Jackson Township Monroe County, PA Zoning Ordinance

§ 27-1701 General.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

Purpose. The Purpose of this Part 17 is to establish standards for the regulation of signs, in order to safeguard the public interest and to:

Preserve the beauty and the unique character of the Township;

Protect the general public from damage and injury which may caused by the faulty construction of signs;

Protect pedestrians and motorists from damage of injury caused or partially attributable to the distractions and obstructions caused by improperly situated signs;

Promote the public safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of travel and the free flow of traffic;

Assure that signs are clear and provide the essential identity or direction to facilities in the community; and

Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of the sign restrictions throughout the Township.

Applicability; Effect. A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained in the Township only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exceptions, and other requirements of this chapter. The effect of this chapter, as more specifically set forth herein, is to:

Establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs in the various zones, subject to the standards and the permit procedures of this chapter;

Allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive, and incidental to the principal use of the respective lots on which they are located, subject to the substantive requirements of this chapter, but without a requirement for permits;

Provide for temporary signs without commercial messages in limited circumstances in the public right-of-way; and

Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this chapter.

Requirement of Conformity. No sign for which a permit is issued after the effective date of this chapter may be placed or maintained in the Township, except as provided herein. All signs maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter are declared to be nuisances, and as such may be abated as provided by law.

Recommended Types of Signs. It is recommended that signs be:

Wood or simulated wood relief (see § 27-1704, Subsection 15).

Designed as an integral architectural element of the building and component of the site.

Comprised of restrained colors, materials, and lighting, and compatible with the building and site, and rural character of the Township.

§ 27-1702 Definitions; Word Usage.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

Words and phrases used in this Part 17 shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases not defined in this section but defined in Part 16 shall be given the meanings set forth in said Part 16. Principles for computing sign area and sign height are contained in this section. All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Section headings or captions are for reference purposes only and shall not be used in the interpretation of this chapter.

A-FRAME OR SANDWICH BOARD SIGN

A movable sign consisting of two faces, connected and hinged at the top.

ABANDONED SIGN

A sign located on a property or premise which is vacant and/or unoccupied for a period of six months, or a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or vandalized and not repaired within 60 days of the date of the damaging event and/or for which no legal owner can be found.

ADVERTISING SIGN, OFF-PREMISES

A sign which conveys a commercial or noncommercial message unrelated to the activity conducted on the lot where the sign is located or a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than on the same lot where the sign is located. A structure intended to support or contain such a sign shall also be considered an off-premises advertising sign.

ANIMATION

The movement or the optical illusion of movement of any part of the sign structure, design or pictorial segment, including the movement of any illumination or the flashing or varying of light intensity; the automatic changing of all or any part of the facing of a sign; the movement of a sign set in motion by the atmosphere. Time and temperature devices shall be considered "animated signs."

APPLICANT

A person or entity who applies for a sign permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

AREA OF SIGN

In the case of individual letters used as a sign, the area is 90% of the area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric figure needed to completely encompass all letters, insignias or symbols, except as otherwise provided herein. For signs other than individual letters, words, insignias or symbols, the area is the total area of the facing or the total area within the outer edge of any existing border of the sign.

ATTRACTION BOARD

See "changeable panel sign."[1]

AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE SIGN

Any sign located on or architecturally associated with the exterior face of an automated teller machine.

AWNING SIGN

Signs which are placed on or integrated into fabric or other material canopies which are mounted on the exterior wall of a building.

BANNER SIGN

A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame, with characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic, fabric or similar material, excluding flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, education, or corporate organizations, providing that such flags, emblems, and insignia are displayed for noncommercial purposes.

BILLBOARD

A type of off-premises advertising sign which conveys a commercial or noncommercial message unrelated to the activity conducted on the lot where the sign is located, or a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than on the same lot where the sign is located. A structure intended to support or contain such a sign shall also be considered a "billboard."

BUSINESS

For the purposes of this Part 17, "business" shall mean any approved nonresidential use, including commercial, manufacturing, and industrial enterprises; public buildings and uses such as public schools, parks, civic centers, municipal buildings; and semipublic buildings and uses such as churches, firehouses, ambulance buildings, private schools, and libraries.

BUSINESS DIRECTIONAL SIGN ERECTED BY THE TOWNSHIP

A type of government sign erected by Jackson Township, in accord with an adopted policy, to guide motorists to a business, public or semipublic use or other facility which does not front on PA Route 715.

BUSINESS NAME

The name by which a business is commonly recognized and used by the applicant. The applicant shall provide stationary or other supporting documents illustrating the use of the business name or verification of the official business license or tax name. Slogans or product information shall not be considered as the business name.

CANOPY SIGN

Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.

CHANGEABLE PANEL SIGN

A sign designed to allow its informational content to be changed or altered.

COMMERCIAL MESSAGE

Any sign wording, logo, or other representations that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.

COMPUTATION OF AREA IN INDIVIDUAL SIGNS

The area of sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets the regulations of this chapter and is clearly incidental to the display itself.

COMPUTATION OF AREA OF MULTIFACED SIGNS

The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed back-to-back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 42 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.

COMPUTATION OF HEIGHT

The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of 1) the existing grade prior to construction or 2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the zone lot, whichever is lower.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN

A temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.

CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR SIGNS

The temporary signs which identify the contractor or subcontractor engaged in the construction, reconstruction or repair of a building or buildings on a lot or parcel or property.

DEVELOPMENT SIGN

A temporary sign used to identify an approved future development.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

An on-site sign providing no advertising of any kind, except the business name and logo, 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.

DIRECTORY SIGN

A sign which provides a listing of the names of businesses, activities, addresses, locations, uses or places within a building or complex of buildings for the purposes of giving directions, instructions, or facility information, and which may contain the name and logo of an establishment, but no advertising copy.

DOUBLE-FACED SIGN

A sign with two faces, essentially back-to-back.

EASEL SIGN

A self-supporting, movable sign, consisting of one face with supporting legs or a supporting frame, or a sign displayed on an easel.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN

Any sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic image or video, which may or may not include text, where the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens, digital screens, LED screens, video boards, holographic displays, and other similar media.

EMERGENCY SIGNS

Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.

FACADE

Any exterior wall of a building exposed to public view and any structure or part of a structure attached to or otherwise mounted parallel to an exterior wall or other vertical part of the structure.

FLAG

Any fabric, banner, or bunting, containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity, which is mounted on a pole, cable, or rope at one end.

FREESTANDING SIGN

A sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or braces and that is not attached to any building.

GOVERNMENT SIGN

Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by the Township, county, state, or federal government for traffic direction or for designation of or direction to any school, hospital, historical site, service, business property, or facility.

