Lower Pottsgrove Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXVI
Signs
§ 250-192 Intent.
The Township recognizes that signs perform an important function in identifying and promoting properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of public interest. It is the intent of this article to regulate all signs within the 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 by:
A.
Setting standards and providing uniform, scientifically based controls that permit reasonable use of signs and preserve the character of the Township.
B.
Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, illumination, and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
C.
Avoiding excessive conflicts from large or multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion.
D.
Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
E.
Encouraging 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, while enhancing economic vitality.
§ 250-193 Definitions.
Words and terms used in this article shall have the following meanings. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any pertinent word or term not part of this listing but vital to the interpretation of this article shall be construed to have its legal definition or, in the absence of a legal definition, its meaning as commonly accepted by practitioners, including civil engineers, surveyors, architects, landscape architects, and planners.
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 180 days in the case of off-premises signs, or at least 360 days in the case of on-premises signs.
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service (also known as: "nameplate sign").
A sign depicting action, motion, or light or color changes through electrical or mechanical means.
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.
Any sign painted on, or applied to, an awning.
A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed location, which contains an advertisement message on its surface or attached to the balloon in any manner.
Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material attached to any structure, staff, 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 flags.
Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other object.
The maximum linear width of a building, measured in a single straight line parallel, or essentially parallel, with the abutting public street or parking lot.
A structure, other than an awning, made of fabric, metal, or other material that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the ground and may also be connected to a building.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, a canopy.
A sign, or portion thereof, on which the copy or symbols change, either automatically through electrical or electronic means or manually through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on a track system. The two types of changeable-copy signs are "manual changeable-copy signs" and "electronic changeable-copy signs," which include: message center signs, digital displays, and trivision boards.
A sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional letters, individually applied to a wall, which may accommodate a light source.
The distance above the walkway, or other surface if specified, to the bottom edge of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal distance between two objects.
The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic into and out of, or within, a site.
The lower border of the roof where it joins with the facade.
A type of illumination comprised of either:
Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material, with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners.
A sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include electronic message center signs or digital displays that meet the requirements set forth herein.
A unit of incident light (on a surface) stated in lumens per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. footcandle or light meter. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
A unit of emitted light (from a surface) stated in lumens per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. footcandle or light meter. One foot-lambert is equal to one lumen per square foot.
A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure. The following are subtypes of freestanding signs:
GROUND SIGNA sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building (also known as "monument sign").
POLE SIGNA 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 not supported by a building or a base structure.
A freestanding, open-air structure constructed for the purpose of shielding service station islands from the elements.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides of the gas station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of this article, gas station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.
Any sign for the control of traffic or for identification purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction, which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof in the discharge of official duties.
A district or zone designated by a local, state, or federal government, within which buildings, structures, and/or appurtenances are deemed important because of their association with history or because of their unique architectural style and scale.
Signs or displays including lighting which are a nonpermanent installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons (also known as "seasonal decorations").
A sign which designates a home-based business, as permitted in this chapter.
A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination, either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source contained inside the sign or externally illuminated by a light source aimed at its surface.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from, an artificial source.
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATIONArtificial light, located away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
INTERNAL ILLUMINATIONA light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Message center signs, digital displays, and signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination for the purposes of this article.
HALO ILLUMINATIONA sign using a three-dimensional message, logo, etc., which is lit in such a way as to produce a halo effect (also known as "back-lit illumination").
A sign that displays general site information, instructions, directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public street. These signs shall be informational only and shall not contain a commercial message.
Signs displayed in the window, displaying information such as the business' hours of operation, credit institutions accepted, commercial and civic affiliations, and similar information. These signs shall be informational only and shall not contain a commercial message.
A sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the device.
An electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior or electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
The physical attributes of a sign that allow for an observer's differentiation of its letters, words, numbers, or graphics.
Light emitted by a lighting installation, which extends beyond the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited.
A nonpermanent sign that is displayed on private property for more than 30 days but is not intended to be displayed for an indefinite period.
An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination, including illumination emitted by an electronic sign, measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2) or nits.
A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols are changed manually through placement or drawing of letters or symbols on a sign face.
A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection from the elements.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a use or product. If attached to a theater, performing arts center, cinema, or other similar use, it may also advertise films or productions.
A sign having parts that physically move rather than merely appear to move as might be found in a digital display. The physical movement may be activated electronically or by another means but shall not include wind-activated movement such as used for banners or flags. Mechanical-movement signs do not include digital signs that have changeable, programmable displays.
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other remembrances of persons or events, which is not used for a commercial message.
A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available at a restaurant or other use serving food or beverages.
A type of illuminated, changeable-copy sign that consists of electronically changing alphanumeric text, often used for gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards.
The spreading of one message across more than one sign structure.
A freestanding sign used to advertise businesses that occupy a shopping center or complex with multiple tenants.
A large picture/image (including but not limited to painted art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.
A sign illuminated by a neon tube, or other visible light-emanating gas tube, that is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.
A unit of measurement of brightness, or luminance. One nit is equal to one candela per square meter (cd/m2).
A sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective date of this article, or amendment thereto, that does not currently comply with sign regulations of the district in which it is located.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional signs and other traffic signs erected and maintained on public highways and roads in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of traffic.
An outdoor sign whose message directs attention to a specific business, product, service, event or activity, or other commercial or noncommercial activity, or contains a noncommercial message about something that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located (also known as a "third-party sign," "billboard," or "outdoor advertising").
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business, profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial or noncommercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the same property where the sign is located.
A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material, commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles, intended to flap in the wind.
A sign attached or affixed to a building, window, or structure, or to the ground in a manner that enables the sign to resist environmental loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement of the sign and whose intended use appears to be indefinite.
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest, position, or other noncommercial message.
