Indiana City Zoning Code
ARTICLE V
Signs
§ 460-29 Applicability; purpose.
The following sign regulations shall be observed in all districts. It is not the purpose of this section to abridge commercial or noncommercial free speech. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that the time, place, and manner of sign placement 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.
§ 460-30 Exempt signs.
The following types of signs are permitted in all zoning districts, and are 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 10 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.
D.
Religious or holiday displays or messages with no commercial content.
E.
The flag of the United States, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 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 10 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 1/2 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. Such signs 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, provided that they do not exceed four square feet and contain no other message.
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 each 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 and are removed as soon as the event or activity has occurred.
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 business or individuals who have sponsored a public improvement or general support of such facility.
S.
Traffic signs and similar regulatory notices placed by a duly constituted governmental body.
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.
§ 460-31 Performance standards.
Except where specifically noted, all signs shall adhere to all performance standards.
A.
Unless specifically exempted by § 460-30 of this article, 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 article and other applicable 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 § 460-32.4H of this article (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, or a person with the express written consent of the property owner.
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 meet all PennDOT standards.
[Amended 2-2-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-03]
F.
No signs shall be permitted which are posted, stapled, or otherwise attached to public utility poles or trees.
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.
Abandonment of use. If a sign other than a billboard advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall, within six months after such abandonment, be removed. Abandonment does not include a premises where the business is being actively offered for sale or rent, § 460-31D is adhered to, and the owner of the business or premises has applied for a sign-continuation permit. Sign-continuation permits shall be issued for a period of six months and may be renewed for a total of 24 months.
§ 460-32 Illumination.
A.
Except as specifically provided for electronic signs granted by special exception, 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 granted by special exception or the use of diffused neon, the light source, whether internal to the sign or external, shall be shielded from view except for the use of diffused neon or as has been specifically excepted for electronic signs when a special exemption is granted.
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.
§ 460-32.1 Sign permit application.
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, 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)
An elevation sketch showing the relationship of the sign to the building, grade, all driveways, vehicular rights-of-way, and cartways.
(5)
The vehicular speed limit of traffic on all streets, from which the sign would be visible, and estimated motorist reaction time (unless the previous sketches clearly indicate that the sign is oriented towards pedestrian traffic). This should be based upon the United States Sign Council On-Premise Signs Guideline Standards, 2003 edition (or most current edition).
(6)
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.
C.
The Borough must specifically approve signs within public rights-of-way. In the case of temporary signs, the Zoning Official or his designee shall review the application and grant approval if all applicable standards of this article are met. In the case of permanent signs, the Zoning Office shall refer the application to the Borough Council, who may refer the application for advice to the Planning Commission or any similar advisory committee.
[Amended 2-2-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-03]
§ 460-32.2 Signs permitted in R-1 Single-Family Residential, R-2 Two-Family Residential, and R-3 Multifamily Residential Districts.
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 16 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 10 luxes (1 footcandle) measured at a distance of 10 feet from the sign. No such sign may be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and sunrise.
D.
No freestanding signs within these districts may be erected within 10 feet of a side or rear lot line.
E.
No freestanding signs within these districts may exceed six feet in height.
§ 460-32.3 Signs permitted in P-1 Public and Semipublic Zoning District.
A.
All signs permitted in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 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 10 luxes (1 footcandle) measured at a distance of 10 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, provide that only wall signs may be internally illuminated. Such signs may be illuminated by direct or indirect means.
D.
No freestanding signs within this district may be erected within 10 feet of a side or rear lot line.
E.
No freestanding signs within this district may exceed eight feet in height.
§ 460-32.4 Signs permitted in U-1, C-1, C-2, MU-1 and M-1 Zoning Districts.
[Amended 4-5-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-01; 2-2-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-03]
A.
All signs permitted in the R-1, R-2, R-3 and P-1 Districts.
B.
Unless limited by special exception or traditional neighborhood development design standards, the number of signs permitted shall be consistent with the following table:
(1)
Table:
U-1/C-1 | 2 permanent signs per street frontage | |
C-2/M-1/MU-1 | 3 permanent signs per street frontage and 1 additional sign per each street frontage of more than 100 feet in width |
(2)
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 460-32.4C.
C.
The dimensions of signs shall be consistent with the following table:
Table 460-32.4C Permitted Sign Dimensions, Height, and Setbacks | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Type | Freestanding | Projecting | Facade / Wall | Roof | |||||
District | Maximum Area (square feet) | Maximum Height (feet) | Minimum Setback (feet) | Maximum Area (square feet) | Maximum Height (feet) | Minimum Setback (feet) | Maximum Area | Maximum Area | Maximum Height |
C-1 | 32 (only one freestanding sign per property) | 12 | 5 | 9** (only one projecting sign per property) | 15 | (See § 460-32.4H) | 15% of one surface per street frontage | Not permitted | Not permitted |
C-2 | 64 (for each 50 feet of street frontage) to a maximum of 200 | 25 | 5 | 12 | 15 | 10 | 20% of one surface per street frontage | Not permitted | Not permitted |
U-1 | 32 | 15 | 5 | 9 | 15 | 10 | 15% of one surface per street frontage | Not permitted | Not permitted |
M-1 | 120 | 35 | 5 | Not permitted | 15 | 10 | 20% of one surface | 100 square feet | 10 feet |
MU-1 | 64 (for each 50 feet of street frontage) to a maximum of 200 | 20 | 5 | 12 (Only one projecting sign per business) | 15 | 10 | 20% of one surface per street frontage | Not permitted | Not permitted |
**Not permitted on any building facing Philadelphia Street. |
D.
