North Coventry Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Signs
§ 370-97 Applicability; purpose.
[Amended 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
A.
Any permanent sign hereafter erected, altered, or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this article and any other applicable articles, ordinances, or regulations of the Township of North Coventry. Temporary signs are regulated under the provisions of Chapter 293 of the North Coventry Code of Ordinances. Accordingly, temporary signs as are defined in § 370-99 hereinafter are regulated by the provisions of Chapter 293.
B.
It is declared that the regulation of signs within the Township is necessary and in the public interests to:
(1)
Protect property values within the Township;
(2)
Preserve the beauty and the unique character of the Township;
(3)
Aesthetically complement the development which a sign identifies;
(4)
Promote a healthy and properly designed business environment;
(5)
Safeguard the general public from damage and injury which may be caused by the faulty and uncontrolled construction of signs within the Township;
(6)
Protect against hazards to vehicular traffic movement through improper placement of signs;
(7)
Promote the public safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of travel and the free flow of traffic within the Township;
(8)
Prevent blight;
(9)
Prevent clutter;
(10)
Encourage free speech;
(11)
Minimize the potential ill effects of light trespass onto residential uses and driver distraction from sign-face glare and motion.
§ 370-98 Statement of intent.
The intent of this article is to provide for the regulation of signs as a proper exercise of the police power and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in accordance with the following objectives:
A.
To regulate the size, location, illumination, alteration, and maintenance of signs and reduce hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
B.
To prohibit the construction of and require the removal of signs which are hazardous or create blight.
C.
To provide opportunities for a variety of sign types and encourage sign designs which meet local resident and business needs in a manner which is compatible with the locality, enhances the economic value and visual character of the properties, and contributes to rather than detracts from the character of the Township.
D.
To establish a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
§ 370-99 Definitions.
[Amended 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign which identifies or advertises a business, lessor, owner, product or activity that has been discontinued for 90 days for on-premises signs and 180 days for off-premises signs.
A sign with action or motion, flashing, color changes and/or copy changes requiring electrical energy.
A temporary sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects, services, small businesses and lending institutions responsible for painting or construction on the site where the sign is placed.
Fabric, plastic, metal, or other roof-like covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window from the elements. Awnings are either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.
A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to, an awning with no internal or background illumination. Such sign shall not be backlit in any way.
The illumination of a sign with the light source located behind the sign face rather than external to the sign face. See § 370-104B(4).
Any temporary sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustration or ornamentations applied to fabric or similar material that is applied to a pole or building in a temporary manner. National flags, state or municipal flags, or those containing decorative illustrations shall not be considered a banner for the purposes of this article unless its use or purpose is that of advertising the location of a business at which it is flown.
A sign that contains or consists of beacon lights, spotlights, and/or searchlights used primarily or incidentally to cast a beam or beams of light generally skyward to attract attention to its location rather than, or in addition to, using the light to illuminate a sign attached to a structure.
A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.
A large outdoor sign greater than the area of specific signs allowed under this ordinance for on-premises advertising or an outdoor sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or facility not located, conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises. Billboards do not include temporary signs allowed under the Temporary Sign Ordinance[1] that advertise special events.
A sign fastened to a wall, constructed as a box with enough internal depth to accommodate internal lighting.
An on-premises sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on the premises upon which the sign is located, or to which it is affixed.
A structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or other material with frames affixed to a building and carried by a frame that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the ground.
A sign with text, numbers, or graphics, which is designed to be easily and periodically changed. These can take one of two forms, outlined below:
ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA changeable copy sign whose messages can be electronically programmed without altering the physical surface of the sign. All copy that changes shall be displayed at intervals of not less than 30 seconds. Animation or any other significant distracting movement of the changeable copy as determined by the Township is prohibited.
MANUAL CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA changeable sign whose message copy or intent can be changed manually.
A sign consisting of three-dimensional letters, individually applied to a wall.
A temporary, noncommercial sign that promotes and/or advertises an activity sponsored by the municipality, school district, public agency, civic or charitable association, religious institution, or other similar noncommercial organization. The sign is posted on the site of the event.
Any temporary sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects, services, small businesses and/or lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed together with other information included thereon which such sign to be limited to the duration of construction.
An on-premises, incidental sign designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Such signs shall not include logos, insignia, commercial symbols, etc.
A sign designating businesses or offices, and their locations on a multitenanted lot.
Lighting by traditional big bold garland lights that are hung, also known as cafe lights or party lights.
A piece of fabric or other material of distinctive design that is used as a symbol of a nation, state, municipality, agency, civic organization, or corporation and which is usually displayed hanging free from a staff or halyard.
A sign which is self-supported by mounting on the ground, in contrast to being attached to and/or supported by some other structure, such as a wall, door or window.
Any sign for the control of traffic or for identification purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction, which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof, in the discharge of official duties.
A 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 freestanding business sign which identifies more than one tenant or use on a single sign.
