New Britain Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 26
SIGNS
§ 27-2600 Scope and Applicability.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020[1]]
a.
The purposes of the sign regulations are:
1.
To provide uniform standards for signs within the Township and specific standards for signs in each zoning district.
2.
To establish procedures for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
3.
To regulate the location, size, construction, erection, alteration, use, and maintenance of signs.
4.
To promote the use of well-crafted signs in harmony with the architectural and residential character of the Township.
b.
In all zoning districts, signs shall be erected, altered, maintained, used, removed, or moved in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable ordinances and regulations.
c.
Nonconforming signs which do not conform with the requirements of this Part, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance superseded former Part 26, Signs, adopted as part of Ord. 8-14-1995, as amended by Ord. 03-04-02, Ord. 2005-10-1, Ord. 2008-09-02, Ord. 2010-07-01, and Ord. 2017-06-07.
§ 27-2601 Definitions.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this Part, have the meanings given. These terms are in addition to those defined in Part 2 of this chapter.
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current, open, and/or active business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least six months; a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or vandalized and not repaired within 60 days; or a temporary sign that has not been removed within the required time frame.
A sign that designates the street number, street name, and/or occupants of a property or location for identification purposes.
A change in the size, shape, or type of an existing sign. Copy or color change of an existing sign is not an alteration. Changing or replacing a sign face or panel is not an alteration, providing there is no increase in the size of the sign face or panel.
A person or entity who applies for a sign permit in accordance with the provisions of this Part.
A sign with its copy on a shelter made of any nonrigid material, such as fabric or flexible plastic, that is supported by or stretched over a frame and attached to an exterior wall of a building or other structure.
A sign with its copy on nonrigid material, such as cloth, plastic, fabric or paper, with no supporting framework. Banners are temporary in nature and do not include flags such as the flag of the United States, the Pennsylvania state flag, and/or other local governmental flags.
A sign that is applied or affixed to a building, including awning, canopy, marquee, projecting, wall, and window signs, but not roof signs.
A sign on a rigid, multisided structure attached to a building or on any other freestanding structure, that may have a roof with support but no walls.
An area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined by lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersection of the street right-of-way lines.
The smallest vertical distance between the surface of the ground closest to a sign and the lowest point of that sign, including the supporting framework or bracing of the sign.
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. A directional sign shall not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services, and no sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered directional.
A sign with two faces, back to back.
An electrically activated changeable-copy sign whose variable message and/or graphic presentation capability can be electronically or digitally programmed.
Emergency warning signs erected by a government agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.
The general term for any sign which is 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. A freestanding sign can either be a monument sign or a pole sign. All freestanding signs may be double-faced.
A usually symmetrical two- (gambrel) or four- (mansard) sided roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope of the roof is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope of the roof is steep.
A sign erected by a governmental entity, including safety signs, signs indicating points of interest, historical markers, and signs identifying official government buildings or facilities.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated within, or indirectly from an artificial source.
a. | EXTERNAL — An artificial light source 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. |
b. | INTERNAL — An artificial 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 chapter. |
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "telephone," "no entry," and other similar directives; advertising the availability of restrooms or public conveniences; and signs showing store hours, the names of accepted credit institutions, affiliations with business groups or associations, and business-related awards. An incidental sign shall not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services, and no sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
Any sign attached to a covered structure projecting from and supported by a building with independent roof and drainage provisions and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against the weather.
Any vehicle or trailer which has attached thereto or thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises. These shall not include business logos, identification, or advertising on vehicles primarily used for other business purposes.
A type of freestanding 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.
A sign which was erected prior to the establishment of zoning regulations within the Township or was erected in compliance with the then-enacted zoning regulations but does not currently comply with the applicable sign regulations of this chapter.
A type of sign which directs attention to or contains a message about a business, industry, profession, product, commodity, service, event, entertainment, idea, concept, point of view, or other commercial or noncommercial activity, not specifically located upon, sold, offered, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the premises where the sign is located. (Also generally known as a "billboard.")
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business, profession, product, commodity, service, event, entertainment, idea, concept, point of view, or other commercial or noncommercial activity located upon, sold, offered, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the same property where the sign is located.
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 placement and use appears to be indefinite.
A type of 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 sign that is dependent on a building for support and which projects more than 12 inches from the building, including an awning sign. Whenever a canopy or awning is affixed with any lettering, design, or symbol, or is made from any special material that is intended to be or by its nature is an identification of a business, the applicable measurable area of the awning or canopy is a projecting sign.
A sign, any part of which is erected, constructed, and/or maintained on or above the eave of the roof of a building, or a sign, any part of which is erected, constructed, and maintained higher than the highest elevation of the lower slope of a gambrel or mansard roof.
A sign that is not permanently attached to the ground or a building and readily movable by a single person, consisting of two faces, connected, and hinged at the top, and whose message is targeted to pedestrians.
A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely to provide information concerning the event occurring within the venue to the attendees of the event.
Any device visible from a public place whose essential purpose and design is to convey either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. The term "sign" shall not include any flag or badge or insignia of the United States, State of Pennsylvania, Bucks County, or New Britain Township, or official historic plaques of any governmental jurisdiction or agency. A sign includes the sign faces as well as any sign supporting structure.
A pole, wall, or window sign not intended or designed for permanent display.
Any of the following signs erected and maintained on public highways and roads by the commonwealth, the county, the Township or, in the case of private streets, the owner of the road: official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional signs, parking signs, railroad crossing signs, construction signs, emergency signs, and other traffic signs erected and maintained in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
A sign that is in any manner affixed to an exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building, provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign.
A sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or placed inside a window, facing the outside of the building, and visible from the outside.
§ 27-2602 Prohibited Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited throughout the Township:
a.
Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property is being or may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter.
b.
Any sign promoting illegal activity.
c.
Any sign which flashes, reflects, rotates, spins, revolves, oscillates, or has parts that physically move or revolve (with the exception of the movement of the hands of analog clocks or the rotation of barber poles).
d.
Any sign containing or associated with audio speakers and/or any form of pyrotechnics. This prohibition also includes the speakers and pyrotechnics.
e.
Any sign which emits open flames, flashing lights, smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, or odor.
f.
Any sign with animated, scrolling, or moving text, video, or graphics.
g.
A series of lights or lighting outlining the edges of commercial buildings or commercial building elements shall be considered a sign under the terms of this Part and shall be prohibited.
h.
All electrical or digital signs, except electronic message centers.
i.
All roof signs.
j.
Strobe lights and spotlights.
k.
Any sign fully or partially blocking ingress and/or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. Only safety signs shall be attached to fire escapes or fire standpipes.
l.
Any sign that interferes with, obstructs, mimics, imitates, or resembles a traffic sign, traffic signal, or traffic device.
m.
Any sign attached, erected, posted, painted, or otherwise placed upon public or private property without the permission and/or knowledge of the property owner (with the exception of signs posted in accordance with legal notification requirements).
n.
Any mobile sign parked in such a manner that its primary purpose is for advertising.
o.
Any sign tacked, nailed, glued, attached, erected, posted, placed, painted, maintained, or otherwise supported by or upon a rock, tree, telephone/power/light pole, road, trail, sidewalk, fence, wall, bench, or other object not originally installed, constructed, erected, or placed to support such sign.
p.
Any sign having content that is not subject to the protections of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I, Section 7, of the Pennsylvania Constitution, including, but not limited to the following:
q.
Any sign which has been abandoned and/or does not conform to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance which was in effect when the sign was erected.
§ 27-2603 Exempt Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
A sign permit shall not be required prior to the erection, installation, construction, alteration, structural repair, moving, removal, or demolition of any exempt signs in any zoning district in the Township. Exempt signs shall conform to the regulations of this chapter. No exempt sign shall be illuminated, except as provided for herein. Exempt signs are as follows:
a.
Traffic signs and emergency signs.
b.
Governmental signs.
c.
Governmental flags or insignias.
d.
Address signs, so long as each sign per property or location does not have a sign area in excess of three square feet in residential zoning districts and five square feet in nonresidential zoning districts.
e.
Incidental signs, so long as any such sign does not have a sign area greater than two feet.
f.
Directional signs. Such sign shall not exceed four square feet in sign area and shall have a maximum sign height of five feet.
g.
Temporary signs, so long as any such sign does not exceed six square feet in sign area.
h.
Warning signs; signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway, or premises; and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling fishing or hunting upon a particular premises. Such signs shall not have a sign area greater than two square feet and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 75 feet.
i.
Signs indicating that the property the sign is located upon has been preserved by the Township, the county, the commonwealth, and/or a land trust. There shall be only one such sign per road frontage, and these signs shall not exceed three square feet in sign area and shall have a maximum sign height of five feet.
j.
Cornerstones; historical plaques or plates affixed to the surface of a building wall, so long as any such sign does not exceed two square feet in sign area.
k.
Signs or displays, including lighting, which are temporary and celebrate a national, state, or local holiday, religious or cultural holiday, or another holiday season.
l.
Legal notices.
m.
Signs posted, placed, or erected inside a building or structure which are not meant to be viewed from the outside.
n.
Vending machines.
o.
Any sign erected by or erected at the direction of New Britain Township.
§ 27-2604 General Sign Regulations.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
All signs in the Township shall comply all the applicable sign regulations set forth in this chapter, including, but not limited to, the specific sign type regulations of this Part, the specific zoning district regulations of this Part, and the following general regulations:
a.
Signs which advertise, promote, or draw attention to any product, service, or activity must be located upon the same lot where such product is being sold, service is being offered, or activity is taking place, except where specifically exempt from these requirements by this Part.
b.
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.
Any sign located along rights-of-way shall comply with the following:
1.
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger vehicular or pedestrian traffic by causing confusion with traffic signs or traffic control signals/devices because of the sign's position, color, or reflective surface.
2.
No sign shall use the words "stop," "look," "danger," or any other word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or which interferes with or resembles any traffic sign or traffic signal/device.
3.
No sign shall use or be illuminated by red, green, or yellow lights within 75 feet of a public street right-of-way or within 300 feet of a traffic control signal/device, whichever is greater.
4.
No sign shall obscure or block a motorist's forward view of traffic control signals/devices, traffic signs, or other warning devices as viewed from the cartway of a public street.
5.
No sign shall obscure or block a motorist's forward view of roadway or intersections as viewed from the cartway of a public street.
6.
No sign shall be placed so that blocks the clear sight triangle of any intersection along a public street.
7.
No sign shall be placed so as to limit a pedestrian's view of vehicular traffic along a public street to less than 500 feet while the pedestrian stands inside the curbline at an intersection or other established crossing point along the street.
8.
No sign shall be placed so that it blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on sidewalks, trails, or other public thoroughfares.
9.
Only banner signs, traffic signs, and governmental signs are permitted within a public street right-of-way. In no case shall a sign intrude into or hang over the cartway of a public road.
10.
Only banner signs, traffic signs, and governmental signs are permitted to project over a public sidewalk, and the lowest edge of such sign shall be at least eight feet above the walking surface of the sidewalk.
