North Franklin Township Washington County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XII
Signage
§ 460-1201 Purpose.
The purposes of these sign regulations are as follows:
A.
To encourage the effective use of signs as a means of identification and communication and thereby enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety.
B.
To minimize clutter, unsightliness and confusion by prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes and designs and locations that may create a hazard to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
C.
To maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment of the Township and minimize the adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property.
D.
To promote the tasteful, progressive design of signs which are complementary to the buildings they serve and thereby enhance the Township's ability to attract economic development and growth.
E.
To avoid excessive competition for large or multiple signs so that permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction.
F.
To promote signs which are designed utilizing clear, crisp lettering and uncomplicated symbols which identify the intended message efficiently.
G.
To avoid the uncontrolled proliferation of signs.
§ 460-1202 Types and classes.
Signs in all zoning districts shall be categorized according to the types and classifications described below and shall comply with the requirements for those types and classifications described in this section.
A.
Classes. Signs are classified by physical attributes into the following categories:
BILLBOARD
An off-site sign which advertises goods or services unrelated to or not available on the premises where the sign is located.
BULLETIN
A type of changeable copy sign constructed to allow letters or symbols to be changed periodically such as those used by churches and schools to announce events.
CHANGEABLE COPY
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.
FREESTANDING
A sign supported on a foundation or by one or more uprights, poles or braces permanently affixed to the ground and not attached to any building or other structure, including:
(1)
POLE SIGN
A freestanding sign which is supported by one or more poles, uprights or braces and which has a minimum clearance between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level, as specified by this chapter.(2)
GROUND SIGN
A freestanding sign which is affixed to the ground by means of a permanent foundation and which provides a maximum clearance of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level.INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED
A sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices external to, and reflected on, the sign, which lighting is stationary constant in intensity and color at all times and which is shielded so that the illumination is concentrated on the face of the sign and there is no spillover of illumination or glare beyond the face of the sign.
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATION
A sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices to the sign, which lighting is either behind the face of the sign is an integral part of the sign structure and the advertising effect.
OVERHANGING
A sign, other than a wall sign, affixed to a building or wall whose leading edge extends beyond such building or wall more than six inches.
ROOF INTEGRAL
A sign erected or constructed as an integral part of a normal roof structure of any design such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separate from the rest of the roof by a space of no more than six inches. A sign constructed between the eaves and deck line of a mansard roof shall be considered a roof integral sign for the purposes of this chapter.
WALL
A sign attached to and erected parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building, projected outward no more than six inches from the wall of the building.
B.
Types. Signs are categorized by use, function or purpose into the following types:
(1)
Residential identification. A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises.
(2)
Home occupation identification. A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises and their occupation. No logos or other advertising shall be permitted.
(3)
Residential development identification sign. A permanent wall or freestanding ground sign containing only the name and address of a plan of subdivision or a multifamily building or development.
(4)
Real estate. A temporary sign advertising the sale or rental of premises. The signs may also bear the words "sold," "sale pending" or "rented" across their face.
(5)
Development. A temporary sign erected during the period of construction and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or their agent.
(6)
Construction. A temporary sign announcing the name of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises.
(7)
Nonresidential subdivision identification. A sign used to identify the name of a nonresidential development of three or more lots for nonretail use, containing no commercial message, and located at the principle entrances of such subdivision as office part, industrial park, medical center, or business park.
(8)
Notification. Signs bearing legal and/or property notices such as no trespassing, private property, no turnaround, safety zone, no hunting and similar messages and signs posted by a governmental agency for traffic control or the safety of the general public.
(9)
Off-premises directional. A sign erected by a governmental agency with directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to the location of a public building or use or a semipublic building or use such as a church, school, park, municipal building, or similar use and which is located in a public street right-of-way with the permission of the owner of the right-of-way or on premises other than the premises where said building or use is located with the permission of the landowner. Off-premises directional signs shall not include billboards, as defined herein, or any other off-premises sign which contains information regarding any commercial or business use.