GRAND OPENING

The introduction, promotion or announcement of a new business, store, shopping center or office, or the announcement, introduction or promotion of an established business changing ownership. A business qualifies for a grand opening sign when it has been closed to the public for a period of 30 days.

GROUND LEVEL

The finished grade of the adjacent street curb or, where there is no street curb, six inches above street grade. Ground level shall be the existing natural grade.

GROUND SIGN

A freestanding sign that is architecturally integrated with the building with individually mounted letters and/or logos only. This sign shall be built with continuous background surface, built from the ground up.

HEIGHT

See "computation of height."

ILLEGAL SIGN

Any sign erected without first obtaining an approved sign permit, other than nonconforming signs, and which does not meet the requirement of this chapter.

ILLUMINATED SIGN

A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

INCIDENTAL OR INSTRUCTIONAL SIGN

A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the zone lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the zone lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental or instructional.

027 Incidental Sign or Instructional Sign.tif

INDIRECT ILLUMINATION

A source of external illumination located away from the sign, but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk or adjacent property.

INDIVIDUAL LETTERS

A cut-out or etched letter or logo which is individually placed on a landscape, screen wall, building wall or ground sign.

INTERNAL ILLUMINATION

A source of illumination entirely within the sign which makes the contents of the sign visible at night by means of the light being transmitted through a translucent material but wherein the source of illumination is not visible.

027 Internal and External Illumination.tif

LOGO

A graphic symbol representing an activity, use or business. Permitted logos shall be registered trademarks or symbols commonly used by the applicant, and may include graphic designs in addition to lettering. The applicant shall provide stationary or other supporting documents illustrating the use of the logo.

MAINTENANCE

The replacing or repairing of a part or portion of a sign necessitated by ordinary wear, tear or damage beyond the control of the owner, or the reprinting of existing copy without changing the wording, composition or color of said copy.

MARQUEE

Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

MONUMENT SIGN

A freestanding cabinet or panel sign mounted on or within a base (above grade), which is detached from any building.

MULTIPLE-OCCUPANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING

A commercial development in which there exists two or more separate commercial activities, in which there are appurtenant shared facilities (such as parking or pedestrian mall), and which is designed to provide a single area in which the public can obtain varied products and services. Distinguishing characteristics of a multiple tenant commercial building may, but need not, include common ownership of the real property upon which the center is located, common-wall construction, and multiple-occupant commercial use of a single structure.

NAMEPLATE

A small sign which identifies a resident's or home's name and address or the name of a farm, ranch or commercial stable. Such signs may be shingle, building wall or archway-mounted signs.

NONCONFORMING SIGN

Any sign which is not allowed under this chapter, but which, when first constructed before this chapter was in effect and for which a sign permit was issued, was legally allowed.

OCCUPANCY

A purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used.

OWNER

A person recorded as such on official records. For the purpose of this chapter, the owner of property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the Zoning Officer.

PANEL

A two-dimensional visual background behind the sign letters and logos which is visually separated from the mounting upon which the sign letters and logos are placed by the presence of a border, different colors, different materials, or other technique of visual framing around the letters or logos.

PARAPET

That portion of a building exterior wall projecting above the plate line of the building.

PENNANT

Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.

PERMANENT SIGN

Any sign which is intended to be and is constructed as to be in lasting and enduring condition, remaining unchanged in character, condition (beyond normal wear) and position, and in a permanent manner, affixed to the ground, wall or building, provided the sign is listed as a "permanent sign" in this chapter.

PLATE LINE

The point at which any part of the main roof structure first touches or bears upon an external wall.

POLITICAL SIGN

A temporary sign which supports candidates for office or urges action on any other matter on the ballot of primary, general and special elections.

PORTABLE SIGN

Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels, signs converted to A- or T-frames, menu and sandwich board signs, balloons used as signs, umbrellas used for advertising and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicles are used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.

PROJECTING SIGN

Any sign affixed to a building wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.

PUBLIC PROPERTY

Unless otherwise expressly provided, "public property" means any and all real or personal property over which the Township or other governmental entity has or may exercise control, whether or not the government owns the property in fee, including, sidewalks, rights-of-ways and improved or unimproved land of any kind and all property appurtenant to it.

REAL ESTATE SIGN

A temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.

RIGHT-OF-WAY

No commercial sign shall be erected so as to project beyond a property line, over a public sidewalk or over or within a public right-of-way.

ROOFLINE

The uppermost line of the roof of a building or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.

ROOF SIGN

Any sign mounted on the main roof portion of a building or on the topmost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves, and architectural projections such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs. See the following illustration for example of roof signs, and comparison of differences between roof and fascia signs.

027 Roof and Fascia Signs-Comparison.tif

SHINGLE SIGN

A sign suspended from a roof overhang of a covered porch, walkway or horizontal plane surface which identifies the tenant of the adjoining space.

SIGN

Any device for visual communication which is used or is intended to attract the attention of the public with a purpose of identifying, when the display of the device is visible beyond the boundaries of the public or private property upon which the display is made. The term "sign" shall not include any flag or badge or insignia of the United States, the State of Pennsylvania, Monroe County, the Township, or official historic plaques of any governmental jurisdiction or agency.

SPECIAL EVENT

A promotional event, such as, but not limited to, grand openings, bazaars, street fairs, shows, exhibitions, sporting events, runs, bicycling events, and block parties. This does not include sidewalk sales occurring on private property where merchandise normally sold indoors is transferred from indoors to outdoors for sale.

TEMPORARY SIGN

Any sign, banner, pennant, or valance of advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, plastic, wallboard or other like materials, with or without frames, or any sign not permanently attached to the ground, wall or building.[2]

WALL SIGN

Any sign attached parallel to but within six inches of a wall, painted on the surface of a wall, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface.

WINDOW SIGN

Any poster, cut-out letters, painted text or graphics, or other text or visual presentation affixed to or placed behind a window pane which is intended to be read from the exterior of the building.

[1]

Editor's Note: The original definition of "automated teller machine directional sign," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 4/23/2015 by Ord. No. 2015-101.

[2]

Editor's Note: The original definition of "traffic directional sign," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 4/23/2015 by Ord. No. 2015-101.

§ 27-1703 Procedures.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

The procedures included in this § 27-1703 shall apply to all signs requiring permits.

Requirement of Permit. A sign permit shall be required before the erection, re-erection, construction, alteration, placing, or installation of all signs regulated by this chapter; however, a permit shall not be required for the following signs and actions; provided, however, that such signs shall be subject to any and all applicable provisions of this chapter.

(1)

Exempt signs as specified in § 27-1704, Subsection 2.

(2)

Routine maintenance or changing of the parts or copy of a sign, provided that the maintenance or change of parts or copy does not alter the surface area, height, or otherwise render the sign nonconforming.