A sign indicating a street or drive which is not publicly owned and maintained and is used only for access by the occupants of the development and their guests.
A building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two faces generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs located on a canopy, awning, or marquee (also known as "blade sign").
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs for public facilities.
A sign containing any material or device, including mirrors or reflective paint, which has the effect of intensifying reflected light.
A sign which revolves in a circular motion, rather than remaining stationary on its supporting structure.
A building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building.
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-frame sign").
A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely to provide information to the attendees of an athletic event.
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign (also known as "warning sign").
The description of a luminaire from which no direct glare is visible at normal viewing angles, by virtue of its being properly aimed, oriented, and located and properly fitted with such devices as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts, or visors.
Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers, or letters for the purpose of communicating a message. The definition of "sign" includes the sign faces as well as any sign supporting structure.
The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. See § 250-196C for standards for measuring sign area.
The part of the sign that is or can be used for the sign area. The sign area could be smaller than the sign face.
The vertical dimension of a sign as measured using the standards in § 250-196D.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports holding a sign in place.
A sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches, streetlights, or other objects, or placed on any public property or in the public right-of-way or on any private property without the permission of the property owner (also known as "bandit sign").
The exterior facade of a building housing a commercial use visible from a street, sidewalk, or other pedestrianway accessible to the public and containing the primary entrance to the commercial establishment.
A display made of lightweight, flexible materials, consisting of long, narrow, wavy strips hung individually or in a series, with or without a logo or advertising message printed or painted on them, and typically designed to move in the wind.
The side or sides of a lot abutting on a public street or right-of-way.
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertising.
A type of nonpermanent sign that is located on private property that can be displayed for no more than 30 consecutive days at one time.
An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.
A sign affixed to a vehicle in such a manner that the sign is used primarily as a stationary advertisement for the business on which the vehicle sits or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
A sign displayed on a vending machine indicating the name of the product being sold and/or the price of such product.
A building-mounted sign which is either attached to, displayed on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall sign (also known as: "fascia sign," "parallel wall sign," or "band sign").
Any 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. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering behind a store window are not considered signs.
§ 250-194 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
Abandoned signs.
B.
Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this article.
C.
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
D.
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
E.
Pennant strings and streamers.
F.
Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text or graphics.
G.
Inflatable devices or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
H.
Any signs that imitate, resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
I.
Signs which obstruct free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
J.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, or odor or contain open flames.
K.
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
L.
Interactive signs.
M.
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
N.
Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street, without the permission of the owner of the property and road.
O.
Roof signs.
P.
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, with the exception of those authorized or required by local, state, or federal government.
Q.
Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter.
R.
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects as determined by the Township.
S.
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
§ 250-195 Signs exempt from permit requirements.
The following signs shall be allowed anywhere within the Township without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of permanent signs allowed within a zoning district, provided such signs comply with the regulations in this section, if any:
A.
Official traffic signs.
B.
Government/regulatory signs.
C.
Any sign located inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which is not meant to be viewed from the outside and is located greater than three feet from any window.
D.
Holiday and seasonal decorations.
E.
Personal expression signs of any sign type, including flags, provided that they do not exceed six square feet in area per side or four feet in height, are noncommercial in nature, and are not illuminated.
F.
Address signs: up to two signs stating the address, number and/or name of the occupants of the premises and which do not include any commercial advertising, including logos.
G.
Public signs: signs erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification or directional signs for public facilities.
H.
Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical, or educational organization that do not exceed four square feet in area.
I.
Private drive signs: one sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed two square feet in area.
J.
Security and warning signs. These limitations shall not apply to the posting of conventional "no trespassing" signs in accordance with state law.
K.
Flags.
(1)
Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any right-of-way.
(2)
Height. Flags shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
(3)
Number: no more than two flags per lot in residential districts; no more than three flags per lot in all other districts.
(4)
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts; 35 square feet in all other districts.
(5)
Flags containing commercial messages may be used as permitted freestanding or projecting signs; and if so used, the area of the flag shall be included in, and limited by, the computation of allowable area for signs on the property.
L.
Legal notices.
M.
Vending machine signs.
N.
Memorial signs, including public monuments, plaques, or historical identification signs erected by the Township, up to two square feet in area. Freestanding memorial signs shall have a maximum height of four feet. External illumination is permitted in accordance with the provisions in § 250-196F.
O.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, existing at the time of adoption of this article.
P.
Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs shall be removed after the growing season.
Q.
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs.
§ 250-196 General regulations.
A.
Sign location.
(1)
No sign, except official traffic signs or those erected by the Township, is permitted within or above the cartway of a street's right-of-way.
(2)
No sign shall be erected or maintained within 15 feet of the edge of any existing cartway or roadway curb or within five feet of any existing parking lot curb.
(3)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(4)
No sign may occupy a sight triangle, as defined in § 215-58 of the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
(5)
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.
B.
Sign materials and construction. Every sign shall be constructed of durable materials, using noncorrosive fastenings; 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.
C.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs, logos, and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed. 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.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall, window, or freestanding structure, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs, and symbols.
(3)
Signs may be double-sided, subject to the following standards:
(a)
On-premises signs.
[1]
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart.
[2]
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.
[3]
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than 45°, or the faces are greater than 18 inches apart, all sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(b)
Off-premises signs.
[1]
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not more than five feet apart.
[2]
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not more than five feet apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.
[3]
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than 45°, or the faces are greater than five feet apart, all sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(4)
Portions of signs that consist of 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.
(5)
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or banner, the sign area measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
D.
Sign height.
(1)
Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean finished grade of the street closest to the sign. In the case of a sign located greater than 100 feet from a public street, height shall be measured to the mean grade at the base of the sign.
(2)
Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.
E.
Sign spacing. The spacing between sign structures shall be measured as a straight-line distance between the closest edges of each sign.
