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Lower Merion Township
City Zoning Code

ARTICLE IX

Sign Standards

§ 155-9.1 Applicability.

The following regulations shall apply to all signs erected, altered, or maintained after the effective date of this article, and shall exclude governmental/regulatory signs.

§ 155-9.2 Legislative intent.

It is the intent of this article to regulate all signs within Lower Merion Township to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare. In addition, it is the intent of this article to:
A. 
Encourage sign design that upholds the visual environment and aesthetic quality that the Township seeks to promote and conforms to the architectural context of the surrounding buildings, thus preserving the right of citizens to enjoy the Township's scenic features and viewsheds.
B. 
Ensure that signs are adequate, but not excessive, for the intended purpose of identification or advertisement.
C. 
Support and enhance the pedestrian environment.
D. 
Prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, illumination, and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
E. 
Reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of sign regulations by placing reasonable limits on the size, total number, separation from other signs, height, safety, and other similar aspects of signs in order to minimize possible adverse impacts on nearby public and private property, including roadways.

§ 155-9.3 General regulations.

A. 
Signs are regulated by district and according to Table 9.1, Permitted Sign Locations and Permit Types, and § 155-9.8, District specific signs.
B. 
A permit is required for the erection, relocation, reconstruction or refabrication of all signs, except for those which are specifically exempted, provided that they are otherwise in compliance with this article.
C. 
Illuminated signs are prohibited, except where specified in this article. Illumination shall adhere to the following:
(1) 
Illumination is limited to:
(a) 
External illumination, lit from above.
(b) 
Internal illumination, limited to halo-lit or backlit channel letters, icons, and logos.
(c) 
Electronic message signs.
(d) 
Digital displays.
(2) 
External lighting sources to illuminate signs shall be shielded from any street right-of-way.
(3) 
Glare which is determined to be hazardous or distracting to pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties is prohibited.
(4) 
Sign lighting shall comply with the Energy Code adopted under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
D. 
Sign location.
(1) 
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view of or interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(2) 
No sign may occupy a vehicular sight triangle, as determined by the Township's Traffic Safety Department.
(3) 
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines and equipment.
(4) 
No sign shall extend closer than one foot to the vertical edge of a building corner, or to the fascia, roofline or parapet.
(5) 
All signs shall provide the following vertical clearance except where specified otherwise:
(a) 
A minimum of nine feet over pedestrianways.
(b) 
A minimum of 13.5 feet over vehicular travel ways and parking aisles.
(6) 
Signs may not be located in or project into the public right-of-way unless permitted as described in this article or Article III.
E. 
Measurement of sign height.
(1) 
Height is measured from finished mean grade to the top of the sign.
F. 
Allowable sign area.
(1) 
The maximum cumulative sign area shall not exceed 1.5 square feet for every one linear foot of building frontage, per lot. Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three dimensional or irregularly shaped objects, shall have a sign area of the sum of two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest cube encompassing the sign or object.
(2) 
The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by the sign type as determined by Table 9.2, General Sign Type Standards and Regulations.
(3) 
Measurement of sign area shall be determined as follows:
(a) 
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording, accompanying designs, logos, and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed, whether open or enclosed. The area of a sign shall not include any supporting framework, bracing, or trim which is incidental to the display, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording, or symbols.
(b) 
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning/canopy, wall, window, or freestanding structure, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs, and symbols.
(c) 
Signs may be double-sided.
[1] 
On-premises sign. Only the larger of the two sign faces shall be used as the basis for calculating the sign area if the interior angle formed by the faces is less than or equal to 45° and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart.
[2] 
Off-premises sign. Both sides shall be calculated in the sign area.
(d) 
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or banner, the measurement of sign area is taken when the elements are fully extended.
G. 
Fabrication techniques.
(1) 
When located in an historic district or associated with a Class 1 or Class 2 building, installation shall not damage or require removal of historic materials, and shall be done in a manner such that signs can be removed without harm to the masonry or architectural detailing.
(2) 
All conduit, conductors, transformers, ballasts, and other equipment shall be concealed.
(3) 
All attachment hardware shall be of corrosion-resistant material.
(4) 
Signs shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone or other similar composite material with painted, engraved or raised messages, with the exception of temporary signs, manual changeable copy signs, channel letters, and awnings and canopy signs.
(5) 
Sign makers' logos, labels, or other identification is prohibited.
(6) 
Vinyl applied copy is prohibited except for window signs and manual changeable copy signs where permitted in Table 9.2.
(7) 
Every sign shall be constructed of durable materials; shall be structurally safe and erected or installed in strict accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; and shall be maintained in safe condition and good repair at all times so that all sign information is clearly legible.