(10)
On-premises directional. A sign which directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to parking areas, proper exits, loading areas, entrance points and similar information on the premises on which it is located.
(11)
Political sign. A temporary sign which indicates the name, cause or affiliation of anyone seeking public office or which refers to an issue concerning which a public election is scheduled to be held.
(12)
Agricultural sales. A temporary sign permitted in connection with any operating farm used only announce the sale of seasonal products raised on the premises.
(13)
Business identification sign. A sign which contains the name, address and goods, services, facilities or events available on the premises.
(14)
Temporary special event display. A banner, flag, pennant or similar display constructed of durable material and affixed to the wall of a building erected for a period of less than 60 days whose sole purpose is to advertise a special event.
(15)
Memorial or an historical place. A commemorative plaque placed by a recognized agency of the Township, county, state or federal government.
(16)
Window display. A sign or group of signs affixed to the inside of a display window in a commercial establishment which advertises a product or service available on the premises or which announces or promotes a special sale or special event.
§ 460-1203 Authorized uses.
Signs are classified according to five zoning uses in this article based upon the impact of the sign upon the Township and the procedures by which the sign is authorized.
A.
Permitted uses. Authorized signs for which no zoning approval is required but which are in compliance with this chapter.
B.
Uses by right. Authorized signs for which a zoning approval will be issued by the Zoning Officer following a review of the application.
C.
Conditional uses. Authorized signs which are permitted by approval of the Supervisors in accordance with this article and specifically Article XIII, Conditional Uses and Special Exceptions.
D.
Exempt uses. Signs that are authorized but that are exempt from regulation under this chapter.
E.
Prohibited uses. Signs that are not authorized by this article nor exempt from regulations.
F.
Principal uses. A billboard is a principal use which is permitted by conditional use in the C-3 Highway Commercial Zoning District subject to general provisions stated in § 460-1204 of this article and specific regulations for billboards stated in § 460-1208 of this article.
G.
Accessory uses. Signs shall be authorized as accessory uses in accordance with the following table of authorized accessory signs, zoning districts where authorized, and method of authorization:
Table 460-1203G, Authorized Accessory Signs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Types of Signs | Residential Uses | R-1, R-2 and R-3 Non- residential Uses | C-1 Neighbor- hood Commercial | C-2 Regional Commercial | C-3 Highway Comm- ercial | C-4 Mixed Uses | PED Planned Econ. Dev. | I-1 Industr- ial | |
R-1 and R-2 | R-3 | ||||||||
Freestanding | |||||||||
-Residential | P | P | N | P | N | P | N | N | |
-All other | N | N | R | R | R | R | R | R | |
-Directional/incidental | N | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
-Residential development identification | R | R | N | N | N | N | R | N | |
-Nonresidential subdivision identification | N | N | N | N | N | N | R | R | |
Building | |||||||||
-Canopy | N | N | N | R | R | R | R | R | |
-Direction/incidental | P | P | N | P | P | N | P | N | |
-Residential | P | P | N | F | N | F | N | N | |
-Roof Integral | N | N | N | R | R | R | R | R | |
-Suspended | N | N | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
-Wall | N | N | R | R | R | R | R | R | |
-Window | N | N | N | P | P | P | P | P | |
§ 460-1204 General regulations.
The following regulations shall apply to all zoning districts.
A.
Prohibited signs. All signs not expressly authorized under this chapter or exempt from regulation hereunder in accordance with previous sections are prohibited in the Township. Prohibited signs shall include, but are not limited to:
(1)
Beacons.
(2)
Animated or flashing lights.
(3)
Portable signs.
(4)
Marquee signs.
(5)
Changeable copy signs except for pricing signs for gas stations and bulletin boards for religious establishments and educational institutions and which conform to the overall size, area and bulk requirements of this chapter, and where the changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed 50% of the allowable sign area;
(6)
Portable or wheeled signs.
(7)
Strings of lights, except those exempt under this chapter.