F.
Sign illumination.
(1)
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein, consistent with the following standards:
(a)
Location. The summary table below [§ 250-196F(7)] provides detailed information about what types of illumination are permitted in each zoning district.
(b)
Light sources to illuminate signs shall neither be visible from any street right-of-way nor cause glare hazardous or distracting to pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties.
(c)
No more than 0.2 footcandle of light shall be detectable at the boundary of any abutting property.
(d)
Hours of operation.
(e)
Brightness. Message center signs and digital displays are subject to the following brightness limits:
[1]
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance shall be no greater than 5,000 nits.
[2]
At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 250 nits.
[3]
Each sign must have a light-sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change, to comply with the limits set here within.
(f)
Message duration. The length of time each message may be displayed on a message center sign, digital display, or trivision board sign is based upon the visibility and speed limit unique to individual signs and adjacent road conditions. The following method should be used to calculate message duration for message center signs, digital displays, or trivision board signs:
[1]
Determine the greatest distance from which the sign becomes visible on the road the sign is primarily intended to serve. If a sign is intended to be seen by more than one roadway, the road with the lower posted speed limit shall be used for determining message duration.
[2]
Multiply the road's posted speed limit (MPH) by 5,280, and then divide by 3,600 to obtain the speed limit in feet per second.
[3]
Divide the visibility distance by the speed limit (feet per second).
[4]
Add an additional 10% (1.1) of this number to the total.
[5]
The resulting amount of time is the minimum permitted message duration, except where this value is less than eight seconds, in which case the minimum message duration shall be no less than eight seconds.
(2)
Types of illumination. Where permitted, illumination may be:
(a)
External. Externally illuminated signs, where permitted, are subject to the following regulations:
(b)
Internal. Internally illuminated signs, where permitted, are subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Internal illumination, including neon lighting, must be static in intensity and color.
[2]
Message center signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations contained in § 250-196F(3).
[3]
Digital displays are permitted in accordance with the regulations contained in § 250-196F(4).
(3)
Message center signs. Message center signs are subject to the following regulations, in addition to all other illumination requirements established in this section:
(a)
Sign type. Message center signs are permitted in the form of freestanding, monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises, in accordance with the regulations herein.
(b)
Height. A message center sign shall have the same height limits as other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(c)
Area.
[1]
When used as an on-premises sign, message center signs shall not exceed 50% of the sign area for any one sign and shall not exceed more than 30% of the total area for all signs permitted on a property.
[2]
When used as an off-premises sign, message center signs may be used for the full permitted sign area.
(d)
Maximum number. Where permitted, one message center sign is permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two message center signs per property.
(e)
Message display.
[1]
No message center sign may contain text which flashes, pulsates, moves, or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[2]
The content of a message center sign must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[3]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted non-message-center sign to a message center sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 250-199.1, Permits and applications.
(g)
The addition of any message center sign to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements. The owner of every message center sign is encouraged to coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public, including, but not limited to, AMBER Alerts™ or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages should remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(4)
Digital displays. Digital displays are subject to the following regulations in addition to all other requirements established in this section:
(a)
Sign type. Digital displays are permitted in the form of freestanding, monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises, in accordance with the regulations herein.
(b)
Height. A digital display shall have the same height limits as for other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(d)
Maximum number per property. Where permitted, one digital display sign is permitted per property.
(e)
Message display.
[1]
Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or text or images which flash, pulsate, move, or scroll is prohibited. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[2]
One message/display may be brighter than another, but each individual message/display must be static in intensity.
[3]
The content of a digital display must transition by changing instantly, with no transition graphics (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[4]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted nondigital display sign to a digital display sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 250-199.1, Permits and applications.
(g)
The addition of any digital display to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements. The owner of every digital sign is encouraged to coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public, including, but not limited to, AMBER Alerts™ or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages should remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(5)
Electrical standards.
(a)
Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an approved electrical permit, if required. Applications for electrical permits shall be filed at the same time as the sign permit application.
(b)
All work shall be completed in full compliance with the Township's Electrical Code as set forth in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
(c)
The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground cables.
(d)
The owner of any illuminated sign shall arrange for a certification showing compliance with the brightness standards set forth herein by an independent contractor and provide the certification documentation to the Township as a condition precedent to the issuance of a sign permit.
(6)
Glare control. Glare control shall be achieved primarily through the use of such means as cutoff fixtures, shields, and baffles, and appropriate application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming angle, and fixture placement. Vegetation screens shall not be employed to serve as the primary means for controlling glare.
(7)
Illumination standards by district.
Illumination Type | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zoning Districts | Internal | External | Message Center Sign | Digital Display | |
Residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP) See § 250-198A for additional sign standards. | N | Y | N^ | N | |
Village commercial zoning districts (SV) See § 250-198B for additional sign standards. | N | Y | N^ | N | |
Neighborhood/limited commercial zoning districts (NC, LC, LCO, CO) See § 250-198C for additional sign standards. | Y | Y | Y | N | |
General commercial/industrial zoning districts (LI, HI, SC, Q) See § 250-198D for additional sign standards. | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
Mixed-use/gateway/interchange zoning districts (G-IN, IN, GMU, GRO, PMD) See § 250-198E for additional sign standards. | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
NOTES: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Y | = | Illumination type is permitted in that zoning district, subject to standards in § 250-196F. | |
N | = | Illumination type is not permitted in that zoning district. | |
^ | = | Excludes scoreboards located in a park, recreational, or open space facility. | |
§ 250-197 Sign regulations by sign type.
A.
On-premises signs.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less than eight feet above the finished grade or extend out more than 12 inches from the building wall on which it is affixed. If the wall sign projects less than three inches from the building wall on which it is affixed, the eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
(2)
Canopy or awning signs.