§ 155-9.4 Sign regulations by type.

Signs types are regulated according to Table 9.1, Permitted Sign Locations and Permit Types, and Table 9.2, General Sign Type Standards and Regulations.

§ 155-9.5 Permit exempt signs.

A. 
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number or area of permanent signs allowed on a property, provided that such signs comply with all applicable regulations in Article IX, Sign Standards, as well as the general regulations in § 155-9.3, General regulations. However, no exempt signs may project into the right-of-way of any public or private road, except for a governmental sign, and except for temporary signs authorized by Chapter 133, Streets and Sidewalks, § 133-2.1, Temporary signs with the public right-of-way.
B. 
Signs shall follow the standards according to Table 9.2, General Sign Type Standards and Regulations.
(1) 
Official traffic signs.
(2) 
Governmental/regulatory signs.
(3) 
Public service signs which only advertise the public service provided on the property where the sign is located.
(4) 
"No trespassing" or similar on-premises signs, provided that no sign shall exceed one square foot in sign area or be placed at intervals of less than 150 feet, or in accordance with state law.
(6) 
Memorial signs.
(7) 
Seasonal and holiday decorations.
(8) 
Address or nameplate signs.
(9) 
Signs which are permanent architectural features of a building or structure existing as of the effective date of this article.
(10) 
Flags.
(11) 
Art and murals, provided that such signs do not contain any commercial messaging.

§ 155-9.6 Prohibited signs.

Except as may be expressly allowed or exempted elsewhere in this chapter, the following signs are prohibited:
A. 
Abandoned signs.
B. 
Any sign which by color, shape or location imitates, resembles, interferes with, or obstructs official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
C. 
Any off-premises sign, except as may be provided for within this article.
D. 
Any portable sign, except A-frame sidewalk signs.
E. 
Any sign erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent.
F. 
Any sign that creates a clear and present danger to life, safety or welfare, as determined by the Director of Building and Planning or the Superintendent of Police.
G. 
Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required exitway.
H. 
Any sign which uses an intermittent light or lights, including flashing lights, beacon lights, strobe lights, rotating beacons, chasing lights, or zip lights, including electronically controlled copy changes.
I. 
Any illuminated tubing or strings of lights which outline rooflines, doors, windows, wall edges or rows of vehicles when used for advertising purposes, with the exception of temporary seasonal lights. Temporary lights shall cease to be operated within 60 days of installation.
J. 
Any pennant strings, balloons or other inflatable objects, and streamers.
K. 
Any snipe sign.
L. 
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
M. 
Interactive signs.
N. 
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
O. 
Inflatable signs or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
P. 
Vehicular signs.
Q. 
Any sign which exhibits statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects.
R. 
Any sign inconsistent with the provisions of this article.
S. 
Any sign that emits smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor, or contains open flames.

§ 155-9.7 Nonconforming signs; signs on nonconforming use premises.

