Palmer Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Signs
§ 190-701 Construction.
§ 190-702 Abandoned signs.
A.
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises that they own or control a sign which has been abandoned.
B.
Any abandoned sign which is allowed to become dilapidated or a hazard shall be removed or repaired as part of a new sign permit by the property owner or lessee of the property within 30 days of notice or it may be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.
§ 190-703 Location of signs.
A.
No sign except official signs, name plate signs, public service signs and directional signs shall be erected within two feet or project over an existing street right-of-way. Freestanding business signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the existing street right-of-way.
B.
No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with the sight distance requirements of § 190-804C, Sight distance, except that one sign may have one pole with a maximum width of one foot within a sight distance triangle.
C.
No signs except official, personal expression, public service and specifically permitted off-premises signs shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate.
D.
No temporary sign, personal expression or otherwise, shall be placed on any Township-owned property or on any public utility pole or on any traffic light standard or on any other edifice, whether artificial or natural, owned or controlled by any governmental entity or any public utility except signs specifically authorized by such government or public utility.
E.
All signs erected in any zoning district shall comply with the accessory side yard requirements for the district, except a freestanding sign may be erected one foot from the side lot line in the GC District if the abutting use is a principal business use.
F.
No digital sign or electronically changing message sign for a commercial use or purpose shall be located within 200 feet of any LDR, MDR, HDR Zoning District property.
§ 190-704 Temporary signs.
A.
The following types of signs are exempt from zoning permit requirements, provided that they are removed in the time specified and conform to the sign requirements of this section. Any sign not meeting the time limits and size limits specified below shall need a zoning permit and shall only be allowed if permitted by another section of this ordinance.
1.
Up to two yard or garage sale signs per event, with the date of the event included on the sign, provided each does not exceed four square feet in area and shall be put up a maximum of 48 hours prior to a sale and removed within 24 hours after sale.
2.
Signs giving notice of the sale or rental of the property on which the sign is located, provided that they do not exceed 32 square feet in area, except that a maximum of six square feet shall apply to lots of less than three acres in an LDR, MDR, or HDR or District. Such signs shall be removed within 10 days after final settlement for a sale property or occupancy of the premises for a rental.
3.
Off-premises or on-premises signs of up to 24 square feet erected by a nonprofit or entirely charitable entity denoting a special event, provided they are erected no more than 15 days before the event and removed within three days after the event. Signs by an entirely charitable entity shall be permitted for up to four months if approved by the Board of Supervisors.
4.
Signs and decorations for an officially recognized designated holiday, provided that they do not create traffic or fire hazards and are removed within seven days following the event.
5.
Signs announcing work being performed on the premises by contractors, mechanics, painters, artisans, etc., are not to exceed 10 square feet, except that a maximum of eight square feet shall apply within the LDR, MDR, or HDR Districts. Such signs shall be permitted on the premises only while work is being done on a daily basis and must be removed at the time of substantial completion of work (90% completion of the total value of the work), as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer. Such signs shall also be removed should a delay of more than seven days prevent continuance of work and may be replaced upon the continuance of said work.
6.
Signs advertising the temporary sale of products or goods such as Christmas trees.
a.
Type: freestanding sign, window sign, wall sign, or banner.
b.
Area: Maximum of 16 square feet in area for freestanding, window, or wall signs or a maximum of 24 square feet for a banner.
c.
Height: Maximum of eight feet in area for freestanding, window, or wall signs or a maximum of 14 feet for a banner.
d.
The sign shall be removed within 30 days from the end of sales.
7.
Signs placed on bus shelters shall be permitted. A maximum of two signs shall be permitted per shelter, each sign shall be limited to six square feet. The sign shall not contain any off-premises advertising not related to bus agency operations.
8.
Banner signs of up to 24 square feet, provided that they are erected no more than 30 consecutive days, four times per calendar year.
a.
Height: Maximum of 14 feet.
9.
Sandwich Board or A-frame Signs shall be permitted on any lot containing a permitted nonresidential use and shall comply with the following requirements:
a.
Number: One sandwich board sign is permitted per establishment. For the purposes of this subsection, a parking garage or parking lot shall be considered an establishment.
b.
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of seven square feet per sign face.
c.
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.
d.
Sign placement.
i.
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
ii.