(a)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
(b)
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
(c)
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
(d)
Sign placement.
[1]
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
[2]
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
(e)
Sign height.
[1]
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
[2]
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
[3]
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(f)
Multitenant buildings. If the awning or canopy sign is mounted on a multitenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the building.
(3)
Projecting signs.
(a)
No portion of a projecting sign shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(b)
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
(c)
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(4)
Window signs.
(a)
Incidental window signs displaying pertinent business information, such as the business' hours of operation and credit cards accepted, shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
(5)
(6)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
The lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall be either less than four feet or greater than seven feet above the ground.
(b)
Freestanding ground signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(c)
Sign placement.
[1]
All freestanding signs shall be set back five feet from the right-of-way, except for official traffic signs and government/regulatory signs.
[2]
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway of the right-of-way or other areas required to remain unobstructed.
(7)
Manual changeable-copy signs. Manual changeable-copy signs are permitted only when integrated into a freestanding, marquee, wall, or sandwich-board sign.
B.
Off-premises signs.
(1)
Locations permitted. Off-premises signs are permitted in the following locations:
(a)
IN Interchange District.
(2)
Sign size. Each off-premises sign shall have a maximum area of 150 square feet per sign face.
(4)
Sign placement. Off-premises signs shall be:
(a)
Set back from the ultimate right-of-way a distance equal to the height of the off-premises sign, or 15 feet, whichever is greater.
(b)
Located no closer than 25 feet from any property line.
(c)
Located no closer than 50 feet from any building, structure, or on-premises sign located on the same property.
(d)
Located no closer than 1,500 feet from another off-premises sign on either side of the road, measured linearly.
(e)
Located no closer than 500 feet from any intersection or interchange (on/off-ramp).
(f)
Located no closer than 1,000 feet from any property line abutting a public park, playground, religious institution, cemetery, school, or residential district.
(g)
Not attached to the external wall or otherwise affixed to any part of any building and shall not extend over any public property or right-of-way.
(h)
Not located on sewer rights-of-way or water, electric, or petroleum pipelines.
(i)
Not located on a bridge.
(5)
Number of signs per lot. There shall be no more than one off-premises sign structure per lot. Vertically or horizontally stacked signs shall not be permitted.
(6)
Construction and maintenance.
(a)
All plans for off-premises signs shall be certified by a licensed engineer registered in Pennsylvania.
(b)
All off-premises advertising signs shall be constructed in accordance with industry-wide standards established by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising, or their successor organizations. All off-premises advertising signs shall be structurally sound and maintained in good condition and in compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
(c)
The rear face of a single-face, off-premises advertising sign shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color as approved by the Township.
(d)
Every three years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural inspection made of the billboard by a licensed engineer registered in Pennsylvania and shall provide to the Township a certificate certifying that the billboard is structurally sound.
(7)
Identification of sign owner. All off-premises signs shall be identified on the structure with the name, address, and phone number of the owner of such sign.
(8)
Landscaping.
(a)
Landscaping shall be provided at the base of all off-premises signs. Trees and shrubbery, including evergreen and flowering trees, of sufficient size and quantity shall be used to achieve the purpose of this section.
(b)
Trees greater than four inches in diameter removed for construction of the sign shall be replaced on site at a ratio of one replacement tree for each removed tree using native species no less than three inches in diameter.
(9)
Additional regulations. All off-premises signs shall comply with any and all applicable zoning regulations of the Township and any and all municipal, state and/or federal regulations. In the event any other applicable regulation is in conflict with the provisions of this section, the more-strict regulation shall apply.
(10)
Application/plan requirements. Plans submitted for off-premises advertising signs shall show the following:
(a)
The location of the proposed sign on the lot with the required sign setbacks from the property line and ultimate right-of-way.
(b)
The location and species of existing trees.
(c)
The distance to the nearest existing off-premises advertising sign.
(d)
The distance to the nearest right-of-way, property line, building, structure, on-premises sign, off-premises sign, intersection, interchange, safety rest area, bridge, residential district, or institutional use, sewer rights-of-way, and water, electric or petroleum pipelines.
(e)
Site plan containing all of the applicable requirements set forth in the Township's Zoning Code, as amended.
(f)
Certification under the seal by a licensed engineer that the off-premises sign, as proposed, is designed in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, codes, and professional standards.
(11)
Illumination and changeable copy.
(a)
Off-premises signs may incorporate manual changeable-copy signs.
(b)
Off-premises signs may be illuminated, provided that:
(d)
Off-premises signs may incorporate trivision boards.
[1]
The length of time each message of the trivision board may be displayed before changing is based upon the visibility and posted speed limit unique to individual signs and adjacent road conditions. The message duration for trivision boards shall be calculated using the method described in § 250-196F(1)(f), Message duration.
(12)
Safety. In applying for special exception relief, the applicant bears the burden of proof to establish that the proposed off-premises sign will not create a public health or safety hazard in the matter and location that it is proposed and in the manner by which it is to be operated.
C.
Limited-duration signs.
(1)
General provisions. Limited-duration signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. Unless otherwise stated below, the requirements listed below shall apply to both commercial and noncommercial signs.
(3)
Size and number.
(a)
Residential zoning districts. The following standards shall apply to limited-duration signs located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MHP Residential Zoning Districts:
[1]
Large limited-duration sign. One large limited-duration sign, up to 16 square feet in area and eight feet in height, is permitted per property, provided the property is at least five acres in size.
[2]
Small limited-duration sign. One small limited-duration sign, up to six square feet in area and four feet in height, is permitted per property.
(b)
Nonresidential zoning districts. The following standards shall apply to limited-duration signs located in all other zoning districts:
[1]
Large limited-duration signs. One large limited-duration sign, up to 16 square feet in area and eight feet in height, is permitted per property. If a property is at least five acres in size and/or has at least 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional large limited-duration sign may be permitted per property, provided there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet from all other large limited-duration signs.