A sign in which a source of light is used in order to make the message readable. This shall include internally and externally lighted signs as defined below:
EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATEDArtificial light, located outside and away from the sign, that lights the sign, and may or may not be visible from nearby streets, sidewalk or adjacent property.
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATEDA light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.
An older sign of artistic or historic merit, uniqueness or extraordinary significance to the municipality as identified by the governing body.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a use. If attached to a theater, it may also advertise films or productions.
Signs that incorporate a listing of products and prices offered by the business.
A sign affixed to a vehicle or pulled by a vehicle, the primary purpose of which is for advertising while the vehicle is moving or in traffic.
A sign supported by a brick, stone, or masonry wall or structure which forms a supporting base for the sign display. The wall area is not counted in the sign display area.
Artwork applied to the wall of a building, wall, or other structure. A mural covers all of the surface and depicts a scene or event of natural, social, cultural, or historic significance.
A nonbusiness sign which announces only the name and/or address of the occupants of a residence.
A sign with glass tubing containing a large proportion of neon gas. The tubing is typically bent to form words, numbers, logos, symbols, etc.
A sign which has a valid permit and was erected prior to the effective date of this or any subsequent amendment hereto to the provisions of which such sign does not conform.
A sign which, by any means, changes its position constantly or at regular or irregular intervals.
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or facility not located, conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
A sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity, person, business, or product on the same property.
A sign painted or mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface. A mounted parallel sign shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall, roof line or other surface to which it is mounted and shall not project more than 12 inches from its mounting surface and be a minimum of eight feet from finished grade.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind. Pennant signs would also include the vertically mounted thin "blade signs" that move in the wind which can be distracting to vehicle drivers.
A 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.
A temporary sign relating to the election of a person to public office, or a political party, or a matter to be voted upon at an election or referendum by the general public, or a limited group thereof.
Any sign designed to be transported or moved, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by wheels (including vehicular signs), A-frame signs, or sandwich board signs.
Any sign of a physician, dentist, district justice, or any other licensed professional.
Any sign mounted on a building wall, but not at the same plane as the building wall. The sign extends more than 12 inches from the building wall.
A sign posted at a site to promote and advertise a service sponsored by the municipality, public agency, school district, religious institution, civic association, or other nonprofit public agency.
Any temporary sign which is used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
A sign containing any material or device, including iridescent paint, and which has the effect of intensifying reflected light.
A sign which revolves in a circular motion rather than remaining stationary on its supporting structure. Such signs are prohibited.
A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building, and which is wholly or partly supported by said building.
A portable advertising sign consisting of two faces, taken down at the end of the day. Sandwich board signs are typically used to advertise dining, entertainment, or sales; and are located along the street or sidewalk in front of the business they advertise.
A directed and controlled light specifically intended to illuminate a sign.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports holding a sign in place. The structure is not counted towards the area of the sign.
Sign of any material whatsoever that is attached in any way to a utility pole, tree, fence, guiderail, rock, ground, traffic control device or sign, or any similar object located or situated on public property or private property with or without the permission of the owner.
On-premises temporary signs announcing special events including, but not limited to, auctions, grand openings, new management, going-out-of-business sales and events by religious, charitable or public service groups.
Any off-premises temporary banner sign which is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.
A sign which is intended to advertise or communicate about special events, sales, general elections, political issues, community or civic events or projects, construction projects and real estate for sale or lease on a temporary basis for short-term use.
A display containing numbers flashing alternatively at intervals of not less than 15 seconds to show time and temperature.
Any sign which is erected upon a structure having wheels, rollers, or similar devices facilitating movement and is capable of being moved from one location to another.
A lighted, or unlighted, display attached to the underside of a marquee protruding over a public or private sidewalk or right-of-way.
Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign, or signs, no longer is incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself, shall be considered a freestanding sign, and as such shall be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district in which the vehicle is located.
A sign which is fastened, painted, or placed on the inside or outside area of a window or a door window. This excludes window displays. Such signs must be included in total sign face calculations.
§ 370-100 General sign regulations.
[Amended 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
The following provisions shall apply to all signs in all districts:
A.
Sign location.
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained that prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(3)
Unless specifically authorized by other ordinances and regulations of North Coventry Township, no sign shall be erected within the legal right-of-way of any public street or public sidewalk, or shall be closer to a street line than 10 feet. Single-family dwelling real estate signs which may be set closer than 10 feet from the street line for proper view, but in no case shall be located within the legal right-of-way.
(4)
A lighted sign, the face of which is visible from a residential district or use, shall not be greater than 50 square feet and shall not be lighted later than 10:00 p.m. to sunrise.
(5)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicular traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position, color or glare.
B.
Sign illumination. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any permitted sign that is freestanding or on a building or structure in any district may be illuminated, provided that there shall be no illumination of a flashing, intermittent or moving type, and further provided that floodlighting shall be so shielded and aimed that the source of light shall not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign on a building or structure or freestanding is being illuminated and so that only the sign face is directly illuminated thereby.
C.
Sign dimensions. The area of a sign shall be calculated as follows:
(1)
The area of the sign shall include the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the outer limits of such sign. The sign area shall not include any structural elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.