11.
No sign shall be located within five feet of any multi-use trail within the Township.
e.
Illumination of Signs. No sign shall be illuminated in any fashion except as set forth herein.
1.
Light sources to illuminate signs shall neither be visible from any public street right-of-way nor cause glare which is hazardous, annoying, or distracting to pedestrians, the operators/drivers of vehicles, or adjacent properties.
2.
No more than 0.2 footcandle of light from a sign's light source shall be detectable at the boundary of any abutting property.
3.
External illumination, where permitted, is allowed only as a steady, stationary light source, shielded, and directed solely at the sign. The light source must be static in color and concealed by a translucent cover.
4.
Internal illuminations, including backlighting and neon signs, must be static in intensity and color. No portion of the light source should be visible.
5.
The lighting of all signs shall meet the design and construction requirements of the Uniform Construction Code of Pennsylvania. All electrical signs shall be manufactured in accordance with the Underwriters' Laboratories' specifications and shall bear the laboratory label.
6.
Illuminated signs are prohibited in residential zoning districts, except for house numbers.
7.
Governmental signs identifying governmental buildings, police stations, or other Township facilities may be illuminated by exterior lights focused on the sign.
8.
Signs on nonresidential properties may be illuminated from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., or 1/2 hour past the close of business of the facility being identified or advertised, whichever is later.
§ 27-2605 Sign Height and Area.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
a.
Sign Area.
1.
The area of a sign shall 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 which are incidental to the display itself. The computation of the area of the sign shall include decorative trim in addition to the portion devoted to the message and lettering.
2.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, logos, and symbols.
3.
In computing the size of a double-faced sign where the sides are parallel to each other, only one side shall be considered, provided the size of both faces is identical and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is 45° or greater or if the two faces are more than 18 inches apart, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
4.
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or banner, the measurement of sign area is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
b.
Sign Height.
1.
Generally, the height of the sign shall be measured from the average grade of the surface directly beneath the sign to the point on the sign being measured, and if no such point is specified, then to the highest point of the sign, including the supporting framework or bracing of the sign. Where the sign is located less than 50 feet from the legal right-of-way a public or private street, however, the height of the sign shall be measured as the distance from the highest point of the sign, including the supporting framework or bracing of the sign, to the average finished grade of the street's cartway closest to the sign.
2.
For wall, projecting, marquee, canopy, and awning signs, the height of the sign shall be measured from the average base of the building wall directly beneath where the sign is attached to this wall to the highest point of the sign, including the supporting framework or bracing of the sign.
3.
Any freestanding sign erected within five feet of or partially or fully over a sidewalk, walkway, trail, or other area intended for pedestrian travel shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
§ 27-2606 Sign Type Specific Regulations.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
a.
Building Signs. The following building signs shall comply with the regulations listed for that particular sign type.
1.
Awning or Canopy Signs.
(a)
An awning or canopy without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
(b)
Awning or canopy signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
(c)
No awning or canopy shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
(d)
Sign Placement.
1)
Letter 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 sign area of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
(e)
Every awning or canopy sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
(f)
No ground-floor awning or canopy may project into a street right-of-way.
(g)
Awnings or canopies may be fixed (i.e., not collapsible or foldable), provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building they are attached to.
(h)
Multi-Tenant Buildings. All awning or canopy signs mounted on a multi-tenant building shall be similar in terms of height, projection, lettering, and style throughout the entire building.
2.
Marquee Signs.
(a)
Such signs shall be located only above the principal public entrance of a building facing a public street or parking lot.
(b)
No marquee containing a marquee sign shall be wider than the entrance it services plus two feet on each side thereof.
(c)
No marquee containing a marquee sign shall extend into the right-of-way of a public street or more than 50% over a public sidewalk. In no case shall a marquee containing a marquee sign extend more than 10 feet from the face of the building it is attached to.
(e)
Marquee signs may contain manually changeable copy.
3.
Projecting Signs.
(a)
No portion of a projecting sign shall project more than four feet from the face of the building it is attached to.
(b)
No portion of a projecting sign shall project into the right-of-way of a public street.
(c)
Every projecting sign shall have a clearance of eight feet. Projecting signs located over sidewalks or other public walkways shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet.
4.
Wall Signs.
(a)
No wall sign shall extend out more than 18 inches from the wall on which it is affixed.
(b)
Every wall sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet, unless the wall sign projects less than two inches from the wall on which it is affixed, in which case its clearance may be less than eight feet.
(c)
Wall signs may contain manually changeable copy.
5.
Window Signs. Incidental window signs shall be excluded from the sign area calculations for window signs.
b.
Electronic Message Center Signs. All electronic message center signs shall comply with the following:
1.
Electronic message center signs are permitted in the form of freestanding signs or wall signs or incorporated as a portion of a freestanding sign or wall sign. Electronic message centers are permitted instead of and shall not be permitted in addition to an allowed freestanding sign or wall sign on a property. Moreover, the sign area of the electronic message center sign counts towards the total permitted sign area allowed on the property.
2.
Only one message center sign is permitted per property, regardless of the number of street frontages the property has or the number of signs allowed on the property under this Part.
3.
All displayed messages, or any portion thereof, must have a minimum duration of 10 seconds and must be a static display. Messages may change immediately or fade in and out only. No portion of the message may flash, scroll, twirl, twinkle, oscillate, rotate, blink, change color, or imitate movement in any manner.
4.
Time and temperature shall be included as a separate message(s).
5.