(8)
Inflatable signs and tethered balloons.
(9)
Temporary signs.
(10)
Projecting signs.
(11)
Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public safe or health.
(12)
Signs which by reason of size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of drivers, either when leaving a roadway or driveway, or obstruct or detract from the visibility of effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device on public streets.
(13)
Signs which make use of words such as "Stop," "Look," "One-Way," "Danger," "Yield," or similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(14)
Any obsolete sign which no longer identifies a bona fide business conducted or product sold.
(15)
Signs painted on, attached to, or supported by a tree, utility pole, stone, cliff or other natural object.
(16)
Banners and pennants, other than temporary special event displays authorized by this chapter.
(17)
Ban lighting, fascia lighting, strip lighting and the like.
(18)
Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, other than temporarily for overnight storage on the site of a business or for maintenance repair loading, unloading or rendering a service at any location, which are visible from the public right-of-way and where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.
(19)
"A-frame" or sandwich board signs.
(20)
Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion of a permitted sign which indicates time or temperature.
(21)
Signs which initiate traffic control devices.
(22)
Overhanging signs, as defined herein.
B.
Exempt signs. The following signs shall be exempt from these regulations:
(1)
Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance including street signs and official traffic signs;
(2)
Residential identification signs, as defined herein;
(3)
Memorial or historical plaques, as defined herein;
(4)
Window displays, as defined herein, provided they are not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line or site on which such sign is located;
(5)
Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays, provided they do not interfere with traffic safety or do not, in any other way, become a public nuisance.
(6)
Works of art that do not include a commercial message.
(7)
Auctions, garage or yard sale signs, provided that they do not exceed five square feet and are removed as soon as the event or activity has occurred, and provided that they shall not be permitted to be erected more than seven days prior to the event and only permitted at the site at which the event will take place.
(8)
Signs and banners erected by a governmental body or under the direction of such body.
(9)
Temporary event signs and banners announcing a nonprofit event of a civic organization for noncommercial purposes, where such sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area and for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the start of the event and removed within three days after the conclusion of the event.
(10)
Building numbering in accordance with Chapter 125, Buildings, Numbering of.
(11)
An off-premises sign for facilities that provide twenty-four-hour emergency services and provided that such facility is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for stabilization and treatment. Such sign must be approved by the Supervisors as to size and location.
C.
Permit required. If a sign required a zoning approval under the provisions of this chapter is to be placed, constructed, erected or modified on a lot or site, the owner of the lot shall secure a zoning approval prior to the construction, placement, erection or modification of such a sign and a zoning approval for occupancy and use after completion of such sign in accordance with the requirements of this article. The Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission of an application which complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter and payment of the required fee which established by resolution of the Township Supervisors.
D.
Lots with multiple street frontage. In all zoning districts, lots fronting an more than one street shall be permitted to have one sign which is authorized per lot on each street frontage.
E.
Temporary signs. In all zoning districts, real estate, construction and development signs, and political signs shall be considered temporary signs which shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of sales or construction or election. Agricultural sales signs shall be governed by § 460-1205 of this chapter.
F.
Notification signs. In all zoning districts, the number, location and size of legal notification signs erected by public agencies shall be in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth. In all zoning districts, legal notification signs posted on private property by property owners such as "no trespassing," "no hunting" and the like shall be limited to a surface area not exceeding two square feet. The placement and maximum number of signs permitted along road frontages shall be one sign for every 90 feet of road frontage.
G.
Visibility. No sign shall be located within 15 feet of a right-of-way or in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street, or obstructing a traffic signal, or other traffic control device. No sign, other than official traffic signs, shall hang over or be erected within the right-of-way of any street.
H.
Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this chapter, shall be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties or streets. Flashing or oscillating signs shall not be permitted. Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times. The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign, where indirect or internal, shall be controlled to not create glare and to be comparable with the intensity of ambient light and illumination on surrounding properties.
I.
