Lower Macungie Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 22
SIGNS
§ 27-2201 Purpose.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
This Part recognizes that signs perform an important function by identifying residences and businesses and that minimum control of signs is necessary to promote the health, safety and general welfare by lessening hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, by preventing signs from reaching such excessive size that they obscure one another to the detriment of all concerned, and by securing certain fundamentals of design for the Township.
§ 27-2202 Permit Requirements for Signs.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Permit Required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs allowed in any zoning district except for signs listed in § 27-2209, Exempt Signs. All signs shall comply with the regulations of this chapter.
2.
Temporary Permit Required. A temporary zoning permit will be required for any sign erected and maintained by a developer on a tract of ground. Permits will be valid for six months, but may be renewed one time by the Zoning Officer. Such a sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall comply with § 27-1703.5, and all applicable provisions of this Part, to the extent not inconsistent with this section.
3.
Official Signs. Official signs utilized by governmental entities in the furtherance of their legitimate governmental functions are specifically exempt from the requirement of this Part.
§ 27-2203 Nonconforming Signs.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs. Any nonconforming sign which is damaged in excess of 25% of its cost of replacement or is removed shall be replaced only with a conforming sign. Legal nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting) provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. Wording may also be changed.
§ 27-2204 Construction and Design Guidelines.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Every sign permitted in this section must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated may be repaired or removed by the Township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located, after consultation with the Township Solicitor.
2.
Individually cut or channel letters are required on all signs in all districts. Cabinet wall and freestanding signs are prohibited in all commercial and industrial districts and in the East Texas Village (ETV-1, ETV-2 and ETV-3) Districts.
3.
Business logos are permitted, when combined with the business names, but shall not occupy more than 25% of the sign copy area and shall be made an integral part of the sign design and requirements.
4.
Wall signs may have individual, illuminated channel letters or solid, individual, illuminated channel letters, or solid individual letters that are backlit (halo-lit). External and indirect lighting consistent with the Lighting Ordinance is permitted in lieu of individually illuminated letters.
5.
All freestanding signs, including monument signs, if illuminated, must be a router and pushed through face type design or individual channel letters mounted to a face structure or body in which only the letters may be lit. The sign must also contain address numbers placed in position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with the background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numeral or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of six inches in height.
6.
Any type of sign regulated in this section that is abandoned and not advertising or announcing an active use or business, etc., for a period of more than three months shall be deemed not in compliance with this chapter and require adherence with all provisions of this Part for any future sign permit. This may include the replacement of existing signs with new signs, replacement or modification of lighting, etc., to the satisfaction of the Township.
§ 27-2205 Location.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The location for signs shall be governed by the following location requirements:
A.
No sign except official signs, name plate signs, public service signs (i.e., telephone), and directional signs shall be erected within two feet of, or project over, an existing street right-of-way.
B.
Freestanding business signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the existing street right-of-way.
D.
No sign except advertising, official, political or public service signs shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate.
E.
No sign shall be placed on any tree, public utility pole, official sign, rocks or other natural features.
F.
All signs erected in any zoning district except C-Commercial District shall comply with the side yard requirements for the district. A freestanding sign may be erected one foot from the side property line in the C-Commercial District if the abutting use is a commercial use. If not, the side yard requirement must be respected.
§ 27-2206 Illuminated Signs.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Signs may be Illuminated by Direct or Indirect Lighting. The lighting shall be arranged so that the source of any direct lighting is not visible off the lot and that only the sign is directly illuminated by the light. Lighting shall be shielded so no light will shine directly onto abutting properties or in the normal line of vision of the public using the streets.
2.
All illuminated signs, both digital and nondigital, may be illuminated from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., or until 1/2 hour past the close of the business of the facility being identified or advertised, whichever is later. A business or facility that is open 24 hours a day is not required to turn off their signage. (See LED requirements.)
§ 27-2207 Monument Signs.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Monument signs shall be allowed as a freestanding sign, subject to the following conditions:
A.
Signs such as changeable or LED signs are permitted only within a monument sign. Monument signs may also have static permanent traditional sign area instead.
B.
Monument signs shall only be permitted in the commercial districts, Commercial-Spring Creek, Industrial, Highway Enterprise, Highway Industrial-Spring Creek and Office, Research, Light Industrial Center (ORLIC) Districts and shall meet the requirements of § 27-2210.1.L unless otherwise noted in this section.
C.
Monument signs are permitted by special exception for all schools and places of worship.
D.
The permitted area of a monument sign with changeable or LED sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall have a maximum height of six feet and shall meet the applicable setback requirements of a freestanding sign found in § 27-2205.
E.