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 12 feet of the primary public entrance, of the establishment it advertises. For the purposes of this subsection, a public entrance includes a vehicular entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
iii.
Portable signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
B.
Feather Signs shall be permitted on any lot containing a permitted nonresidential use provided they are erected for no more than 30 days per calendar year and shall comply with the following requirements:
1.
Lots with one business are permitted one feather sign; provided, however that a maximum of two feather signs shall be permitted if the zoning lot has a street frontage of 150 linear feet or greater.
2.
Lots with more than one business are permitted a maximum of one feather sign per business.
3.
Feather signs shall not exceed 25 square feet in area per sign and shall not exceed a height of 12 feet above grade.
4.
Feather signs shall only be displayed from dawn to dusk and stored inside the business when the business is closed.
§ 190-705 Signs not requiring permits.
Zoning permits are not required for the following types of signs:
A.
Official signs.
B.
Nameplate signs: one per lot, not to exceed two square feet in sign area.
C.
Identification signs: one per lot, not to exceed two square feet in sign area.
D.
Directional signs: each not to exceed four square feet in sign area, not to exceed 32 square feet in total, and not to include any advertising.
E.
Memorial or historic markers when approved by motion or resolution of the Board of Supervisors or the Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Commission.
F.
Public service signs such as those advertising availability of restrooms, telephone, meeting times of service organizations or other similar public conveniences, each not to exceed two square feet.
G.
Temporary signs within the provisions of this chapter.
H.
Parking and no-trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises and signs prohibiting or controlling hunting and fishing upon the premises: four per lot, not to exceed two square feet in sign area.
I.
Signs physically carried by a person, which are not regulated in any way by this ordinance.
J.
Home occupation signs. These signs are exempt from the permit requirements if they have a maximum total area of three square foot and are limited to one per lot or use, whichever is less. These signs shall not be internally illuminated. These signs shall be attached to the primary residential structure and shall not be internally illuminated.
K.
Home security signs shall be a maximum of 12 square inches and shall be affixed to the principal structure.
L.
Fence signs shall be limited to one per fence, except for no-trespassing signs in accordance with state regulations, not to exceed one square foot, and shall be positioned so the text faces toward the principal structure.
M.
Personal expression signs, including flags, shall not exceed three square feet in area and shall be nonilluminated.
§ 190-706 Signs prohibited in all districts.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or mechanically powered moving signs of any type and/or the outlining of roofs, doors, windows or wall edges by illuminating tubing or strings of lights for advertising purposes. This shall not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays in season. This provision shall not apply to digital signs or electronic message signs, which are subject to specific requirements under this article, nor signs specifically authorized by government entities or public utilities.
B.
Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the roof or upon any structure which extends above the eaves of the roof of any building.
C.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor.
D.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of the Township zoning ordinance in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
E.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color that it imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device or that has any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
F.
Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing, blinking or twinkling.
G.
Signs or displays that include words or images that are obscene, pornographic or highly offensive to public decency.
H.
Balloons of greater than 10 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground and primarily intended for advertising purposes.
I.
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
J.
Off-premises signs, except for billboards in conformance with specific provisions of this ordinance.
§ 190-707 Signs and/or structures identifying major residential or business developments.
B.
Size and number. Signs described in this section may have a maximum sign face area of 32 square feet and a maximum height of eight feet. These signs and/or structures may be located at up to three of the major entrances to the development from exterior streets. This sign area may be an addition to other sign area limits of this ordinance.
1.
Where more than one sign may be permitted for an office, commercial or industrial development under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513, Light and glare control, and the provisions of § 190-715, Lights around commercial structure rooflines.
C.
Durability. Such signs shall be designed to be of a durable nature requiring little maintenance.
D.
Message. Such signs may include the overall name of the development and any logo. Such signs shall not include advertising.
E.
Landscaping. It is the intent of this section that such signs be attractively landscaped, with plants and shrubs requiring minimal maintenance.
F.
Location. Such signs and structures shall be located outside of the future right-of-way lines and shall satisfy the sight distance requirements of § 190-804C, Sight distance.
G.
Maintenance. If such signs are intended to remain beyond the completion of a developer's involvement in a project, the developer shall provide an appropriate method to ensure proper maintenance of the sign.
§ 190-708 Area of signs.
The following regulations shall be used in computing the area of signs:
A.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself.
B.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular shape, including the sign background, which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
C.
