Paradise Township Monroe County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Signs
§ 160-72 General provisions; intent.
A.
Short title. This article shall be known and cited as the "Paradise Township Sign Ordinance."
B.
Intent. A sign may be placed, established, painted, created, or maintained in Paradise Township only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exceptions and other requirements of this chapter. The effect and intent of this section of this chapter as more specifically set forth herein is:
(1)
To establish a permitting system to allow a variety of sign types in the various zoning districts, subject to the standards and permit procedures of this article;
(2)
To allow various types of signs and street graphics that are limited in size, unobtrusive, and, where applicable, incidental to the principal land use of the property on which the signs are located, subject to the substantive requirements of this article, but without a requirement for permits;
(3)
To establish a monitoring system for unpermitted and nonconforming signs and street graphics;
(4)
To ensure that all signs and street graphics shall comply with the provisions of this article;
(5)
To establish standards for signage in Master Developments within the Resort Development Area Overlay District as depicted on the Official Zoning Map of Paradise Township.
§ 160-73 Permit requirements.
A.
After the effective date of this chapter and except as otherwise herein provided, no signs or street graphics except those explicitly listed in § 160-75, § 160-77 and § 160-78 shall be erected unless a zoning permit is issued by the Zoning Officer. Signs for which a permit is required shall bear the permit number and the name of the permit holder in a conspicuous and accessible location.
B.
Application for permit. Written application for the permit shall be made to the Zoning Officer upon forms prescribed and provided by the Zoning Officer and shall contain the following information:
(1)
Name, mailing address, email address and telephone number of the applicant.
(2)
Location of building, structure or land to which or upon which the sign is to be erected.
(3)
Size of sign.
(4)
Description of the construction details of the signs and showing the lettering and/or pictorial matter composing the sign; position of lighting or other extraneous devices; a location plan showing the position in relation to nearby buildings or structures, property line, and to any private or public road or highway.
(5)
In the case of any off-premise sign, a letter from the property owner acknowledging and approving the construction and use of the sign.
(6)
Such other pertinent information as the Zoning Officer may require to ensure compliance with this chapter.
C.
Fees. Fees for sign permits shall be set by resolution of the Township Board of Supervisors from time to time.
D.
Issuance of a permit. It shall be the duty of the Zoning Officer, upon the filing of an application for a permit to erect a sign, to examine such plans, specifications and other data submitted to him/her with the application and, if necessary, the building or lot upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure. If it shall appear that the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and all other ordinances of the Township, the Zoning Officer shall, within 30 days of receipt of a complete application, issue a permit for the erection of the proposed sign. Any sign permit shall expire if construction has not commenced within one year after the date of issuance.
§ 160-74 Master sign plans.
A.
A Master Sign Plan shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer for all nonresidential developments, lots, sites or structures of two or more uses requiring a zoning permit, and for all Master Developments, after the effective date of this Ordinance. All signs requiring a permit in a nonresidential development, lot, site, structure, Master Development or use requiring a master sign plan shall comply with the master sign plan.
B.
A master sign plan containing the below listed items shall be submitted in duplicate to the Zoning Officer prior to the issuance of a zoning permit for a sign(s) for each use in a nonresidential development, lot, site, structure or Master Development requiring a master sign plan:
(1)
A site plan clearly and legibly drawn at a scale of one inch being equal to 50 feet or less, showing the location of all existing, proposed and future signs of any type, whether requiring a zoning permit or not. Exempt signs need not be shown.
(2)
Building elevations drawn to scale of each side of the building on which a sign is located or will be placed showing the sign dimensions and proportions, location of each existing and proposed sign on the building, material, color scheme, lettering or graphic style, and lighting, if any.
(3)
Drawings of the planned signs clearly indicating the dimensions of all signs including height above finished grade, lettering, logos and other graphics, colors, materials, texture and method of illumination, if any. This information will be used to determine compliance with sign design standards and not to assess content.
(4)
A description of the type and total number of signs proposed, plus any existing signs that will remain, and a computation of the maximum total sign area and the maximum area for individual signs compared to the signage allowed.
(5)
The landscaping plan for the sign.
(6)
The master sign plan may contain other standards and criteria not regulated by the Township as the property owner or developer may require, such as uniform sign standards.
C.