A. 
The total area of all signs relating to a single use existing at the effective date of this article or at the effective date of any amendment by which the sign shall be made nonconforming shall not be increased.
B. 
Any sign in existence at the time this article becomes effective which is not in conformance with the provisions as set forth herein may be repainted or relettered. If a nonconforming sign is removed, replaced, resized, or if more than 25% of the sign frame or support structure is removed or replaced, it must be made to conform to the provisions of this article.
C. 
Multitenant properties with total approved existing sign area that becomes nonconforming as a result of a decrease in the permissible sign area for each linear foot of building frontage may replace individual signs, provided that the area of the replacement sign is no larger than that permitted using the following calculations:
(1) 
The existing building frontage and total approved existing sign area for the lot shall be calculated.
(2) 
The percentage determined by dividing the currently permitted sign area by the total approved existing sign area shall be calculated.
(3) 
The area of any subsequently erected replacement sign must not exceed the previously approved area of such sign multiplied by the percentage determined under § 155-9.7C(2).
(4) 
No new sign may be erected as a result of the expansion in the linear frontage of a building unless the total sign area on the lot conforms to the requirements of Article IX.
Table 9.1. Permitted Sign Locations and Permit Types
[Amended 7-19-2023 by Ord. No. 4275]
Key:
PR: Permit required
E: Exempt (no permit required)
(T): Temporary
Sign Type
LDR
MDR
VC
TC
NC
I
LI
RHR
BMV
Table Number
Address
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
9.2.L
A-frame (T)
E
E
E
E
E
E
9.2.Q
Awning
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.A
Banner (T)
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.R
Canopy
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.B
Corner
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.C
Development (T)
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
9.2.S
Directional
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
9.2.M
Freestanding pole
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.D
Flag signs
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
9.2.N
Freestanding ground/monument
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.E
Home occupation
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.P
Marquee
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.F
Off-premises sign
PR
9.2.J
Projecting
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.G
Personal expression signs
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
9.2.U
Real estate (T)
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
9.2.T
Security/warning
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
9.2.O
Wall
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.H
Wall plaque
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.K
Window
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
9.2.I
NOTES:
Not permitted signs are gray.
Additional district-specific standards can be found in § 155-9.8.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
A.
Awning Sign
Description
A sign painted on, printed on, or applied to a nonstructural covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning can be fixed in place or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.
General Sign Type Stds and Regs.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
8 feet minimum - 15 feet maximum in compliance with § 155-3.6D(1)
n/a
25% of the area of the sloped plane
12 inches for vertical plane
Regulations
(1)
An awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
(2)
Shall meet the requirements of § 155-3.6, Projections.
(3)
Shall not exceed 30 feet in horizontal width.
(4)
Only one emblem or logo is permitted on an awning.
(5)
May project into the public right-of-way to within six feet of the curb and shall comply with § 155-3.6D(1).
(6)
Awning signs mounted on a multitenant building shall be similar in terms of height and projection across all tenants in the building.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
B.
Canopy Sign
Description
A sign that is part of, or attached to, a canopy.
Canopy Sign.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
8 feet minimum - 15 feet maximum in compliance with § 155-3.6E(1)
1 per entry
40 square feet maximum per sign
18 inches
Regulations
(1)
A canopy without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
(2)
Shall meet the requirements of § 155-3.6, Projections.
(3)
Shall not exceed 30 feet in horizontal width.
(4)
Only one emblem or logo is permitted on a canopy.
(5)
May project into building setback to within six feet of the curb and shall comply with § 155-3.6E(1).
(6)
Canopy signs mounted on a multitenant building shall be similar in terms of height and projection across all tenants in the building.
(7)
Canopy signs may be affixed to the sides or front face of the canopy.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
C.
Corner Sign
Description
Corner Sign.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
n/a
1 per building corner
40 square feet
18 inches
Regulations
(1)
Corner signs may not extend above eaves or parapets.
(2)