In computing square foot area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical in size. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, than both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
D.
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages are maximum sizes.
§ 190-709 Maximum height of signs.
A.
Maximum height. No sign shall exceed the maximum height restriction for the particular type of sign structure and zoning district established below. (NOTE: "Maximum height" shall mean the vertical distance measured from the average ground level immediately below a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure. See table below.) For specific height requirements for billboards, refer to § 190-911.
Type of Sign | RA, LDR, MDR, HDR or District | GC District | LI/MU, IOC District | Any Other District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Freestanding | 5 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet | 5 feet |
Wall | Equal to the total height of the principal building | Equal to the total height of the principal building | Equal to the total height of the principal building | Equal to the total height of the principal building |
B.
Minimum height. Freestanding business signs in the GC District that include any portion of the sign within 20 feet of the existing street right-of-way shall have a minimum height of six feet. This minimum height shall be measured from the ground or pavement to the bottom most part of the sign.
§ 190-710 Signs permitted in residential districts.
The following sign regulations shall apply within the LDR, MDR, HDR, and RA Zoning Districts:
A.
The following types of signs are permitted:
B.
The following type of signs, and no others, are permitted for any lawful permitted or nonconforming principal nonresidential use (not including home occupations):
1.
One wall sign, not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building face on which it is visible or 32 square feet, whichever is less, and permitted on the front wall of the structure only.
2.
One freestanding sign, not to exceed 32 square feet in area for a place of worship or 20 square feet for other uses. No more than one freestanding sign per street frontage. Any freestanding sign that would be associated with a proposed conditional or special exception use shall be reviewed and either be approved or denied at the same time that the conditional or special exception use is being reviewed. A condition of approval of such sign shall be compatibility with adjacent land uses.
a.
A freestanding sign for a public or private elementary or secondary school may be an electronic message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3),[1] Hours of illumination, the height requirements of § 190-709, Maximum height of signs, and the provisions of § 190-715, Lights around commercial structure rooflines. Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be an electronic message sign.
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original.
C.
Movable signs and signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
D.
As of November 1, 2002, internally illuminated signs shall not be permitted to be erected in residential districts within the Township. However, internally illuminated signs shall be permitted to be erected within the William Penn Highway Overlay District, Route 248 Overlay District or Freemansburg Avenue Overlay District subject to all other provisions of the Palmer Township zoning ordinance governing signs. As of November 1, 2002, internally illuminated signs which are located in a residential district and were in existence before the enactment of this ordinance (except for those located in the William Penn Highway Overlay District, Route 248 Overlay District, and or Freemansburg Avenue Overlay District) shall be lit during office hours only. Other signage within overlays shall be controlled by this chapter.
§ 190-711 Signs permitted in commercial districts.
A.
The following types of signs are permitted in the GC and NC Districts:
3.
Signs for a use occupying an individual structure on a single lot, in accordance with the following regulations.
a.
Wall signs. One shall be permitted for each wall facing a public street, each with a total area not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building face on which the sign is located. The maximum total wall sign area shall be 60 square feet.
i.
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message sign.
b.
Freestanding signs.
i.
One shall be permitted with a total area not to exceed 28 square feet. This sign may consist of a structure to which are attached several signs, within the total square footage.
ii.
If a use has a total linear road frontage of more than 300 feet, a second freestanding sign is permitted with a total square footage of 60 square feet for the two signs together.
iii.
A lot in the GC District may also include one additional nonilluminated freestanding sign with a maximum square footage of six square feet.
iv.
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronic message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3), Hours of illumination,[1] and the provisions of § 190-715, Lights around commercial structure rooflines. The portion of a freestanding sign containing a digital sign or electronic message sign shall have a maximum area of 14 square feet.
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original.
v.
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3), Hours of illumination,[2] and the provisions of § 190-715, Lights around commercial structure rooflines.
[2]
Editor's Note: So in original.
c.
Window signs. Total window signs, as defined by this article, shall not exceed 20% of the total window area of any single building frontage may be used for signs.
i.
A window sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message sign.
d.
Canopy or awning signs.
i.
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
ii.
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
iii.
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
iv.
Sign placement.
[a]
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
[b]
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
vi.
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
vii.
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
viii.
Sign size. The total area of an awning/canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking area.
4.
Signs relating to more than one commercial establishment on a lot, in accordance with the following regulations:
a.