The permitted area of a monument sign for a residential subdivision or residential development entrance or gateway in any zoning district shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall have a maximum height of six feet and shall meet the applicable setback requirements of a freestanding sign found in § 27-2205.
F.
The monument sign shall be constructed from brick, stucco, stone or other related material and shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with the structures and/or buildings in the area and shall contain a landscaped island, formed around the sign and kept free of weeds, debris and trash.
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§ 27-2208 Temporary Signs.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following type signs are exempt from zoning permit requirements provided they do not create a traffic or fire hazard and shall comply with § 27-1703.5, are removed within 90 days, and conform to the sign requirements of this section.
A.
Up to two auction, yard or garage sale signs per event provided each does not exceed four square feet in area and are removed within 48 hours after the sale.
B.
Signs giving notice of the sale or rental of the property on which the sign is located provided they do not exceed 30 square feet in area, except that a maximum of six square feet shall apply to lots of less than three acres in a SR, S or U District. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after execution of an agreement of sale or rental.
C.
No signs shall be placed or displayed on Township property, nor any property or pole for which permission has not been received from the owner.
D.
Unless otherwise specified, temporary signs shall not exceed 40 square feet and shall be erected no more than 30 days before the event. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after completion of said work or event.
E.
Signs supporting civic, charitable, philanthropic, or nonprofit groups and organizations provided each does not exceed four square feet in area. Signs must be located outside the legal right-of-way of all roads and streets.
F.
Signs giving notice of events or activities being held by civic, charitable, philanthropic, or nonprofit groups and organizations provided each does not exceed four square feet in area. Such signs shall be erected no more than two weeks prior to the commencement of the event or activity being advertised and removed within 48 hours after the completion of the event or activity being advertised. Signs must be located outside the legal right-of-way of all roads and streets.
G.
Signs advertising or providing notice of a contractor's activity may be posted only on the property at which the work is being performed. These signs shall not be located in the right-of-way of any street or road and must be removed when the construction or other activity is complete.
H.
Temporary political signs may be displayed as permitted by Township ordinance or otherwise permitted by law.
§ 27-2209 Exempt Signs.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following types of signs are exempt from zoning permit requirements, as defined by § 27-2202, provided they comply with all applicable provisions of this Part, to the extent not inconsistent with this section.
A.
Official signs, utilized by governmental agencies in the furtherance of legitimate governmental functions and including signs and banners erected by a governmental body or under the direction of such body.
B.
Banners attached to light standards identifying a specific place or facility but may not contain advertising and shall not exceed four square feet.
C.
Identification signs not to exceed two square feet.
D.
Directional signs not to exceed four square feet.
E.
Memorial or historic markers when approved by the Planning Commission or the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
F.
Public service signs such as those advertising availability of restrooms, telephone, meeting times of service organizations or other similar public conveniences not to exceed two square feet.
H.
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises and signs prohibiting or controlling hunting and fishing upon the premises not to exceed two square feet.
I.
Signs physically carried by a person, which are not regulated in any way by this chapter.
J.
Home Occupation Signs. These signs are exempt from the permit requirements if they have a maximum total area of two square feet and are limited to one per lot or use, whichever is lesser.
§ 27-2210 Signs Prohibited in All Districts.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Banners, spinners, flags, pennants or any moving object used for commercial advertising purpose whether containing a message or not.
B.
Flashing, blinking, animated or moving signs of any type, except those portions of signs which indicate time and temperature changes. This section specifically regulates window signs and signs on mobile stands. This shall not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays in season.
C.
Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the roof or upon any structure which extends above the eaves of the roof of any building.
D.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor.
E.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
F.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color that they imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device, or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
G.
The outlining of the rooflines, doors, windows or wall edges by illuminated tubing or strings of lights for advertising purposes.
H.
Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing or blinking.
I.
Signs or displays that include words or images described in the definition of adult bookstore.
J.
Balloons of greater than three feet in diameter that are tethered to the ground or balloons primarily intended for advertising purposes.
L.
Signs, screens or displays which display words, images, graphics, designs or other visual information (or portions thereof) that change or appear to change more frequently than once each three minutes are prohibited in all districts and such signs, screens or displays shall show no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of light or sound, and no appearance of animation, movement or flow of the words, images, graphics, designs or other information displayed.
M.
Vehicular Signs. Vehicles which contain advertising and are parked in locations such as parking lots and vehicles that are located in all nonresidential zoning districts.
§ 27-2211 Signs and/or Structures Identifying Major Residential or Business Developments.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
When Allowed. Signs and/or structures described in this section may be allowed for residential subdivisions approved for 10 or more dwelling units or planned office, commercial or industrial developments. The location and design of such signs shall be included in the zoning permit application for the sign.