(2)
In the case of a sign made up of individual letters, attached to or painted on a building, wall, window, canopy, or awning, the sign area shall be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3)
In computing the area of a double-faced sign, only one face shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical in area. In "V" type structures, if the interior angle of the sign faces exceeds 45°, both faces shall be considered in computing the sign area.
(4)
The height of a sign shall be calculated by measuring from the existing ground elevation at the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the height shall be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk.
(5)
The area of an irregularly shaped sign shall be deemed to be the total square footage of the smallest square or rectangle into which the irregular shape would fit.
D.
Projecting signs shall not project more than four feet from the surface to which they are attached and the height of the top of the sign shall not exceed the height of the wall from which it projects if attached to a single-story building, or the top of the sill of the second-story windows if attached to a multistory building. In addition, the sign board shall not exceed an area (one side) of six square feet. Lettering, numbering, or graphics should not be greater than eight inches, and the distance from the wall to the sign board shall not exceed six inches. Where permitted, projecting signs are limited to first-floor businesses only and are not permitted in conjunction with awning or parallel signs for the same business.
E.
Vehicular signs. A sign on a vehicle denoting a business-related activity shall be considered a business sign and shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Vehicles containing a business sign and parked in a residential district shall be concealed (garaged) from public view or in a parking space screened from view from the street or unless such vehicle is moved on a regular basis, at least three times per week, and except wherein the vehicle owner or repairman is actually engaged in authorized repairs or construction at that location.
F.
Rotating or moving signs are prohibited. No sign is permitted which moves or has any animated or moving parts.
G.
No sign, other than official street signs, shall be erected or maintained within the street right-of-way.
H.
No sign over a public walkway shall project more than 24 inches, and the lower edge of such projecting sign shall be not less than 10 feet above the walk level.
I.
Every sign permitted in this chapter shall be designed to withstand expected wind pressures and erected so as not to sustain damage and deterioration from the elements, and shall be maintained in good condition and repair at all times as determined by the Township.
K.
All signs erected within the Township shall conform to the applicable building codes.
L.
Every sign, including those specifically exempt from permit and permit fees, shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, clean and attractive condition as determined by the Township.
M.
All freestanding signs or displays shall be erected at least 10 feet from any property line or right-of-way, and shall be located outside all clear site triangles or a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of the traveled way, whichever is the greater distance.
N.
The following types of signs, illumination of signs and lights shall be expressly prohibited in all districts in the Township:
(1)
Animated/video signs.
(2)
Beacon signs and/or lights.
(3)
Bench signs.
(4)
Festoon lighting.
(5)
Marquee signs except as approved as part of a theatre development.
(6)
Nonstationary signs.
(8)
Revolving and moving signs.
(9)
Roof signs.
(10)
Snipe signs.
(11)
Trailer signs, including such signs with electronic changeable copy.
(12)
Under-marquee signs.
(13)
Vehicular signs.
(14)
Pennant signs.
(15)
Billboard signs. Billboard signs that are not grandfathered in North Coventry Township are excluded. As a member of the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission, North Coventry Township relies upon the billboard sign use allowed in at least one other municipality that comprises the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission. See Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 11102 et seq. and 53 P.S. § 11006-A. If for any reason a court determines that the prohibition is invalid or not enforceable, such signs shall be allowed only in the I-2 Zoning District by a conditional use application and hearing with the applicant having the burden that the signage does not adversely affect safety issues and property values of neighboring properties and comports with the setback and height requirements of § 370-26C.
O.
Manual and electronic changeable copy signs are permitted in C-Commercial and I-Industrial Districts, provided that they meet the standards outlined in this article. Manual and electronic changeable copy signs are permitted in R-Residential Districts for institutional uses only.
P.
Sign lighting shall not be permitted unless effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at a portion of the traveled ways of public roads or streets with an intensity or brightness as to cause glare, or to impair the vision of the driver of a vehicle or which interferes with the driver's safe operation of a motor vehicle.
Q.
General regulations concerning electronic signs:
(1)
The display shall have a maximum of 5,000 nits during daylight hours and 150 nits for night hours, dusk through dawn.
(2)
The sign shall be equipped with integral automatic brightness control that can respond to changes in ambient light levels.
(3)
The sign shall have installed capability for automatic dimming during hours of darkness.
(4)
The sign shall retain a dark-colored background with light-colored letters or symbols.
R.
Any sign placed in the interior of a structure including the inside of a window, or otherwise mounted inside the structure but visible from the exterior, shall comply with the sign regulations as set forth in this Code.
S.
Roof signs are prohibited. The Township relies upon the exclusion based upon its membership in the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission. At least one other municipality that comprises that Commission allows roof signs. See Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 11102 et seq. and 53 P.S. § 11006A.
§ 370-101 Regulations for specific sign types.
The following regulations shall apply to the specific sign types as defined in § 370-99. The type, area, and height of signs permitted within each zoning district are listed in §§ 370-105 to 370-107.