Wall signs. One shall be permitted for each establishment. The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed 10% of the total area of the building face on which the signs are located. Wall signs shall only be allowed on portions of a building that face onto a public street and not on faces that abut residential uses.
[1]
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message sign.
b.
Freestanding signs.
i.
One shall be permitted with a total area not to exceed 40 square feet. This sign may consist of a structure to which are attached several signs, within the total square footage.
ii.
If a lot has a total linear street frontage of more than 300 feet or if the lot includes more than 10 principal establishments or involves the sale of automobiles by more than three distinct manufacturers, a second freestanding sign shall be allowed with a total square footage of 80 square feet for the two signs together.
iii.
A lot in the GC District may also include one additional nonilluminated freestanding sign with a maximum square footage of six square feet.
iv.
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronic-message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3), Hours of illumination,[3] and the provisions of § 190-716, Digital signs and electronic message signs. The portion of a freestanding sign containing a digital sign or electronic message sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet.
[3]
Editor's Note: So in original.
v.
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3), Hours of illumination,[4] and the provisions of § 190-715, Lights around commercial structure rooflines.
[4]
Editor's Note: So in original.
c.
Window signs. Total window signs, as defined by this article, shall not exceed 20% of the total window area of any single building frontage may be used for signs.
i.
A window sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message sign.
d.
Buildings including more than one use. The requirements of this section shall apply. It is the specific intent of this section that for buildings including more than one use, that each use be identified as part of one coordinated freestanding sign structure and not by individual freestanding signs.
e.
Canopy or awning signs shall be permitted in compliance with § 190-711A(3).For more than one commercial establishment on one lot, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the lot or building.
5.
Projecting Signs in accordance with the following requirements:
a.
No portion of a projecting signs shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
b.
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
c.
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
d.
Projecting signs shall be limited to a total sign area of 12 square feet.
e.
One projecting sign is permitted per each nonresidential establishment.
6.
Flags containing commercial messages may be displayed as a permitted freestanding or projecting sign, provided that the flag complies with all applicable area and positioning requirements for freestanding or projecting signs respectively.
B.
Signs on mobile stands.
1.
Purpose: to recognize signs on mobile stands as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but that is inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display a that it erect a permanent sign within all of the requirements of this ordinance.
2.
Standards for signs on mobile stands.
a.
Signs on mobile stands shall be permitted only in the GC District.
b.
Signs on mobile stands shall have a maximum sign area of 40 square feet.
c.
Only one mobile sign shall be permitted per use or per lot, whichever is lesser.
d.
Permit. The display of signs on mobile stands shall require a special permit to ensure their use only as a temporary sign. The cost of this permit shall be assigned by the Township fee schedule.
e.
Time limit. A permit for a sign on a mobile stand shall be limited to 20 days and be issued only once per use or lot, whichever is lesser, within a calendar year.
f.
No sign on a mobile stand shall be placed so that it causes a hazard to traffic nor shall it be placed within the existing/future road right-of-way.
g.
No sign on a mobile stand shall include a flashing or blinking light, electronic changing or digital sign.
3.
Applicability. The standards of this section shall apply to all signs on mobile stands that are placed for display to the public after this ordinance goes into effect. These standards shall also apply to all signs on mobile stands that currently exist in the Township for which a permit from the Township has not been granted for a permanent sign.
C.
The following types of signs are permitted within the Main Street Commercial (MSC) Zoning District.
1.
Signs relating to a single use occupying an individual structure on a single lot.
2.
Freestanding signs.
a.
One freestanding ground-supported (monument) sign shall be permitted with a total sign area not to exceed 32 square feet.
b.
If a lot has a total linear street frontage of more than 300 feet or if the lot has frontage on more than one street, a second freestanding ground-supported sign is permitted with a total maximum sign area of 60 square feet for the two signs together.
3.
Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted for each building wall facing a public street, each with a total sign area not to exceed 15% of the total area of the building wall on which the sign is located. The maximum total wall sign area shall be 60 square feet.
4.
Window signs. The total sign area of window signs, as defined in Article VII, Signs, shall not exceed 20% of the total window area of any single building frontage may be used for signs.
7.
Canopy or awning signs.
a.
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
b.
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
c.
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
d.
Sign placement.
i.
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
ii.
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
f.
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
g.