The illumination and/or intensity of the display shall be controlled so as to not create glare, hazards, or nuisances. The brightness of the electronic message center sign shall not exceed 0.3 footcandle of light above the normal ambient light levels. Such signs shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology which automatically adjusts the sign's brightness based on ambient light conditions. Such brightness shall be measured as follows:
(a)
The luminance specification shall be determined by a footcandle-metering device held at a height of five feet and aimed towards the sign from a distance of 65 feet.
(b)
The metering device should be at a location perpendicular to the sign's center (as seen in plain view) as this angle has the highest luminance.
(c)
This check shall include the measurement of an all-white image displayed by the sign to evaluate the worst-case scenario.
(d)
If the difference in luminance between the sign-on and the sign-off conditions is 0.3 footcandle or less, then the sign luminance is in compliance.
6.
All electronic message center signs must be equipped with a properly functioning default mechanism that will stop the sign and return to a solid black display should a malfunction occur.
7.
The applicant shall be required to coordinate/permit message access for local, regional, state, and national emergency services during emergency situations. Emergency messages are not required to conform to message standards listed herein.
c.
Freestanding Signs. All freestanding signs shall comply with the following:
1.
Every pole sign shall have a clearance that is either less than four feet or greater than eight feet.
2.
Monument 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.
3.
Sign Placement.
(a)
A freestanding sign shall be set back from the rights-of-way of public streets and the boundary lines of neighboring properties a distance equal to or greater than the height of the sign. The minimum setback for all freestanding signs from such rights-of-way and boundary lines is 10 feet.
(b)
No freestanding sign may occupy, intrude into, or hang out over any parking area, loading area, walkway, driveway, fire lane, easement, right-of-way, or other area required to remain unobstructed.
4.
Freestanding signs may contain manually changeable copy.
5.
These freestanding sign regulations do not apply to traffic signs, government signs, or off-premises signs.
d.
Sandwich-Board Signs. Sandwich-board signs that fully comply with this chapter shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. All sandwich-board signs shall comply with the following:
1.
Only one sandwich-board sign is permitted per establishment. The commercial messages on the sign must advertise only goods and services available on the premises from the establishment.
2.
Each sandwich-board sign shall have a maximum sign area of seven square feet per sign face and a maximum sign height of 3.5 feet. Each sign shall be weighted or otherwise temporarily secured so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
3.
Sandwich-board signs must be taken in during hours of nonoperation of the business being advertised. In addition, these 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.
4.
Sandwich-board signs shall not be illuminated.
5.
Sandwich-board signs may contain manually changeable copy.
6.
Sandwich-Board Sign Placement.
(a)
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk must be maintained between the sign and any building, the edge of the sidewalk, curb, 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.
e.
Temporary Signs.
1.
Commercial.
(a)
Commercial temporary signs are temporary signs that advertise a transitory commercial event or activity occurring on the property where the sign is located, such as construction work, a sale, help wanted, etc.
(b)
On a single property, one temporary pole sign or one group of temporary wall and/or window signs is permitted for each road the property fronts upon. On properties with multiple units or dwellings, one temporary sign or sign grouping is permitted for each dwelling or unit.
(c)
Dimensions.
1)
Area. Each temporary pole sign shall not exceed six square feet in sign area. A grouping of temporary window and/or will signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in sign area.
2)
Sign Height. Temporary pole signs shall be limited to four feet in sign height. Temporary wall or window signs shall be limited to eight feet in sign height.
(d)
Temporary signs shall not be directly illuminated in any fashion.
(e)
A temporary sign shall be permitted to be displayed upon a property for up to 30 consecutive days before the occasion, event, or activity commences and up to five consecutive days after the occasion, event, or activity ends. In no case shall the temporary sign be displayed for more than 45 consecutive days.
(f)
The number of times a temporary sign may be erected upon a property in a calendar year shall be equal to four times the number of temporary signs allowed on the property under Subsection e1(b) above.
2.
Noncommercial.
(a)
Noncommercial temporary signs are temporary signs that advertise a transitory noncommercial occasion, event, or activity occurring on or off the property where the sign is located, such as holidays, birthdays, fairs, festivals, political campaigns, etc.
(b)
On a single lot, one temporary sign is permitted for each 10 feet of road frontage the lot has.
(d)
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated in any fashion.
(e)
A temporary sign shall be permitted to be displayed upon a property for up to 30 consecutive days before the occasion, event, or activity commences and up to five consecutive days after the occasion, event, or activity ends. In no case shall the temporary sign be displayed for more than 45 consecutive days.
(f)
One or more temporary signs [as limited by subsection e2(b) above] may be erected upon a property four separate times in a calendar year.
3.
Sale or Rental of Real Estate.
(a)
Real estate temporary signs are temporary signs that advertise the sale or rental of the real property the sign is located upon.
(b)
On a single property, one temporary pole sign or one temporary wall and/or window sign is permitted for each road the property fronts upon.
(d)
Real estate temporary signs shall not be directly illuminated in any fashion.
(e)
A real estate temporary sign shall be permitted to be displayed upon a property for the entire time the property is for sale or rent. The sign shall be removed no later than five consecutive days after the property has been sold or let.
§ 27-2607 Signs Allowed in All Zoning Districts and in Conjunction with All Uses.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
In all zoning districts and in conjunction with all uses, the following types of signs are permitted, contingent upon the securing of a sign permit when one is required, and when in full compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter:
§ 27-2608 Signs Allowed in Conservation and Residential Districts (C/R, WS, SR-1, SR-2, RR, VR, and MHP).
