Meadville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 1309
Signs
§ 1309.01 Sign regulations in all districts.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
(A)
The following signs shall be permitted in all districts, and no permit shall be required to erect such signs:
(1)
Directory signs listing all the occupants of a multi-tenant or multi-family building, or buildings in a multi-building development.
(2)
Bulletin boards and similar spaces open to temporary signs placed for use by the general public without charge. If placed outside, such boards shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
Any signs not visible from outside a lot or building.
(4)
Rest room, exit, public telephone, and similar directional or informational signs placed for the benefit of the public or building tenants.
(B)
Signs in Public Rights-of-Way.
(1)
No signs shall be permitted within public rights-of-way except PennDOT-approved traffic signs and devices, signs and banners specially approved by the city, historical markers as approved by the city or other signs specifically permitted within the public right-of-way under another section of this zoning code.
(2)
Portable business signs, six square feet or less, shall be permitted in the public right-of-way in the MU-3 and GB-M districts. Such signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Signs are clearly accessory to and placed on right-of-way abutting a permitted business.
(b)
Limited to one portable sign per business establishment.
(c)
Signs contain a total area not exceeding six square feet per sign face and have no more than two faces.
(d)
Signs are displayed only during business hours.
(e)
Placement of such sign allows an unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrian use of a width of not less than five feet and; provided, further, that such sign does not block a line of sight for vehicles or pedestrians.
(f)
Such signs shall not be illuminated by any means.
(3)
No signs shall be permitted which are posted, stapled or otherwise attached to public utility poles or trees within public rights-of-way.
(C)
Construction and Maintenance. All signs, except temporary signs, shall be constructed in a workmanlike fashion using durable materials. Signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind forces and in accordance with appropriate mechanical or electrical standards. The owners of signs shall keep them in safe and good repair. Signs which become deteriorated or otherwise present a public hazard shall be removed or repaired by the sign's owner. If the owner of a sign cannot be found or identified, the owner of the property whereon the sign is located shall be responsible for its repair or removal. Signs which become deteriorated as defined in this section or otherwise present a public hazard shall be immediately removed or repaired by the sign's owner, regardless of how long they have been in place. A sign shall be considered deteriorated if any of the following conditions are present:
(1)
Any portion is torn.
(2)
Any portion is missing.
(3)
Any hole, other than one installed by the manufacturer for mounting or other purposes, more than one-half-inch in diameter is present.
(4)
Any portion of the message is missing or faded.
(5)
Any portion of the sign's support or attachment is loose, torn, frayed or otherwise damaged or the support is determined to be inadequate to support the load imposed.
(6)
The sign or any portion of the sign is constructed of paper, cardboard or other material that is not weather-resistant, unless it is completely covered or enclosed by a weatherproof device constructed for that purpose.
(D)
No sign shall be placed where it would block the line of sight for a public or private street, access drive or driveway or lawful service drive.
(E)
Permanent signs may be internally or directly lighted with non-glaring lights or may be indirectly illuminated by shielded floodlights except where prohibited by this article. All lighting shall be screened from adjacent properties. All electrical connections shall be shielded by underground or overhead electrical wires which meet all city codes. No temporary signs, including any sign not permanently attached to the ground or a structure in a manner conforming to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, shall be illuminated by direct means. No signs associated with single- or two-family residential uses shall be kept illuminated by any means except for posted building numbers required by law, which illumination shall be kept to the minimum necessary for legibility.
(F)
Temporary Signs.
(2)
No permit shall be required to post a permitted temporary sign. All temporary signs shall include the date of installation recorded on the front, side, bottom, or back of the sign.
(3)
Each commercial establishment in a MU-3, GB-M, I-S or EDC district that is otherwise permitted to have a business identification sign may have one temporary sign as defined in this zoning code per street frontage. The establishment may not display any one temporary sign for longer than a 90-day span. Any temporary sign, once removed or replaced with a different sign, shall not be displayed again for at least a 30-day span following its removal or replacement.
