Lemoyne Cumberland County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Signs
§ 550-55 Applicability.
Any sign hereafter erected, altered, or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this Article VIII of this chapter and any other applicable parts, ordinances, or regulations of the Borough of Lemoyne.
§ 550-56 Intent.
The intent of this Article VIII of this chapter is to provide for the regulation of signs in the Borough of Lemoyne to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in accordance with the following objectives:
A.
To control the size, number, location, and illumination of signs in order to reduce hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
B.
To encourage signs that are well designed and pleasing in appearance, and to provide latitude for variety in order to enhance the economic value as well as the character of the properties within the Borough.
C.
To establish standards designed to encourage signs that are compatible with their surroundings, appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain, and legible in the circumstances in which they are seen, and to prohibit the erection of signs that do not meet these criteria.
D.
To prohibit the construction of and require the removal of signs that constitute a hazard or a blighting influence.
E.
To establish a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
§ 550-57 Administration, permits, inspections and fees.
A.
Administration. The administrator of this Article VIII of this chapter shall be the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Officer shall have the responsibility and authority to administer and enforce all provisions of this Article VIII of this chapter, other than those provisions with powers specifically reserved to Borough Council or the Zoning Hearing Board.
B.
Permit procedures and application. Any sign to be erected in the Borough shall require a permit unless specifically exempted in this Article VIII of this chapter. No such sign shall hereafter be erected, altered, or the content changed, except directory signs, until the Borough issues a permit.
(1)
Permit applications.
(a)
Applications for a temporary sign permitted under § 550-59K shall contain information regarding the size of the sign, placement location, and dates the sign will be erected and removed.
(b)
Applications for a permanent sign permit shall be submitted in writing on forms provided by the Borough and shall contain all the information necessary for the Zoning Officer to determine whether the proposed sign conforms to all of the requirements of this Article VIII of this chapter. Applications shall include the following minimum information, in either written or graphic form:
[1]
Exact dimensions of the tax parcel or building lot, including an right-of-way lines, and/or buildings upon which the signs are to be erected.
[2]
Type of sign and the exact size, dimensions, height, and location of the proposed sign(s) on the lot or building. The presence of any existing signs on the property or building shall also be indicated.
[3]
Descriptive materials, drawings, or graphics of the proposed sign(s) indicating the structural design, materials to be used, illumination, total area of sign(s), type of lettering, means of support, the manner of installation, and any other significant characteristics.
[4]
Written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected for Borough Officials to enter said premises to inspect the sign(s).
[5]
Any other information requested by the Zoning Officer in order to carry out the purpose and intent of this Article VIII of this chapter.
(c)
No permit to erect a sign shall be issued until the required fee has been paid to the Borough. Permit fees shall be established from time to time by resolution of Borough Council. Permit fees shall cover the cost for administering this Article VIII of this chapter for compliance with its purpose.
(d)
No permit shall be issued for an off-premises sign until the property owner's written consent and signature have been submitted to the Borough.
(e)
No permit shall be issued unless there is conformance with the regulations of this Article VIII of this chapter, except upon order of the Zoning Hearing Board that is granted pursuant to the procedures established for the issuance of a variance.
(f)
Regular maintenance or repair of a permitted sign, including electrical, repainting, or cleaning of the sign, shall not require a permit.
(g)
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the exempted sign from the responsibility of its construction and installation in a safe manner and in accordance with the provisions of this Article VIII of this chapter.
C.
Permit review and action. The Zoning Officer shall review the sign permit application and issue or deny the permit, in conformance with the following standards:
(1)
Official date. The official date of submission shall be the day the Zoning Officer determines that the completed application, with all the required or necessary data, has been properly prepared and submitted.
(2)
Time to decide. The Zoning Officer shall determine whether the proposed sign will or will not be in compliance with the requirements of this Article VIII of this chapter, and shall, within 30 days of the official date of submission, issue or deny the sign permit.
(3)
Photograph. When the sign has been completed, the applicant shall photograph the completed sign and forward the photograph to the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Officer shall then inspect the sign.
(4)
Inspection for compliance. The Zoning Officer, or a designee, shall perform a final inspection after the installation of any approved sign. The Zoning Officer will then complete the Borough portion of the sign application and forward the completed inspection form to the applicant. The final dimensions of the sign will be noted by the Zoning Officer, either on the back of the photograph of the sign or at any other appropriate place, and shall then be filed at the Borough offices along with the completed application.
(5)
Discrepancies. Any discrepancies between any sign as approved and the sign as constructed shall be identified in writing by the Zoning Officer and may result in the halt of construction and correction of the discrepancy. If the discrepancy is not corrected with 20 days after written notice, the sign may be ordered removed by the Zoning Officer.