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
In the C/R, WS, SR-1, SR-2, RR, VR, and MHP Zoning Districts, the following types of signs and no others shall be permitted upon a lot or site, contingent upon the securing of a sign permit when one is required and when in full compliance with the requirements of this chapter:
a.
Monument signs for residential developments and/or buildings containing more than 10 units in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
One sign per street frontage.
2.
Each sign shall have a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and a maximum sign height of five feet.
3.
Illumination of such sign shall only be done externally with a shielded, downward-facing light source.
4.
Each sign shall only be erected/installed upon a portion of land owned and controlled by a homeowners' or condominium association. The association shall be responsible for maintaining the sign.
b.
Pole or monument signs for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
One sign per street frontage, and only one type of sign (pole or monument) per property. Where a property or use has multiple signs, all the signs shall be integrated and have a consistent style, lettering, and construction.
2.
Each pole sign shall have a maximum sign area of 16 square feet and a maximum sign height of seven feet. Each monument sign shall have a maximum sign area of 30 square feet and a maximum sign height of five feet.
3.
Illumination of pole signs shall only be done externally with a shielded, downward-facing light source. Illumination of monument signs shall only be done with internal illumination or externally with a shielded, downward-facing light source.
4.
A permitted sign may contain manually changeable copy.
§ 27-2609 Signs Allowed in Institutional, Office, and Industrial Districts (IN, OP, I, and IO).
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
In the IN, OP, I, and IO Zoning Districts, the following types of signs and no others shall be permitted upon a lot or site, contingent upon the securing of a sign permit when one is required and when in full compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter:
a.
Any commercial temporary sign.
b.
Freestanding signs for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
One sign per street frontage.
2.
Each sign shall have a maximum sign area of 50 square feet.
3.
Pole signs shall have a maximum sign height of 12 feet, and monument signs shall have a maximum sign height of seven feet.
4.
Each sign may be externally or internally illuminated. External illumination shall only be done with a shielded, downward-facing light source.
c.
Building signs for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
No more than two projecting or wall signs shall be erected/installed on each principal building located on a property, and not more than one of these two signs shall be a projecting sign.
2.
The sign area of each wall sign shall not exceed 10% of the exterior area of the building wall onto which it is mounted (including window and door area and cornices). Any projecting sign shall have a maximum sign area of 32 square feet.
3.
The total sign area of all the building signs on the property shall not exceed 60 square feet.
d.
Additional temporary sign for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
e.
Electronic message center or changeable-copy signs for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
An electronic message center sign or a changeable-copy sign may be substituted for or incorporated into a permitted freestanding sign or wall sign, but no more than one electronic message sign may be utilized on any one property.
2.
The electronic message center sign or changeable-copy sign shall comply with all the requirements of the sign it is being substituted for or incorporated into.
3.
If fully replacing an allowed sign, the electronic message center sign or changeable-copy sign shall have a maximum sign area that is 50% of the allowed maximum sign area of the sign it is being substituted for.
f.
One sandwich-board sign for permitted nonresidential uses.
§ 27-2610 Signs Allowed in Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, and C-3).
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
In the C-1, C-2, and C-3 Zoning Districts, the following types of signs and no others shall be permitted upon a lot or site, contingent upon the securing of a sign permit when one is required and when in full compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter:
a.
Any commercial temporary sign.
b.
Monument signs for residential developments and/or buildings containing more than 10 units in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
One sign per street frontage.
2.
Each sign shall have a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and a maximum sign height of five feet.
3.
Illumination of such sign shall only be done with a shielded, downward-facing light source.
4.
Each sign shall only be erected/installed upon a portion of land owned and controlled by a homeowners' or condominium association. The association shall be responsible for maintaining the sign.
c.
Freestanding signs for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
One sign per street frontage.
2.
Each sign shall have a maximum sign area of 100 square feet.
3.
Pole signs shall have a maximum sign height of 20 feet, and monument signs shall have a maximum sign height of seven feet.
4.
Each sign may be externally or internally illuminated. External illumination shall only be done with a shielded, downward-facing light source.
d.
Building signs for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
No more than two projecting or wall signs shall be erected/installed on each principal building located on a property, and not more than one of these two signs shall be a projecting sign.
2.
No more than four window signs shall be allowed on each principal building located on a property, and not more than two of these four signs shall be in a single window.
3.
Sign Area.
(a)
The sign area of each wall sign shall not exceed 20% of the exterior area of the building wall onto which it is mounted (including window and door area and cornices).
(b)
Any projecting sign shall have a maximum sign area of 32 square feet.
(c)
The sign area of each window sign shall not exceed 20% of the area of the window it is mounted in, and no more than 30% of the area of a window shall be covered by signage.
(d)
The total sign area of all the building signs on the property shall not exceed 100 square feet.
e.
Additional temporary sign for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
f.
Electronic message center or changeable-copy signs for permitted nonresidential uses in compliance with the following regulations:
1.
An electronic message center sign or a changeable-copy sign may be substituted for or incorporated into a permitted freestanding sign or wall sign, but no more than one electronic message sign may be utilized on any one property.
2.
The electronic message center sign or changeable-copy sign shall comply with all the requirements of the sign it is being substituted for or incorporated into.
3.
If fully replacing an allowed sign, the electronic message center sign or changeable-copy sign shall have a maximum sign area that is 50% of the allowed maximum sign area of the sign it is being substituted for.
g.
One sandwich-board sign for permitted nonresidential uses.
§ 27-2611 Special Sign Regulations for Specific Uses.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
The following regulations apply to the signage allowed in conjunction with certain uses and activities. These regulations are in addition to the other requirements set forth in this Part. The erection or placement of any sign allowed pursuant to this section is contingent upon the securing of a sign permit when one is required and must be done in full compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter.
a.