Maintenance and inspection. All signs must be constructed of a durable material and maintained in good condition. Any sign found to be in an unsafe condition upon inspection shall be declared to be a public nuisance and the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner, in writing, to repair or remove the sign within 10 days. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.
J.
Removal of signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated, all signs relating to the discontinued or vacated business shall be removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinue of the business. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.
K.
Computation of sign height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to the lower of the following:
(1)
Existing grade prior to construction; or
(2)
The newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filing, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.
(3)
In cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot or site, which is lower.
L.
Public right-of-way. No sign shall be erected in the public right-of-way.
M.
Clear sight triangle. No sign shall be erected in the clear sight triangle area as provided in Chapter 390, Subdivision and Land Development.
N.
Landscaping.
(1)
All freestanding signs permitted by this chapter shall be landscaped with ornamental plantings and shrubs at the base of such sign and shall screen the base from view from the public right-of-way. Unless otherwise required for a particular type of sign, the area of such landscaping shall be equal to two times the area of the sign.
(2)
Such landscape screening shall be maintained in full effect for the duration of the existence of the sign. No such landscape screening shall be removed without prior approval of the Township and only upon submission of a new landscaping plan providing for screening of the base of such sign.
§ 460-1205 Signs authorized in all zoning districts.
The following signs are authorized in all zoning districts:
A.
One residential identification sign which is nonilluminated. On farms, as defined herein, in any zoning district, the maximum surface area of a residential identification sign shall be two square feet and may be freestanding, provided the sign is located at least 10 feet from any property line or street right-of-way and is no more than three feet in height. All other residential identification signs shall be attached to a mailbox or to the wall of a dwelling and shall not exceed one square foot in surface area.
B.
One bulletin sign which is nonilluminated or indirectly or internally illuminated and which does not exceed 24 square feet in surface area shall be permitted in connection with any church, school, library or similar public or semipublic building.
C.
One nonilluminated temporary real estate sign or development sign advertising the sale or lease of the property on which the sign is located shall be permitted provided the surface area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet in any residential zoning district or 32 square feet in any other zoning district. Such signs shall be removed within 30 days of the sale, lease, or completion of development of the property.
D.
One nonilluminated temporary construction sign announcing the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work.
E.
One nonilluminated temporary special event display sign, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted to be erected on the face of a public building, church or building housing a nonprofit organization, provided the sign is displayed for a period no longer than 15 days and is removed within five days following the event that it is erected to promote.
F.
On nonilluminated home occupation identification sign shall be permitted for an approved home occupation, provided that the surface area of the sign shall not exceed two square feet and the sign shall contain only the name and occupation of the resident and shall not contain any logo or other advertising.
G.
Nonilluminated temporary political signs erected during a political campaign shall be permitted, provided that they are not of a type restricted by § 460-1203A of this chapter and provided that the surface area of such signs shall not exceed six square feet and the sign shall be removed within five days after the election for which they were erected.
§ 460-1206 Signs authorized in residential districts.
The following signs shall be permitted in all residential zoning districts:
A.
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated permanent wall or freestanding ground residential plan identification sign containing only the street address and/or name of a residential subdivision plan or multifamily building or development which shall be exceed 12 square feet in area. A sign identifying the name of a residential subdivision may be affixed to a freestanding decorative wall, rather than to a building wall, provided that the decorative wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements and does not obstruct visibility for traffic entering or leaving the plan.
B.
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground identification sign for any nonresidential use, other than a home occupation, authorized by conditional use in a residential or agricultural zoning district, which shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
C.
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground business identification sign for a lawfully maintained nonconforming use in a residential or agricultural zoning district which shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
§ 460-1207 Signs authorized in commercial and industrial districts.
The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts other than residential zoning districts.
A.
Temporary special event display. Temporary special event displays, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted provided that:
(1)
No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted on an establishment at any one time;
(2)
The temporary special event display signs shall be securely attached to the building;
(3)
Temporary special event display signs shall be displayed for a period not exceeding 30 days, either consecutively or cumulatively, in any twelve-month period;
(4)
The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per establishment. In the event that there is more than one establishment on a site, the maximum aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs on the site at any one time shall not exceed 100 square feet;
(5)
Portable signs shall not considered temporary special even display signs; and
(6)
Temporary special event display signs shall be nonilluminated.