A maximum projection of no more than 2 feet is permitted.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
D.
Freestanding Pole Sign
Description
A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground; and is not supported by a building or a base structure
Freestanding Pole Sign.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
15 feet maximum
1 per parcel
40 square feet
18 inches
Regulations
(1)
Shall provide a minimum clearance of 10 feet.
(2)
Shall have a minimum setback of 5 feet from the right-of-way to the edge of the sign.
(3)
Shall only be externally illuminated or internally illuminated by channel letters.
(4)
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
E.
Freestanding Ground/Monument Sign
Description
A freestanding sign that is permanently supported by an internal structural framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features (also known as a "ground sign")
Monument Sign.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
4 feet maximum for 1 or 2 tenants or up to 8 feet maximum for 3 or more tenants
1 per street frontage
20 square feet for 1 or 2 tenants and 40 square feet for 3 or more tenants
18 inches
Regulations
(1)
Maximum clearance to the bottom of the sign is one foot.
(2)
Shall have a minimum setback of 5 feet from the right-of-way.
(3)
The width of the top of the sign structure may be no more than 120% of the width of the base.
(4)
May be externally illuminated or internally illuminated by channel letters.
(5)
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
F.
Marquee Sigh
Description
A sign attached to a marquee.
Marquee Sign.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
n/a
1 per frontage
75 square feet
24 inches
Regulations
(1)
May be externally illuminated or internally illuminated by channel letters.
(2)
May project into the public right-of-way; however, no closer than six feet from the curb.
(3)
Shall only be located above the principal public entrance along a frontage.
(4)
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
G.
Projecting Sign
Description
A double-sided sign which is mounted perpendicular to a building's facade.
Projecting Sign .tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
n/a
1 per tenant
9 square feet per side
8 inches
Regulations
(1)
Shall have a minimum separation of 15 feet from another projecting sign.
(2)
May project up to four feet from the building wall.
(3)
Supports shall be affixed to a building facade and shall not obstruct upper story windows or openings.
(4)
May project into the public right-of-way; however, no closer than six feet from the curb.
(5)
Only channel letters may be internally illuminated.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
H.
Wall Sign
Description
A sign erected against or painted on the wall of any building, displayed on windows or doors.
Wall Sign.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
n/a
1 per tenant per storefront
40 square feet maximum per sign
18 inches or 30 inches if over 40 feet from ROW
REGULATIONS
(1)
Shall not extend above a cornice, wall, parapet wall or building façade.
(2)
May not obstruct windows or other building openings.
(3)
Only channel letters may be internally illuminated.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
I.
Window Sign
Description
A sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or placed inside a window, within three feet of the glass, facing the outside of the building, and easily seen from the outside.
Window Sign.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
n/a
n/a
10% of window
n/a
Regulations
(1)
The following window signs are permitted:
(a)
Letters painted directly on the window
(b)
Nonilluminated hanging signs hung behind the glass.
(c)
Vinyl applique letters applied to the window. Appliques shall consist of individual letters or graphics with no visible background.
(2)
Window signs shall not obscure the interior view.
(3)
Window signs shall not be lit except as below.
(a)
Neon signs within window displays shall be limited to one per window opening, maximum coverage of 10% of the window size, and no flashing.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
J.
Off-Premises Sign
Description
A sign which advertises a use not located on the premises on which the sign is located.
Off Premises Sign.tif
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
20 feet minimum; 35 feet maximum
n/a
675 square feet
48 inches
Regulations
(1)
Sign shall not be mounted to the facade of any building.
(2)
Illumination shall be allowed only upon grant of a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
The illumination of off-premises signs within 500 feet of a residential zoning district or residential use shall not be permitted.
(b)
All illumination shall be external, shielded, and shall be mounted directly above each illuminated face of the off-premises sign.
(c)
The location, luminaire type, wattage, and illumination patterns, and the means of control shall be specified. The lighting shall be designed to prevent the direct off-site transmission of light directly from the light source, to shield the source of illumination and to prevent glare as viewed from off-site.
(d)
The source of illumination shall be screened from view from vehicles on adjacent roadways and from adjacent properties.
(e)
No light source emanating from behind, within or on the face of the off-premises sign shall be permitted.
(f)