2.
Size and Number. Signs described in this section may have a maximum sign face area of 30 square feet and a maximum height of eight feet. These signs and/or structures may be located at up to three of the major entrances to the development from exterior streets. This sign area may be an addition to other sign area limits of this chapter.
3.
Durability. Such signs shall be designed to be of a durable nature requiring little maintenance.
4.
Message. Such signs may only include the overall name of the development and any logo.
5.
Landscaping. It is the intent of this section that such signs be attractively landscaped, with plants and shrubs requiring seasonal maintenance.
7.
Maintenance. The developer shall provide the Township with a maintenance agreement satisfactory to the Lower Macungie Township Board Commissioners insuring perpetual maintenance of such sign or insuring that such sign will be removed by the developer when the development is completed.
§ 27-2212 Area of Signs.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following regulations shall be used in computing the area of signs:
A.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background whether open or enclosed on which they are displayed but not including any supporting framework and bracing, which are incidental to the display itself.
B.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular shape, including the sign background, which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
C.
No Sign May Exceed Two Faces. In computing square foot area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical in size. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
§ 27-2213 Height of Signs.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Height of signs shall conform to attachment Exhibit B: Sign Height Table.
§ 27-2214 Signs Permitted in the A, R, SR, S and U Districts.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
2.
The following types of signs, and no others, may be permitted in all A, R, SR, S and U Districts for uses permitted by condition or by special exception, other than home occupations or accessory uses:
A.
One wall sign per structure not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building face on which it is visible, or 30 square feet, whichever is less.
B.
One freestanding sign not to exceed 24 square feet in area. No more than one freestanding sign per road frontage, provided the sign has decorative masonry, brick, stucco, stone or other related material on both sides and top. The sign shall be architecturally compatible with the structures or building on the property and shall contain a landscaped island formed around the sign and kept free of weeds, debris and trash.
(1)
Any of these signs that are to be associated with a proposed conditional or special exception use shall be reviewed and either be approved or denied at the same time that the conditional or special exception use is being reviewed. A condition of approval of any sign in these residential districts under this section shall be that it is compatible with adjacent land uses. The location and design of such sign shall be included in the application for conditional or special exception use.
3.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
4.
Home occupations, see § 27-2209.1.J.
§ 27-2215 Signs Permitted in Village Overlay, East Texas Village Districts and Wescosville Commercial District.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following types of signs are permitted in all VO-Village Overlay, WC-Wescosville Commercial and East Texas Village (ETV-1, ETV-2 and ETV-3) Districts.
D.
Signs in accordance with the following regulations:
(1)
Wall or Window Signs. One or more signs shall be permitted with a total area of one square foot per two feet of linear building frontage, with a total area not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building face on which the sign is located.
(2)
On-Premises Freestanding Sign. One square foot of sign for one foot of linear road frontage along one adjacent public street (excluding alleys), and not to exceed 25 square feet, provided that the sign has decorative masonry, brick, stucco, stone or other related material on both sides and top. The sign shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with the structures or building on the property or in the center and shall contain a landscaped island formed around the sign and kept free of weeds, debris and trash. In the WC Zone, the sign may be up to 50 square feet.
§ 27-2216 Signs Permitted in Commercial Districts.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following types of signs are permitted in the Commercial and C-SC-Commercial-Spring Creek Districts:
C.
Signs in accordance with the following regulations:
(1)
Wall or Window Signs. One or more signs shall be permitted with a total area of one square foot per two feet of linear building frontage, with a total area not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building face on which the sign is located.
(2)
On-Premises Freestanding Sign. One square foot of sign for one foot of linear road frontage along one adjacent public street (excluding alleys), and not to exceed 80 square feet, provided that the sign has decorative masonry, brick, stucco, stone or other related material on both sides and top. The sign shall be designated to be architecturally compatible with the structures or building on the property or in the center and shall contain a landscaped island formed around the sign and kept free of weeds, debris and trash.
2.
Signs on Mobile Stands.
A.
Intent. These standards recognize a sign on a mobile stand as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign, but that is inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section is based on the policy that if a use desires to display a sign for changing messages, that it erect a permanent sign within all of the requirements of this chapter.
B.
Standards for signs on mobile stands (see § 27-2208).
(1)
Signs on mobile stands shall be permitted only in the C District.
(2)
Only one mobile sign shall be permitted per lot.
(3)
Permit. The display of signs on mobile stands shall require a zoning permit to ensure their use only as a temporary sign and shall not be placed for a period of more than 20 days, two times per calendar year.
(4)
No sign on a mobile stand shall be placed so that it causes a hazard to traffic; nor shall it be placed within an existing or future street right-of-way; nor shall it violate the provisions of § 27-1703.5.