(6)
Complaints. The Zoning Officer shall investigate any complaints of the violations of these regulations and may revoke any permit if there is any violation of these regulations or if there was any misrepresentation of any material fact, in either the sign permit application or the plans.
(7)
Biannual inspection. The Zoning Officer, or a designee, shall complete a biannual inspection of all regulated signs on or about the anniversary date of the issuance of the permit for each sign, and shall determine if the sign is in conformance with this Article VIII of this chapter. If any sign is not in conformance, the Zoning Officer will revoke the permit for the sign and may remove or order the removal of the sign, at the expense of the owner or lessor.
(8)
Annual license fee. An annual license fee shall be paid in accordance with any resolution of the Borough Council setting forth the annual license fee schedule.
(9)
Penalty fee. A penalty fee may be assessed for nonpayment of the annual license fee in accordance with any resolution of the Borough Council setting forth the annual license fee schedule.
(10)
Revocation of permit. All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this Article VIII of this chapter are mere licenses and, as such, are revocable for cause by the Borough. All permits issued pursuant to this Article VIII of this chapter are hereby subject to this provision.
(11)
Registration of signs. All signs must be registered with the Borough. Signs that are certified as nonconforming and are registered under this Article VIII of this chapter may continued to be displayed, replaced or altered to conform with this Article VIII of this chapter. All signs erected after the effective date of this Article VIII of this chapter must comply with it. Appropriate notice will be provided to all existing sign owners upon the adoption of this Article VIII of this chapter.
(12)
Information to be affixed on all signs. All signs erected after the effective date of this Article VIII of this chapter shall have the following information permanently affixed in a conspicuous place:
(a)
Date of the approval.
(b)
The sign permit number.
(13)
Violations. Any sign which has not been certified and registered as nonconforming or that has not received a permit from the Zoning Officer within two years of the effective date of this Article VIII of this chapter shall be deemed to be in violation of these regulations and shall be ordered removed by the Zoning Officer with the costs of removal to be at the expense of the sign owner or the property owner.
D.
Expiration of sign permit.
(1)
If the sign authorized by any sign permit has not been erected or completed within 120 days from the date of the issuance of the permit, the sign permit shall be deemed expired.
(2)
An expired sign permit may be renewed within 30 days from the expiration date for good cause shown.
E.
Revocation of sign permit. If any signs are owned, operated, or maintained in violation of any provisions of this Article VIII of this chapter, the sign permit may be revoked in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 550-63 relating to enforcement.
§ 550-58 General standards for permitted signs.
A.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of the sign shall include the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the outer limits of such sign. The sign area shall not include any structural elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.
(2)
In the case of an open sign made up of individual letters, attached to or painted on a building, wall, window, canopy, or awning, the sign area shall be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape that encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3)
In computing the area of a multifaced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that the faces are identical. In V-type structures, the interior angle of which exceeds 45°, both sides shall be considered in measuring the sign area.
(4)
In the event that a symbol, trademark or other such figure is used as a sign post or standard that could be construed to indicate or identify a particular use or business, that symbol, trademark or figure is to be computed as part of the total allowable sign area.
(5)
In cases where the allowable sign size is defined by wall area or building's frontage along a street, the building dimension that is measured between its outermost wall corners and projected perpendicularly to each street frontage shall be used, regardless of the orientation of the building with respect to the street. This provision is intended to apply to irregularly shaped buildings or those that do not have walls oriented squarely to the street. Irregular buildings that front on two or more streets may be projected toward each street individually for the purpose of establishing sign sizing limits along each building side.
B.
Sign height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the average existing ground elevation surrounding the support structure of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure as determined by the Zoning Officer. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the height shall be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk.
C.
Sign location. Unless authorized for a specific sign type, signs shall not be erected within the legal right-of-way of any public street or public sidewalk and shall not be closer than six feet to the edge of a paved road or the plane of the face of the curb.
D.
Sign illumination.
(1)
All illuminated signs shall be constructed to the Standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters.
(2)
Lighting shall not shine directly upon abutting properties nor within the normal line of vision of the public when using streets or sidewalks. Light sources shall be so shielded and aimed that the source of light shall not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign, building, or structure being illuminated is erected. This Subsection D(2) is intended to address indirect lighting of illuminated signs, rather than neon or EMC signage.
(3)
There shall be no illumination of a flashing, intermittent, or moving type. Rotating, traveling, pulsing, flashing, or oscillating light sources, lasers, beacons, searchlights or strobe lighting shall not be permitted.
