the same is no longer produced or conducted.
P.
Signs within the public right-of-way, except those of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic signs and similar regulatory notices. This provision may be waived for wall signs in areas where no yard setback is required.
Q.
Signs painted on, pasted or attached to or supported by utility poles, fences, trees, or other natural object on any street in the Borough.
R.
Signs which obstruct free ingress to egress from a fire escape, door, window, or other exitway.
S.
Signs which are structurally unsafe or in a state of disrepair.
T.
Signs erected, enlarged or relocated until a permit for doing so has been issued by the Zoning Officer, except those permitted in this chapter.
U.
Signs painted, pasted, branded, stamped or in any manner whatsoever placed on or attached to any tree, telegraph, electric light or other pole on any street in the Borough any written, printed, painted or other advertisement, bill, notice, sign, card or poster.
V.
Free standing sign located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the required yard for the district in which it is located. Signs erected containing information on which it states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable district provisions of this chapter.
§ 27-1810 Illumination of Permitted Signs.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
1.
In R-SF, R-TF, and Institutional districts, no signs may be illuminated.
2.
In C-RN, C-G, C-CB, C-W and M/LI districts, any permitted sign may be illuminated.
3.
Light sources which cast light on signs, buildings or structures shall be shielded by opaque material so that the bulbs, floodlights or tubes are not visible off the property on which the signs are located.
§ 27-1811 Construction, Maintenance and Repair.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
All signs covered by this Part shall be constructed of durable materials and kept in good repair and properly maintained so as not to threaten the health and safety of the public. In the event of failure of a sign owner to correct unsafe condition or dilapidated appearance within 30 days of notice of the same from the Borough, the Borough may order removal of the sign at the owner's expense.
§ 27-1812 Nonconforming Signs.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
1.
Any sign lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of this Part that does not conform with the regulations of the district in which such sign is located shall be considered nonconforming and may continue subject to the following provisions:
A.
Signs which are nonconforming by reason of their absolute prohibition shall be removed within five years following enactment of this Part or from any other date of the establishment of their nonconformity.
B.
Signs which are nonconforming by reason of dimensions may continue in their present location until replacement or rebuilding becomes necessary, at which time a zoning permit will be required and the sign brought into conformity with this Part.
§ 27-1813 Removal of Abandoned Nonconforming Signs.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
All nonconforming signs shall be removed from the premises within 30 days of the abandonment of the use.
§ 27-1814 Removal of Abandoned Signs.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
Any on-site sign located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of 30 days or more, or any sign (on or off-site) which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed or, if approved by the Borough, painted out by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises. Safety notice and real estate sale, rent or lease signs are exempt from this provision.
§ 27-1815 Location of Signs.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
Signs may be located within a required yard, except not within a required buffer yard or required evergreen screening.
§ 27-1816 Height of Signs.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
1.
Maximum Height. No sign shall exceed the maximum height restriction for the particular type of sign structure and zoning district established below:
Zoning Districts | Maximum Height Free Standing Sign | Wall Sign | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
A. | Residential & Institutional District (IN, R-SF, R-TF, R-C) | Eight feet | Up to 12 feet | |
B. | Commercial District (C-RN, C-CBD, C-G) | 10 feet | Equal to total height of principal building. | |
C. | Commercial Warehousing and Industrial District (C-W, I-L) | 10 feet | Equal to total height of principal building. | |
Maximum height shall be the vertical distance measured from the average ground level immediately below a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structures. |
2.
Minimum Height. Signs shall be raised above the ground level as needed to ensure proper sight distances along any street.
§ 27-1817 Removal of Unsafe Signs.
[Ord. 88-7, 5/12/1988; as amended by Ord. 92-5, 12/17/1992]
If the Zoning Officer finds that any sign is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this Part, he shall give written notice to the owner thereof. If the owner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within 10 days after such notice, such sign may be removed or altered to comply by the Zoning Officer at the expense of the owner of the property on which it is located. The Zoning Officer may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property, to be removed summarily and without prior notice provided that written notice of such action shall be furnished to the owner of such sign within five days after the date of such removal.