Permit Application. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer and shall, at a minimum, contain or have attached thereto the information listed in this section. The applicant shall pay the required application fee at the time when the sign application is filed. Two copies of plans and specifications shall be submitted with each application. One copy shall be returned to the applicant at the time the permit is granted. The plans shall include complete details about the size of the sign, the method of attachment or support, locations and materials to be used, and the name, address and profession of the person designing the plans and specifications. If the Zoning Officer determines that the sign will be subject to excessive stresses, additional data shall be required, showing that supporting surfaces and other members of an existing building to which the sign is to be attached are in good condition and are adequately strong to support the load, including the proposed sign.

(1)

The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant, the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed, the owner of the sign, and the person to be erecting or affixing the sign.

(2)

The location of the building, structure, or zoning lot on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.

(3)

A sketch plan of the property involved, showing accurate placement thereon of the proposed sign.

(4)

Two drawings of the plans and specifications of the sign to be erected or affixed and method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground. Such plans and specifications shall include details of dimensions, color, materials, and weight.

(5)

If required by the Zoning Officer, a copy of stress sheets and calculations prepared by or approved by a registered structural engineer, licensed by the State of Pennsylvania, showing that the sign is designed for dead-load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this chapter and all other applicable ordinances.

(6)

The written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.

(7)

Such other information as the Zoning Officer may require to determine full compliance with this chapter and other applicable ordinances.

Issuance of Permits. Upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, the Zoning Officer shall examine the plans, specifications, and other submitted data, and the premises upon which the sign is proposed to be erected or affixed. If it appears that the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and other applicable ordinances, and if the appropriate permit fee has been paid, the Zoning Officer shall issue a permit for the proposed sign.

Expiration. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within 90 days after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void, unless otherwise extended by the Zoning Officer for a single additional ninety-day period.

Permit Fees. Each sign required by this chapter requiring a sign permit shall pay a fee as established pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Township.

§ 27-1704 General Requirements.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

Prohibited Signs. All signs not expressly permitted or exempted under this chapter from regulation are prohibited. Such prohibited signs include, but are not limited to, the following:

A-Frame or Sandwich Board Signs. A-frame or sandwich board and sidewalk, or curb signs.

Light Strings, Banners, Pennants, and Balloons. Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background (except those exempt under the § 27-1704, Subsection 2), banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, and other inflatable figures, except as a temporary sign as provided for in § 27-1705 of this chapter.

Animated, Moving and Flashing Signs. Signs which flash, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate, or move by any means, or otherwise attract attention through the movement or flashing of parts, including automatic, electronically controlled copy changes (except as permitted in § 27-1710), or through the impression of movement or flashing, except for time and temperature indicators whose movement is either digital or analogue, and flags as permitted by this chapter.

Mirrors. Signs which use a mirror or similar device to attract attention by reflecting images or otherwise reflecting light.

Portable and Wheeled Signs. Portable and wheeled signs.

Projecting Signs. Signs which are attached or otherwise affixed to a building and project more than 15 inches beyond the wall surface of such building to which the sign is attached or otherwise affixed thereto.

Signs on Parked Vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles, trailers and/or containers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business, organization or activity.

Signs on Utility Poles or Trees. Signs which are attached or otherwise affixed to utility poles or trees or other vegetation, except for "no trespassing" signs.

Signs Which Imitate Traffic Control Devices. Signs which imitate, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or can be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or other device.

Emissions. No sign shall be permitted to emit any sound, odor or visible matter, such as smoke.

Exempt Signs. The following signs are hereby exempt from the provisions of this chapter, excepting for such instances where any sign listed herein is found to be unsafe or unlawful as provided for in other sections of this chapter.

Awning, Canopy, and Marquee Signs. Signs not exceeding an aggregate gross surface area of four square feet, indicating only the name of the activity conducted on the premises on which the sign is to be located and/or a brief generic description of the business being conducted by the activity. Advertising material of any kind is strictly prohibited on signs affixed to awnings, canopies, and marquees.

Civic and Religious. Civic and religious organization signs indicating only the organization insignia, name, meeting place, and time. Such signs shall not exceed two square feet for each exposed surface area.

Directional or Instructional Signs. On-site signs, not exceeding four feet in aggregate gross surface area, which provide direction or instruction to guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public, providing that such signs contain no advertising of any kind. Such signs include those identifying restrooms, public telephones, public walkways, affiliation with motor clubs, acceptance of designated credit cards, and other similar signs providing direction or instruction to persons using a facility, but not including those signs accessory to parking areas. Advertising material of any kind is strictly prohibited on directional and instructional signs.

Noncommercial Signs. Flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, educational, or fraternal organizations, providing that such flags, emblems, and insignia are displayed for noncommercial purpose.

Governmental Signs. Governmental signs for control of traffic, emergency response, and other public or regulatory purposes, street signs, business directional signs erected by the Township, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to services or safety which are erected by or at the order of a public officer or employee in the performance of the officer's or employee's duties. Such signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location, or illumination as required by law, statute, or Township ordinance or policy.

Holiday Decorations. Signs or other materials temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays related to observance of the civic, patriotic, or religious holiday.

Interior Signs. Signs not affixed to a window and visible from outside and which are fully located within the interior of any building or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building, and signs located within the inner or outer lobby court or entrance of any theater and which are not displayed to be visible from outside.

Memorial Signs. Memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers, statutory or other remembrances of persons or events that are noncommercial in nature.

Name and Address Plates. Wall signs, one per street frontage and not exceeding 1.5 square feet in surface area, indicating the name of the occupant, the address of the premises, and identification of any legal business or operation which may exist at the premises.

No Trespassing, No Hunting, No Fishing, No Dumping, No Parking, No Towing, and Other Similar Signs. "No trespassing," "no hunting," "no fishing," "no dumping," "no parking," towing and other similar signs (as set forth in Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and its regulations and as set forth in Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and its regulations)[1] not exceeding two square feet in gross surface area for each exposed face nor exceeding an aggregate gross surface area of four square feet.

[1]

Editor's Note: See 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq., and 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq., respectively.

Parking Lot Directional and Instructional Signs.

(1)

Directional Signs. Signs designating parking area entrances and exits limited to one sign for each entrance and/or exit and not exceeding four square feet in gross surface area for each exposed face. Parking lot directional signs shall not project higher than five feet in height, as measured from the established grade of the parking area to which such signs are accessory.

(2)

Instructional Signs. Signs designating the conditions of use or identity of parking areas and not exceeding eight square feet in gross surface area for each exposed face, nor exceeding an aggregate gross surface area of 16 square feet. Parking lot instructional signs shall not project higher than 10 feet for wall signs and seven feet for ground signs, as measured from the established grade of the parking area(s) to which such signs are accessory.

