Lower Towamensing Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
Signs
§ 450-120 Purpose; permits; changes in signs.
A.
Purposes. This article is intended to: promote and maintain a good overall community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech without regulating content; promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B.
Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for: a) signs meeting the requirements of § 450-122, and b) nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, cardboard or similar materials and that are not of a permanent nature. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this chapter within the applicable district shall be allowed.
C.
Changes in signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without a new permit under this chapter, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased nonconformity with this chapter.
§ 450-121 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
B.
Any existing nonconforming sign may only be replaced with a conforming sign, except a lawful nonconforming sign serving a lawful nonconforming principal use on the same lot may be replaced with a new sign advertising the nonconforming use if the new sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign.
§ 450-122 Signs not requiring permits.
A.
The following signs shall be permitted by right within all zoning districts within the following regulations and shall not be required to have a permit under this article:
Type and Definition of Signs Not Requiring Permits | Maximum Number of Signs Per Lot | Maximum Sign Area Per Sign * on Residential Lots of Less Than 2 Acres | Maximum Sign Area Per Sign * on Lots Other Than Residential Lots of Less Than 2 Acres | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Christmas tree sign: advertises the seasonal sale of Christmas trees | 2 | 8 | 20 | Shall only be posted during seasons when such products are actively offered for sale |
Charitable event sign: advertises a special event held a maximum of 9 days in any calendar year that primarily is held to benefit a U.S. Internal Revenue Service certified tax-exempt nonprofit organization | 2 | 4 | 20 for each of 2, or 40 if only a single sign is used | Shall be placed a maximum of 30 days prior to event and removed a maximum of 7 days after event |
Contractor's sign: advertises a building tradesperson, engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work on a particular lot that is not such person's place of business | 2 | 8 | 20 | Shall only be permitted while such work is actively and clearly underway and a maximum of 10 days afterward; such signs shall not be placed on the lot for more than 1 year, unless a 1-year extension is granted by the Zoning Officer; shall not be illuminated |
Directional sign: provides information indicating traffic direction, entry or exit, loading or service area, directions to apartment numbers or parking courts in a development, fire lanes, parking or closely similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising | No maximum | 3, other than signs painted on pavement | 3, other than, signs painted on pavement | Directional signs within a residential development shall not be illuminated |
Flag: a banner or pennant made of fabric or materials with a similar appearance that is hung in such a way to flow in the wind and that includes some type of commercial message | 2 | 50 | 50 | Governmental flags and flags without a commercial message are not regulated by this chapter |
Garage sale sign: advertises an occasional garage sale/porch sale or auction | 2 per event | 2 per sign | 2 per sign | Shall be placed a maximum of 48 hours before permitted garage sale or auction begins and be removed maximum of 24 hours after event ends |
Home occupation sign: advertises a permitted home occupation | 1 | 4 | 4 | Shall not be illuminated |
Identification sign: only identifies the name and/or occupation of the resident and/or the name, street address and/or use of a lot, but that does not include advertising | 1 | 1, except 2 for a principal nonresidential use | 6 | Maximum height of 8 feet |
Open house sign: advertises the temporary and periodic open house of a property for sale or rent | 2 per event | 4 | 4 | Shall be placed maximum of 5 days before open house begins and be removed maximum of 24 hours after open house ends; such sign shall not be posted more than 5 consecutive days |
Political sign: advertises a person or party seeking political office or a political cause or opinion on a referendum or matter of political concern and which relates to a scheduled election or matter of upcoming vote by a governmental body | No maximum | 15 per sign | 40 per sign | Shall be placed a maximum of 30 days prior to election, vote or referendum and removed a maximum of 7 days after such election, vote or referendum; persons posting political signs shall maintain a written list of locations of such signs, unless posting signs on own property; political signs shall not be placed on private property without prior consent of the owner; any political sign that does not meet these requirements shall be regulated as an "off-premises sign" |
Public services sign: advertises the availability of restrooms, telephone or other similar public convenience | No maximum | 2 | 2 | |
Real estate sign: advertises the availability of property on which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease | 1 per street the lot abuts | 6 | 32 | Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively for sale, lease or rent and shall be removed a maximum of 7 days after settlement or start of lease |
Service organization/place of worship sign: an off-premises sign stating name of a recognized incorporated service organization or place of worship and that states the place and times of meetings or services and/or an arrow directing persons to such location | 2 | 2 | 2 | Maximum of 2 such signs per such organization or place of worship |
Time and temperature sign: with a sole purpose to announce the current time and temperature and any nonprofit public service messages | 1 | Not permitted | 40 | |
Trespassing sign: indicating that a road is private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities, such as hunting and fishing, on the lot | No maximum | 2 | 4 |
NOTES: | |
|---|---|
* | Maximum sign areas are for each of two sides of each permitted sign, measured in square feet. |
B.
In addition, the following types of signs are not regulated by this chapter:
(1)
Historic sign. Memorializes an important historic place, event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Township or a county, state or federal agency.
(2)
Holiday decorations. Commemorate a holiday recognized by the Township, county, state or federal government, and which do not include advertising.
(3)
Unreadable sign. Not readable from any street or any exterior lot line.
(4)
Official sign. Erected by the state, county, Township or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by Township ordinance or resolution, and which exists for public purposes.
(5)
Required sign. Only includes information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Township.