Sign size. The total area of an awning/canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking area.
8.
Signs relating to more than one commercial use or building on a lot:
1.
Freestanding signs.
i.
One freestanding ground-supported (monument) sign shall be permitted with a maximum sign area not to exceed 100 square feet, except where such sign is located within 100 feet of the right-of-way of, and intended or designed to be viewed from, PA Route 33, in which case the maximum sign area may be increased to 200 square feet. This sign may consist of a structure to which are attached several signs, within the total sign area.
ii.
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronically changing message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section and the provisions of Article VII, Signs.
iii.
If a lot has a total linear road frontage of more than 300 feet on Main Street or if the lot has frontage on more than one street or if the lot includes more than 10 principal uses, a second freestanding sign shall be allowed with a total maximum sign area of 150 square feet for the two signs together, except where one such sign is located within 100 feet of the right-of-way of, and intended or designed to be viewed from, PA Route 33, in which case the maximum total sign area shall be increased to 250 square feet.
iv.
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronically changing message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section and the provisions of Article VII, Signs.
v.
It is the specific intent of this section that, for buildings including more than one use, each use be identified as part of one coordinated freestanding sign structure and not by individual freestanding signs.
2.
Wall signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted for each use. One wall sign shall be allowed on the wall of the building containing the main entrance to the building. If the primary entrance is not on the wall of the building which faces the street, a second wall sign shall be permitted on the wall of the building which faces the street. For each use, the sign area of a wall sign shall not exceed 15% of the area of the wall on which the sign is located, up to a maximum sign area of 50 square feet.
9.
Window signs. The total sign area of window signs, as defined in Article VII, Signs, shall not exceed 20% of the total window area of any single building frontage may be used for signs.
12.
Temporary signs per Article VII, Signs.
a.
Canopy or awning signs shall be permitted in compliance with § 190-711C(1). For more than one commercial establishment on one lot, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the lot or building.
D.
Height.
1.
Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum height of 10 feet, except where such sign is located within 100 feet of the right-of-way of, and intended or designed to be viewed from, PA Route 33, in which case the maximum height may be increased to 40 feet.
2.
The maximum height of wall signs shall be equal to the total height of the wall on which they are located.
E.
Illumination.
1.
Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated by a white light that does not move or change intensity. External light shall be directed at the sign without light spillover and without causing glare for motorists, pedestrians or neighboring properties.
2.
Externally illuminated signs may be backlit with a diffused or shielded light source to control glare. Backlighting shall illuminate the letters, characters or graphics on the sign but not its background.
3.
Internally illuminated signs shall have a dark background with illuminated text that accounts for a maximum of 20% of the total sign area.
F.
Projecting Signs in accordance with the following requirements:
1.
No portion of a projecting signs shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
2.
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
3.
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
4.
Projecting signs shall be limited to a total sign area of 12 square feet.
5.
One projecting sign is permitted per each nonresidential establishment.
Flags containing commercial messages may be displayed as a permitted freestanding or projecting sign, provided that the flag complies with all applicable area and positioning requirements for freestanding or projecting signs respectively. |
§ 190-712 Signs permitted in industrial and business districts.
A.
The following types of signs are permitted in the LI/MU, IOC Districts, but not including PO/B:
3.
Signs identifying major developments in § 190-707, Signs and/or structures identifying major residential or business developments.
4.
Wall signs. Up to two shall be permitted for each establishment. Each sign shall have a maximum total sign area of 50 square feet.
a.
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message sign.
5.
Freestanding signs, not to exceed one structure per street frontage. The total area of each freestanding sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
a.
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronic-message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3), Hours of illumination,[1] and the provisions of § 190-716, Digital signs and electronic message signs. The portion of a freestanding sign containing a digital sign or electronic message sign shall have a maximum area of 25 square feet.
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original.
b.
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3), Hours of illumination,[2] and the provisions of § 190-715, Lights around commercial structure rooflines.
[2]
Editor's Note: So in original.
6.
Signs on mobile or movable stands are specifically prohibited.
7.
Each principal establishment within a multi-tenant building may also have a wall sign with a maximum sign area of four square feet, which shall be located near or on the use's door.
8.
Canopy or awning signs.
a.
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
b.
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
c.
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
d.
Sign placement.
[1]
Letters 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 of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
e.
Sign height.
[1]
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
[2]
Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.