(4)
Light trespass from any type of sign that is projected onto a residential use from another property shall not exceed 0.2 footcandle above ambient conditions, measured at the property line along a line of sight to the sign. Existing signs that are unable to meet the illumination requirements due to controller limitations and that are visible to a residence within 200 feet of the sign shall be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
E.
Maintenance. Every sign shall be constructed of durable materials, shall be structurally safe and erected or installed in accordance with Chapter 200 relating to code enforcement, and shall be maintained in a safe condition and good repair at all times. No sign shall be maintained in such a state of disrepair as to have the appearance of complete neglect, which is rotting, rusting, or falling down, which is faded, illegible, or has loose parts separated from original fastenings. The Zoning Officer shall by written notice require the responsible party(ies) to repair or remove a damaged, dilapidated or unsafe sign within 30 days after notice. If such notice is not complied with, the Borough may repair or remove such sign at the expense of the responsible party(ies).
F.
Inspection. The Zoning Officer shall complete an annual inspection of all signs on or about the anniversary date of the issuance of the permit for each sign, and shall determine if the sign is in conformance with this Article VIII of this chapter. If any sign is not in conformance, the Zoning Officer shall remove or order the removal of the sign at the expense of the owner or lessor.
G.
Any sign that can be displayed under the provisions of this Article VIII of this chapter may contain a noncommercial message.
§ 550-59 Standards for specific sign types.
[Amended 2-6-2014 by Ord. No. 720; 2-5-2015 by Ord. No. 730]
The following standards shall apply to individual sign types as defined in this Article VIII of this chapter. See § 550-62 relating to permitted signs by zoning districts for additional standards that apply within each zoning district.
A.
Awning sign.
(1)
Use of an awning sign shall be limited to not more than one per street frontage of the establishment. An awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
(2)
The lowest edge of an awning sign overhanging a public sidewalk or paved area shall be at least eight feet above finished grade.
B.
Freestanding sign. A freestanding sign shall not project to within six feet of the edge of a paved road or the plane of the face of the curb; where compliance with this standard would create an obstruction of view, further setback may be necessary. Structural design of a freestanding sign shall bear the seal of a qualified professional engineer licensed and registered to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
C.
Ground sign. Ground signs shall be supported by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to permanently incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
D.
Marquee sign.
(1)
Marquee signs shall be required to maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet above finished grade.
(2)
Such signs shall be permitted only in conjunction with a movie theater, playhouse, or similar use.
E.
Off-premises sign. Off-premises signs and billboards shall comply with the standards of § 550-62E.
F.
Projecting sign.
(1)
Projecting signs shall be so positioned as to provide neither obstruction nor hazard to pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, etc., with the lower edge a minimum of eight feet above grade. Projecting signs may project a maximum of six feet from the building wall; provided, however, that no sign shall project to a point nearer than six feet from the edge of a paved road or the plane of the face of the curb.
(2)
No projecting sign shall extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted.
G.
Wall sign.
(1)
Wall signs shall project not more than eight inches from the building wall and shall be located outside the path of travel so that the lower edge is a minimum of five feet above grade. In the path of travel, the lower edge is a minimum of eight feet above grade in any case where projection from the wall is greater than three inches.
(2)
More than one wall sign shall be permitted per wall, except that the total area of all signs on one wall shall not exceed the maximum percentages specified in § 550-62 relating to permitted signs by zoning districts, or the applicable zoning district.
(3)
Wall signs that are a part of the architectural design of an existing historic building (e.g., those located on the lintel above a store front) shall be exempt from the size requirements if they are limited to the area of the building specifically designed for sign placement.
(4)
A wall sign shall not extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted, nor shall it extend beyond the edges of the wall.
H.
Window sign. Both temporary and permanent window signs shall be tallied together when assessing the maximum permitted area of window signs. Window signs shall be considered wall signs when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs.
I.
Flag. Not more than one flag per street frontage. The height of a flag pole shall not exceed the allowable building height for the applicable zoning district. The size shall be limited to that which will hang no lower than 1/3 of the height of the pole.
J.
Electronic Message Center (EMC).
(1)
All messages/displays shall remain unchanged for a minimum of eight seconds.
(2)
Transition between messages shall be instantaneous. There shall be no visual dissolve or fading in which any part of one electronic message/display appears simultaneously with any part of a second electronic message/display.
(3)
There shall be no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of light, and no appearance of animation, movement, or flow of the message/display.
(4)
Any illumination intensity or contrast of light level shall remain constant.
(5)
Output from an EMC shall be automatically reduced to a brightness level that does not create glare during hours of darkness.
(6)
On-premises EMCs shall be subject to the illumination intensity requirements of § 550-58D.