(6)
Right-of-way sign. Posted within the existing right-of-way of a street and officially authorized by the Township or PennDOT.
(7)
Painted window sign. Artistic renditions painted on the interior of windows that comply with the purpose of this article.
§ 450-123 Freestanding, wall and window signs.
A.
Permitted signs. The following are the signs permitted on a lot within the specified districts and within the following regulations, in addition to exempt signs and temporary signs permitted in all districts by other provisions of this article.
Zoning District | Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs (feet) | Maximum Area of Wall Signs* | Maximum Area* and Number of Freestanding Signs |
|---|---|---|---|
R-R, R-C, R-1, R-2 Districts for permitted principal nonresidential uses | 15 | 20 square feet on each side of a building | 1 sign on each street the lot abuts, each with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet for each 300 feet of street frontage |
V-C | 12 | 10% of the vertical area of the building side on which the signs are attached | 1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 30 square feet** |
I | 25 | 15% of the vertical area of the building side on which the signs are attached | 1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 50 square feet** |
NOTES: | |
|---|---|
* | For signs over 100 square feet, see billboard regulations.[1] |
** | The maximum freestanding sign area may be increased to 100 square feet if a lot includes two or more principal uses. |
B.
Maximum height of wall signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they are attached.
C.
Portable signs (including signs on mobile stands) and other temporary signs.
(1)
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent sign within all of the requirements of this chapter.*
(2)
Definition. A "portable sign" is a freestanding sign that is attached to a chassis or legs that allows it to be towed or carried from one location to another and that is not permanently attached to the ground.
(3)
Portable signs. Portable signs are prohibited in all districts, except one sign with a maximum sign area of 40 square feet may be permitted once for a maximum of 20 days in any one year. Portable signs 40 square feet or less in size used for events lasting one week or less are permitted. These signs are allowed to be displayed 30 days prior to the event and must be removed no later than seven days after the event.
§ 450-124 Abandoned or outdated signs.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than a sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within 180 days of the cessation of such use.
§ 450-125 Location of signs.
The following shall regulate the location of signs:
B.
Sight distance. No sign shall be so located that it interferes with the sight distance requirements of this chapter.
C.
Off-premises. No sign except permitted off-premises, official, political or public service signs shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate.
D.
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any property or sign pole or public utility pole, unless permission has been received from the pole or property owner.
E.
Utility poles. No sign shall be attached to a utility pole using metal fasteners, except by a utility or government agency.
§ 450-126 Illumination of signs.
See § 450-104, Lighting.
§ 450-127 Vehicles functioning as signs.
Any vehicle, trailer or structure to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs no longer is incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle or structure but becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and as such shall be subject to requirements for freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle or structure is located.
§ 450-128 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use. Flags and banners are prohibited, except as permitted by § 450-122. Also, excepting flags or banners meeting the requirements for a particular type of sign.
B.
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type. (Time and temperature signs are exempted.) In addition, flashing lights visible from a street shall not be used to attract attention to a business. This restriction specifically includes window signs, but does not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays within the scope of § 450-122.
C.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles or sound.
D.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a lot may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable provisions of this chapter.
E.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color that they imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street (such as prominent use of the word "danger").
F.
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images that are obscene or pornographic.
G.
Balloons of greater than 25 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure for more than two days and that are primarily intended for advertising purposes.
H.
Floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes.
I.
Electronic screen signs using technologies, such as, but not limited to, LCD or LED screens.
§ 450-129 Construction of signs.
A.
Construction of signs. Every permanent sign permitted in this chapter shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall by written notice require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of time. If such order is not complied with, the Township may repair or remove such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
B.
Other signs forfeited. Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this chapter, shall be forfeited to the Township and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the Township shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
§ 450-130 Measurement of signs.
A.
Measurement of sign area.
(1)
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed. One freestanding sign may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total sign area being the area of a common geometric form that could encompass all signs.
(2)
The sign area shall not include any structurally supporting framework, bracing, or clearly defined wooden framing if such area does not include any display, lettering or sign and if such area is clearly incidental to the sign area itself.
(3)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols.
(4)
The maximum sign area of a sign shall be for each of two sides of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.
(5)
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs are maximum sizes.
§ 450-131 Off-premises signs, including billboards.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter for the following purposes, to ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and office parks; prevent visual pollution in the Township and protect property values and prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Township, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; and carry out the purposes listed in § 450-120.
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully placed off-premises sign that is in structurally sound condition.
C.
PennDOT and Township signs. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted by right in all districts. Also, a banner or other sign approved by the Township within or over a public right-of-way for a public or charitable purpose shall be permitted.
D.
Permitted off-premises signs. An off-premises sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements:
(1)
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the R-R and I Districts.
(2)
Location. An off-premises sign is only permitted if the sign is within 300 feet of the existing right-of-way of an arterial street and if all portions of the sign are a minimum of 40 feet from any lot line or any existing street right-of-way.
(3)
Maximum sign area. The maximum sign area is 450 square feet.
(4)
Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet from any other off-premises sign, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities.
(5)
Number. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign.
(6)
Maximum height. The maximum height is 40 feet above the elevation of the adjacent street, measured at the street center line.
(7)
Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign, except that a sign may have two sign faces of 450 square feet each if they are placed approximately back-to-back.
(9)
Residences. No off-premises sign greater than 10 square feet in sign area shall be located within 500 feet of an existing dwelling.