A.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
In order to provide safe passage for pedestrians, the lowest edge of the freestanding sign shall be less than four feet or greater than seven feet above the ground.
(2)
Freestanding signs shall be limited to one such sign per structure. If more than one use is carried on in a single structure, the one permitted freestanding sign may indicate the presence of all uses in the structure. Individual freestanding signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(3)
In those districts where both freestanding signs and ground signs are permitted, only one of these sign types shall be erected on a premises.
B.
Ground signs.
(1)
Ground signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(2)
Ground signs shall be limited to one such sign per structure. If more than one use is carried on in a single structure, the one permitted ground sign may indicate the presence of all uses in the structure. Individual ground signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(3)
In those districts where both ground signs and freestanding signs are permitted, only one of these foregoing sign types shall be erected on a premises.
D.
Projecting signs.
(1)
No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than eight feet nor more than 20 feet above the proposed finished grade, and no such sign shall be less than five feet from the plane of the face of the curb or project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(2)
Projecting signs shall not extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted.
(3)
No projecting sign shall be attached to a building where a canopy or awning sign exists.
E.
Wall signs.
(1)
No portion of a wall sign shall be less than eight feet above the proposed finished grade nor extend more than six inches from the building wall. If the wall sign projects less than three inches from the building, the eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
(2)
Permanent window signs shall be considered wall signs when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs.
(3)
Wall signs which are part of the architectural design of a building, such as those located on the lintel above a storefront, shall be exempt from the size requirements if they are limited to the area on the building specifically designed for sign placement.
(4)
One wall sign shall be permitted on the front facade of a building and one additional wall sign on the side of a corner or building.
F.
Window signs.
(1)
A maximum of 25% of the total window area may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or permanently affixed to the window.
(2)
A maximum of 35% of the total window area may be covered by a combination of permanent and temporary window signs.
(3)
Permanent window signs shall be considered wall signs when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs.
G.
Canopy or awning signs.
(1)
Use of a canopy or awning sign shall be limited to not more than one per street frontage of the establishment.
(2)
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least seven feet above the ground.
(3)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
H.
Off-premises signs.
(1)
Where permitted, only one off-premises sign may be erected on a property. An off-premises sign shall not be permitted on the same premises as a freestanding sign.
(2)
Off-premises signs shall face an expressway or arterial.
(3)
Off-premises signs shall not be located closer than 400 feet to another off-premises sign or a designated historic district or structure.
(4)
Off-premises signs shall not be erected within 50 feet of the future right-of-way of a public street or within 30 feet of a side or rear property line.
§ 370-102 Exempt signs.
No permit need be obtained before erecting any of the following signs in any district. Exempt signs shall, however, conform to all other applicable regulations:
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional, or other official federal, state, county, or Township signs.
B.
Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical or educational organization not exceeding four square feet in area. Temporary signs for civic events, etc., must be removed within three days after the event. Permission shall be obtained from the landowner or utility to post said temporary signs.
C.
Directional information or public service signs, such as those advertising availability of rest rooms, telephone or similar public conveniences, and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit service or charitable clubs or organizations, may be erected and maintained, provided that such signs do not significantly advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services except those of public utilities. Directional and information signs provided for the safety and/or convenience of the public within commercial establishments may be erected. Signs erected under this provision shall not exceed four square feet in area.
D.
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises, signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling hunting or fishing upon particular premises, and signs indicating ownership of a property, provided sign area does not exceed two square feet.
E.
Signs displaying name and address of the occupant of the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one sign may be erected on each street frontage.
F.
Governmental flags or insignias not exceeding 80 square feet.
G.
Legal notices.
H.
Window signs indicating the store hours or names of credit institutions, provided that the total area of such sign or signs does not exceed two square feet.
I.
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of the product being sold or price of such product.
J.
Memorial signs or historical tablets, provided that such sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.
K.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building, provided that the letters are not made of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
L.
Revolving barbershop pole sign, provided that it does not exceed 36 inches in height.
M.
Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs shall be removed after the growing season.
§ 370-103 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
A flashing, rotating, or revolving sign, with the exception of barbershop poles.
B.
A sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights.
C.
A sign suspended between poles consisting of either pennants or spinners, except as permitted in § 370-104B(3) below.
D.
Any sign erected, painted, or drawn on a tree or rock or other natural feature.
E.
Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
F.
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street except as provided for in § 370-104C(1).
G.
Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of the North Coventry Township Zoning Chapter.
H.
Any sign which uses the words "stop," "look," "danger," or any other word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
I.
Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights are prohibited within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
J.
A truck or other vehicle not used for normal day-to-day operations of a business or not regularly moved for business related purposes shall be prohibited from use as a sign. (See also § 370-100E.)
K.