[3]
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
[4]
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
[5]
Sign size. The total area of an awning/canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking area.
9.
Projecting Signs in accordance with the following requirements:
a.
No portion of a projecting signs shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
b.
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
c.
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
d.
Projecting signs shall be limited to a total sign area of 12 square feet.
e.
One projecting sign is permitted per each nonresidential establishment.
10.
Flags containing commercial messages may be displayed as a permitted freestanding or projecting sign, provided that the flag complies with all applicable area and positioning requirements for freestanding or projecting signs respectively.
B.
The following types of signs are permitted in the PO/B District:
3.
Signs identifying major developments in § 190-707, Signs and/or structures identifying major residential or business developments.
4.
Wall signs. Up to two per building, each with a maximum sign area of 16 square feet. Such sign shall be posted a minimum of four feet and a maximum of 10 feet above the average adjacent finished grade.
a.
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message sign.
5.
Each principal establishment within a multi-tenant building may also have a wall sign with a maximum sign area of four square feet, which shall be located near or on the use's door.
6.
Freestanding signs, not to exceed one sign for each principal building. The total area of each freestanding sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
a.
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronic-message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3), Hours of illumination, and the provisions of § 190-715, Lights around commercial structure rooflines. The portion of a freestanding sign containing a digital sign or electronic message sign shall have a maximum area of 25 square feet.
b.
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-513D(3), Hours of illumination,[3] and the provisions of § 190-715, Lights around commercial structure rooflines.
[3]
Editor's Note: So in original.
7.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
8.
Canopy or awning signs.
a.
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
b.
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
c.
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
d.
Sign placement.
[1]
Letters 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 of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
f.
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
g.
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
h.
Sign size. The total area of an awning/canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking area.
9.
Projecting signs in accordance with the following requirements:
a.
No portion of a projecting signs shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
b.
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
c.
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
d.
Projecting signs shall be limited to a total sign area of 12 square feet.
e.
One projecting sign is permitted per each nonresidential establishment.
10.
Flags containing commercial messages may be displayed as a permitted freestanding or projecting sign, provided that the flag complies with all applicable area and positioning requirements for freestanding or projecting signs respectively.
C.
The following provisions apply to signs within the NEB Zoning District.
1.
Permitted signs. The following types of signs are permitted within the North End Business District:
a.
Freestanding ground-supported (monument) signs, not to exceed one sign per street frontage. The total sign area of each freestanding sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
b.
Wall signs.
i.
Up to two wall signs shall be permitted for each principal building. Each sign shall have a maximum total sign area of 50 square feet.
ii.
Each principal use within a multiple-occupancy building may also have a wall sign with a maximum sign area of four square feet, which shall be located near or on the main entrance to the use.
f.
Canopy or awning signs.
i.
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
ii.
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
iii.
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
iv.
Sign placement.
[a]
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
[b]
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
vi.
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
vii.
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
viii.
Sign size. The total area of an awning/canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking area.
g.
Projecting Signs in accordance with the following requirements:
i.
No portion of a projecting signs shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
ii.
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
iii.
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
iv.
Projecting signs shall be limited to a total sign area of 12 square feet.
v.
One projecting sign is permitted per each nonresidential establishment.
h.
Flags containing commercial messages may be displayed as a permitted freestanding or projecting sign, provided that the flag complies with all applicable area and positioning requirements for freestanding or projecting signs respectively.
4.
Illumination.
a.
Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated by a white light that does not move or change intensity. External light shall be directed at the sign without light spillover and without causing glare for motorists, pedestrians or neighboring properties.
b.
Externally illuminated signs may be backlit with a diffused or shielded light source to control glare. Backlighting shall illuminate the letters, characters or graphics on the sign but not its background.
c.
Internally illuminated signs shall have a dark background with illuminated text that accounts for a maximum of 20% of the total sign area.
§ 190-713 Approval of signs associated with proposed variances and changes in nonconforming uses.
Any signs that are to be associated with a proposed variance or change of a nonconforming use shall be reviewed and either be approved or denied at the same time that such action is approved by the Zoning Hearing Board. A condition of such approval shall be compatibility with adjacent land uses.