[2]
Small limited-duration signs. One small limited-duration sign, up to six square feet in area and six feet in height, is permitted per property. If a property is at least five acres in size and/or has at least 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional small sign may be permitted per property.
(4)
Permit requirements.
(a)
A permit for a limited-duration sign is issued for one year and may be renewed annually.
(b)
One sign is allowed per permit. An applicant may request up to two permits per address but is subject to the size and number requirements set forth in this section.
(c)
An application for a limited-duration sign permit must include:
[1]
A description of the sign indicating the number, size, shape, dimensions, and colors of the sign and the expected length of time the sign will be displayed;
[2]
A schematic drawing of the site showing the proposed location of the sign in relation to nearby buildings and streets; and
[3]
The number of signs on the site.
(5)
Installation and maintenance.
(a)
All limited-duration signs must be installed such that, in the opinion of the Township Zoning Officer, they do not create a safety hazard.
(b)
All limited-duration signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.
(c)
Limited-duration signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
(6)
Illumination. Illumination of any limited-duration sign is prohibited.
(7)
Summary Table for Limited-Duration Signs.
Residential Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP) | Nonresidential Zoning Districts (All Other Zoning Districts) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Number | Large limited-duration signs: 1 per property (if lot is > 5 acres) Small limited-duration signs: 1 per property | Large limited-duration signs: 1 per property (plus 1 additional if lot is > 5 acres and/or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area) Small limited-duration signs: 1 per property (plus 1 additional if lot is > 5 acres and/or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area) | |
Maximum Area (square feet) | Large limited-duration signs: 16 Small limited-duration signs: 6 | Large limited-duration signs: 16 Small limited-duration signs: 6 | |
Maximum Height (feet) | Large limited-duration signs: 8 Small limited-duration signs: 4 | Large limited-duration signs: 8 Small limited-duration signs: 6 |
D.
Temporary signs.
(1)
General provisions. Temporary signs that are located on private property and comply with all of the requirements of this subsection are exempt from standard permit requirements and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. Unless otherwise stated below, the requirements listed below shall apply to both commercial and noncommercial signs.
(3)
Size and number.
(a)
Residential zoning districts. The following standards shall apply to temporary signs located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MHP Residential Zoning Districts:
[1]
Large temporary signs. One large temporary sign, up to 16 square feet in area and eight feet in height, is permitted per property, provided the property is at least five acres in size.
[2]
Small temporary signs. One small temporary sign, up to six square feet in area and four feet in height, is permitted per property.
[3]
Banner signs. One banner sign, up to 32 square feet in area and 24 feet in height, is permitted per property, provided the property is at least five acres in size.
(b)
Nonresidential zoning districts. The following standards shall apply to temporary signs located in all other zoning districts:
[1]
Large temporary signs. One large temporary sign, up to 16 square feet in area and eight feet in height, is permitted per property.
[2]
Small temporary signs. One small temporary sign, up to six square feet in area and six feet in height, is permitted per property.
[3]
Banner signs. One banner, up to 32 square feet in area and 24 feet in height, is permitted per property.
(4)
Duration and removal.
(a)
Temporary signs may be displayed up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days, two times per calendar year.
(b)
The Township or the property owner may confiscate temporary signs installed in violation of this article. Neither the Township nor the property owner is responsible for notifying sign owners of confiscation of an illegal temporary sign.
(5)
Permission. The party posting the temporary sign is solely responsible for obtaining the permission of the property owner before posting their temporary sign.
(6)
Municipal notification. Temporary signs are exempt from the standard permit requirements, but the date of erection of a temporary sign must be written in indelible ink on the lower right-hand corner of the sign.
(7)
Installation and maintenance.
(a)
All temporary signs must be installed such that, in the opinion of the Township Zoning Officer, they do not create a safety hazard.
(b)
All temporary signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.
(c)
Temporary signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
(8)
Illumination. Illumination of any temporary sign is prohibited.
(9)
Summary Table for Temporary Signs.
Residential Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP) | Nonresidential Zoning Districts (All Other Zoning Districts) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Number | Large temporary signs: 1 per property (only if lot is > 5 acres) Small temporary signs: 1 per property Banners: 1 per property (only if lot is >5 acres) | Large temporary signs: 1 per property Small temporary signs: 1 per property Banners: 1 per property | |
Maximum Area (square feet) | Large temporary signs: 16 Small temporary signs: 6 Banners: 32 | Large temporary signs: 16 Small temporary signs: 6 Banners: 32 | |
Maximum Height (feet) | Large temporary signs: 8 Small temporary signs: 4 Banners: 24 | Large temporary signs: 8 Small temporary signs: 6 Banners: 24 |
E.
Sandwich-board signs.
(1)
General provisions. Sandwich-board signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
(a)
Number. One sandwich-board sign is permitted per establishment. For the purposes of this subsection, a parking garage or parking lot shall be considered an establishment.
(b)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of seven square feet per sign face.
(c)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.
(d)
Illumination. Illumination of any sandwich-board sign is prohibited.
(e)
Hours of display.
[1]
Signs shall not be displayed on any premises before 6:00 a.m. and shall be removed each day at or before 10:00 p.m. However, all sandwich-board signs must be taken in during hours of nonoperation of the business being advertised.
[2]
All sandwich-board signs must be taken in during inclement weather.
(2)
Sign placement.
(a)
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
(b)
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 12 feet of the primary public entrance, of the establishment it advertises. For the purposes of this subsection, a public entrance includes a vehicular entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
(c)
Sandwich-board signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
F.
Street pole banners.
(1)
General provisions. Street pole banner signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
(a)
Illumination. Illumination of any street pole banner is prohibited.