(7)
Off-premises EMCs (digital billboards) shall be limited to 0.2 footcandle above ambient conditions using an all-white setting, at any time of day or night. Measurement shall be taken perpendicularly to the sign at a height of 5 1/2 feet above ground from the following distances to the sign face:
(a)
Billboard measuring 14 feet by 48 feet: 250 feet.
(b)
Billboard measuring 11 feet by 22 feet: 150 feet.
(c)
Compute distances for other sizes as: D = √(300*Sign Area/(10.76*0.3))
(8)
Only one EMC shall be permitted per premises.
(9)
EMCs signs shall be permitted only in the Commercial General and Industrial Zones. Signs will not be permitted within 350 feet of a residential or mixed-use zone. The measurement will be taken from the center of the sign face.
K.
Temporary signs not otherwise exempt or further restricted elsewhere in this article shall be limited to one for first 50 feet of primary frontage, and one within each additional 50 feet of primary frontage, not to exceed 12 total, no more than two of which may be banners. For individual temporary signs that are not tallied as wall signs, each sign shall be no more than four square feet. Temporary signs shall not exceed four feet in height or three feet in width. No signs shall be placed on Borough properties (owned or leased) or in the street rights-of-way. A single temporary sign permit is required each calendar year per § 550-57C.
L.
Gateway sign. Gateway signs shall comply with the standards of § 550-62H of this Article VIII of this chapter.
§ 550-60 Exempt signs.
[Amended 2-6-2014 by Ord. No. 720]
The following signs shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this Article VIII of this chapter. Such signs shall comply with all applicable standards of this Article VIII of this chapter, including the responsibility for maintenance of signs in good and safe repair.
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional signs and other official traffic signs within the legal right-of-way of a public street, when in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation specifications under the Pennsylvania Code.
B.
A sign indicating the prohibition or control of fishing, hunting, trespassing, etc., or signs indicating the private nature of a road, provided the area of such sign does not exceed two square feet. More than one such sign may be posted on a property when consistent with commonwealth regulations.
C.
A sign, with an area less than two square feet, bearing only property number, street address, and/or the names of the occupants in a residence. The sign may include the home occupation, if applicable. Home-based businesses may be permitted to have a larger sign if they comply with the requirements of § 550-62A(2)(a).
D.
A temporary legal notice.
E.
Public service and information signs advertising the availability of rest rooms, telephones, or similar public convenience, not to exceed two square feet.
F.
Signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit service or charitable clubs or organizations may be erected and maintained on the site where the activity is to take place, provided that such signs do not exceed two square feet and do not significantly advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services.
G.
Temporary signs for religious, civic, philanthropic, historical or educational events occurring to the benefit of Borough residents, provided they are erected no more than two weeks prior to the event and removed within three days after the event. Permission shall be obtained from the landowner to post said temporary signs.
H.
Temporary signs erected by the Borough on public property to promote events of general civic interest.
I.
One or more signs applied to a wall or windowpane giving store hours, open/closed, or the name(s) of credit or charge institutions, provided that each sign does not exceed two square feet. Such signs may be electronic (LED), if limited in intensity to not produce glare.
J.
A sign that is a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure (e.g., a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building), provided the letters are not made of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
K.
Temporary yard sale or garage sale signs, provided such signs do not exceed two square feet in area and shall be erected no more than five days before the first day of the sale and removed within 24 hours of the conclusion of such sale. No more than three temporary off-premises yard sale signs shall be allowed, and permission shall be obtained from the landowner(s) prior to the posting of such signs.
L.
Official U.S. federal, state, or municipal governmental flags or insignias not exceeding 80 square feet. Decorative flags, provided that only one of either such flag is installed per street frontage and it does not exceed 24 square feet.
M.
Signs memorializing an historical event, provided that such sign does not exceed six square feet.
N.
Temporary real estate signs placed on the property to be sold, rented, or developed, provided that:
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this Article VIII of this chapter, such signs shall have a maximum area of six square feet and a maximum height of five feet.
(2)
Such signs shall be removed within five days following the completion of final transactions.
(3)
Only one such sign per road/street frontage per realtor shall be exempted on any property held in single and separate ownership.
(4)
Temporary signs advertising an open house for real estate sales shall be permitted on the site of the property for sale, provided such signs are erected no more than five days prior to the date of the open house and are removed at the end of the day of the open house. No more than one open house sign per property per street frontage shall be permitted.
O.
Temporary construction/development signs, located on tracts approved for or undergoing development, which announce the future use, names, and/or occupants of such tracts.
(1)
Such signs shall be limited to one freestanding sign per entrance and shall be removed upon completion of construction.