Patron Advertising Signs. Signs erected on the perimeter of an organizational sponsored youth athletic field for the sole purpose of sponsoring or contributing to the organized youth athletic sport. Signs erected for this purpose shall be one-sided with a maximum of 32 square feet of gross aggregate surface area. Sponsors advertising on score boards may not exceed 25% of the surface area of the score board.

Plaques. Plaques, nameplates, or memorial signs, directly attached or affixed to the exterior walls of a building, not exceeding four square feet in aggregate gross surface area.

Public Notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of the officer's or employee's duties.

(Reserved)

Signs on Vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer; however, this is not in any way intended to permit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles, trailers and/or containers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or other property.

Symbols or Insignia. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, not exceeding two square feet in gross surface area for each exposed face, not exceeding four square feet in aggregate gross surface area.

Vending Machine Signs. Permanent, nonflashing signs on vending machines, gasoline pumps, ice or milk containers, or other similar machines, indicating only the contents of such devices, the pricing of the contents contained within, directional or instructional information as to their use, and other similar information, not exceeding four square feet in gross surface area for each exposed face, not exceeding an aggregate gross surface area of eight square feet on each machine.

Warning Signs. Signs warning the public of the existence of danger, but containing no advertising material, to be removed within three days upon the subsidence of danger. Such warning signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location, or illumination as deemed necessary to warn the public of the existence of danger.

Tourist Signs. Tourist orientation directional signs when erected in accord with a permit issued by PennDOT.

Agricultural Signs. Signs advertising the sale of farm products grown on the premises and signs advertising seed brands used on the premises are exempt from required zoning permits and fees and shall be permitted in all districts and shall not exceed six square feet for each exposed face.

Construction Requirements. All signs permitted by this chapter shall be constructed in accord with all construction code requirements and the provisions of this § 27-1704, Subsection 3.

Obstruction to Exit. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, door opening, or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress.

Obstruction to Ventilation. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

Clearance from Electrical Power Lines and Communication Lines. All signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all electrical power lines and communication lines in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Electrical Code; however, in no instance shall a sign be erected or constructed within eight feet of any electrical power line, conductor, or service drop, or any communication line, conductor, or service drop.

Clearance from Surface and Underground Facilities. All signs and supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity, or communications equipment or lines. In addition, the placement of all signs and their supporting structures shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage or surface or underground water.

No Obstruction to Any Existing Warning or Instructional Sign. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere with any existing warning or instructional sign.

Traffic Hazards. No sign shall be erected in such a way as to interfere with or to confuse traffic, to present any traffic hazard, or to obstruct the vision of motorists, and all signs shall comply with the clear sight triangle requirements of this chapter.

Public Right-of-Way; Setbacks. No sign may be erected or maintained in the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has first been obtained for the sign. No freestanding sign other than official traffic signs shall be erected or maintained less than 20 feet to the edge of pavement of any public road and not less than 15 feet from side and rear property lines.

Clearance. Clearance beneath overhead signs shall be at least nine feet, measured from the ground or pavement to the bottom-most part of the sign.

Height. No portion of a sign shall be positioned in a manner that exceeds the height of the primary structure on the property on which it is located.

Maintenance. Each sign shall be maintained in good order and repair at all times so that it does not constitute any danger or hazard to public safety or a visual blight and is free of peeling paint, major cracks, or loose and dangling materials.

Illumination. All signs permitted by this chapter may be illuminated in accord with the provisions of this § 27-1704, Subsection 5.

Type of Illumination. Illumination may be by internal, internal/indirect or by indirect means.

Flashing. Flashing signs are prohibited in accord with § 27-1704, Subsection 1. (See § 27-1710 for permitted electronic signs in the C District.)

Glare. All signs shall be so designed located, shielded, and directed so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light from artificial illumination upon adjacent publicly dedicated roadways and surrounding property. No lighting from any sign shall be of such intensity to cause the distraction of drivers, create a nuisance on surrounding properties, or otherwise create a safety hazard.

Floodlighting. Floodlighting of signs shall be arranged so that the source of light is not visible from any point of the lot and so that only the sign is directly illuminated.

Signs on Roof. No sign attached to a building shall be placed on nor shall extend above any part of the building roof.

Awning, Canopy, and Marquee Signs.

Number. There shall not be more than one awning, canopy, or marquee sign exceeding an aggregated gross surface area of four square feet for each principal building. Awning, canopy, and marquee signs which are four square feet or less in aggregate gross surface area are exempt from the provisions of this chapter, as specified in § 27-1704, Subsection 2A.

Area. The gross surface area of an awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall not exceed 16 square feet, but shall be limited to not more than 50% of the gross surface area of the face of the awning, canopy, or marquee to which such sign is affixed.

Height. Any awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall not project higher than the top of the awning, canopy, or marquee to which such sign is to be affixed.

Illumination. Only the face area of the letters or logos may be illuminated, and all illumination must be internal behind the surface of the awning, canopy or marquee.

Awning Valance. If sign letters or logos are place on the awning valance, no letters or logos may be placed elsewhere on the awning.

(Reserved)

Sign Faces. All signs may be multifaced.

10.

Window Signs. Window signs for commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses, referred to as "business" in this section, shall be permitted subject to the following:

Location. Signs on or inside the windows of a business are permitted, but no signs are permitted in unglazed openings, and any interior sign placed within three feet of the window pane shall be considered a window sign.

Area. No more than 25% of any window pane that is more than three feet in any dimension may be used for such signs. The area of any business identification sign shall be deducted from the total sign area allowed for the use on the property and the total of all window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area allowed for the entire business use.

Sign Copy. Sign copy shall be limited to business identification and a graphic symbol, or any combination thereof, or signs advertising products or services available on the premises.

Illumination. Window signs may be internally illuminated.

11.

Freestanding Sign Landscaping. All freestanding business and residential identification signs shall be placed in a landscaped area of not less than four square feet of landscaping for one square foot of sign area, but in no case less than 120 square feet. Sign landscaping shall be part of the required project landscaping plan and shall be maintained in accord with § 27-1009, Subsection 1B.

12.

(Reserved)

13.

Flags. Flags shall be permitted for commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses, referred to as "business" in this section, subject to the following:

Business Identification. The flag shall identify the business.

Flagpole. The flag shall be suspended from a pole and the maximum height shall be 36 feet.

Area. The maximum area of the flag shall be 24 square feet; however, this shall not apply to the United States flag or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania flag.

Government Flags. Governmental flags provided for elsewhere in this chapter are not restricted by the provisions of this section.

14.