(b)
Area. Each street pole banner shall have a maximum area of 12.5 square feet and a maximum width of three feet. Up to two street pole banners are permitted per street pole.
(c)
Height.
[1]
When the street pole banner's outermost edge is less than 18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be at least 14 feet above the finished grade.
[2]
When the street pole banner's outermost edge is greater than 18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(d)
Location.
[1]
No street pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
[2]
Street pole banners shall maintain a minimum of a three-foot vertical clearance below any luminaries located on the pole, measured from where the ballasts connect to the poles.
[3]
Street pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility of traffic signals or signs.
[4]
No street pole banner shall be located on a pole that has traffic or pedestrian control signals.
(2)
Permit requirements.
(a)
A permit for a street pole banner is issued for one year and may be renewed annually.
(b)
An application for a street pole banner permit must include the following:
[1]
A diagram or map of the specific poles to be used for street pole banner installation and the streets on which the poles are located.
[2]
A proof of the street pole banner design, including the banner's dimensions.
[3]
If brackets are to be installed, submit specifications for the bracket installation system.
§ 250-198 Sign regulations by zoning district.
A.
Signs in residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MHP Residential Zoning Districts, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(3)
Residential uses.
(a)
(b)
Residential developments and apartment buildings.
[1]
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street entrance to a residential development or apartment building containing more than 10 dwelling units, subject to the following regulations:
[2]
Awning/canopy signs. One awning or canopy sign shall be permitted per building entrance to an apartment building containing more than 10 dwelling units, subject to the following regulations:
(4)
Parks, recreation, and open space uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street access to a park, recreation, or open space facility, subject to the following regulations:
(b)
Scoreboards. In addition to the freestanding signs permitted in § 250-198A(4)(a), one freestanding scoreboard shall be permitted per playing field, subject to the following regulations:
(c)
Interior signs. Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use information, the hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc., are exempt from permit requirements, subject to the following regulations:
(5)
All other nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject to the following regulations:
(b)
Awning/canopy signs. One awning or canopy sign shall be permitted per building entrance to an apartment building containing more than 10 dwelling units, subject to the following regulations:
(c)
Wall and projecting signs. One wall or projecting sign shall be permitted per nonresidential tenant per building frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per nonresidential tenant, subject to the following regulations:
(6)
Summary Table for Signs in Residential Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP).
Freestanding | Awning/ Canopy | Wall/Projecting | Window | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Number | Home-based businesses: 1 per lot | Apartment buildings: 1 per building entrance | Home-based businesses: 1 per lot | N/A | |
Residential developments/ apartment buildings: 1 per street entrance | |||||
Parks /recreation/open space uses: | Nonresidential uses: 1 per building entrance | Nonresidential uses: 1 per building frontage, up to 2 | |||
Entrance signs: 1 per street entrance | |||||
Scoreboards: 1 per playing field Interior signs: N/A | |||||
Nonresidential uses: 1 per street frontage, up to 2 | |||||
Maximum Area (square feet) | Home-based businesses: 6 | Apartment buildings: 20 | Home-based businesses: 2 | Nonresidential uses: 15% of the total window area | |
Residential developments/ apartment buildings: 15 | Nonresidential uses: 20 | Nonresidential uses: 20 | |||
Parks/ recreation/open space uses: | |||||
Entrance signs: 24 | |||||
Scoreboards: 200 | |||||
Interior signs: 10 | |||||
Nonresidential uses: 32 | |||||
Maximum Height (feet) | Home-based businesses: 6 | The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill, whichever is lower | N/A | ||
Residential developments/ apartment buildings: 4 | |||||
Parks/ recreation/open space uses: | |||||
Entrance signs: 10 | |||||
Scoreboards: 20 | |||||
Interior signs: 8 | |||||
Nonresidential uses: 6 | |||||
B.
Signs in village commercial zoning districts (SV). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the SV Sanatoga Village Zoning Overlay District, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(5)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel shall comply with the standards in § 250-198A.
(6)
All nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject to the following regulations:
[a]
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of gas prices and identification of the gas station only, up to two additional signs per property.
[b]
For permitted drive-through establishments, one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising of items or services available to users of the drive-through lane only.
[2]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet per sign face, plus an additional five square feet per tenant, up to a maximum of 40 square feet.
[3]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
(b)
Building signs. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking lot, subject to the maximum size limitations based on sign type.
[1]
Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant per street frontage, up to two wall signs per tenant, subject to the following regulations. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
[3]
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground-floor establishment, plus one projecting sign per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground-floor entrance.
(c)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for nonresidential uses, subject to the following regulations:
(7)
Recommended materials. Wood, brick, stone, or metal are recommended materials that are well-suited for signs in the Sanatoga Village Zoning Overlay District. Additional information about the historic, aesthetic, and social value of the Sanatoga Village Zoning Overlay District can be found in the "Sanatoga Crossroads - High Street Corridor Design Guidelines."
(8)
Summary Table for Signs in Village Commercial Zoning Districts (SV).
Freestanding | Wall and Awning/Canopy | Projecting | Window | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Number | 1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot (additional signs allowed for gas stations and drive-through establishments; see § 250-198-B(6)(a) | Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage, up to 2 per tenant Awning/ canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)] | 1 per ground-floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance serving tenants without a ground-floor entrance | N/A |
Maximum Area (Total) (square feet) | N/A | 1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type | 15% of total window area | |
Maximum Area (Individual) (square feet) | 20, plus 5 per additional tenant, up to 40 | Wall: 20 Awning/ canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)] | 10 | N/A |
Maximum Height (feet) | 10 | The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill, whichever is lower | N/A | |
C.
Signs in neighborhood commercial and limited commercial zoning districts (NC, LC, LCO, CO). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the NC, LC, LCO, and CO Neighborhood Commercial and Limited Commercial Zoning Districts, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(5)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel shall comply with the standards in § 250-198A.