(2)
Such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area or eight feet in height.
P.
Temporary political campaign signs.
Q.
Directional signs located within a tract undergoing development, indicating the route to the sales office, model home, construction trailer, etc.
R.
Directional signs. Off-premises (e.g., churches, public buildings) or on-premises directional signs if less than two square feet, or on-premises that indicate service or department entrances separate from a business main entrance, with no size limit.
S.
Signs that cannot be viewed from a public right-of-way.
§ 550-61 Prohibited signs.
[Amended 2-6-2014 by Ord. No. 720]
The following signs are unlawful and shall be prohibited in the Borough of Lemoyne:
A.
Signs using the words "stop," "look," "danger" or any other word, place, symbol, or character that attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or that interferes with any traffic sign, signal or device within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
B.
Any sign erected in a public right-of-way, or maintained on a tree, lamppost or utility pole, or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature, other than signs indicating prohibition or control of fishing, hunting, or trespassing, etc. Signs placed on poles that are not part of a permitted freestanding sign are prohibited. These signs will be removed by the Borough after five days. The owners of the signs may pick up the signs within 30 days at the maintenance facility.
C.
Any sign with flashing, revolving, moving, sound or vapor producing, or animated parts, including any sign that has the capability of motion in whole or in part.
D.
A sign suspended between poles consisting of pennants, flags, streamers, or spinners, except as permitted as a temporary sign and erected as a special sale sign for limited duration. In no case shall a sign be attached or suspended from any handrail or railing.
E.
Any sign that obscures or interferes with the line of sight at any street intersection or traffic signal, or at any other point of vehicular access to a street.
F.
Any sign erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
G.
Any portable sign as defined by this Article VIII of this chapter, except that a single sandwich board sign may be utilized per lot, provided its size is limited to three feet wide, four feet high, and eight square feet per face; it is taken indoors during all hours when business is not open to public; it does not interfere with pedestrian traffic, emergency access, or parking spaces; and is only allowed for restaurant or retail sales use.
H.
Any sign, or any portion thereof, extending above the roofline of any building.
I.
A truck, trailer, or other vehicle not used for normal day-to-day operations of a business or not regularly moved for business related purposes shall be prohibited from use as a sign.
J.
Material displayed in any manner that includes words or images that are deemed obscene by Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Public Indecency.
K.
Advertising and business identification signs that are located on fences. Exception is made for temporary sponsorship signs at park events.
L.
Any sign that obstructs 50% or more of the panned angle view from a residential unit, when viewed at a distance of 24 inches from the window pane (e.g., an apartment above a commercial enterprise).
§ 550-62 Permitted signs by zoning district.
[Amended 2-5-2015 by Ord. No. 730]
A.
Residential Zoning Districts. The following regulations shall apply to signs in the Urban Residential Zoning District (UR) and the Suburban Residential Zoning District (SR):
(1)
In addition to the exempt signs listed in § 550-60 relating to exempt signs, the following signs may be erected without a permit in the UR Zoning District and SR Zoning District:
(a)
One wall, freestanding, or projecting sign in conjunction with the sale of farm or garden products, not exceeding six square feet and not more than three feet tall. Sign shall be removed or covered when products are not actively on sale.
(b)
One wall, ground, or freestanding sign per street frontage denoting the name of a subdivision or development, not exceeding 12 square feet and not more than four feet high, provided that it does not provide an obstruction to site distance.
(2)
Except as allowed above, and where associated use is permitted, the following signs and no others shall be permitted in the UR Zoning District and SR Zoning District, provided they conform with all other provisions of this Article VIII of this chapter, including the requirements for a permit as specified in § 550-57 relating to administration, permits, inspections and fees:
(a)
Professional, accessory use, home-based business, or bed-and-breakfast signs, indicating the name, profession, or activity of the occupant of the dwelling.
[1]
The maximum dimensions of such a sign shall be four square feet in area. Signs of less than two square feet shall not require a permit per § 550-60C.
[2]
Such sign may be in the form of a freestanding, projecting, or wall sign. Not more than one sign shall be permitted per premises.
(b)
Identification signs identifying government or institutional uses, including schools, churches, hospitals, or similar uses, and clubs, lodges, farms, estates, residential developments, or similar uses.
[1]
Not more than two such signs shall be permitted per organization or use regardless of construction type.
[2]
The maximum dimensions for such a sign shall be as follows:
[a]
Freestanding sign: 12 square feet in area and six feet high.
[b]
Ground sign: 16 square feet in area and four feet high.
[c]
Wall sign: 12 square feet in area and 12 feet high.
B.
