Montour Township Columbia County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 7
SIGNS
§ 27-700 Definitions.
[Ord. 5/9/1972, § 700; as amended by Ord. 12/12/1991B, § 19]
1.
Sign. Any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof or any device attached, painted or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface that shall display or include any letter, word, insignia, flag or representation used as or which is in the nature of an advertisement, announcement, visual communication, direction or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public.
2.
Area of Signs.
A.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.
B.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
C.
In computing square foot area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
3.
Illumination of Signs.
A.
Directly Illuminated Sign.
B.
Indirectly Illuminated Sign. A sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct rays therefrom are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs nor external to that lot. If such shielding device is defective, such sign shall be deemed to be directly illuminated sign.
C.
Flashing Sign. An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use, but not including changeable copy signs.
D.
Non-Illuminated Sign. A sign not illuminated either directly or indirectly.
4.
Location of Signs.
A.
On-Premises Sign. A sign which carries only messages incidental to a lawful use of the property on which it is located.
B.
Off-Premises Sign. A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which said sign is located.
C.
Business Identification Sign. An on-premises sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity sold, offered or conducted other than incidentally on the premises upon which such sign is located or to which it is affixed.
5.
Types of Signs.
A.
Freestanding Sign. A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles or standards on the ground.
B.
Parallel Sign (Wall Sign). A sign mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface. Parallel signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted nor project more than 24 inches from its surface.
C.
Abandoned Sign. A sign which no longer advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, products, use, or activity, for which no legal owner can be found.
D.
Animated Sign. A sign with action or motion; revolving, flashing illumination, or color changes, requiring electrical energy, electronic, solar or manufactured sources of supply, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or other like items. For the purposes of this chapter, this definition shall not be meant to include public service signs such as time and temperature units or changeable message signs.
E.
Awning Sign. A sign painted, printed, or embossed on or attached flat against the surface of an awning of nonrigid material serving as a shelter from the elements and projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building.
F.
Banner Sign. A sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.
G.
Billboards. See § 27-700(4)(B), Off-Premises Signs.
I.
Construction Sign. A temporary sign, identifying a project sponsor, lending institution or funding agency, architect, contractor(s), subcontractor(s), and other party participating in the development of that project, and located on the property on which the construction is underway.
J.
Directional/Information Sign. A sign limited to instructions or facility location information which may contain the name or logo of an establishment or firm for the purpose of guiding visitors and deliveries, etc., e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs.
K.
Illuminated Sign. A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign, including illuminated awnings.
L.
Incidental Sign. A small sign, emblem or decal informing the public of goods, facilities or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or hours of business sign.
M.
Marquee. Permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the façade of a building.
N.
Political Sign. For the purposes of this chapter, a temporary sign used in connection with a local, state, or national election or referendum.
O.
Portable Sign. Any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building.
P.
Public Service Sign. Message of a civic or philanthropic nature posted in the interest of community welfare.
Q.
Real Estate Sign. A temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located (or in close proximity thereto and directing prospects to the property) indicating the property is for rent, lease or sale.
R.
Roof Sign. Any sign erected over or on the roof of a building.
S.
Skeleton Sign. An assembly of shapes and/or letters mounted on a frame without a solid background.
T.
Temporary Sign. A sign which is intended to advertise community or civic projects, campaigns, events, etc., for a limited time as specified herein.
U.
Vehicular Sign. A sign which is affixed to a vehicle in such a manner that the carrying of such sign is no longer incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle, but becomes a primary purpose in itself and are regulated herein.
6.
Other Terms.
A.
Clearance (of a sign). The smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street cartway edge (for streets or roads without curbs) or street curb and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that grade or horizontal plane.
B.
Conforming Sign. A sign which was legally erected in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations in effect at the time of erection of the sign.
C.
Height (of a Sign). The vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less.
D.
Illegal Sign. A sign which does not meet the requirements of this chapter and which has not received legal nonconforming status.
E.
Maintenance. For purposes of this chapter, the cleaning, painting, repair, and replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic design or size of the sign.
F.
Permit, Sign. A license granted by the state and/or Township to authorize a sign.
G.
Roofline. The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys or minor projections.
§ 27-701 General Sign Regulations.
[Ord. 5/9/1972, § 710; as amended by Ord. 12/12/1991B, § 20]
1.
Prohibition. Flashing signs, festoon lighting and freestanding roof signs shall not be permitted in any district.
2.
Obstruction. No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of 50 feet from the intersection of any street lines or the intersection of a street line and the edge of a private accessway unless the location of the sign is situated at least eight feet above the level of the street center line. Further, no sign shall be so located that it interferes with traffic through glare or obstruction or confusion with a traffic control device or by reason of design, illumination, shape or color create any other safety hazard.
3.
Maintenance. All signs permitted in this Part must be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated shall be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.
4.
Nonconforming Sign. Signs existing at the time of passage of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of the chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs and, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs; however, nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired, provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign.
5.
Separate Frontage. If an establishment has walls fronting on two or more streets, the sign area for each street may be computed separately.
6.