An outdoor changeable copy or animated sign. This includes signs, or portions thereof, where the informational content, display or copy can be changed or altered by electronic means. This type of sign includes, but is not limited to, electronic message boards; video boards or projections; television screens, plasma screens, digital screens; flat-panel screens; light emitting screens; other types of electronic display boards and screens; and lasers, holograms or holographic displays. This does not include changeable signs used for public traffic control and safety; scoreboards used in conjunction with, and during sporting events; time, date and temperature displays; or movie marquee signs and fuel price signs that contain displays that are generally constant and do not flash, change color, scroll, roll, grow, twinkle, or otherwise change the nature of display and comply with § 370-77 of this chapter.
[Added 11-27-2006]
§ 370-104 Illuminated signs.
[Amended 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
A.
In all residential districts, the following permitted signs may be illuminated, only in the manner listed below and no other:
(1)
Professional sign provided that the illumination is by white light only, properly shielded, and provided that the brightness of any such sign shall not exceed 50 nits.
(2)
Sign of a school, house of worship, hospital, sanitarium, club or other institution of similar nature, laboratory or municipal building, provided that the illumination is white light only and provided further that the brightness for any such sign shall not exceed 150 nits.
(3)
Signs for regulation of traffic, marking of hazards and the like.
(4)
There shall be no neon lighting in a residential district.
B.
In commercial and industrial districts any permitted sign on a building, structure or as freestanding may be illuminated subject to the following:
(1)
No signs shall be illuminated with or contain flashing, rotating, moving or intermittent lighting devices, whether created by lighting effect or by rotation of the sign itself.
(2)
Floodlighting shall be directed and shielded so that only the sign on a building, structure or as freestanding on said lot is directly illuminated.
(3)
Any artificial lighting that crosses the property line must not exceed the following intensities as measured with an illuminance meter:
(4)
Sign lettering may be backlit, halo-lit illumination, or reverse channel letters with halo illumination. Sign brightness shall not exceed 150 nits.
§ 370-105 Signs in residential districts.
In addition to the exempt signs in § 370-102, the following signs may be erected in the RC Resource Conservation, RR Rural Residential, R-1 Residential, V-1 Village, and TC-1 Town Center Districts, subject to the conditions specified here and in § 370-101:
A.
One wall, ground, or freestanding sign not exceeding 24 square feet in area for the identification of a church, school, recreational area, or farm. Any illumination shall be nonflashing, uncolored, diffused or indirect, and such sign shall be set back at least 1/3 the distance of any required yard from any property line.
B.
Wall, ground, or freestanding signs for the identification of a residential development of 12 units or more erected on the site of said development and the location of a sales or rental office, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed nine square feet and not more than one such sign shall be placed on each street frontage of a property.
C.
One wall, freestanding, or projecting sign for major home occupations or bed and breakfast, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet. A permit for such sign shall not be required if the proposed sign accompanying the home occupation or bed-and-breakfast has been approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
D.
One wall, freestanding, or projecting sign for the sale of agricultural products, where permitted, provided that the area of any such sign does not exceed eight square feet. Such sign shall be removed at the end of each sales season.
E.
Signs for permitted nonresidential adaptive reuse projects in residential districts shall be subject to the sign standards in § 370-106, subject to conditional use approval of the proposal.
F.
Official street and traffic signs, and any signs required by law.
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
G.
Professional signs are signs as permitted under the home occupation regulations. See § 370-50.
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
H.
Trespassing signs and signs indicating private ownership of roadways or other property on the same premises therewith, provided that the total area on any one side of such sign shall not exceed 1 1/2 square feet and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 100 feet.
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
I.
Signs in connection with the identification, operation or protection of any public utility or municipal activity on the same lot therewith, provided that the total sign area on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership shall not exceed eight square feet and five feet of sign height.
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
J.
Signs that identify the name of a single-family residential subdivision or development located at any street entrance to the subdivision shall be erected as follows:
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
(1)
Signs shall be limited to two signed entrances and shall be a minimum of 500 feet apart per subdivision, unless there are multiple entrances which require such signs, in which case all entrances are permitted to be signed.
(2)
Signs shall be a monument-type sign.
(3)
Monument signs shall be a maximum of 20 square feet in area and five feet in height, while pole signs shall be a maximum of 16 square feet in area and 12 feet in height.
(4)
Signs shall be set back 10 feet from any property line and outside all clear sight triangles. Signs shall not be lighted in any manner.
(5)
The developer shall record an easement for these signs, acceptable to the Township Solicitor, and the continuing maintenance and upkeep of such signs and any associated landscaping will be the responsibility of the homeowners' association of the relevant subdivision. In the event that such signs fall into severe disrepair, the HOA will be notified in writing and given 60 days to rectify the problem, or else the sign will be considered in violation of this article and the HOA will be liable for all penalties.
§ 370-106 Signs in the mixed use districts.
In addition to the exempt signs in § 370-102, the following signs may be erected in the V-2 Village and TC-2 Town Center districts subject to the conditions specified here and in § 370-101:
A.
Any sign permitted in residential districts, for the appropriate uses.
B.
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The total area of the wall sign, including permanent window signs, shall not exceed 10% of the area of the building face, including window and door area and cornices, to which it is attached. In no case shall the total area of wall signs exceed 32 square feet.
C.
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The area of such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
D.