(4)
Each commercial establishment in a district other than a MU-3, GB-M, I-S or EDC district may have one temporary sign subject to the limits in this section. The establishment shall not display any one temporary sign for longer than a 30-day span. Any temporary sign, once removed or replaced with a different sign, shall not be displayed again for at least a 30-day span following its removal or replacement.
(5)
If replaced for a reason other than a material defect, a temporary sign must be replaced with another temporary sign that is clearly and functionally different in construction or design from the replaced sign. A temporary sign that is replaced with another sign that is not clearly distinguishable from the previous sign and is posted in a way that together exceed the 30-day or 90-day spans described by Subsection (F)(3) and (4) above will be regarded as acting like an unpermitted permanent sign and must be removed.
(G)
Nonconforming signs, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs. Nonconforming signs may be maintained, repainted, or repaired, providing such repainting or repairing does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign.
(H)
For instances of more than one business operating in one building, only one freestanding sign of a maximum 32 square feet shall be permitted along any one street frontage. Projecting and wall signs shall conform to the regulations of the zoning district wherein they are located.
(J)
Window signs, when used, shall not exceed 50 percent of any window's area.
(K)
Wall signs, when used, shall not exceed 20 percent of any facade's area.
(L)
Civic/cultural buildings, hospitals, public and accredited private schools, post offices and other federal facilities, and stadiums are exempt from flag limitations stated elsewhere in this article.
§ 1309.02 Signs in the R Residential district, MU-1 district, and the Diamond Park Heritage district.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
(A)
In the R, MU-1 and DPH districts, signs will be permitted as follows:
(1)
MU-1 and DPH Uses Are Permitted.
(a)
One permanent sign per street frontage, not to exceed 32 square feet when associated with permitted uses other than single-family or two-family dwellings or four square feet when associated with a single-family or two-family dwelling use. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height above grade, except that such signs associated with single-family or two-family dwellings are limited to four feet in height above grade.
(b)
Temporary signs not to exceed four square feet in the aggregate.
(c)
One flag not to exceed 15 square feet.
(d)
Roof signs shall be prohibited.
(2)
R Uses Are Permitted.
(a)
One permanent sign per street frontage for any use other than single-family or two-family dwelling uses, not to exceed 32 square feet. Permanent signs shall be prohibited for single-family or two-family dwelling uses except as otherwise permitted or required by law.
(b)
Temporary signs not to exceed four square feet in the aggregate.
(c)
One flag not to exceed 15 square feet.
(d)
Roof signs, pole signs, and projection signs shall be prohibited.
(B)
In addition to the signs provided above, home occupation or nameplate signs shall be permitted, provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected; and provided, that each such sign shall be fixed flat on the main wall of such building or may be erected in the front yard, but not closer than 10 feet from a lot line. Such signs shall not be illuminated by any means.
(C)
In addition to the signs provided above, signs, bulletin board, announcement board or identification signs for schools, churches, hospitals, multi-family dwellings, subdivisions, allotments or other principal uses and buildings other than dwellings on the same lot therewith for the purpose of displaying the name of the institution(s) and its/their activities or services shall be permitted; provided, that the sign shall be erected on not more than one street frontage. Such signs shall be no more than 32 square feet in size and only be illuminated by indirect means.
§ 1309.03 I-C Campus Institutional and I-S Special Institutional districts.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
(A)
In the I-C and I-S districts, signs will be permitted as follows:
(1)
One permanent sign per street frontage not to exceed 32 square feet when associated with uses other than single-family and two-family dwellings.
(2)
Dispersed permanent signs of less than six square feet each when associated with institutional uses.
(3)
Temporary signs of less than four square feet each.
(4)
Flags not to exceed 15 square feet each.
(5)
Roof signs, pole signs, and projection signs shall be prohibited.