Office Residential Zoning District (OR) and Office Zoning District (OFF). The following regulations shall apply to signs in the Office Residential Zoning District (OR) and Office Zoning District (OFF):
(1)
For residential uses in these zoning districts, the standards of Subsection A of this section shall apply.
(2)
For nonresidential uses in these zoning districts, the following standards shall apply:
(a)
For single businesses on individual premises, one of the following signs shall be allowed per street frontage, which shall meet the following requirements:
[1]
Ground sign, not exceeding 24 square feet in area or six feet in height.
[2]
Freestanding sign, not exceeding 24 square feet in area or six feet in height.
[3]
Wall sign not exceeding 10% of the area of the building face or 24 square feet, whichever is less. Banners shall be tallied as part of the allowable area for wall signs and shall be limited in number to two.
[4]
Window sign not exceeding 12 square feet or a maximum of 25% of the glass area of the window, whichever is less.
[5]
Awning sign not exceeding 18 square feet in area.
(b)
Office buildings, office parks, or plazas containing more than one commercial or business establishment on a single premises:
[1]
Only one business directory sign shall be permitted per street frontage. Separate business directory signs shall not be permitted for individual businesses or subsets of businesses located collectively on a single premises.
[2]
Freestanding business directory signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area or 15 feet in height.
[3]
Ground business directory signs shall not exceed 24 square feet or six feet in height.
[4]
In addition to the collective business directory sign(s), a single individual business identification wall, window, or projecting sign is allowed for each business, provided that each sign does not exceed 16 square feet in area.
[5]
Banners shall be tallied as part of the allowable area for wall signs and shall be limited in number to two at any one time.
(c)
Temporary real estate signs shall not exceed one sign per street frontage and shall not exceed 16 square feet each.
C.
Commercial General Zoning District (CG). The following regulations shall apply to signs in the Commercial General Zoning District (CG):
(1)
For residential uses in this zoning district, the standards of Subsection A of this section shall apply.
(2)
Business signs in this zoning district shall be subject to the following standards:
(a)
Single businesses in an individual structure shall be allowed the following per street frontage:
[1]
Freestanding signs for individual businesses shall not exceed 36 square feet in area and 16 feet in height. One sign permitted.
[2]
Ground signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or six feet in height. One sign permitted.
[3]
The combination of all wall signs shall not exceed 15% of the area of the building face. The area encompassing the lettering on a canopy covering the outdoor service area of an automobile service station, fueling station, or similar use shall be counted towards the maximum allowable area for a wall sign.
[4]
Window signs shall not obscure more than 50% of the glass area.
[5]
Projecting signs and awning signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area. One of either type of sign is permitted.
(b)
Provisions for office buildings, office parks, or plazas containing more than one commercial or business establishment in a single structure:
[1]
Only one business directory sign shall be permitted per street frontage. Separate business directory signs shall not be permitted for individual businesses or subsets of businesses located collectively on a single premises.
[2]
Freestanding business directory signs shall not exceed 48 square feet in area or 18 feet in height.
[3]
Ground business directory signs shall not exceed 32 square feet or six feet in height.
[4]
Each business shall be allowed wall, window, projecting, awning and marquee signs as stipulated in Subsection C(2)(a).
(c)
Temporary real estate signs shall not exceed one sign per street frontage and shall not exceed 12 square feet each.
D.
Village Mixed-Use Zoning District (VMU). The following regulations shall apply to signs in the Village Mixed-Use Zoning District (VMU):
(1)
For residential uses, the standards of Subsection A of this section shall apply.
(2)
For nonresidential uses, the following standards shall apply:
(a)
For single businesses on individual premises, one of the following signs shall be allowed per street frontage, which shall meet the following requirements:
[1]
Ground sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area or four feet in height.
[2]
Freestanding sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area or six feet in height.
[3]
Wall sign not exceeding 10% of the area of the building face or 16 square feet, whichever is less.
[4]
Window sign not exceeding 12 square feet or a maximum of 25% of the glass area of the window, whichever is less.
[5]
Awning sign not exceeding 18 square feet in area.
(b)
Office buildings or plazas containing more than one commercial or business establishment on a single premises:
[1]
Only one business directory sign shall be permitted per street frontage. Separate business directory signs shall not be permitted for individual businesses or subsets of businesses located collectively on a single premises.
[2]
Freestanding business directory signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or eight feet in height.
[3]
Ground business directory signs shall not exceed 24 square feet or six feet in height.
[4]
In addition to the collective business directory sign(s), a single individual business identification wall, window, or projecting sign is allowed for each business provided that each sign does not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(c)
Temporary real estate signs shall not exceed one sign per street frontage and shall not exceed 16 square feet each.