Official Signs. No signs except those of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic signs and similar regulatory notices, shall be allowed within street lines. This provision may be waived for parallel signs in areas where no yard setback is required.
7.
No portion of any freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than five feet. If this requirement cannot be met, freestanding signs shall be prohibited on such properties.
[Amended 5/13/2010]
8.
All on-premises signs over six square feet in area and all off-premises signs regardless of size shall require the issuance of a zoning permit before erection or replacement. All signs must comply with all of the regulations contained herein, regardless of whether or not a permit is required. The Zoning Officer may, upon observation of sign deterioration, inspect a sign and notify the sign owner, or landowner, that said safety repairs or deteriorated conditions shall be corrected at the expense of the sign owner or landowner, as applicable in their specific lease or business arrangement.
[Amended 5/13/2010]
9.
Certification Required. The application for permit for freestanding signs 50 square feet or larger or 15 feet high or higher, or any roof-mounted sign shall require drawings certified by a qualified registered professional engineer or architect, licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, that the proposed design meets or exceeds the standards herein, including the sign itself, structure, foundation and support, and constitutes a safe installation in accordance with the latest BOCA standards.
10.
Violations. When, in the opinion of the Zoning Officer, a violation of this chapter exists, the Zoning Officer shall issue a written order to the responsible party, specifying those sections of this chapter being violated. The order shall allow 30 days for correction of the alleged violation, except in the case of an imminent public safety hazard, or to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. When the Zoning Officer determines or has reason to believe that the sign creates an imminent public safety hazard, an order and corrective action shall immediately be undertaken to remove the sign or correct said condition. Township expenses for such actions and subsequent inspection(s) shall be charged to the sign or property owner. If the full amount invoiced is not paid the Board of Supervisors may direct that civil enforcement proceedings be commenced and a lien placed against the property of the sign owner.
11.
Indemnification and Insurance. All persons involved in the maintenance, installation, alteration or relocation of signs near or upon any public right-of-way or property or responding to an order issued hereunder shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify Montour Township, its officers and agents against all claims of negligence or damage, insofar as this chapter has not specifically directed the placement or design of a sign. A certificate of indemnification and a certificate of insurance protecting Montour Township against any liability herewith in a minimum of $1,000,000 shall be submitted with the permit application.
12.
Illumination Levels. No sign shall be illuminated in the C, A, SR, and VR Districts at a level greater than 20 footcandles. No sign shall be illuminated in the HC and I Districts at a level greater than 30 footcandles unless the fixture is shielded in such manner as to prevent glare and uncontrolled illumination greater than 30 footcandles at the property line nearest the sign.
13.
Political Signs. Political signs [as defined in § 27-700(5)(N)] shall be allowed in connection with local, state, or national elections or voter referendum or public issues at the municipal, county, state or school district levels. Nothing herein shall prohibit freedom of speech. Political signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts, subject to the following conditions:
[Added 1/12/2017]
A.
Political signs shall not pose a traffic safety hazard in regard to vision obstruction due to sign placement or size. Political signs shall not be located within any public street right-of-way, nor shall they be located within the clear sight triangle of any street intersection, or in any way obstruct or impair a motorist's clear vision.
B.
Freestanding political signs shall be distinguished from political advertisements placed upon commercial billboards. Nothing herein is intended to restrict or regulate the message content on properly permitted commercial billboards.
C.
Political signs shall not be construed of a type of material or physical design that poses a distraction to motorists.
D.
Political signs shall not be constructed of a type of material or physical design that poses a potential hazard to adjacent private property.
E.
Political signs shall not be allowed by those persons responsible for placement of that sign to deteriorate in physical condition to the degree that a potential adverse impact on adjacent property or general public health and safety may result.
F.
Persons or organizations responsible for placing political signs shall also be responsible for monitoring of said political signs to ensure that they have not been displaced by wind or other means on public roadways or rights-of-way or public property.
G.
Consent of the property owner shall be required prior to placement of political signs on private property. However, confirmation of that property owner's consent shall be the responsibility of the person placing a political sign on said private property.
H.
Written consent of the Township Supervisors shall be required for political signs to be placed on property owned by the Township.
I.
Political signs shall comply with state-mandated polling place rules as set forth by the State Election Board. All political signs shall be a minimum of a ten-foot radius from the designated entrance to a polling place.
J.
There shall be no fee for political signs.
K.
Political signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than 70 days prior to the election to which said signs pertain.
L.
Political signs which pertain to a specific election or referendum shall be removed within 30 days following that election and shall be the responsibility of such person or organization which caused said political sign to be erected.
M.
Failure to remove said signs shall be cause for the Township to remove said sign and for charges to be assessed by the Township.
N.
The Township Zoning Officer and/or any other representative specifically authorized by the Township Board of Supervisors shall be responsible for the removal of any political signs that interferes with public safety.
§ 27-702 Signs in Conservation, Agricultural and Residential Districts.
[Ord. 5/9/1972, § 702; as amended by Ord. 4/13/1989, § 2; and by Ord. 12/12/1991B, § 21]
1.
On-Premises Signs. In C, A, SR, and VR Districts, no on-premises sign shall be permitted except as follows:
A.