Agricultural Uses (A Uses). In place of the signs allowed in the zoning district where an agricultural use is located, such a use may erect the following signs:
1.
Any commercial temporary sign.
2.
Pole signs for permitted agricultural uses in compliance with the following regulations:
(a)
One sign per street frontage.
(b)
Each pole sign shall have a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and a maximum sign height of seven feet.
(c)
Illumination of pole signs shall only be done externally with a shielded, downward-facing light source.
(d)
A permitted sign may contain manually changeable copy.
3.
Pole signs advertising the crop being grown in a farm field in compliance with the following:
(a)
One sign per field of crop.
(b)
Each pole sign shall have a maximum sign area of two square feet and a maximum sign height of five feet.
(c)
The sign shall not be illuminated.
(d)
The sign shall only be in place while the advertised crop is actually planted and growing in the field.
(e)
Sign permits are not required for these signs.
b.
Service Stations (Use J19). In addition to the signs allowed in the zoning district where the service station is located, such a use may also have the following signs:
1.
If the service station has more than one road frontage, it may have an additional electronic message center sign or changeable-copy sign for each additional road frontage. Other than regarding the number allowed on each property, these signs shall comply with the applicable regulations for the zoning district the service station is located in.
2.
If the service station has one or more fuel island canopies ("FIC") over the gasoline pumps, it may place a sign on the face of each FIC in accordance with the following:
(a)
The sign shall just consist of the name of the service station or the brand of fuel being sold.
(b)
Each side of the FIC facing a road frontage may have a sign on it.
(c)
The sign area shall not exceed 45 square feet or 30% of the total area of the side of the FIC the sign in located upon, whichever is larger.
(d)
The sign on the FIC shall have a maximum sign height of 20 feet.
(e)
Each FIC sign may only be illuminated internally. No external illumination of the sign is allowed.
c.
Multitenant Commercial/Industrial Buildings (F, I, J, and K Uses - Not Including Shopping Centers). In place of the signs allowed in the zoning district where a multitenant building is located, such a use may erect the following signs:
1.
Where multiple tenants use the same entrance to a building, a directional sign may be posted or erected outside each such entrance to the building in accordance with the following:
2.
Where a tenant has a separate dedicated entrance just for that tenant, the tenant may post or erect a sign with its name and/or logo outside this dedicated entrance to the building in accordance with the following:
(a)
Each sign shall have a maximum sign area of six square feet and a maximum sign height of six feet.
3.
Where the use is comprised of several separate buildings in an integrated complex or campus (Uses F6, F7, and J32 only), directional signs may be posted or erected along the driveways of the complex/campus at each entrance to the complex/campus or at each building within the complex/campus in accordance with the following:
(a)
Each sign shall be a freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and a maximum sign height of six feet.
(b)
Each sign shall be placed to provide directions to and so it can be read by drivers in automobiles traversing the adjacent driveway or parking lot.
(c)
Each sign shall only provide information concerning the location of tenants within the complex/campus.
4.
Each tenant may erect a single commercial temporary sign and a single sandwich-board sign.
d.
Multitenant Shopping Centers (Use J24 and Similar). In place of the signs allowed in the zoning district where the shopping center is located, such a use may erect the following signs:
1.
A pole sign containing the name of the shopping center and the name of one or more of the tenants of the shopping center along each arterial road frontage in accordance with the following:
2.
A monument sign containing the name of the shopping center along each nonarterial road frontage in accordance with the following
3.
A single wall sign on the wall of each tenant's unit in accordance with the following:
4.
A single projecting sign on the wall of each tenant's unit in accordance with the following:
5.
Each tenant may erect a single commercial temporary sign and a single sandwich-board sign.
e.
Theater (Use J10). In addition to the signs allowed in the zoning district where the theater is located, such a use may erect the following signs:
1.
A single marquee sign at the main entrance to the theater in accordance with the following:
2.
Wall signs specifically designed and used to advertise current and future events or showings at the theater in accordance with the following:
(a)
Each wall sign shall be no larger than 40 inches by 55 inches and shall not project more than four inches from the wall.
(b)
No wall sign shall have a sign height in excess of eight feet.
(c)
Each theater may erect up to four wall signs or one wall sign per separate theater room within the theater building, whichever is greater.
(d)
The wall signs may only be illuminated internally. No external illumination of the sign is allowed.
f.
Outdoor Athletic Venues (Use E1 or E2). In addition to the signs allowed in the zoning district where the venue is located, such a use may erect the following signs:
1.
Scoreboards in accordance with the following:
(a)
One scoreboard per playing field.
(b)
The scoreboard shall have a maximum sign area of 100 square feet and a maximum sign height of 12 feet.
(c)
Commercial messages shall not exceed 30% of the front face of the scoreboard.
(d)
The face of all scoreboards, including any attached commercial signs and panels, shall be permanently oriented toward the athletic venue and the spectators located therein.
(e)
Illumination of the scoreboard shall only be done externally with a shielded, downward-facing light source. Team names and numbers may be shown on the scoreboard electronically or digitally in conformance with the electronic message center regulations.
2.
Off-premises signs in accordance with the following:
(a)
Such signs shall only be hung from fencing surrounding an individual athletic field and shall be permanently oriented toward the athletic venue and the spectators located therein.
(b)
One sign per 15 of fencing.
(c)
Each sign shall have a maximum sign area of 30 square feet and a maximum sign height of six feet.
(d)
The signs shall only be hung during the athletic seasons the field is in use.
(e)
The signs shall not be directly illuminated except as a result of the field being illuminated during an event.
g.