E.
Downtown Zoning District (DT). The following regulations shall apply to signs in the Downtown Zoning District (DT):
(1)
The standards of Subsection D of this section shall apply, except that:
(a)
Ground and freestanding signs are not allowed.
(b)
Marquee sign shall not exceed 15% of the area of the building face.
F.
Industrial Zoning District (IND). The following regulations shall apply to signs in the Industrial Zoning District (IND):
(1)
For residential uses in this zoning district, the standards of Subsection A of this section shall apply.
(2)
For business signs in this zoning district, the standards of Subsection C of this section shall apply, except that:
(a)
Wall signs shall not exceed 75% of the area of the building face.
(b)
The area encompassing the lettering on a canopy covering the outdoor service area of an automobile service station, fueling station, or similar use shall be counted towards the maximum allowable area for a wall sign.
(3)
Temporary real estate signs shall not exceed one sign per street frontage and shall not exceed 16 square feet each.
G.
Off-premises signs and billboards. Off-premises signs and billboards shall be permitted only in the Industrial Zoning District (IND) and designated portions of the Commercial General Zoning District (CG) and no other zoning districts, and must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
Within the Commercial General District, off-premises signs and billboards shall be permitted only within 200 feet of State Street (SR-2014) southward of State Street, between Willow Street and the boundary with the Borough of Camp Hill.
(2)
Off-premises signs and billboards shall be located a minimum of 1,000 feet from either another off-premises sign or billboard that is greater than 75 square feet in area, or a designated historic district or structure. Separation shall be measured in a straight line between the closest points of the proposed off-premises sign or billboard and any existing off-premises sign or billboard that is greater than 75 square feet in area or a designated historic district or structure.
(3)
No off-premises sign shall be placed within 300 feet of any property line where such property is used as a residence.
(4)
Off-premises signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the right-of-way of a public street or a side or rear property line, provided that additional setback is not required to maintain required clear sight triangles.
(5)
Off-premises signs adjacent to SR-581 and I-83 shall not exceed 672 square feet and a maximum height of 35 feet in height from ground level.
(6)
Off-premises signs adjacent to other roadways in the Borough shall not exceed 300 square feet in area and a maximum height of 27 feet in height from ground level.
(7)
A minimum ground clearance of 12 feet shall be required for billboards, measured from the grade of the site.
H.
Gateway signs. Gateway signs shall be subject to the following standards:
(1)
Zoning districts and locations.
(a)
Gateway signs shall not be located in a residential zoning district.
(b)
Gateway signs shall only be permitted on a lot having lot frontage on, or abutting, an arterial or collector street.
(c)
Gateway signs shall not be located a distance greater than 500 feet from any point where an arterial or collector street right-of-way intersects a municipal boundary line of Lemoyne Borough, as measured along the right-of-way of a single street.
(d)
Gateway signs shall not be located a distance less than 1,000 feet from another Borough-designated gateway sign, when located along the right-of-way of a single street.
(e)
Gateway signs shall not be located a distance less than 50 feet from any property line where such property is used as a residence, as measured along the right-of-way of a single street.
(f)
Gateway signs shall not be located a distance greater than 40 feet from the right-of-way of an arterial or collector street.
(2)
Gateway signs shall comply with the regulations of §§ 550-58 and 550-59 of this article, unless otherwise regulated herein.
(3)
Sign area.
(a)
The maximum permitted sign area of the portion of the gateway sign devoted to any business advertised shall be 36 square feet, including the electronic message center.
(b)
The maximum permitted sign area of the nonelectronic message center portion of the gateway sign devoted to any business advertised shall be 12 square feet.
(c)
In computing the area of a multifaced gateway sign, where both sign faces are identical, and have an interior angle which is equal to or less than 90°, only one side shall be considered in measuring the sign area.
(d)
The total permitted sign area of a gateway sign shall exclude the portion of the sign that includes the "Welcome to Lemoyne" message, and is not devoted to advertising any business.
(e)
A minimum of 15 square feet of the gateway sign shall include the message "Welcome to Lemoyne." Small capital letters comprising the word "Lemoyne" must be at least eight inches tall, and capital letters comprising the words "Welcome to" must be at least six inches tall. All letters must be a gold metallic color and the font shall be Times New Roman. The "Welcome to Lemoyne" message must be on a blue (PMS 300C or RGB value 0, 94, 184) oval background encircled by trim matching the color of the letters mentioned above. Figure 550-8-5 depicts a compatible and desirable "Welcome to Lemoyne" message.
 Figure 550-8-5 Compatible and Desirable "Welcome to Lemoyne" Message Lemoyne, PA |
(4)
The maximum permitted height of a gateway sign structure shall be 11 feet.