Wall Signs. Wall signs as permitted by this chapter shall be securely attached to the wall; and each sign shall be parallel to and in the same plane as the wall to which the sign is attached and shall not extend more than six inches from the wall, nor above or beyond the top and ends of the wall.

15.

Wood Relief Sign Area Bonus.

The following signs shall be eligible for an increase in size of 50%, provided the sign complies with the requirements of this § 27-1704, Subsection 15, in addition to all other applicable requirements:

(1)

Residential development road entrance signs (§ 27-1706, Subsection 2).

(2)

Individual business identification signs (§ 27-1707, Subsection 1).

(3)

Shopping center and multiple-occupant business identification signs (§ 27-1707, Subsection 2).

(4)

Business subdivision road entrance signs (§ 27-1707, Subsection 3).

The sign shall be wood or simulated wood relief only.

The sign shall be designed as an integral architectural element of the building and component of the site.

Sign colors, materials, and lighting shall be restrained and compatible with the building and site.

The signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

§ 27-1705 Temporary Signs.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

Temporary signs may be erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions contained in this § 27-1705.

General Conditions.

(1)

Permit Required. No person shall erect, construct, repair, alter, or relocate any temporary sign without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Officer, unless such sign is specifically exempted from permit requirements.

(2)

Materials and Methods. The Zoning Officer shall impose, as a condition of the issuance of a permit for temporary signs, such requirements as to the material, manner of construction, and method of erection of a sign as are reasonably necessary to assure the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the public.

(3)

Illumination. Temporary signs may be illuminated in accord with this chapter.

(4)

Sign Types. Temporary signs shall be limited to nonprojecting wall signs, attached ground signs, or portable and wheeled signs.

Temporary Business Signs; Permit Required. Temporary business signs, in association with an approved use, identifying a special, unique, or limited activity, service, product, or sale of limited duration shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Number. There shall not be more than two permits for temporary business signs issued for the same premises within one calendar year. Each temporary business sign permit may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days and shall be removed within three days of the termination of the activity, service, project, or sale. Or, alternatively, a temporary business sign permit may be applied for a maximum of five times during one calendar year for the same premises; each permit shall be issued for a maximum of seven days. It is expressly stated that temporary business sign permits shall be issued under one method or the alternative and that the methods may not be used jointly or in combination during any one calendar year.

(2)

Area. Temporary business signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in gross surface area for each exposed face.

(3)

Location. Temporary business signs shall be located only upon the premises upon which the special, unique, or limited activity, service product, or sale is to occur. Such signs may be located in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.

(4)

Height. Temporary business signs shall not project higher than 15 feet, as measured from the average grade of the associated principal use or structure.

Temporary Development Signs; Permit Required. Temporary development signs, in association with an approved use, identifying the parties involved in the development to occur or occurring on the premises on which the sign is placed shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Number. There shall not be more than one temporary construction sign for each project or development, except that where a project or development abuts two or more streets, additional such signs, one oriented to each abutting street, shall be permitted.

(2)

Area. Temporary construction signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in gross surface area for each exposed face.

(3)

Location. Temporary construction signs shall be located only upon the premises upon which construction either is about to occur or is occurring. Such signs may be located in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a public roadway.

(4)

Height. Temporary construction signs shall not project higher than 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(5)

Special Conditions. Temporary construction signs shall be permitted only as accessory to an approved building permit for a project or development. Temporary construction signs may be erected and maintained for a period not earlier than 60 days prior to the commencement of construction of the project or development and must be removed prior to an occupancy permit being issued, or if no occupancy permit is required, the sign shall be removed upon project completion.

Temporary Event Signs (including banners); Permit Required. Temporary event signs announcing a campaign, drive, activity, or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization for noncommercial purposes shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Number, Area, Height, and Location. The permitted number, area, height, location, and construction of temporary event signs shall be determined by the Zoning Officer with consideration given to the public intended purpose. In any event, no sign shall exceed 32 square feet for each exposed face.

(2)

Timing. Temporary event signs may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the date of which the campaign, drive, activity, or event advertised is scheduled to occur and shall be removed within three days of the termination of such campaign, drive, activity, or event.

(3)

Limit on Number of Permits. No more than two permits for temporary event signs shall be issued for the same premises within one calendar year.

Temporary Political Signs; Permit Not Required. Temporary political signs announcing political candidates seeking office, political parties, and/or political and public issues contained on a ballot shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Permit. Permits for temporary political signs shall not be required.

(2)

Location. On private property, temporary political signs may be located in any required setback.

(3)

Height. Temporary political signs shall not project higher than 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(4)

Timing. Signs may be displayed for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the date of the election to which the signs are applicable and shall be removed within seven days following the election.

(5)

Road Setback. All political signs shall be located a minimum of five feet from the edge of the paving or curbline of any public or private road and shall not create a traffic hazard.

(6)

Support. Each political sign shall be erected on its own support and shall not be attached to any of the following: trees, utility poles, fences, guardrails, buildings or other structures.

Temporary Real Estate Signs; Annual Permit Required. Temporary real estate signs advertising the sale, lease, or rent of the premises upon which such sign is located shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Number. There shall be not more than one temporary real estate sign for each 1,000 feet of lot road frontage for each road on which the lot fronts.

(2)

Area. Temporary real estate signs shall not exceed 16 square feet for each exposed face.

(3)

Location. Temporary real estate signs shall be located only upon the premises for sale, lease, or rent. Such signs may be located in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.

(4)

Height. Temporary real estate signs shall not project higher than 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(5)

Special Conditions. Temporary real estate signs shall be removed within seven days of the sale or lease of the premises upon which the sign is located.

Temporary Contractor or Subcontractor Signs; Annual Permit Required. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs for the sole purpose of designating the contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) engaged in the development of a property shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Number. There shall be not more than one temporary contractor or subcontractor sign for each contractor or subcontractor working on the premises.

(2)

Area. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall not exceed six square feet for each exposed face.

(3)

Location. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall be located only upon the premises where the contractor or subcontractor is working. Such signs may be located in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.

(4)

Height. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall not project higher than 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(5)

Special Conditions. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of the contractor's or subcontractor's work.

Temporary Yard or Garage Sale, Open House, or Auction Signs; Permit Not Required. A permit shall not be required for temporary yard sale or garage sale, open house, or auction signs advertising the sale of items and the sales location, but such temporary signs shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Location. Such temporary signs may not be located within the street or road right-of-way. No such sign may be placed on a utility- or municipality-owned pole or structure. Any such temporary signs shall be self-supported and shall not create a public hazard.

(2)

Height. Such temporary signs shall not exceed four feet in height, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(3)

Timing. Such temporary signs may be erected no sooner than seven days before the event and must be removed no later than three days after the event. No such sign shall remain erected for a period longer than 10 days.