Rotating, flashing, pulsing, moving or oscillating light sources, lasers, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs, beacons or strobe lighting shall not be permitted.
(3)
Separation.
(a)
The minimum distance between off-premises signs and any LDR, MDR, VC, TC, and CAD District is 500 feet.
(b)
The minimum distance between off-premises signs is 1,500 feet.
(c)
The minimum distance between any off-premises sign and the entrance or exit ramp or merging traffic lane of any limited access highway is 1,000 feet.
(d)
Obstruction. No off-premises sign shall overhang a public or private right-of-way nor shall it interfere with a 200-foot line of sight in any direction at an intersection.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
K.
Wall Plaque Sign
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
5 feet maximum
1 per entry
6 square feet
6 inches
Regulations
(1)
Shall not project more than 3 inches from the building.
(2)
May be internally illuminated.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
L.
Address Sign
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
5 feet maximum
1 per frontage
3 square feet per sign face in LDR and 5 square feet in all other districts
n/a
Regulations
(1)
Address signs shall be provided with a minimum of one at the main entry.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
M.
Directional Sign
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
5 feet maximum
1 per direction point per parcel
4 square feet
n/a
Regulations
(1)
Permitted only in VC, TC, RHR, I, CAD
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
N.
Flag Sign
Description
Signage on a flag advertising a business or use.
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
n/a
2
15 square feet
n/a
Regulations
(1)
Not permitted in LDR and MDR Districts.
(2)
Shall be spaced a minimum 50 feet apart.
(3)
Feather/flutter flags are not permitted.
(4)
No freestanding or ground-mounted installation for flag signs.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
O.
Security/Warning Sign
Description
Sign displaying restrictions associated with the property.
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
n/a
1 per frontage
1 square foot
n/a
Regulations
(1)
Shall not project more than 3 inches from the building.
(2)
May be internally illuminated.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
P.
Home Occupation Sign
Description
Sign advertising a home business.
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
n/a
1 per parcel
1 square foot
n/a
Regulations
(1)
Historic home occupation is limited to 2 square feet of sign area.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
Q.
A-Frame Sidewalk (Temporary) Sign
Description
A type of freestanding, portable sign consisting of two faces connected and hinged at the top and whose message is targeted to pedestrians (also known as a "sandwich board" sign).
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
3.5 feet minimum
1 per ground floor tenant
8.75 square feet
n/a
Regulations
(1)
May be located in the public right-of-way and shall be no closer than three feet from the curb and shall maintain a minimum clear pedestrian pathway of four feet.
(2)
May only be displayed during business hours.
(3)
Shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds. A-frame signs must be taken in during inclement weather.
(4)
Illumination of any A-frame sign is prohibited.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
R.
Banner (Temporary)
Description
A sign consisting of cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material attached to a structure, pole, rope, wire, or framing which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners are temporary in nature and do not include flag signs.
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
10 feet minimum
1 per parcel
25 square feet
18 inches
Regulations
(1)
Shall be spaced a minimum of 20 feet from each other.
(2)
May be erected for a period of time not to exceed 30 cumulative days in a calendar year.
(3)
Limited to two permits per parcel per 12-month period.
(4)
Shall be removed within 14 days of the end of occupancy, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
S.
Development Sign (Construction) (Temporary)
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
6 feet maximum
1 per frontage
10 square feet
12 inches
Regulations
(1)
May not be erected until final approval of the development by the Board of Commissioners and shall be removed upon completion of active work. Active work shall be interpreted by the Director of Building and Planning.
(2)
Shall be removed within 14 days of the end of occupancy, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.
(3)
Shall not be located within a public right-of-way.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
T.
Real Estate Sign(Temporary)
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
5 feet maximum
1 per frontage
6 square feet
12 inches
Regulations
(1)
Shall be removed upon transfer of the property.
(2)
Shall not be located within a public right-of-way.
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
U.
Personal Expression Sign
Description
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest, position, or other noncommercial message.
Height
Number (maximum)
Sign Area (maximum)
Copy Height (maximum)
5 feet maximum
n/a
12 square feet
n/a
Regulations
(1)
May not be commercial in nature.
(2)
Shall not be illuminated.