Signs in the MU-1, U-1, C-1, C-2 and M-1 may be illuminated by direct or indirect means. Illumination of the sign face shall not exceed 100 luxes (10 foot candles) measured at a distance of 10 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 of such district. In such cases, illumination shall be reduced to 10 luxes (one foot candle) measured at a distance of 10 feet from the sign.
E.
Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be permitted in building windows and shall not require a permit.
F.
In the MU-1, C-1 and C-2 Districts, temporary sandwich board signs having a maximum of eight square feet of area on either side are permitted on sidewalks during the hours that the business is open. The sign shall be located within 20 feet of the primary public entrance of the business that the sign is advertising. Only one sandwich board shall be permitted for each business. The sign shall be placed in such a manner as to permit at least five feet of space for pedestrian traffic upon the sidewalk.
G.
Permanent window signs. Permanent window signs are permitted in the C-1, C-2, and U-1 Districts by right without a permit provided no more than 50% of each window surface and 25% of all building windows include such a signs. Such permanent window signs do not count towards the allowed number of signs per district.
H.
Projection of permanent signs into rights-of-way.
(1)
Within the C-1 District, a sign attached to a building, otherwise lawful under § 460-32.4C, may project into the public right-of-way up to six feet, provided:
(a)
No structural support or portion of the sign 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.
(b)
Under no circumstances shall any portion of such projecting signs be placed nearer than two feet to a vehicular cart way, loading zone, or on-street parking lane.
(c)
No such projecting sign may be attached to a portion of a building fronting on Philadelphia Street.
(2)
Awning and canopy signs may project into rights-of-way in areas served by sidewalks, but 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)
No awning or canopy shall be permitted within four feet of the curb.
(c)
Awnings and canopies shall be constructed of canvas, vinyl, or similar flexible, cloth-like material. Backlit signs or signs on metal awnings or canopies are prohibited within the 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 and shall be limited to one awning or canopy only, except in the case of a corner lot where one awning or canopy with printing above each valance shall be permitted on each street frontage; such name or logo printed above the valance shall be limited as follows:
[1]
Lettering shall be limited to 25% of the awning or canopy, as measured from the point of attachment to the building to the bottom of the fully extended awning or canopy excluding the valance. Letters shall be limited to 50% of the width of the awning or canopy.
[2]
A logo shall be limited to 50% of the height of the awning or canopy, as measured from the point of the attachment to the building to the bottom of the fully extended awning or canopy.
I.
Electronic signs. The inherent characteristic of electronic signs is their flexibility. The frequently changing messages coupled with their characteristic brightness can create an undue distraction to motorists. Signs with video, LED displays, or similar electronic changeable copy messages are permitted as a special exception only in the C-2 and M-1 Zoning Districts.
(1)
The sub-type of electronic signs shall be identified in accordance with definitions provided for in this article. 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-Premise Signs Guideline Standards, 2003 or most recent edition. For planning purposes, the developer should assume all driving environments in the Borough are "complex" as defined in the guideline standards, except for multilane streets (such as Philadelphia 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.
(2)
Electronic sign content. Electronic signs may contain permanent content about any business located on the premises upon which the sign is placed. They may also contain temporary messages with content about such businesses, or temporary messages announcing a campaign, drive, or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization, provided that such message is changed upon the cessation of such a campaign, drive, or event. Electronic signs may also contain messages permitted for temporary signs as authorized under § 460-30C and D of this chapter. Electronic signs may function as billboards only in the M-1 Zoning District.
(3)
Electronic signs may be freestanding, facade, or wall signs; such a sign shall meet all size, area, and setback limitations for the district for 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.
(4)
Multi-vision signs are only permitted in the M-1 District.
(5)
Additional setback from residential districts. All portions of the sign structure must be a minimum distance of 100 feet from an abutting R-1, R-2, or R-3 Residential District boundary.
(6)
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.
(7)
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.
(8)
Audio or pyrotechnics. Audio speakers or any form of pyrotechnics are prohibited in association with an electronic sign.
(9)
The Borough may limit the hours of illumination or operation of electronic signs within 200 feet of any occupied dwelling in an R-1, R-2, or R-3 Residential District if a dwelling within the Residential District is within view of the proposed sign.
(10)
The developer shall show compliance with all applicable regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for any proposed sign abutting a state highway.
(11)
All multi-vision signs shall have a transition time between sign faces of no more than two seconds.
J.
Billboards. Billboards as defined by this article are a special exception in the M-1 Zoning District. Such signs shall not exceed any dimensional requirement for the M-1 District as stated in § 460-32.4C. In addition, the proposed billboard must meet all lighting and setback requirements for electronic signs under § 460-32.4I.