Temporary Seasonal Farm Product Signs; Permit Not Required. Temporary seasonal farm product signs for the sole purpose of advertising the availability of seasonal farm products grown on the premises shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Number. There shall be not more than two temporary seasonal farm product sign for each premises.

(2)

Area. The surface area of each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet for each exposed face.

(3)

Location. Temporary seasonal farm product signs shall be located only upon the premises where the seasonal farm products are sold. Such signs may be located in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.

(4)

Height. Temporary seasonal farm product signs shall not project higher than 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(5)

Special Conditions. Temporary seasonal farm product signs shall not be erected more than 15 days before the harvest of the produce and shall be removed within 10 days from the end of the harvest.

§ 27-1706 Residential Uses.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

For all residential uses, only the following signs are permitted, and then only if accessory and incidental to a permitted residential use.

Building Name and Address Signs; Permit Not Required. Name and address signs of buildings containing six or more residential units indicating only the name of the building, the name of the development in which it is located, the management thereof, and/or address of the premises, shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Type. Building name and address signs may be either wall signs or ground signs.

(2)

Number. There shall be not more than one name and address sign for each building, except that where a building abuts two or more streets, one additional sign oriented to each abutting street shall be permitted.

(3)

Area. Building name and address signs shall not exceed four square feet in area for exposed face.

(4)

Location. Building name and address signs shall not be located closer than 1/2 the minimum setback required for the zoning district in which the sign is to be erected or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway. The location and arrangement of all building name and address signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.

(5)

Height. Building name and address signs shall not project higher than 15 feet for wall signs and five feet for ground signs, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

Residential Development Road Entrance Signs; Permit Required.. Residential development road entrance signs for developments with two or more buildings with a total of five or more dwelling units indicating only the name of the development, including single-family, two-family, and multifamily developments and mobile home parks, the management or developer thereof, and/or the address or location of the development, shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Type. The residential development road entrance signs shall be ground signs.

(2)

Number. There shall not be more than two residential development road entrance signs for each point of vehicular access to a development.

(3)

Area. Residential development road entrance signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in gross surface area.

(4)

Location. Residential development road entrance signs may be located in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a public roadway. The location and arrangement of all residential development signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.

(5)

Height. Residential development road entrance signs shall not project higher than five feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(6)

Sign Faces. Residential development road entrance signs may be double-faced only when one such sign is used at a road entrance.

Exempt Signs. Exempt signs, as specified in § 27-1704, Subsection 2, of this chapter.

Temporary Signs. Temporary signs, as specified in § 27-1705 of this chapter.

§ 27-1707 Commercial, Manufacturing, Public Use and Semipublic Use Signs.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

For all commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses, referred to as "business" in this section, only the following signs are permitted, and then only if accessory and incidental to a permitted use, and such signs shall be subject to the requirements of this § 27-1707 and any other special provisions contained in this chapter:

Individual Business Identification Signs; Permit Required. The provisions of this § 27-1707, Subsection 1, shall apply to parcels upon which an individual business is located.

(1)

Building Wall Signs.

(a)

Number. There shall be not more than one wall sign for each principal building, except that where the building abuts two or more streets; one additional such sign oriented to each abutting street shall be permitted.

(b)

Area. The surface area of a wall sign shall not exceed 10% of the area of the building wall, including doors and windows, to which the sign is to be affixed or 64 square feet, whichever is smaller. The surface area of a wall sign may be increased by 10% if such wall sign consists only of individual, outlined alphabetic, numeric, and/or symbolic characters without background, except those provided by the building surface to which the sign is to be affixed, and if illuminated, such illumination is achieved through shielded spotlighting, but not any lighting where the light source is visible or exposed on the face or sides of the characters.

(c)

Location. A wall sign may be located on the outermost wall of any principal building. The location and arrangement of all wall signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.

(d)

Height. A wall sign shall not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed or 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(2)

Freestanding Business Identification Signs. (See § 27-1710 for permitted electronic signs in the C District.) Freestanding business identifications signs shall be subject to the following:

(a)

Number. There shall not be more than one freestanding business identification sign for each lot. In cases where the parcel includes more than one principal structure in active use, one freestanding business identification sign may be erected at the public road access to each structure, provided that no such sign is within 500 feet of any other freestanding business identification sign on the parcel on the same side of the street.

(b)

Area. The surface area of a freestanding business identification sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

(c)

Location. A freestanding business identification sign shall maintain side and rear setbacks, and shall not extend within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.

(d)

Height. A freestanding business identification sign shall not project higher than 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

Shopping Center and Multiple-Occupant Business Identification Signs; Permit Required. The provisions of this § 27-1707, Subsection 2, shall apply to developments in which two or more businesses are housed in one or more principal structures.

(1)

Building Wall Signs.

(a)

Number. There shall be not more than one wall sign for each principal business occupant except that where a principal occupant abuts two or more streets, one additional such sign oriented to each abutting street shall be permitted.

(b)

Area. The surface area of a wall sign shall not exceed 10% of the occupant's proportionate share of the area of the building wall, including doors and windows, to which the sign is to be affixed or 64 square feet, whichever is smaller. The surface area of a wall sign may be increased by 10% if such wall sign consists only of individual, outlined alphabetic, numeric, and/or symbolic characters without background, except that provided by the building surface to which the sign is to be affixed, and if illuminated, such illumination is achieved through shielded spot lighting, but not any lighting where the light source is visible or exposed on the face or sides of the characters.

(c)

Location. A wall sign may be located on the outermost wall of any principal building. The location and arrangement of all wall signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.

(d)

(2)

Freestanding Business Identification Signs. (See § 27-1710 for permitted electronic signs in the C District.) Freestanding business identifications signs may be ground signs or monument signs used solely for the identification of the development and shall be subject to the following:

(a)

Number. There shall not be more than one freestanding business identification sign for each development.

(b)

Area. The surface area of a freestanding business identification sign shall not exceed a maximum of 32 square feet.

(c)

Location. A freestanding business identification sign shall maintain side and rear setback setbacks and shall not extend within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.

(d)

Height. A freestanding business identification sign shall not project higher than 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(e)

Individual Occupant Identification. The freestanding business identification sign shall not contain the name of any individual business occupant of the premises unless such tenant or occupant occupies 30% or more of the total development. Each freestanding business identification sign may include affixed directly to it a directory indicating only the names of the business occupants of the development in which the sign is to be located. The directory shall include the names of all business tenants/occupants on one sign and shall not be comprised of individual signs. The gross surface area of a directory sign shall not exceed 10 square feet for each exposed face for each occupant in the development.