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and 18 feet in height.
E.
Ground signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. Ground signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or six feet in height.
F.
Canopy or awning signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. Where a wall sign also exists, the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. Where no wall sign exists, the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 18 square feet.
G.
Portable signs subject to the provisions of § 370-104C(2).
H.
A commercial establishment shall not have more than two signs, exclusive of exempt signs, on the premises.
I.
One freestanding sign and one wall sign for the Township Municipal Building shall be permitted. The total area of the wall sign shall be as described in Subsection B above. The freestanding sign shall be for the purpose of announcing Township meetings and events and public service announcements. The freestanding sign shall not exceed 60 square feet in area or 15 feet in height.
[Added 1-24-2004]
§ 370-107 Signs in commercial and industrial districts.
Except as noted in Subsection J, below, the following signs may be erected in any industrial district or the C-1 Commercial District, C-3 Planned Commercial District, and C-4 Neighborhood Commercial District subject to the conditions specified here and in § 370-101:
A.
Any sign permitted in any other district where applicable uses exist.
B.
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The total area of the wall sign, including permanent window signs, shall not exceed 15% of the area of the building face, including window and door area and cornices, to which it is attached.
C.
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The area of such sign shall not exceed 18 square feet.
D.
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following:
(1)
Freestanding signs identifying a shopping center, planned commercial center, highway commercial development, industrial park, or office park shall not exceed 32 square feet in area or 30 feet in height.
(2)
Freestanding signs for all other nonresidential uses shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or 18 feet in height.
E.
Ground signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following:
(1)
Ground signs identifying a shopping center, planned commercial center, highway commercial development, industrial park, or office park shall not exceed 32 square feet in area or eight feet in height.
(2)
Ground signs for all other nonresidential uses shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or eight feet in height.
F.
Canopy or awning signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. Where a wall sign also exists, the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 16 square feet. Where no wall sign exists, the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
G.
Marquee signs shall be permitted, not to exceed 200 square feet in area.
H.
Portable signs, subject to the provisions of § 370-104F.
I.
Off-premises signs shall be permitted, provided that:
(1)
The premises where the sign is placed is within the I-2 (Industrial District).
(2)
The sign is located adjacent to an expressway as designated in the North Coventry Township Comprehensive Plan.
(3)
The area of a sign is restricted to 350 square feet and the height of a sign is restricted to 30 feet with a ground clearance of 10 feet measured from the grade of the site.
J.
C-3 District. The sign requirements that apply to the C-1 District shall also apply to the C-3 District, except for the following:
(1)
Only the following freestanding and ground signs shall be permitted within a planned commercial center:
(2)
No portable signs, no off-premises signs and no marquee signs shall be permitted.
Summary of Sign Types and Sizes Permitted by District (consult text for details) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Type | Residential Districts | Mixed Use Districts | Commercial and Industrial Districts | |
Wall | See § 370-105 | 10% of building face or 32 square feet, whichever is less | 15% of building face | |
Freestanding | See § 370-105 | 24 square feet | 24 square feet 32 square feet1 | |
Ground | See § 370-105 | 24 square feet | 24 square feet 32 square feet1 | |
Projecting | See § 370-105 | 12 square feet | 18 square feet | |
Canopy/awning | Not permitted | 12 to 18 square feet2 | 16 to 24 square feet2 | |
Marquee | Not permitted | Not permitted | 200 square feet | |
Portable | Not permitted | See § 370-106G | See § 370-107H | |
Off-premises | Not permitted | Not permitted | 350 square feet3 | |
1 | Maximum size permitted only for shopping center, planned commercial center, industrial park, or office park. | |
2 | Maximum size permitted only where no wall sign exists. | |
3 | Off-premises sign permitted only in the I-2 District. |
K.
Signs in connection with tourist homes or rooming houses on the same lot therewith, provided that the area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed six square feet and five feet of sign height and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership.
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
L.
A business or commercial sign or a series of signs on the same lot concerning the use to which the sign refers, or upon a different lot owned by the user in the case of a directional sign, provided that the total sign area on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership conforms to the following area requirements which are based upon building frontage limitations:
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
(1)
Thirty square feet for those establishments where the building frontage along any one principal road is 40 feet or less.
(2)
The allowable area of a sign may be increased by a maximum of one square foot for every three additional feet of building frontage in excess of 40 feet.
(3)
In order to encourage users to provide the community with an attractive, unified outdoor advertising scheme, it is further provided that, if the user chooses to mount a sign or series of signs flat against the building facade (a sign may not extend more than six inches outward from the facade), the allowable area of the sign may be increased by 15%.
(4)
Under no circumstances shall the total maximum sign area exceed 80 square feet.
(5)
Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet for freestanding signs and 18 feet for signs attached to building walls.
M.
A business or commercial sign for an establishment not situated on a primary highway may, with the consent of the owner of the affected property and as a special exception granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, be located at the nearest primary highway intersection to that establishment, provided that the combined area of this sign and the primary sign located at the place of business do not exceed the area specified in § 370-107 of this article. Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet.