(6)
All nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject to the following regulations:
[a]
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of gas prices and identification of the gas station only, up to two additional signs per property.
[b]
For permitted drive-through establishments, one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising of items or services available to users of the drive-through lane only.
[2]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet per sign face, plus an additional five square feet per tenant, up to a maximum of 40 square feet.
[3]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
(b)
Building signs. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking lot, subject to the maximum size limitations based on sign type.
[1]
Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant per street frontage, up to two wall signs per tenant, subject to the following regulations. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
[3]
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground-floor establishment, plus one projecting sign per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground-floor entrance.
(c)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for nonresidential uses, subject to the following regulations:
(7)
Summary table for Signs in Neighborhood Commercial and Limited Commercial Zoning Districts (NC, LC, LCO, CO).
Freestanding | Wall and Awning/Canopy | Projecting | Window | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Number | 1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot (Additional signs allowed for gas stations and drive-through establishments; see § 250-198C(6)(a) | Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage, up to 2 per tenant Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)] | 1 per ground-floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance serving tenants without a ground-floor entrance | N/A |
Maximum Area (Total) (square feet) | N/A | 1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type | 20% of total window area | |
Maximum Area (Individual) (square feet) | 20, plus 5 per additional tenant, up to 40 | Wall: 30 Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)] | 12 | N/A |
Maximum Height (feet) | 10 | The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill, whichever is lower | N/A | |
D.
Signs in general commercial and industrial zoning districts (LI, HI, SC, Q). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the LI, HI, SC, and Q General Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(5)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel shall comply with the standards in § 250-198A.
(6)
All nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject to the following regulations:
[a]
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of gas prices and identification of the gas station only, up to two additional signs per property.
[b]
For permitted drive-through establishments, one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising of items or services available to users of the drive-through lane only.
[2]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 50 square feet per sign face, plus an additional 10 square feet per tenant, up to a maximum of 100 square feet.
[3]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height of 14 feet.
(b)
Building signs. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to two square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking lot, subject to the maximum size limitations based on sign type.
[1]
Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant per street frontage, up to two wall signs per tenant, subject to the following regulations. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
[a]
Area. Total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed 20% of the total exterior wall area for all walls that directly face a public street or public parking lot. No single wall sign shall exceed 400 square feet in area.
[b]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height equal to the eave line, or the bottom of the second-story windowsill, whichever is lower.
[3]
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground-floor establishment, plus one projecting sign per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground-floor entrance.
(c)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for nonresidential uses, subject to the following regulations:
(7)
Summary Table for Signs in General Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts (LI, HI, SC, Q).
Freestanding | Wall and Awning/ Canopy | Projecting | Window | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Number | 1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot | Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage, up to 2 per tenant Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)] | 1 per ground-floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance serving tenants without a ground-floor entrance | N/A |
Maximum Area (Total) (square feet) | N/A | 2 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type | 20% of total window area | |
Maximum Area (Individual) (square feet) | 50, plus 10 per additional tenant, up to 100 | Wall: 400 (total maximum 20% of wall area) Awning/Canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)] | 20 | N/A |
Maximum Height (feet) | 14 | The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill, whichever is lower | N/A | |
E.
Signs in mixed-use, gateway, and interchange zoning districts (G-IN, IN, GMU, GRO, PMD). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the G-IN, IN, GMU, GRO, and PMD Mixed-Use, Gateway, and Interchange Zoning Districts, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(5)
Any off-premises sign shall be permitted only in the IN Interchange Zoning District, as defined and regulated in § 250-197B.
(6)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel shall comply with the standards in § 250-198A.
(7)
All nonresidential uses except for GMU medical uses as set forth and regulated in § 250-198E(9).
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 368]
(8)
Summary Table for Signs in Mixed-Use, Gateway and Interchange Zoning Districts (G IN, IN, GMU, GRO, PMD) except for hospital, medical office and accessory parking garage structures in the GMU District, which are subject to § 250-198E(9).
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 368]
Freestanding | Wall and Awning/ Canopy | Projecting | Window | Marquee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Number | 1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot | Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage, up to 2 per tenant Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)] | 1 per ground-floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance serving tenants without a ground-floor entrance | N/A | 1 per building |
Maximum Area (Total) (square feet) | N/A | 2 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type | 20% of total window area | N/A | |
Maximum Area (Individual) (square feet) | 50, plus 10 per additional tenant, up to 100 | Wall: 400 (total maximum 20% of wall area) Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)] | 20 | N/A | 200 |
Maximum Height (feet) | 14 | The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill, whichever is lower | N/A | The eave line | |
(9)
Medical uses in the GMU District, including hospital, medical office and accessory structures. The following sign types are also shown on Appendix A[1] attached to this chapter.
[Added 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 368]
(a)
(b)
Building signs.
[1]
[2]
Parking garage signs. One sign identifying a parking garage shall be permitted per entrance to the parking garage.
(c)
Canopy edge signs. The canopy edge protrudes from the building facade and may vary in height.
[1]
Emergency department identification signs. Emergency department identification signs. One sign identifying an emergency department entrance shall be permitted per entrance on or on top of the emergency department canopy fascia.
[2]
Ambulance identification signs. Ambulance identification signs. One sign identifying an ambulance entrance shall be permitted per ambulance entrance on or on top of the ambulance entrance canopy fascia.
[3]
Hospital entrance identification signs. Hospital entrance identification signs. One sign identifying an entrance to a hospital shall be permitted on or on top of the hospital entrance canopy fascia.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 250-199 Removal of unsafe, unlawful, or abandoned signs.
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by the Township, the owner, person, or firm maintaining a sign shall remove the sign when it becomes unsafe, is in danger of falling, or it becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication, or it is determined by the Township to be a nuisance, or it is deemed unsafe by the Township, or it is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this article.