§ 155-9.8 District specific signs.

A. 
Signs in the CAD.
(1) 
In the CAD District, the regulations of Article IX shall apply except where otherwise specifically provided for in this section.
(2) 
Maximum signage square footage.
(a) 
The total area of all types of signage for each building shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of building frontage facing a public street.
(b) 
The total area of all flush-mounted and awning signage for each retail tenant shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of linear building frontage. In all cases, individual signs are limited in square footage, as described in the following guidelines.
(3) 
Fabrication techniques.
(a) 
No exposed conduit, tubing, or raceways will be permitted.
(b) 
All conductors, transformers, ballasts, and other equipment shall be concealed.
(c) 
All attachment hardware, bolts, and clips shall be of corrosion-resistant materials to prevent staining of building surfaces.
(d) 
Formed plastic, injection-molded, or easily damaged signage materials are not permitted.
(e) 
No sign makers' labels or other identification will be permitted on the exposed surface of signs.
(f) 
Awnings must be constructed from fabric (real or synthetic) and be made of weather-resistant material.
(4) 
Prohibited signs and conditions. The following signs are not permitted:
(a) 
Backlit or internally illuminated awnings.
(b) 
Translucent internally illuminated sign faces with a backlit background.
(5) 
Flush-mounted signage. For letters or marks mounted parallel to the building's facade that are either mounted as individual letters or contained in a sign panel, the following standards shall apply:
(a) 
Maximum area of sign: 65 square feet per sign.
(b) 
Number of signs: one per tenant per street front. Where a building faces both a street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
(c) 
Mounting height: twenty-foot maximum, provided that it is below the sill line of the second floor windows.
(d) 
Depth of sign: Wall signs must not project more than 12 inches from the building wall.
(e) 
Methods of illumination shall include:
[1] 
Natural lighting.
[2] 
Externally lit from above.
[3] 
Halo-lit or backlit letters.
(6) 
Blade and shingle signage. A shingle sign is mounted perpendicular to a building's facade, is typically suspended beneath an armature, and is able to swing from the axis of the pole. A blade sign is typically mounted directly to the building facade using a rigid mounting bracket. The following standards shall apply:
(a) 
Maximum area of sign: 20 square feet.
(b) 
Number of signs: one per ground floor establishment, plus one for any public building entrance not serving a ground floor establishment.
(c) 
Mounting height: twenty-foot maximum, provided that it is below the sill line of the second floor windows and is a minimum of 10 feet above grade or sidewalk.
(d) 
Maximum projection from building face: five feet.
(7) 
Banner signage: fabric or rigid material mounted with use of poles, typically oriented perpendicular to the building facade.
(a) 
Area of banner: less than or equal to 25 square feet.
(b) 
Banners shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart, and centered within architectural elements.
(c) 
Projection. Banners shall not project more than three feet into the public right-of-way. Such banners shall not project into the cartway and shall be located a minimum of two feet six inches from the face of the curb.
(d) 
Mounting height. The bottoms of banners shall be mounted at least 14 feet above grade or sidewalk to avoid intrusion into blade sign or awning zone, and are not to extend beyond the third story of the building.
(e) 
Only one banner sign is permitted per retail storefront.
(8) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
The sign must be a monument sign with a maximum height of eight feet unless it can be demonstrated that a higher sign is required to avoid a site obstruction that would create an unsafe condition.
(b) 
Maximum area of sign: 50 square feet.
(c) 
Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted for each lot street frontage.
(9) 
Upper level corporate or building identification signs: upper level corporate or building identification signage mounted on the facade of a building, and designed to be seen from a distance.
(a) 
Such signs shall be limited to the following content only:
[1] 
A corporate logo; or
[2] 
The name of the company or building.
(b) 
Such signs shall be limited to individual three-dimensional letters, representing the name of the company or building or three-dimensional corporate logo.
(c) 
Such signs shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
(d) 
Total area of such signs shall not exceed 200 square feet in area.
(e) 
Such signs may only be mounted to the top floor of a building exceeding 100 feet in height.
(10) 
Awnings and canopies. Awnings and canopies are roof-like structures, above storefront windows or entries, sometimes containing a mark or signature of a tenant. The following standards shall apply:
(a) 
Length. Awnings and canopies shall not exceed 30 feet in horizontal length and shall be centered within architectural elements, such as doors or columns.
(b) 
Projection. Awnings and canopies shall not project more than five feet into the public right-of-way, except where located above a main building or store entrance facing a public sidewalk, in which case the maximum projection shall not exceed 10 feet. All awnings and canopies must be a minimum of three feet from the curbline.
(c) 