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
N.
Business and commercial signs on multiple-occupancy lots are allowed when erected in accordance with one of the following prescribed options:
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
(1)
A sign or a series of signs may be mounted flat against the facade of each establishment located within a multiple-occupancy property, provided that the total area and sign height of all signs or series of signs shall conform to the requirements specified for business and commercial signs; or
(2)
Signs may be attached to the facade of each establishment and one freestanding multiple directory sign per entrance may be erected, provided that the following conditions are met:
(a)
With respect to a multiple directory sign, the amount of space allowed for the purpose of advertising the name of an individual establishment shall not exceed four square feet. In addition, the multiple directory sign is permitted an additional 20% of the total area of the sign to identify the name of the complex or site.
(b)
The multiple directory sign shall only be used for the purpose of identifying the names and/or addresses of the establishments within individual buildings and shall preclude the use of any other freestanding signs for the said property on the same street frontage.
(c)
Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet for freestanding signs and 18 feet for signs attached to building walls.
O.
For shopping center uses, signs may be mounted flat against the facade of each establishment and a freestanding sign indicating the name of the shopping center may be erected, provided that the following conditions are met:
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
(1)
A sign or series of signs may be mounted flat against the facade of each establishment, provided that the total area of all signs or series of signs shall conform to the requirements for business and commercial signs set forth in § 370-107.
(2)
A freestanding sign identifying the name of the shopping center, provided that the area of any one side shall not exceed 100 square feet or a total area on all eligible sides of 200 square feet, with a maximum sign height of 18 feet, and provided further that the location shall be approved by the Township Supervisors in connection with the required development plan and conform to conditions outlined in § 370-100A(3).
P.
A garden apartment sign on the same lot as the use to which it refers or upon a different lot owned by the user in the case of a directional sign, provided that the total sign area on any one street frontage conforms to the following limitations:
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
(1)
Twenty square feet for those garden apartment complexes where the street frontage along any one principal road is 200 feet or less.
(2)
The allowable area of a garden apartment sign may be increased if authorized as a special exception by the Township Board of Supervisors by a maximum of one square foot for every 10 feet of street frontage in excess of 200 feet.
(3)
Under no circumstances shall a garden apartment sign with an area in excess of 40 square feet be permitted.
(4)
Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet.
Q.
For commercial premises located in the Commercial and Industrial Districts and the TC-2 District, one electronic changeable copy sign attached to a permitted on-premises freestanding sign shall be allowed per premises, providing it meets the following regulations:
[Added 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. 30-01]
(1)
Each message displayed on the electronic changeable copy sign must be static or, changeable instantly after a minimum of 30 seconds of a static presentation. No flashing, scrolling pulsating pictures or messages or the like may be depicted.
(2)
Signs which depict only time and temperature are permitted to allow for a minimum of five seconds of depiction of the time and temperature before moving on to the next part of the message.
(3)
Where text is displayed on a background, the text shall be brighter than the background (i.e., dark text shall not be displayed on a bright background). In order to achieve the intent of this regulation, it is suggested that the sign face have a dark background with a lighted message. See § 370-100Q(4).
(4)
The letter height in electronic changeable copy must be at least 12 inches if all caps, or 11 inches if the message contains lower- and uppercase letters.
(5)
No freestanding electronic changeable copy sign shall exceed 40% of the total allowable sign face area for any on-premises freestanding sign. In addition, the maximum height of an electronic changeable copy sign shall conform to the standards as specified in § 370-101.
(6)
On-premises freestanding electronic changeable copy signs shall not be illuminated more than one-half hour before the time at which the premises is open to the public or more than one-half hour after the time at which the premises is closed to the public, or 10:00 p.m., whichever is later, except in the case of twenty-four-hour businesses, where the illumination must be dimmed or turned off between the hours of midnight and 4:00 a.m.
(7)
The display may only be used to advertise goods and services sold on-premises, time and temperature, and public service announcements.
(8)
The addition of any electronic changeable copy sign to any nonconforming freestanding sign is prohibited.
(9)
Electronic changeable copy signs shall also be subject to the following regulations:
(a)
They shall not be permitted on any residential land use.
(b)
They shall not be permitted to be located within 75 feet of any traffic signal or flashing light installation authorized by a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation permit.
(c)
Any premises with an electronic changeable copy sign shall not be permitted to have any other freestanding or monument sign on the property, with the exception of shopping centers or plazas with multiple businesses, where multiple signs to identify each business are otherwise permitted.
(10)
Animation and streaming video is prohibited. The sign shall not display illumination that moves, appears to move, or change in intensity during the static display period. This prohibition does not include changes to a display for time, date and temperature.
(11)
On Route 422, no sign shall be located within 1,000 feet of an approaching interchange or traffic-merging lanes. There shall be a minimum of 2,400 feet of spacing maintained between electronic signs.
(12)
On all other roads except Route 422, mechanical or electronic changeable signs shall be at least 250 feet from another changeable sign on the same or on a nearby property on the same side of a street or road.