One non-illuminated sign advertising for sale agricultural produce raised on the premises where such sale is permitted, not to exceed 12 square feet in area.
B.
Non-illuminated signs displayed strictly for the direction, safety or convenience of the public, including signs which identify restrooms, telephone booths, parking area entrances or exits, freight entrances or the like, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
C.
Flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations.
D.
One non-illuminated sign posted in conjunction with doorbells or mailboxes, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 36 square inches.
E.
One non-illuminated sign or indirectly illuminated sign displaying only the name and address of the occupant of a premises, provided the area of any sign shall not exceed 200 square inches. The provisions of § 27-702(1)(H) do not apply to this type of sign.
F.
One non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated sign for home occupations or accessory offices, indicating only the names of persons and their occupations, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
G.
One non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated bulletin or announcement board or identification sign for a permitted nonresidential building or use, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, and provided that illuminated signs in any residential district shall not create an annoying level of illumination to adjacent homes.
[Amended 5/13/2010]
H.
One non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated sign in connection with a lawfully maintained nonconforming use, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
I.
One non-illuminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected or one sign indicating that said premises have been sold or rented, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet and shall be removed within 20 days after an agreement of sale or rental has been entered into.
J.
One temporary non-illuminated sign erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested in such sale or development, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet and shall be removed within 20 days after the last structure has been initially occupied or upon expiration of the building permit, whichever is sooner.
K.
Temporary non-illuminated sign of mechanics or artisans may be erected and maintained during the period such persons are performing work on the premises upon which such signs are erected, provided such signs shall be removed upon completion of work by the mechanic or artisan and the total area of all such signs shall not exceed 24 square feet.
L.
Signs announcing no trespassing; signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises; and signs controlling fishing or hunting on the premises, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
M.
Non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated memorial signs or historical signs or tablets.
2.
Off-Premises Signs. Off-premises signs are not permitted except as follows: (Signs permitted within this section may also be on-premises signs.)
A.
Signs necessary for the direction, regulation and control of traffic; street name signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings; and other official signs which are similarly authorized or erected by a duly constituted governmental body.
C.
Temporary non-illuminated signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows, events or proposed development located in the area may be erected, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(2)
Signs shall not be posted earlier than two weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates and must be removed within one week after the date of the exhibit, show or event. When related to a proposed development, such sign must be removed immediately upon sale or rental of the final unit in such development.
D.
Non-illuminated signs used for directing patrons, members or an audience to service clubs, churches or other nonprofit organizations, provided the signs shall indicate only the name of the facility and the direction to the facility and shall not exceed six square feet in area.
3.
Types of Signs in Residential Districts.
A.
For purposes of safe sight distance, no sign shall obstruct a clear sight triangle between a plane two feet above curb level, or grade of the nearest edge of cartway surface, whichever is applicable at a given site, and a plane seven feet above curb level, or grade of the nearest edge of cartway surface, whichever is applicable at a given site, so as to interfere with visibility of vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic across any corner created by the intersection of two or more streets or a street and a driveway(s) within a triangular shape bounded on the sides by the center line of the intersecting street(s) and/or driveway(s) drawn 20 feet from the intersection of said center lines, or extension thereof.
[Amended 5/13/2010]
B.
Parallel signs or portions of such signs shall not be located above the ceiling of the ground floor of any building or more than 12 feet above the upper surface of the nearest curb, whichever is less.
§ 27-703 Signs in Commercial Districts.
[Ord. 5/9/1972, § 730; as amended by Ord. 12/15/1987; and by Ord. 12/12/1991B, § 22]
1.
On-Premises Signs. No on-premises signs shall be permitted in HC and C Districts except as follows:
B.
Parallel business signs, subject to the following provisions.
(1)
The total area of any parallel sign shall not exceed two square feet for each foot of length of the front building wall or length of that portion of such wall devoted to such establishment, or length of a side wall to be used for placement of the sign or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(2)
No parallel sign shall be painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of windows in such districts.
C.
Freestanding business signs, provided:
(1)
The area of all such signs shall not exceed one square foot for each two feet of lot frontage nor exceed more than one square foot for each four square feet of the building side wall nearest which the sign is to be placed, whichever is smaller.
(2)
Signs mounted or otherwise affixed to the roof of a building are permitted on one-story buildings, provided such sign does not extend more than four feet above the roof line.
(3)
The maximum height of freestanding business signs shall not exceed 14 feet.
D.
Non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated business signs.
2.
Off-Premises Signs.
A.
All off-premises signs permitted in § 27-702(2) to the standards prescribed therein are permitted in HC District.
B.
Signs are permitted in HC District subject to the following provisions.
(1)
The total area of any sign shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(2)
Signs may be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated but shall not be flashing.
(3)
Signs may be freestanding, parallel or roof signs but may not be projecting signs.
(4)
The maximum height of signs shall not be more than four feet above the height of the building or structure (other than the sign support itself) to which the sign is affixed or, in the case of freestanding signs, not more than 25 feet above the official street grade nearest the sign.