(B)
All non-dwelling uses may otherwise additionally maintain up to two signs per vehicular access drive for informational or identification purposes, provided the total area of such signs does not exceed 64 square feet. Only wall signs, as defined by this zoning code, may be self-illuminated. All other sign types shall employ indirect means of lighting, except as provided for under § 1309.07.
§ 1309.04 MU-2, MU-3, GB-M and EDC districts.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
(A)
In the MU-2, MU-3, GB-M and EDC districts, signs will be permitted as follows:
(1)
MU-2 Uses Are Permitted.
(a)
One permanent sign per street frontage, not to exceed 32 square feet when associated with uses other than single-family or two-family dwellings or four square feet when associated with a single-family or two-family dwelling use. Freestanding signs shall not exceed eight feet in height, except that such signs associated with single-family or two-family dwelling are limited to four feet in height.
(b)
Temporary signs not to exceed 10 square feet in the aggregate.
(c)
One flag not to exceed 15 square feet.
(d)
Roof signs shall be prohibited.
(2)
MU-3 Uses Are Permitted.
(a)
Two permanent signs per street frontage not to exceed 32 square feet each when associated with uses other than a single-family or two-family dwelling, or one sign not to exceed six square feet when associated with a single-family or two-family dwelling. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height, except that such signs associated with single-family or two-family dwellings are limited to four feet in height.
(b)
Temporary signs cumulatively not to exceed 10 square feet.
(c)
One flag not to exceed 15 square feet.
(d)
Roof signs shall be prohibited.
(3)
GB-M Uses Are Permitted.
(a)
Three permanent signs, not to exceed 32 square feet each when associated with uses other than a single-family or two-family dwelling, or one permanent sign not to exceed six square feet when associated with a single-family or two-family dwelling use. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height, except that such signs associated with single-family residences are limited to four feet in height.
(b)
Temporary signs not to exceed 10 square feet in the aggregate.
(c)
Two flags, each not to exceed 15 square feet.
(d)
Roof signs shall be prohibited.
(4)
EDC Uses Are Permitted.
(a)
Three permanent signs, not to exceed 100 square feet each when associated with uses other than a single-family or two-family dwelling or six square feet when associated with a single-family or two-family dwelling. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 35 feet in height, except that such signs associated with single-family or two-family dwelling are limited to four feet in height.
(b)
Temporary signs not to exceed 10 square feet in the aggregate.
(c)
Flags not to exceed 48 square feet in the aggregate.
(B)
Projection of Permanent Signs into Rights-of-Way. Under no circumstances shall a projecting sign be placed nearer than two feet vertically from a vehicular cartway, loading zone, or on-street parking lane, and no part of the sign shall be within eight feet vertically from grade.
§ 1309.05 Sign regulations and nonconforming uses.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
Nonconforming uses may keep all permanent, pre-existing signs; provided, that such signs do not obstruct vehicular lines of sight or threaten public safety. If the signage for the use is changed, all future signs shall comply with regulations for the district in which the nonconforming use is located.
§ 1309.06 Awnings.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
No structural support or portion of the awning is within eight feet of grade as measured vertically from the right-of-way line. Under no circumstances shall any such projecting awning be placed nearer than two feet from a vehicular cartway, loading zone, or on-street parking lane. Awnings shall comply with the requirements of all applicable building codes.
§ 1309.07 Electronic signs.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
(A)
Electronic signs are not permitted within the following zoning districts: DPH, MU-1, MU-2 and R.
(B)
Electronic signs within the MU-3, GB-M, and EDC districts outside of historic district except the portion of the historic district on Park Avenue north of Cherry Street shall be permitted by special exception and shall be subject to all other sign regulations provided for in this zoning code. Further:
(1)
No electronic sign may be illuminated in any manner which causes undue distraction, confusion or hazard to vehicular traffic.
(2)
Message display shall remain static for a minimum of five seconds. There shall be no strobe, flashing effect or other animation other than scrolling during the display. Any transitions or change of the display between messages shall not be more than one second. Transitions that involve fading or other animations other than scrolling shall not be permitted.