§ 190-714 Off-premises signs.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs, including billboards, are regulated to support the Township's goals of limiting visual pollution produced from off-premises signs which conflicts with the economic development goals of the Comprehensive Plan, the existing and planned residential character of many areas of the Township, the preservation of areas of great natural and scenic beauty in the Township, the protection of the agricultural and open space character of many areas of the Township, and the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians along the area's street system.
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of existing lawful off-premises sign that are structurally sound and in good repair.
C.
Commercial and noncommercial signs. This section applies to both commercial and noncommercial off-premises signs except as may be specifically provided for elsewhere in this ordinance.
D.
State signs. Signs erected and maintained by the PA Department of Transportation are permitted by right in all districts. Such signs that identify business services available at an interchange are specifically encouraged as an appropriate and orderly means of providing information without causing visual pollution or traffic hazards.
E.
Prohibition. All off-premises signs are prohibited in all districts of the Township, except for billboards as specifically permitted in certain districts.
§ 190-715 Lights around commercial structure rooflines.
A.
Lights shall be permitted as an outline to commercial structure rooflines, provided that the lights are white, nonflashing, nonblinking and pose no distraction or harm to passing motorists. Lights shall be no more than 3/4 inches in height and 8.1 watts per bulb.
§ 190-716 Digital signs and electronic message signs.
A.
Digital signs shall only be permitted to be located within 200 feet of the right-of-way of, and intended or designed to be viewed from U.S. Route 22 or PA Route 33, as permitted within a MSC, NEB, LI/MU, IOC or PO/B zoning district. Where applicable, such signs shall be located, constructed and maintained in accordance with all applicable Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations, in addition to all Palmer Township regulations. Where there is a conflict between regulations, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
1.
A digital sign shall not be placed within 500 feet of a residential property line, as measured in any direction from the visible face of the sign.
2.
A digital sign placed within 750 feet of a residential property line, as measured in any direction from the visible face of the sign, shall be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
B.
Electronic message signs shall only be permitted to be located within 50 feet of the right-of-way of and intended or designed to be viewed from U.S. Route 22, PA Route 33, William Penn Highway, Route 248/Nazareth Road/South 25th Street, or Freemansburg Avenue, as permitted within a LI/MU, IOC, or PO/B zoning district. Where applicable, such signs shall be located, constructed and maintained in accordance with all applicable Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations, in addition to all Palmer Township regulations. Where there is a conflict between regulations, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
1.
An electronic message sign shall not be placed within 200 feet of a residential property line, as measured in any direction from the visible face of the sign.
C.
A digital sign or electronic message sign, shall be separated a minimum of 500 feet from any other digital sign or electronic message sign, as measured in any direction, except as required under Billboard standards.
D.
All messages, images or displays on a digital sign or electronic message sign shall remain unchanged for a minimum of eight seconds. Signs of 24 square feet or less which indicate only the time, temperature, date or similar information shall be excluded.
E.
The time interval used to change from one complete message, image or display to the next complete message, image or display shall be a maximum of one second.
F.
There shall be no appearance of a visual dissolve or fading, in which any part of one message, image or display appears simultaneously with any part of a second message, image or display.
G.
There shall be no appearance of flashing, twinkling, blinking, or sudden bursts of light, and no appearance of video motion, animation, scrolling, twirling, or flow of the message, image or display.
H.
The intensity and contrast of light levels shall remain constant throughout the sign face.
I.
The luminance of the sign display shall be controlled so as to not create glare, hazards or nuisances. The luminance or brightness of the display shall not exceed 5,000 nits during daylight hours and 150 nits during hours of darkness. Each digital sign or electronic message sign shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology to adjust the sign's brightness based on ambient light conditions.
1.
The luminance specification shall be determined by a calibrated luminosity meter, operated by a qualified lighting professional following the instruments manufacturer's instructions.
2.
The measurement of luminance should be taken from the nearest roadway location perpendicular to the center of the digital sign face or electronic message sign face.
3.
The measurement of luminance shall include the measurement of an all-white image displayed by the sign to evaluate the worst-case condition.
J.
Signs shall be equipped with a properly functioning default mechanism that will stop the sign display on one message or image and reduce the luminance level to 150 nits should a malfunction occur.
K.
Digital signs and electronic message signs shall be inspected annually to verify dwell time and brightness level. An annual inspection fee shall be charged for every digital sign and electronic message sign, as specified in the Township Fee Schedule. The inspection shall be paid and the inspection completed no later than April 30 of every year.