Business Subdivision Road Entrance Signs; Permit Required. Business subdivision road entrance signs for developments with two or more commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic buildings, referred to as "business" in this section, indicating only the name of the development, shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Type. The business subdivision road entrance signs shall be ground signs.

(2)

Number. There shall not be more than two business subdivision road entrance signs for each point of vehicular access to a development.

(3)

Area. Business subdivision road entrance signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in gross surface area.

(4)

Location. Business subdivision road entrance signs may be located in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a public roadway. The location and arrangement of all residential development signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.

(5)

Height. Business subdivision road entrance signs shall not project higher than five feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(6)

Sign Faces. Business subdivision road entrance signs may be double-faced only when one such sign is used at a road entrance.

Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Signs; Permit Required. ATM signs shall be permitted in association with an approved commercial use subject to the following:

(1)

Location. Such sign shall be located on the face of the machine and may only identify the individual business name, logo, time, and principal services offered at the ATM.

(2)

Area. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 10 square feet. The bezel and architectural border of an ATM sign shall not be included in the sign area unless they contain sign characters, logos, or other sign graphics. The area of any ATM signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the property shall not be deducted from the sum total area permitted for the use. Wording, symbols, and graphics which instruct persons on the use of the ATM shall not be considered part of the sign area unless they are visible beyond the boundaries of the property and attract the attention of the public.

(3)

Permit. No sign permit shall be required for such sign.

Business Directional Signs; Permit Required. The intent of this section is to allow commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses, referred to as "business" in this section, located in the Township and which do not front on State Route 715, to erect signs directing the public to the business.

(1)

Location. Each sign shall be located on land owned in fee simple title by the owner of the business being identified.

(2)

Number.

(a)

There shall not be more than one directional sign for each premises eligible for such sign at each intersection of direction change with not more than three signs in total.

(b)

In the case of multiple businesses on the same premises, each business shall not be eligible for signs; instead, the directional signs shall refer to the premises as a whole.

(3)

Area. The surface area of the sign along Route 715 shall not exceed 32 square feet for each exposed face.

(4)

Setbacks. See § 27-1704, Subsection 3G. Greater setbacks shall be required for compliance with the clear sight requirements of § 27-302, Subsection 11.

(5)

Height. A directional sign shall not project higher than 15 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702.

(6)

Sign Information. The information on the sign shall be limited to the business name, logo, telephone number and directional information.

(7)

Permit. A permit shall be required for the placement of the directional signs and shall establish the number and location of all the signs.

Retail Fuel Sales; Permit Required. Retail fuel sales establishments shall, in addition to the other permitted signs, be permitted one sign with up to four fuel prices attached to the business sign permitted in § 27-1707, Subsection 1B. The height of the letters/numerals shall not exceed the following and the sign shall be no larger than necessary to encompass the letters/numerals, but shall in no case exceed the width of the business sign. The prices shall be stationary but may be electronically controlled in accord with § 27-1710.

Number of Products Advertised	1 or 2	3	4
Maximum letter height (inches)	24	15	12

Changeable Panel Signs. (See § 27-1710 for permitted electronic signs in the C District.) One changeable panel sign board may be erected on the lot containing one or more commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public or semipublic use, referred to as "business" in this section, subject to the following:

(1)

Type. The changeable panel sign shall be a ground sign or may be attached to the same support of the permitted business identification ground sign.

(2)

Number. One changeable panel sign may be erected on the business parcel identifying special, unique, limited activities, services, products, or sale of limited duration occurring on the premises on which the changeable panel sign is located.

(3)

Area. The gross surface area of a changeable panel sign shall not exceed 20 square feet for each exposed face.

[Amended by Ord. No. 2017-100, 2/9/2017]

(4)

Location. A changeable panel sign shall maintain side and rear setbacks and shall not extend within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.

(5)

Height. If the changeable panel sign is separate from the main freestanding sign, the changeable panel sign may not project higher than 10 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of "computation of height" in § 27-1702. The changeable panel sign shall be separated by a minimum of 12 inches from the main ground pole sign.

(6)

Fuel Prices. Establishments engaged in the retail sale of fuel may also erect one additional changeable panel sign on the same frame as the main business identification sign to list fuel prices, and said sign shall not exceed six square feet for each exposed face.

§ 27-1709 Off-Premises Advertising Signs and Billboards.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

Permit required; see § 27-1710 for permitted electronic signs.

The intent of this § 27-1709 is to limit the number, size and location of off-premises advertising signs and billboards to reduce visual clutter, prevent the distraction of drivers, and maintain the character of the community. Off-premises advertising signs and billboards may be erected and maintained only in accord with the requirements of this § 27-1709 and all other applicable requirements of this chapter, and applications for such signs shall be considered conditional uses.

Location; Principal Use.

(1)

Location. Off-premises advertising signs and billboards shall be located only in the I District.

(2)

Principal Use. Off-premises advertising signs and billboards shall be considered principal uses and shall not be permitted on a lot with any other principal use.

Illumination. Off-premises advertising signs or billboards may be illuminated, but flashing lights or devices and animation shall be prohibited.

Setbacks. The applicable zone district side and rear setbacks for principal structures shall be maintained for off-premises advertising signs and billboards and the front setback shall be 20 feet from the edge of the paving or curbline of the adjoining public street.

Height of Signs. No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall exceed a height of 30 feet. The height of the sign shall be measured from the base of the support structure to the highest point of the sign.

Maximum Area of Off-Premises Advertising Signs and Billboards.

(1)

The maximum area for any one off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall not exceed 300 square feet.

(2)

A sign structure shall contain only one sign per facing.

Spacing of Off-Premises Advertising Signs and Billboards.

(1)

No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be permitted within 500 feet of another off-premises advertising sign or billboard, measured in all directions. The separation distance shall be measured between the closest points of the two signs in question.

(2)

No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be permitted within 300 feet of any dwelling in the Township or any adjoining municipality. The separation distance shall be measured between the closest points of the proposed sign and the residential lot in question.

(3)

No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be permitted within 500 feet of any park, recreational area, trail system, public or parochial school, municipal building, library, church, hospital, or similar institutional use. The separation distance shall be measured between the closest points of the proposed sign and the parcel of land on which the building or use in question is located.

(4)

No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be erected within 200 feet of the public street intersection. The separation distance shall be measured between the closest point of the proposed sign and the nearest intersection of the right-of-way lines of the streets in question.

(5)

No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be constructed at an angle of less than 45° to the right-of-way upon which it faces.

Engineering Certification. Any applications for an off-premise advertising sign or billboard shall be accompanied by certification under seal by a professional engineer registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that the sign as proposed will not present a structural safety hazard.

§ 27-1710 Electronic Message Signs.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

Types of Signs.

