It is the purpose of these provisions to place strict limitations on the display of signs as will assure that they will be appropriate to the land, building or use to which they are appurtenant and be adequate, but not excessive, for the intended purpose of identification, protection, or advertisement.

The regulations of this chapter relating to signs shall be strictly construed, and signs not specifically permitted by the provision of this chapter shall be deemed to be prohibited. Signs shall only be erected and maintained when in compliance with the provisions contained herein.

It is the intent of these provisions that the sign types listed in § 300-96 and preceded with an asterisk (*) shall be exempt from permitting requirements, provided that they comply with the requirements for that sign type. Such signs are generally for public service purposes or are temporary or minor in nature.

Regulated signs which are not designated by an asterisk are not exempt from permitting requirements and shall comply with the standards for that sign type in § 300-96.

Maximum sign area for regulated signs. A lot upon which a building(s) is situated regardless of the number of occupants therein shall be entitled to a maximum sign area of 1 1/2 square feet for each lineal foot of building face parallel or substantially parallel to a street line. See § 300-13 for definition of "sign area."

Sign application and permit. A sign permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Officer before any sign is erected, displayed or structurally altered so as to change its overall dimension. Every application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by payment of a permit fee required in accordance with a schedule of fees adopted by the Borough Council and by plans showing: the area of the sign, the size, structure, character and design proposed; the method of illumination, if any, and the exact location proposed for the sign. In the case of a roof sign or outdoor advertising structure, complete specifications and method of anchoring and support are required. Each sign shall have the permit number and date of issuance permanently affixed to said sign.

Illumination of signs. A sign may be illuminated artificially by means of electricity, gas, oil, or fluorescent paint.

Setback requirements. Unless otherwise specified in the code, signs are exempt from setback requirements.

Supports and brackets for a sign shall not exceed above the cornice line of the building to which the sign is attached.

Table of allowed sign uses by zoning district.

*Address sign. One sign displaying the street number or name of the occupant of the premises, or both.

Awning sign. A sign painted on or attached to a moveable metallic frame, of the hinged roll or folding type, which may have a covering either combustible or incombustible.

Community directory sign. An accessory bulletin or announcement board describing the location of an event of a community service organization, institution, or public facility.

*Contractor sign. Is an off-premises sign identifying the contractor's name, address, and other pertinent information.

*"For sale" or "for rent" signs. A sign advertising a property being sold or rented.

Freestanding sign - S, C and I Districts (large size). Is a self-supporting sign in a fixed location and not attached to any building or structure.

Freestanding sign - R, S, C, I and A Districts (small size). Is a self-supporting sign in a fixed location and not attached to any building or structure.

Individual letters or symbols. Which are attached to an awning, marquee, roof, building surface, wall, or signboard.

Off-premises direction sign. A sign stating the name(s) and directions to a business located off premises (from the sign location). Requirements are as follows:

Off-premises advertising sign (highway billboard sign). A sign with a fixed message or an electronic graphic display (see § 300-13 for definition) stating the name of an advertised product or name(s), directions to a business and information concerning the business located off premises (from the sign location). Requirements are as follows:

*Political signs. A sign designed to influence the action of votes for: the passage or defeat of a measure; or the election of a candidate for nomination or election to public office at a national, state, or other local election.

Projecting sign. A permanent sign that is hung at a ninety-degree angle from the face of and affixed to a building or structure and extends 12 inches or beyond the building wall, structure or parts thereof.

*Public service sign. Is a sign located for the purpose of providing a public service message or directions towards or indication of a use not readily visible from a public street (e.g., rest rooms, telephone, parking, shopping district, etc.).

*Religious, governmental, charitable or fraternal organization signs.

*Temporary business signs.

*Temporary signs for special events. Temporary signs which are to be erected for a special event or purpose legally permissible in the Borough are permitted in all districts, subject to the following:

Time or temperature sign. Includes clocks, time and temperature signs and barber poles.

*Yard sale sign.

Wall sign. Is a sign which is attached parallel on the exterior surface of a building or structure.

Window sign. Is a permanent nonilluminated sign painted on the inside or outside glass of a window.

A-frame/sandwich board signs.

Signs, other than municipal traffic signs, located in a public right-of-way.

Any sign, as defined in this chapter which flashes, rotates, or has a motorized part that is visible from a public street. Digital and electronic message board signs shall be exempt from this provision.

Any sign which, by reason of its size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination, constitutes a traffic hazard or a detriment to traffic safety in the opinion of the Zoning Officer by obstructing the vision of drivers, or detracting from the visibility of any traffic sign or control device on public streets and roads.

Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exitway or which obstructs a window, door or other opening for providing light or air or interferes with proper function of the building.

Any sign or sign structure which:

Signs which make use of words such as STOP, LOOK, DANGER, etc., or any phrases, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

String lights used in connection with commercial premises for commercial purposes other than Christmas decorations.

Spinners and streamers.

Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold: to be removed at owner's expense.

Any sign affixed to a fence, utility pole or utility structure, light pole, sign post, or tree, shrub, rock or other natural objects.

Off-premises signs, except off-premises direction sign (see § 300-96I or off-premises advertising sign (see § 300-96J).

Portable or moveable signs other than as temporary signs [see § 300-96O(2)].

Signs which depict nudity or sexual conduct (see also § 300-65 for adult entertainment uses).