Bars and Restaurants (Uses J6, J7, and J8). In addition to the signs allowed in the zoning district where the bar or restaurant is located, such a use may erect the following signs:
1.
Neon window signs in accordance with the following:
(a)
The sign area of each window sign shall not exceed 20% of the area of the window it is mounted in, and no more than 30% of the area of a window shall be covered by signage. Moreover, the sign area of window signs shall not exceed 10% of the exterior area of the building wall in which the windows with these signs are located (including window and door area and cornices).
(b)
The signs shall be turned off whenever the business establishment where they are hung is closed to the public.
(c)
The signs shall comply with the illumination and intensity regulations for electronic message centers contained within this Part.
§ 27-2612 Off-Premises Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
Off-premises signs are allowed in the Township in accordance with the following requirements. This section applies to both commercial and noncommercial off-premises signs, except as may be specifically provided for elsewhere in this chapter.
a.
Purpose. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter to serve the following purposes:
1.
To ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development;
2.
To prevent visual pollution in the Township and protect property values;
3.
To prevent glare onto adjacent property and streets;
4.
To protect the open space and natural character of areas of the Township planned to remain agricultural or as conservation areas;
5.
To avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists; and
6.
To protect the public's health, safety, morals and general welfare.
b.
Approval. Off-premises signs are only permitted as a special exception.
c.
Location. Off-premises signs shall be only located only along Route 313/Swamp Road in the OP Zoning District or along County Line Road in the I and/or IO Zoning Districts.
d.
Type. All off-premises signs shall be nonilluminated, permanent, freestanding signs erected upon the ground. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon, painted on, applied to, attached to, and/or supported by a building, vehicle, or other structure.
e.
Site.
1.
All off-premises signs shall be erected upon land which is leased or purchased for the exclusive business purpose of advertising by sign. Only one such sign may be erected per parcel.
2.
Off-premises signs shall not be erected upon or within any protected natural resource.
3.
Off-premises signs shall not be erected upon or within any rights-of-way, utility easements, or any easement held by the Township or a third party.
4.
Off-premises signs shall not be erected upon a bridge or culvert.
f.
Area. No off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum sign area of 160 square feet, including border and trim but excluding supports. A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 45° is permitted to have 120 square feet on each side for a total maximum sign area of 240 square feet.
g.
Sign Height.
1.
No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be taller than 20 feet in height as measured from the nearest shoulder of the road to the highest point of the proposed sign or taller than 25 feet in height measured from the lowest point of the undisturbed surface of the ground underneath the sign.
2.
All off-premises signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
3.
No off-premises sign shall be erected upon a berm or other artificial/man-made structure designed to increase the height of the sign.
h.
Setbacks.
1.
Right-of-Way. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained closer than 50 feet from the existing or ultimate right-of-way of a public street. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained farther away than 100 feet from the existing or ultimate right-of-way of Route 313/Swamp Road or County Line Road. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any driveway or private lane.
2.
Side or Rear Yards. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
3.
Street Intersection. No off-premises sign shall be erected within 100 feet of any public street intersection.
4.
Bridge or Overpass. No off-premises sign shall be erected within 500 feet of any bridge or overpass.
5.
Buildings and Signs. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any building or on-premises sign.
6.
Residences. No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 500 feet to any residence located within a residential zoning district, such measurement to be made between the two nearest points located on any portion of the sign and the residence.
7.
Public and Civic Places. No off-premises sign shall be placed so as to face a lot located within 300 feet of the sign and occupied by a church, school, park, playground, open space, historic building, or cemetery.
8.
Other Off-Premises Signs. No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 1,000 feet to any other off-premises outdoor advertising sign, such measurement to be made between the two nearest points located on any portion of the signs
i.
Advertisement. An off-premises sign structure may contain only one sign or advertisement per face.
j.
Illumination. Off-premises signs shall not be artificially lit in any fashion.
k.
The following buffer plants shall be planted adjacent to all off-premises signs. The size and species of these plants shall comply with the requirements listed in Part 28 of this chapter.
l.
Construction and Maintenance.
1.
All plans for off-premises signs shall be certified by a licensed engineer registered in Pennsylvania.
2.
All off-premises 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, as well as in accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
3.
All off-premises signs shall be structurally sound and maintained in good condition and in compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
4.
The structural components of the sign shall be maintained to ensure their integrity and to prevent the possible collapse of the sign. Any damage to the structural components shall be repaired within 24 hours.
5.
The face of the sign shall be blank or shall show the full advertisement. Signs having ripped, defaced, or partial advertisements shall be immediately repaired by having the advertisement restored to its original condition, removed, or covered.
6.
The rear face of a single-face, off-premises sign shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color as approved by the Township.
7.
Every three years, the owner of the off-premises sign shall have a structural inspection made of the sign by a licensed engineer registered in Pennsylvania and shall provide to the Township a certificate certifying that the sign is structurally sound.
8.
Any trees greater than four inches DBH removed or damaged during the construction of the sign shall be replaced or replanted on an equivalent caliper basis. The caliper of all the trees removed or damaged shall be added together, and the applicant shall be required to plant new trees whose cumulative caliper equals or exceeds that of the removed or damaged trees. The planting of replacement trees shall occur on site, or on a property within New Britain Township designated and approved by the Board of Supervisors, unless the applicant offers a fee in lieu of the required replacement, such fee being approved by the Board of Supervisors, in its sole discretion. Replacement trees shall be species native to the Township, planted not less than 20 feet on center, and shall have a minimum caliper of 3 1/2 inches DBH.
m.