Mounting height. The bottom of awnings and canopies shall be at least eight feet above grade or sidewalk, except in the case of a movable valance which may be seven feet above grade or sidewalk.
(d) 
Illumination: natural lighting only; backlit awnings are not permitted.
(e) 
Design. On multitenant facades, awning heights, projections and style shall be similar. Logo or tenant mark shall be limited to the valance of an awning, or the front plane of the canopy.
(f) 
Fabrication. Awnings and canopies shall be made of fire-resistant canvas.
(g) 
All ground floor awnings and canopies or those that project into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
(h) 
Fixed awnings may be used above the ground floor, provided that they project no more than four feet maximum.
(11) 
Wall plaques. Wall plaques are small, pedestrian-oriented informative signs that may convey information, such as hours of operation, or take the form of directories, menu cases, or convey historical building information. The following standards shall apply:
(a) 
Area of sign: up to six square feet in area, not projecting more than three inches from a building wall.
(b) 
Number of signs: two per usable entry.
(c) 
Mounting height: five feet on center above grade or sidewalk.
(d) 
Illumination: Natural lighting only is permitted, except for menu cases, which may be internally lit.
(12) 
Street address plaque. This is a plaque mounted to the side of a building at pedestrian level, or dimensional letter mounted above the door conveying at the minimum the numerical street address of the building. The following standards shall apply:
(a) 
Area of sign: less than or equal to three square feet in area.
(b) 
Number of signs: minimum of one located at the main entry to the building.
(c) 
Mounting height: either five feet on center for wall-mounted signs on the side of a building, or horizontally centered above door(s) or on the sides of a canopy. Numerals mounted over doors, or on canopies shall be no less than eight inches high, and no more than 12 inches high.
(d) 
Illumination. Natural lighting only is permitted, except for halo-lit or backlit letters.
(13) 
Permanent storefront window graphics. These are permanent window graphics with the tenant's mark or hours of operation. The following standards shall apply:
(a) 
Area of sign. Window signs shall not obscure the interior view of a retail establishment and shall be no greater than 10% of the available window space.
B. 
Signs in the Medical Center District (MC) and the Bryn Mawr Medical District (BMMD).
(1) 
Permitted signage. In the MC District and the BMMD, the regulations of Article IX shall apply except where otherwise specifically provided for in this section.
(a) 
Freestanding signs, provided that:
[1] 
The area of any such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
[2] 
Such sign shall not exceed a height of 10 feet above existing grade. Standing signs in the required perimeter setback in the MCD and the front yard setback in the BMMD shall not exceed a height of six feet above existing grade.
[3] 
No more than one freestanding sign shall be placed in the required perimeter setback in the MCD unless such premises fronts on more than one primary street, in which case one freestanding sign may be permitted for each such street frontage. In a BMMD, the maximum number of freestanding signs in the required front yard setback shall be limited to one sign for each street frontage plus one site identity sign.
[4] 
Freestanding signs may not be internally illuminated.
[5] 
The maximum number of freestanding signs shall be limited to one sign for each principal building, plus one sign for each street frontage with an ingress and egress driveway.
[6] 
Freestanding signs advertising specific buildings shall be within 50 feet of the buildings listed on the sign.
(b) 
Wall signs, provided that:
[1] 
No wall sign shall be permitted to extend above any cornice, wall, parapet wall or building facade.
[2] 
The total area of any single wall sign shall not exceed 60 square feet, and all wall signs and projecting signs on each building shall not exceed 10% of the area of the wall of the building, including windows, doors and cornices, whichever is smaller.
[3] 
There shall be no more than two wall signs exceeding 20 square feet on any building.
[4] 
Externally lit walls signs are permitted. External lighting must directly light the wall sign from above.
(c) 
Signs identifying the entrance to emergency departments, provided that:
[1] 
The sign is located on or on top of emergency department canopy fascias.
[2] 
The sign shall contain only the word "Emergency" or the word "Ambulance" and the area of the letters shall be in direct proportion to the canopy fascia.
[3] 
Letter size shall not exceed 12 inches in height.
[4] 
The sign may be externally lit and directly illuminated from above.
(2) 
Exempt signs. In addition to those signs identified in § 155-9.5, the following signs shall be permitted without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number or area of permanent signs allowed within such districts.
(a) 
Medical Center District.
[1] 
Directional and instructional signs, including those designating points of ingress and egress, which do not exceed 24 square feet for each sign face. The maximum height of a directional or instructional sign is eight feet above existing grade. Where there is an obstruction that would limit the visibility of a sign, the maximum height may be increased to 10 feet above existing grade. The maximum height for directional signs in the required perimeter 125-foot setback is six feet above existing grade.