(5)
Electronic message center. When an electronic message center is proposed as part of the gateway sign, the following standards shall apply:
(a)
The maximum permitted area of the electronic message center shall be 24 square feet.
(b)
Notwithstanding § 550-59J(8) of this article, for a multifaced gateway sign, where both sign faces are identical, and have an interior angle of which is equal to or less than 90°, there shall be one electronic message center permitted per sign face. Except as set forth above herein this subsection, there shall be no more than one electronic message center sign permitted per premises.
(c)
The owner of the gateway sign shall determine the sign's business message content. However, the electronic message center portion of a gateway sign shall display Borough of Lemoyne messages for a minimum of 20% of the time the electronic message center portion of the sign is illuminated.
(6)
The ratio of the total width of the base of the gateway sign structure to total height of the base of the gateway sign structure shall not be less than 1.2:1.
(7)
The portion of the sign saying "Welcome to Lemoyne" must be illuminated so it is visible throughout the night.
(8)
The base of the gateway sign structure shall be landscaped subject to the following standards:
(a)
For each visible sign face, the owner of the gateway sign shall provide landscaping equivalent to 1 1/2 square feet for each square foot of sign area (both faces).
(b)
Landscaping shall consist of a combination of ornamental grasses, small shrubs, and/or flowers. Turf grass shall not be considered as landscaping.
(9)
Prior to the issuance of a sign permit for the gateway sign, the gateway sign owner and the Borough shall enter into a legal agreement in a form approved by the Borough setting forth the terms and conditions of the Borough's use of the gateway sign. In the event the property and/or gateway sign undergo change of ownership, the agreement shall be updated to reflect the current owners of the property and/or gateway sign.
§ 550-63 Enforcement.
[Amended 10-11-2012 by Ord. No. 710]
A.
Revocation of a sign permit. The Zoning Officer shall revoke any sign permit if the sign, whether new or preexisting, is moved or otherwise altered, either intentionally or by natural forces, in a manner that causes the sign not to be in conformity with this Article VIII of this chapter. In the event of a violation of any of the foregoing provisions, the Zoning Officer shall give written notice specifying the violation to the current owner of the sign and the current owner of the land upon which the sign is erected to conform or to remove the sign. The sign shall be made to conform to the permit requirements within 30 days from the date of the notice, or the Zoning Officer shall revoke the sign permit, and the subject sign shall be removed by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises.
B.
Removal of a violating sign. After issuing an enforcement notice that complies with the MPC § 616.1, as amended,[1] the Zoning Officer shall have the power to, and may remove, cause to be removed, or order the removal of signs that are in violation of this Article VIII of this chapter. In such cases, a lien may be placed against the property on which such sign was situated in the amount of the costs incurred by the Borough in removing the sign. Removal shall take place in the following instances:
(1)
Unlawful signs. Any sign that has been unlawfully erected in violation of the provisions of this Article VIII of this chapter shall be removed upon written notice by the Zoning Officer to the owner, person, or firm maintaining the sign. The Borough may remove or cause to be removed such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee in the event that the terms of said notice have not been complied with within 14 days of the date of said notice.
(2)
Unsafe signs.
(a)
Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe and/or poses a potential threat to the safety of a building or premises or endangers the public safety, and such condition is known to the Zoning Officer, a written notice will be given to the owner of the premises that such sign must be made safe or removed within five days, unless the Zoning Officer shall deem appropriate a more extended period for compliance.
(b)
Where, in the opinion of the Zoning Officer upon careful inspection, any sign described herein which constitutes a hazard to public safety, or is in violation of this Article VIII of this chapter, he shall be empowered to take the measures he deems appropriate to correct, stabilize, or remove such sign with or without written notice to the owner of the premises or to the agent placing the sign.
(c)
Failure of the Zoning Officer to remove or require the removal of any sign as described in this section shall create no liability upon, nor any cause of action against, the Zoning Officer or any other Borough official or employee for damage or injury that may occur as a result of such sign.
(3)
Abandoned signs. Conforming and nonconforming signs that are abandoned pursuant to the definition of abandoned sign in Article II of this chapter relating to terms and definitions, and Article X of this chapter relating to nonconforming signs shall be removed by the party responsible for the erection and/or maintenance thereof within 30 days after notice of the abandonment to such party(s) by the Zoning Officer. If such party(ies) refuse or fail to remove such abandoned sign after the aforesaid notice, the Zoning Officer may remove the sign at the expense of the party(ies) responsible for the erection and/or maintenance thereof. Replacement of abandoned signs shall be in conformance with this Article VIII of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10616.1.