B.
Directional signs. On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted. On lots with areas of one acre or more, a maximum of six nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted on the first acre. For each additional acre or fraction thereof over one acre, two additional directional signs shall be permitted.
C.
Changeable copy signs. In addition to the authorized business identification signs, one nonilluminated or internally illuminated changeable copy sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of business on the lot, which shall not exceed 30 square feet in area and which shall be permanently affixed to the wall of the building or to the supporting structure of an authorized freestanding sign on the lot.
D.
Business identification signs.
(1)
Wall signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted to have wall signs which may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The aggregate area of all wall signs shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of width of the front wall of the building, or portion of the building, occupied by the business.
(2)
Ground signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a)
No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot;
(b)
The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 24 square feet;
(c)
The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street; and
(d)
Ground signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be permitted.
(3)
Pole signs. In addition to the authorized wall signs, one freestanding pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a)
No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot;
(b)
The pole sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated;
(c)
The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 35 feet;
(d)
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be eight feet;
(e)
The maximum size of the freestanding pole sign shall not exceed 64 square feet and neither dimension of such sign shall be less than six feet; and
(f)
No portion of any sign shall project over any public right-of-way.
§ 460-1208 Billboards.
Billboards shall be permitted only in accordance with all of the following regulations:
A.
Billboards shall not be permitted on any property in any residential zoning district.
B.
Billboards shall be permitted only within 200 feet of the center line (measured horizontally) of Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40.
C.
Billboards shall be freestanding, ground-mounted, single-column post-supported displays which have no structure contact with any building or other structure.
D.
The minimum surface area of a billboard shall be 250 square feet and the maximum surface area of a billboard shall be 750 square feet.
E.
The maximum dimensions of a billboard shall be 20 feet in height and 60 feet in width.
F.
Billboards shall be located so as to be no higher than 40 feet above the curb of the street from which they are intended to be viewed. Billboards which are not at grade shall provide a minimum clearance from the bottom of the sign to grade of 15 feet.
G.
A billboard may have two sign faces per structure placed back to back or in a "V" shaped configuration on a single support system.
H.
No billboard shall be placed within 500 feet of any residentially zoned property or any public or private school property, park, library or church when the display face of the billboard will visible therefrom. This required distance shall be measure along the frontage of the street or highway on which the billboard is located.
I.
Billboards shall be located at least 15 feet from any street right-of-way. Billboards shall be subject to the side yard and rear yard requirements of the zoning district in which they are located, except where the yard adjoins residential zoning classifications, the minimum yard required shall be 100 feet.
J.
No billboard shall be erected closer than 1,000 feet to any other existing or proposed billboard on the same side of the street or highway.
K.
Billboards shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, providing all light is shielded and reflected away from adjacent streets and property.
L.
All lighting shall be discontinued between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
M.
Billboards using removable paper or other such materials shall be maintained in such condition as to eliminate loose or frayed material protruding or hanging from the structure. A billboard shall have a structure inspection made by a qualified registered Pennsylvania engineer or architect and shall provide the Township with a certificate from the engineer or architect certifying that the billboard is structurally sound. Billboards found to be in violation of these maintenance requirements shall be brought into compliance within 30 days of notification by the Township. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall maintain or remove the billboard at the owner's expense.
N.
Any billboard which is discontinued or abandoned for a period of six months or more shall be removed. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the billboard at the owner's expense.
O.
The issuance of a zoning certificate for a billboard shall be conditioned upon the applicant obtaining approval of the required permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). If the applicant fails to submit evidence of the required PennDOT approval within 60 days of the issuance of the zoning certificate, the zoning certificate shall be revoked by the Zoning Officer who shall provide written notice of the revocation of the zoning certificate to the applicant.