[2] 
Directional signs must be set back from a street line a minimum of 125 feet and may not be located in any of the required common open space.
[3] 
Directional signs must be located outside the required seventy-five-foot perimeter buffer area. However, in areas where existing driveways are located in the buffer as of the effective date of these provisions, directional signs may be located within the buffer within 10 feet of the edge of the driveway.
(b) 
Bryn Mawr Medical District.
[1] 
Directional and instructional signs, including those designating points of ingress and egress, which do not exceed 10 square feet for each sign face. The maximum height of a directional or instructional sign is six feet above existing grade.
[2] 
Directional signs must be located outside the required buffer area.
(3) 
General standards for all signs.
(a) 
All signs shall have letters no larger than 18 inches in height for signs located 30 feet or less above grade; 24 inches in height for signs located 30 to 60 feet above grade; and 36 inches in height for signs located 60 feet or more above grade.
(b) 
No sign shall extend closer than half the vertical height of the letters employed to the vertical edge of a building corner, or to the fascia, roofline or parapet, whichever is lower.
(c) 
Other than as needed to identify the location of medical services, signs shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone or other similar material with darker background colors and lighter colored lettering. The Board of Commissioners may approve an alternative material if it can be demonstrated that the material will have the same appearance and texture as any of the approved materials.
(d) 
Window graphics shall not exceed 20% of the clear window surface.
(4) 
Awnings and canopies.
(a) 
Covered areas for patient dropoff and pickup at medical facilities shall not be considered canopies or awnings for the purposes of this section.
(b) 
Awnings and canopies shall be made of fire-resistant canvas and may not be backlit.
(c) 
The furthest extension of a ground floor awning and/or canopy shall be no less than three feet and no more that seven feet. The furthest edge of the awning may be no closer than 24 inches to the curb abutting a street and may cover no more than 2/3 of the sidewalk width.
(d) 
Ground floor awnings and canopies shall terminate no less than 18 inches below the second floor windowsills.
(e) 
Ground floor awning and canopy height shall not exceed 15 feet above pavement and shall be below the cornice or frieze.
(f) 
All ground floor awnings and/or canopies shall be retractable. The minimum height from the bottom of the frame and valance to the sidewalk is seven feet.
(g) 
Fixed awnings may be used above the first story, provided that they project no more than four feet maximum.
(h) 
Side flaps on awnings are encouraged.
(i) 
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion of the awning up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on an awning.
(j) 
Any awning that projects into a street right-of-way must be retractable, or the applicant must enter into an agreement with the Township (or the government entity having jurisdiction) to remove the awning if the entity having jurisdiction requires access to the right-of-way for maintenance, repairs or any other purpose.
C. 
Signs in institutional districts.
(1) 
Sections 155-9.1 through 155-9.7 of this article shall apply, except when in conflict with the provisions provided below.
(3) 
Sign specifications.
(a) 
Signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in sign area.
(b) 
Signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet from existing grade, with the exception of flag signs.
(c) 
Signs over eight square feet shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the right-of-way.
(4) 
The signs may only be externally illuminated. Internally illuminated signs are prohibited.
(5) 
No more than one sign shall be placed on a premises held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one sign may be erected for each street frontage.
D. 
Signs in the Light Industrial (LI) District.
[Added 4-19-2023 by Ord. No. 4266]
(1) 
In the LI District, the applicable regulations of Article IX shall apply except where otherwise specifically provided for in this section.
(2) 
The maximum cumulative sign area of all sign types for each nonresidential building shall not exceed two square feet for every one linear foot of building frontage and/or frontage facing the Schuylkill River where public access has been provided via a multipurpose path as a dedicated easement, per § 155-4.5L.
(3) 
Wall signs.
(a) 
Maximum area of sign: 65 square feet per sign.
(b) 
Maximum copy height on sign: 40 inches.
(4) 
Freestanding (pole and ground/monument) signs.
(a) 
Maximum area of sign: 50 square feet per sign.
(5) 
In addition to the wall signs permitted in Subsection D(3) above, upper-level signs shall be permitted on nonresidential buildings consisting of six or more above-grade stories subject to the following:
(a) 
Maximum area of sign: 100 square feet per sign, to be separated by no less than 50 feet from another upper-level sign on the same facade.
(b) 
Such signs shall not extend above a cornice, wall, parapet wall, or building facade.
(c) 
Such signs shall not obstruct windows or other building openings.
(d) 
Such signs shall only be mounted to the facade of the top floor of a building.
(e) 
Illumination is limited to external illumination lit from above and/or internal illumination, limited to halo-lit or backlit channel letters, icons, and logos.