(2)
The Township may remove or cause to be removed the sign at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event that the owner or the person or firm maintaining the sign has not complied with the terms of the notice within 30 days of the date of the notice. In the event of immediate danger, the municipality may remove the sign immediately upon the issuance of notice to the owner, person, or firm maintaining the sign.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within 180 days of the sign becoming abandoned, as defined in this section. Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire sign, including the sign face, supporting structure, and structural trim.
(2)
Where the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is located fails to remove such sign within 180 days, the Township may remove such sign. Any expense directly incurred in the removal of such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property. Where the owner fails to pay, the Township may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with the removal of the sign.
§ 250-199.1 Permits and applications.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign within the Township without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements as outlined in § 250-195.
B.
In order to apply for a sign permit, the applicant must provide the following information, in writing, to the Township:
(1)
Name of organization and location.
(2)
Name, address, and telephone number of the property owner, and the signature of the property owner or duly authorized agent for the owner.
(3)
Contact person and contact information.
(4)
Description of the activities occurring on the site where the sign will be installed.
(5)
Description of any existing signage that will remain on the site.
(6)
Identification of the type of sign(s) to be erected by the applicant.
(7)
Site plan depicting the locations of proposed signage and existing remaining signage.
(8)
Two copies of a plan, drawn to scale, depicting:
(a)
Lot dimensions, building frontage, and existing cartways, rights-of-way and driveways.
(b)
The design of each sign face and sign structure, including dimensions, total area, sign height, depth, color scheme, structural details, materials, lighting scheme and proposed location.
(c)
Building elevations, existing and proposed facades, parapet walls, eave line and the location and size of all proposed and existing permanent signage.
(d)
Current photographs showing existing signs on the premises and certifying the date on which photographs were taken.
(9)
A permit fee, to be established from time to time by resolution of the Township, shall be paid.
C.
The Township shall review all permit applications in compliance with the time limits and standards provided in the current building code, as amended.
D.
With the exception of lighting permits for digital signs, these permits shall not expire, provided that such signs are not abandoned or destroyed. In the instance that substantial repair or replacement becomes necessary (i.e., repairs that cost more than 50% of the replacement cost of the damaged sign), the organization must apply for a new sign permit and pay an additional fee, if required.
E.
All illuminated signs shall require certification in order to demonstrate continued compliance with the brightness requirements set forth in § 250-196F. This certification must be renewed every three years. This will allow the Township to adjust standards as needed based on changing technology and evaluation of impacts. The Township reserves the right to assess the brightness of any sign at any time to ensure compliance with illumination requirements.
§ 250-199.2 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs legally in existence at the time of the adoption of this article, which do not conform to the requirements of this article, shall be considered nonconforming signs.
B.
All permanent signs and sign structures shall be brought into conformance with the sign regulations when and if the following occurs:
(1)
The sign is removed, relocated, or significantly altered. Significant alterations include changes in the size or dimension of the sign. Changes to the sign copy or the replacement of a sign face on a nonconforming sign shall not be considered a significant alteration.
(2)
If more than 50% of the sign area is damaged, it shall be repaired to conform to this article.
(3)
An alteration in the structure of a sign support.
(4)
A change in the mechanical facilities or type of illumination.
(5)
A change in the material of the sign face.
(6)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located submits a subdivision or land development application requiring municipal review and approval.
(7)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located undergoes a change of land use requiring the issuance of either a use and occupancy permit or a change of use and occupancy permit by the Township.
C.
To determine the legal status of existing signs in each of the cases listed in § 250-199.1B, the applicant shall submit the following information to the Township Zoning Officer:
(1)
Type(s) of existing sign(s) located on the property.
(2)
The area and height of all signs.
(3)
For freestanding signs, the distance between the curbline or shoulder and the nearest portion of the sign.
(4)
Type of sign illumination.
(5)
The material of which the sign is constructed.
(6)
The building frontage.
(7)
If an off-premises sign, the applicant shall also submit the plan requirements listed in § 250-197B(12).
D.
Prior to the events listed in § 250-199.2B, nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired up to 50% of the replacement cost of the sign, the sign copy may be changed, and sign faces may be replaced, provided that these actions do not increase the dimensions of the existing sign and do not in any way increase the extent of the sign's nonconformity.
E.
Nonconforming signs shall be exempt from the provisions of § 250-199.2B under the following conditions:
(1)
The nonconforming sign possesses documented historic value.
(2)
The nonconforming sign is of a unique nature or type by virtue of its architectural value or design, as determined by the National Park Service, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, or local historical commission.
(3)
When a nonconforming sign is required to be moved because of public right-of-way improvements.
F.
All nonconforming temporary signs, sandwich-board signs, and banners must be permanently removed within 90 days of the effective date of this article, unless specific approval is granted as provided for herein.
§ 250-199.3 Signs on the premises of nonconforming uses.
A.
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office in a residential area) may remain until the existing use of the premises is discontinued.
B.
If a sign wears out or is damaged (including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes, or missing parts or informational items), or is changed for any other reason, the number, size, and area of all signs relating to the premises shall not be increased beyond the characteristics of the sign or signs that existed on that property at the time this article was adopted.
§ 250-199.4 Exemption.
The volunteer fire companies located within Lower Pottsgrove Township shall be exempt from the provisions of this article, subject to review and approval by the Board of Commissioners.
§ 250-199.5 Substitution clause.
Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, to the extent that this article allows a sign containing commercial copy, it shall allow a noncommercial sign to the same extent. The noncommercial message may occupy the entire sign area or any portion thereof and may substitute for or be combined with the commercial message. The sign message may be changed from commercial to noncommercial, or from one noncommercial message to another, as frequently as desired by the sign's owner, provided that the sign is not prohibited and the sign continues to comply with all requirements of this article.