[Amended by Ord. No. 2015-101, 4/23/2015]

C Commercial District. In the C Commercial District, only following types of signs may be an electronic message sign:

(1)

Changeable panel signs (§ 27-1707, Subsection 7).

(2)

Individual freestanding business identification signs (§ 27-1707, Subsection 1B).

(3)

Shopping center and multiple-occupant business freestanding identification signs (§ 27-1707, Subsection 2B1).

I Industrial District. In the I Industrial District, only an off-premises advertising sign or billboard (§ 27-1709) may be an electronic message sign.

Standards. In addition to the other applicable requirements of this chapter, electronic message signs shall comply with the following:

[Amended by Ord. No. 2017-100, 2/9/2017]

One Sign. Only one electronic message sign shall be permitted per development parcel. If the sign structure has two sign faces, each sign face may be an electronic message sign.

Size. The electronic message sign shall not exceed 80% of the maximum allowable size of a nonelectronic message sign of the same type.

Message Display.

(1)

Motion. Electronic message sign motion shall be limited to the transition from one message to another. The image shall be static, with no animation, streaming video, flashing, scrolling, or other illusions of motion.

(2)

Transition. Transitions for electronic message signs may utilize fade or dissolve and content shall not change more than once every eight seconds with a transition time not exceeding one second.

(3)

Continuation. The images and messages displayed shall be complete on display without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other sign.

(4)

Projection. Images or messages projected onto buildings or other objects shall be prohibited.

Luminance. Electronic message signs shall not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare, hazard or impair the vision of the motorist, or interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device or signal.

(1)

Maximum. Electronic message signs shall have a maximum luminance of 5,000 nits during daylight hours. During the nighttime, such signs shall be limited to a maximum luminance of 150 nits.

(2)

Luminance. A measure of the brightness of a surface which is emitting or reflecting light. The unit of measurement is candelas per square meter or nits (1 nit -1 cd/m²).

(3)

Nit. A unit of measure of Luminance.

(4)

Dimmer Control. All electronic message signs shall be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell that automatically adjusts the display's luminance according to natural ambient light conditions.

(5)

Light Trespass. Electronic message signs shall comply with the light and glare requirements of Section 27-1009, Subsection 1H. The maximum light trespass limit at the property line of residential districts and permanent open space shall be 0.1 footcandles.

(6)

Measurement. Surface luminance measurements shall be made directly with a calibrated luminance meter in accord with manufacturer's specifications. Readings shall be taken from the area from which the sign will be visible, usually the road, and which is closest to being directly in front of the sign where the luminosity output is most focused. This reading shall be the measurement of all-white image display to evaluate the worst-case scenario. With an all-white display, a maximum of 200 nits shall be permitted during nighttime.

(7)

Certification. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the sign luminance has been factory preset to not exceed 5,000 nits and that the intensity has been protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software.

Height. The electronic message sign shall not exceed the maximum allowable height of a nonelectronic message sign of the same type.

Structural Support. No more than one digital sign or billboard may be installed on a single structural support; that is, signs shall not be stacked vertically or horizontally.

Emergency Messages. The applicant shall be required to coordinate and permit message access from local, regional, state and national emergency services during emergency situations and such messages shall not be required to conform to the message standards in this § 27-1710.

§ 27-1711 Nonconforming Signs.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

Legal, Nonconforming Signs. Any sign lawfully existing or under construction on the effective date of this chapter, which does not conform to one or more of the provisions of this chapter, may be continued in operation and maintained as a legal nonconforming sign subject to compliance with the requirements of § 27-1711, Subsection 2.

Maintenance and Repair of Legal Nonconforming Signs.

Normal maintenance of legal nonconforming signs, including changing of copy, necessary repairs, and incidental alterations which do not extend or intensify the nonconforming features of the sign, shall be permitted.

No alteration, enlargement, or extension shall be made to a legal nonconforming sign unless the alteration, enlargement, or extension will result in the elimination of the nonconforming features of the sign.

A nonconforming sign shall not be converted to an electronic message sign.

If a legal nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent of 50% or more of its replacement value at the time, the sign may not be rebuilt to its original condition and may not continue to be displayed.

Once nonconforming signs are removed, abandoned or fall in disrepair, they may be replaced only with signs conforming to district regulations.

§ 27-1712 Removal of Certain Signs.

[Ord. No. 2014-101, 5/1/2014]

Obsolete Signs. Any sign, whether existing on or erected after the effective date of this chapter, which advertises a business no longer being conducted or a product no longer being offered for sale in or from the premises on which the sign is located shall be removed within 90 days upon the cessation of such business or sale of such product by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which such sign is located. If the Zoning Officer shall find that any such sign advertising a business no longer being conducted or a product no longer being offered for sale in or from the premises on which the sign is located has not been removed within 90 days upon the cessation of such business or sale of such product, he shall give written notice to the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or the premises on which such sign is located. Removal of the sign shall be affected within 30 days after receipt of the notice from the Zoning Officer. If such sign is not removed after the conclusion of such thirty-day period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith at the expense of the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which such sign is located.

Unsafe Signs. If the Zoning Officer shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public, he shall give written notice to the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or the premises on which such sign is located. Correction to the condition which caused the Zoning Officer to give such notice shall be effected within 10 days after receipt of the notice. If such condition is not corrected after the conclusion of such ten-day period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith at the expense of the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which such sign is located. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions the Zoning Officer is authorized to cause any sign to be removed summarily and without notice at the expense of the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which such sign is located, whenever the Zoning Officer determines that such sign is an immediate peril to persons or property.

Jackson Township Monroe County
City Zoning Code

PART 17

§ 27-1701 General.

§ 27-1702 Definitions; Word Usage.

§ 27-1703 Procedures.

§ 27-1704 General Requirements.

§ 27-1705 Temporary Signs.

§ 27-1706 Residential Uses.

§ 27-1707 Commercial, Manufacturing, Public Use and Semipublic Use Signs.

§ 27-1709 Off-Premises Advertising Signs and Billboards.

§ 27-1710 Electronic Message Signs.

§ 27-1711 Nonconforming Signs.

§ 27-1712 Removal of Certain Signs.

Jackson Township Monroe CountyCity Zoning Code

PART 17

§ 27-1701 General.

§ 27-1702 Definitions; Word Usage.

§ 27-1703 Procedures.

§ 27-1704 General Requirements.

§ 27-1705 Temporary Signs.

§ 27-1706 Residential Uses.

§ 27-1707 Commercial, Manufacturing, Public Use and Semipublic Use Signs.

§ 27-1709 Off-Premises Advertising Signs and Billboards.

§ 27-1710 Electronic Message Signs.

§ 27-1711 Nonconforming Signs.

§ 27-1712 Removal of Certain Signs.

Jackson Township Monroe County
City Zoning Code