(5)
No sign on a mobile stand shall include a flashing or blinking light.
C.
Applicability. The standards of this section shall apply to all signs on mobile stands that are placed for display to the public after this chapter goes into effect. These standards shall also apply to all signs on mobile stands that currently exist in the Township for which a permit under § 27-2208.2 has not been granted within 90 days after the enactment of this chapter.
§ 27-2217 Signs Permitted in Industrial, Highway Commercial, Highway Enterprise, HI-SC, and ORLIC Districts.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following types of signs are permitted in all I-Industrial, HC-Highway Commercial, HE-Highway Enterprise, HI-SC-Highway Industrial Spring Creek, and ORLIC Districts:
D.
Wall or Window Signs. One or more signs shall be permitted with a total area of one square foot per two feet of linear building frontage, with a total area not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building face on which the sign is located.
E.
On-Premises Freestanding Sign. One square foot of sign for one foot of linear road frontage along one adjacent public street (excluding alleys), and not to exceed 150 square feet, provided that the sign has decorative masonry, brick, stucco, stone or other related material on both sides and top. The sign shall be architecturally compatible with the structures or building on the property or in the center and shall contain a landscaped island formed around the sign and shall be kept free of weeds, debris and trash.
2.
The following type of signs is permitted only in the HE-Highway Enterprise District:
A.
Billboard. Subject to all other terms applicable to billboards, one such sign with a total area not to exceed 360 square feet may be placed on a lot in single and separate ownership except that another billboard of the same or smaller display area may be erected on each street frontage of any single and separate lot of record which streets are among the following: highways or arterial streets, as defined in this chapter.
3.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
§ 27-2218 Approval of Signs Associated With Proposed Conditional Uses and Special Exception Uses.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
Any of the signs in §§ 27-2206 through and including 27-2219 that are to be associated with a proposed conditional or special exception use shall be reviewed and either be approved or denied at the same time that the conditional or special exception use is being reviewed. A condition of such approval shall be compatibility with adjacent land uses.
§ 27-2219 Advertising Signs (Including Billboards).
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
See, also § 27-2406.1.C, "Advertising Signs (Including Billboards)."
A.
Advertising signs are only permitted by conditional use and only in the HE District.
B.
Billboards shall only be permitted as principal uses and shall be the only principal use upon the lot.
C.
Advertising signs shall be limited to two display faces per structure. The maximum sign display area is 360 square feet per display face for a total maximum display area of 720 square feet.
D.
An advertising sign structure may contain only one sign or advertisement per display face.
E.
There shall be a minimum distance of 500 feet between advertising signs.
F.
Advertising signs shall not be permitted within 100 feet of an A, R, SR, S, or U District.
G.
Advertising signs shall not be permitted within 100 feet of any residential use, no matter in which district it is located.
H.
Advertising signs shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from any existing street right-of-way line.
I.
The top of an advertising sign shall not be higher than 35 feet above ground level. The bottom shall be a minimum of seven feet above ground level.
J.
All advertising signs shall conform to the International Code Council building, electrical and other applicable codes.
K.
Mobile or transportable advertising signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
L.
Advertising signs may only be illuminated using internal lights or external light fixtures that are installed and/or aimed so that they do not project their output at neighboring residences, adjacent uses, skyward, or onto a roadway. All artificially lit signs shall be located, designed, fitted, and maintained so as not to present a hazard to drivers or pedestrians by impairing their ability to safely traverse (i.e., blinding or disabling glare), and so as not to create a nuisance by projecting or reflecting objectionable light onto a neighboring use or property. All lights shall be controlled by automatic timers and shall not be on between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. of the following day.
M.
No revolving or electronic advertising signs, including, but not limited to, flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination, signs with moving parts, or signs with mechanically or electronically changing messages or images, shall be permitted.
N.
All Advertising Signs shall be Maintained in Good Condition. The structural components of the sign shall be maintained to ensure their integrity and to prevent the possible collapse of the sign. Any damage to the structural components shall be repaired within 24 hours. The face of the sign shall be blank or shall show the full advertisement. Signs having ripped, defaced, or partial advertisements shall be immediately repaired by having the advertisement restored to its original condition, removed, or covered.
O.
Each advertising sign subject to this section shall also be subject to the other provisions of this chapter pertaining to advertising signs, which provisions are incorporated herein by reference.
P.
Advertising signs (including billboards) which display words, images, graphics, designs or other visual information (or portion thereof) that changes or appears to change more frequently than once each two minutes are not permitted and shall show no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of light and no animation, movement or flow of words, images, graphics, designs or other information displayed.