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.
n.
Prohibitions. All off-premises signs shall comply with the prohibited signs section of this Part. No digital or electronic off-premises signs are allowed, including, but not limited to, revolving or flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination, or signs with mechanically or electronically changing messages or pictures. No mobile signs or manually-changeable-copy signs shall be permitted as off-premises signs.
o.
Application/Plan Requirements. All applicants/owners of an off-premises sign must obtain a sign permit prior to erecting the sign in addition to obtaining special exception approval. Any plans submitted in conjunction with an off-premises sign permit application shall show the following in addition to the information required for any sign permit application:
1.
The location of the proposed sign on the lot with all the required sign setbacks.
2.
The location and species of: existing trees, trees and vegetation to be removed, replacement trees, and proposed landscaping and buffering.
3.
The distance to the nearest existing off-premises sign.
4.
Proof of compliance with all of the applicable requirements set forth in this chapter.
5.
Certification under the seal of 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.
p.
Additional Regulations. All off-premises signs shall comply with any and all applicable zoning regulations of the Township and all other applicable 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.
q.
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 manner and location that it is proposed and in the manner by which it is to be erected and used.
§ 27-2613 Permits and Applications.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
a.
Permit Required. It shall be unlawful to erect, install, construct, alter, structurally repair, move, or replace any sign not classified as "exempt" under this Part without first obtaining a sign permit from the Township Zoning Officer. Normal sign maintenance, which only includes cleaning and repairs, shall not require a sign permit, nor shall a permit be required for changing the advertising copy on a permanent sign.
b.
Prior to the erection of any sign or signs requiring a sign permit, the applicant shall file a sign permit application with the Township along with any required fee, set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
c.
Along with the application, the applicant shall submit two copies of a plan, drawn to scale, depicting:
1.
Lot dimensions; building frontage; and existing cartways, rights-of-way and driveways.
2.
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.
3.
Building elevations, existing and proposed facades, parapet walls, eave line and the location and size of all proposed and existing permanent signage.
4.
Current photographs showing existing signs on the premises (if any) and certifying the date on which photographs were taken.
d.
Upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, the Township shall examine such plans and specifications and other data and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure; and if it shall appear that the proposed structure(s) is(are) in compliance with the requirements of this Part and chapter and all other laws and ordinances of the Township, the officer shall then issue the sign permit. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six months of the date of issuance, the said permit shall become null and void.
e.
An application for a sign permit may be denied by the Township if the application fails to comply with the standards contained herein. The Township shall inform the applicant of the reasons for denying the sign permit application in writing.
f.
Upon denial of a sign permit application, the applicant has 30 days to revise and resubmit the application for review by the Township. In the alternative, the applicant may appeal the denial to the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
g.
Sign 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 applicant must apply for a new sign permit, and pay an additional fee, if required.
§ 27-2614 Maintenance.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
All signs permitted in this chapter must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. If any sign is allowed to become dilapidated, then the owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be notified by the Zoning Officer to restore said sign to good and proper condition within 30 days. The Zoning Officer shall make the determination as to whether the sign has become dilapidated and, also, whether said sign has been restored to good and proper condition. Should the landowner object to the Zoning Officer's determination, then said landowner shall appeal the Zoning Officer's decision to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days after receiving notice from the Zoning Officer. Failure of a landowner to either rectify the condition of the sign within 30 days or to appeal the decision of the Zoning Officer to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
§ 27-2615 Removal of Unpermitted, Unlawful, Unsafe, or Abandoned Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
The following provisions shall apply in all zoning districts:
a.
Unsafe, Unlawful, or Unpermitted Signs.
1.
Upon receipt of written notice from New Britain Township, the sign owner or owner of the property where the sign is located shall remove any sign which meets one or more of the following:
(a)
Becomes unsafe;
(b)
Is in danger of falling;
(c)
Becomes deteriorated so that it no longer serves the purpose of communication;
(d)
Is determined to be a nuisance by the Township;
(e)
Has been unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions contained in this Part; or
(f)
Has been erected without application for and/or without the issuance of a sign permit in conformance with the provisions contained in this Part.
2.
New Britain Township may remove, or cause to be removed, the sign, at the expense of the sign owner or property owner, where such owner has not complied with the terms of the notice. Permanent signs shall be removed or remedied within 30 days of the date of the notice. Temporary signs shall be removed within five business days of the date of the notice. In the event of immediate danger, the Township may remove the sign immediately upon issuance of notice.
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 30 days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in this Part. 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 in 30 days, New Britain 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, New Britain Township may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with the removal of the sign.
§ 27-2616 Nonconforming Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-11-04, 11/16/2020]
a.
Signs legally in existence as of November 21, 2020, which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter, shall be considered nonconforming signs.
b.
Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired, 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. A nonconforming sign, however, shall be brought into conformance with the sign regulations of this Part if and when the following occurs:
1.
The sign is removed, relocated, or significantly altered. Significant alterations include changes in the size or dimension of the sign or changes to the support structure of the sign.
2.
If more than 50% of the sign area is damaged, it shall be repaired to conform to this chapter.
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 request a determination of the legal nonconforming status of existing signs, the requestor 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 the sign in question is an off-premises sign, the applicant shall also submit the plan requirements for such signs as listed in this Part.
d.
A nonconforming sign shall be exempt from being brought into conformance in accordance with the provisions of this section if it meets one of 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.
e.
Nonconforming Signs on the Premises of Legal Nonconforming Uses.
1.
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office in a residential area) may remain until the existing nonconforming use of the premises is discontinued.
2.
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 as of November 21, 2020.