(3)
Illumination. The owner of the sign or his or her agent shall measure sign luminance with a luminance meter set to measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Luminance shall be measured with the sign off, and again with the sign displaying a white image for a full color-capable sign, or a solid message for a single-color sign. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the sign at the distance determined by the total square footage of the sign. Electronic signs of 10 square feet or less shall be measured at a distance of 32 feet. Electronic Signs of greater than 10 square feet shall be measured at a distance of 39 feet. The difference between the off and solid-message measurements using the criteria shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at night. A letter certifying compliance shall be provided to the zoning officer.
(4)
Dimming Capabilities. All permitted electronic signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle measurement.
(5)
Electronic signs which malfunction shall be turned off except for testing during any correction or repair.
(C)
Electronic signs shall be permitted in the I-C and I-S district by special exception subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Signs must be screened so that no illumination source from the sign is visible from any residence within 500 feet of the sign.
(2)
No sign may be illuminated or functioning between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(3)
The total sign area, including support structure, shall conform to the size requirements for the district in which it is located, and the height of the sign, including support structure, may not exceed 10 feet.
(4)
The content of a digital display must transition by changing instantly, with no transition graphics or animation (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
(5)
An image or graphic may be displayed but must be stationary. Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or text or images which flash, pulsate or move in any manner other than text scrolling is prohibited.
(6)
Text may scroll. No other animation or manipulation of text is permitted.
(7)
No sound may be used.
(8)
The sign shall be housed in a support structure made of brick, stone or similar material and be appropriately landscaped so as to limit its impact in the residential neighborhood.
(9)
No electronic sign may be illuminated in any manner which causes undue distraction, confusion or hazard to vehicular traffic.
(10)
Message display shall remain static for a minimum of five seconds. There shall be no strobe, flashing effect or other animation other than scrolling during the display. Any transitions or change of the display between messages shall not be more than one second. Transitions that involve fading or other animations other than scrolling shall not be permitted.
(11)
Illumination. The owner of the sign or his agent shall measure sign luminance with a luminance meter set to measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Luminance shall be measured with the sign off, and again with the sign displaying a white image for a full color-capable sign, or a solid message for a single-color sign. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the sign at the distance determined by the total square footage of the sign. Electronic signs of 10 square feet or less shall be measured at a distance of 32 feet. Electronic Signs of greater than 10 square feet shall be measured at a distance of 39 feet. The difference between the off and solid-message measurements using the criteria shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at night. A letter certifying compliance shall be provided to the zoning officer.
(12)
Dimming Capabilities. All permitted electronic signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle measurement.
(13)
Electronic signs which malfunction shall be turned off except for testing during any correction or repair.
(D)
Electronic signs within the Historic District except the portion of the historic district on Park Avenue north of Cherry Street shall be permitted as a special exception, subject to the following restrictions:
(1)
Color shall be limited to white lights.
(2)
Images, text or graphics shall be static for a minimum of one minute and shall contain no animation or movement in any manner, including during transitions (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
(3)
No sound may be used.
(4)
No electronic sign may be illuminated in any manner which causes undue distraction, confusion or hazard to vehicular traffic.
(5)
Illumination. The owner of the sign or his or her agent shall measure sign luminance with a luminance meter set to measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Luminance shall be measured with the sign off, and again with the sign displaying a white image for a full color-capable sign, or a solid message for a single-color sign. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the sign at the distance determined by the total square footage of the sign. Electronic signs of 10 square feet or less shall be measured at a distance of 32 feet. Electronic Signs of greater than 10 square feet shall be measured at a distance of 39 feet. The difference between the off and solid-message measurements using the criteria shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at night. A letter certifying compliance shall be provided to the zoning officer.
(6)
Dimming Capabilities. All permitted electronic signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle measurement.
(7)
Electronic signs which malfunction shall be turned off except for testing during any correction or repair.