(13)
Sign luminance:
(a)
Daytime: (from sunrise to sunset) 5,000 nits maximum.
(b)
Nighttime: (from sunset to sunrise) 150 nits maximum. The sign or nighttime light output shall be capable of being further dimmed if the Township so requires when lighting is judged to create a nuisance or hazard. When located in an area with existing surrounding area light levels but not visible to a residential use, the Township, at its discretion, may permit a sign-face luminance that does not exceed 200 nits. Luminance shall be capable of being adjusted, post installation.
(c)
Burden: The applicant/property owner shall have the burden of proving to the Township's Code Enforcement Officer that the luminance for the sign meets the criteria as set forth in this chapter.
(14)
Control: When a sign malfunctions, the message shall automatically freeze. When located where sign face or its light output is visible from a residential district or use, the sign shall not be illuminated from 10:00 p.m. until sunrise. The lighting on/off control shall be by photocell and programmable digital astronomic time clock with battery or capacitor backup. The sign face luminance shall be locally and/or remotely adjustable.
(15)
Sign specification: Except for time and weather signs, digital message shall not be permitted to change more than once each 60 seconds. Sign messages shall not have automation, flash, or pulse. Moving or scrolling messages are prohibited.
(16)
Compliance monitoring: As part of the approval process of installed signage, the applicant shall be responsible for submitting to Township a certified post-installation test report containing daytime and nighttime sign-face luminance values. The Township shall be given the opportunity to witness the test. Readings shall be taken at a distance of 250 feet from sign face with sign in all-white mode (no color images). Luminance meter shall have been NIST calibrated within the past year. For a period of five years subsequent to installation approval, applicant shall be available to retest sign-face luminance if so requested by Township.
(17)
Electronic signs shall not:
(a)
Emit any sound;
(b)
Cause beams or rays of light to be directed toward any portion of the traveled way, which beams are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or interfere with the operation of a motor vehicle or interfere with the use on another property;
(c)
Obscure or interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign device, or signal, or cause undue distraction of the traveling public;
(d)
Contain more than one face visible from the same direction on the traveled way;
(e)
Obscure or otherwise interfere with the motor vehicle's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.
(18)
The permit holder shall provide the Township with contact information for a person who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to turn off the electronic sign promptly if a malfunction occurs.
§ 370-108 Construction and maintenance.
A.
All signs permitted by this chapter shall be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair.
B.
All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be manufactured in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories specifications.
C.
Floodlighting used to illuminate signs shall be aimed as required to ensure light does not spill off sign.
§ 370-109 Removal of unsafe, unlawful or abandoned signs.
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by the Township, the owner, person, or firm maintaining a sign must remove said sign when it:
(a)
Becomes unsafe, is in danger of falling, or it becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication;
(b)
Is determined by the Township to be a nuisance;
(c)
Is deemed unsafe by the Township;
(d)
Is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this article.
(2)
The Township may remove or cause to be removed said sign at the expense of the owner or lessee in the event the owner of the person or firm maintaining said sign has not complied with the terms of said notice within 14 days of the date of the notice. However, in the event of immediate danger, the Township may remove said sign immediately upon the issuance of said notice to the owner, person, or firm maintaining said sign.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by such person a sign which has been abandoned.
(2)
The Township may remove or cause to be removed said sign at the expense of the owner or lessee in the event the owner or the person or firm maintaining said sign has not complied with the terms of said notice within 30 days of the notice.
§ 370-110 Permits and applications.
A.
Sign permits.
(1)
A permit must be obtained from the Township before the erection of any sign, unless specifically exempted in this article.
(2)
Exemptions for the necessity of securing a permit shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the exempted sign from responsibility for its construction and installation in a safe manner and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
B.
Application information. Before a sign permit is granted, a sign permit application with the following information shall be submitted in duplicate:
(1)
Dimensions of the lot (including any right-of-way lines) and/or building upon which the sign is proposed to be erected.
(2)
The proposed sign location with respect to the property lines and building.
(3)
A description of the size, shape, color, material, supports, anchoring, weight and height of the sign, as well as intensity of illumination.
(4)
Sketch elevation, drawn to scale, of the sign, indicating the proposed size, dimensions, shape, material, supports, anchoring, and height of the sign.
(5)
Any other lawful information which may be required of the applicant by the Zoning Officer.
(6)
The application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner of lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected for Township officials to enter said premises to inspect the sign.
(7)
All sign permit applications shall be accompanied by the required fee as set forth in the fee schedule for signs established by the Board of Supervisors.
C.
Processing and approval of permit.
(1)
The Zoning Officer shall process applications for sign approval permits within 30 days from the date of the filing of the complete application with the required fee.
(2)
In determining the appropriateness of the proposed sign, the Zoning Officer shall determine the following:
(3)
The Zoning Officer shall inspect and approve the installation of the sign and shall make periodic inspections to determine conformity of signs to these regulations.
§ 370-111 Nonconforming signs.
Nonconforming signs shall be subject to the requirements of § 370-124 of this chapter.