A conceptual master sign plan shall be submitted as part of a Preliminary Land Development Plan for a nonresidential land development that is governed, in whole or in part, by Chapter 131 (Subdivision and Land Development) with respect to all existing, proposed, or future signs known at the time of Preliminary Plan submission. A master sign plan shall be submitted as part of a Final Land Development Plan for a nonresidential land Development that is governed, in whole or in part, by Chapter 131 (Subdivision and Land Development), with respect to all existing, proposed, or future signs known at the time of Final Land Development Plan submission. The Township Board of Supervisors may, in granting Subdivision and Land Development approval, modify individual sign standards, provided the total sign area for the project does not exceed that otherwise permitted.
D.
Where a master sign plan is required, and the proposed use is approved, no zoning permit shall be issued for a sign requiring a permit and no sign shall be erected unless and until a master sign plan, or amendment thereto, for the nonresidential development, lot, site, structure, Master Development or use on which a sign will be erected is determined by the Zoning Officer to be consistent with a plan approved by the Board and compliant with this ordinance.
E.
Additional submittals or amendments to the master sign plan must be submitted when changes to a sign(s) in a qualifying nonresidential development, lot, site, structure, Master Development or use(s) occur. Any amendments to a master sign plan must be signed and approved by the property owner(s) and Zoning Officer before such amendment will become effective.
§ 160-75 Permit exceptions.
The following operations shall not be considered as creating a sign and shall not require a sign permit:
§ 160-76 Sign regulations dependent on district and type.
Signs in Paradise Township shall be regulated dependent on the zoning district in which the sign is located as well as the sign type. Specific signs are considered exempt from regulation, in which case such signs are considered exempt in all zoning districts. Specific sign types are allowed without a permit, in which case such signs are allowed without a permit in all zoning districts. Specific sign types require a permit. Such signs are permitted in some zoning districts and prohibited in others as set out in Schedule V of this chapter. Signs considered prohibited in § 160-80 are prohibited in all districts in Paradise Township.
§ 160-77 Signs exempt from regulation in all districts.
Signs set forth in this section shall be exempt from regulation in all zoning districts in the Township provided such signs are not prohibited in § 160-80, and provided none include trademarks, moving parts, moving lights or beacons.
A.
Building markers not exceeding four square feet in area.
B.
Decorative flags.
C.
Flags and insignias of any government or government agency.
D.
Historical markers.
E.
Holiday decorations.
F.
Integral decorative or architectural features of a building, provided these do not include letters.
G.
Interior signs (whether commercial or not).
H.
Memorial signs.
I.
Name plate.
J.
Personal use and information signs not exceeding two square feet in area.
K.
Private drive signs.
L.
Public notification signs.
M.
Public use and notification signs.
N.
Security signs not exceeding two square feet in area.
O.
Street signs.
P.
Traffic control signs.
Q.
Warning signs.
§ 160-78 Signs allowed in all districts without a permit.
A.
Auto Dealer Vehicle Signs not exceeding two square feet, provided such signs are attached to the interior of, or stenciled on, the vehicle windows and not more than three such signs are placed inside, or on the windows of, a single vehicle.
B.
Bulletin Boards not exceeding 16 square feet, attached to the wall of a building and not exceeding six feet in height, except that Bulletin Boards may not be used as Location Signs, Secondary Entrance Signs, Secondary Use Signs, Freestanding Signs or Wall Signs.
C.
Business Nameplates not exceeding one square foot each in area, and where multiple Business Nameplates are aggregated the total area of the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. Business nameplates may not contain information pertaining to an off-site activity.
D.
Construction signs-small. Except as otherwise provided herein, one temporary, non-illuminated, sign may be placed on any lot, development or site where construction, repair, or renovation is in progress, provided that:
(1)
Construction signs shall not be erected in advance of the issuance of required zoning and building permits and shall be removed immediately following the issuance of zoning and building occupancy permits.
(2)
Construction signs shall not exceed four square feet in area for single-family residential construction or 16 square feet in area for commercial construction except as otherwise provided herein.
(3)
Construction signs shall not exceed four feet in height for single-family residential construction or six feet in height for commercial construction except as otherwise provided herein.
E.
Decals and similar incidental signs not exceeding one square foot.
F.
Door Signs not exceeding 50% of the door area through which or on which they are displayed.
G.
Farm product sign. One sign in any residential district not exceeding 12 square feet, or two signs in any commercial district (B-1, B-2) not exceeding 20 square feet in total area. Farm Product Signs may not exceed five feet in height, may not be erected more than 15 calendar days in advance of a harvest, must be removed within five days of the end of harvest, and shall be located on the same property where the bulk of the farm product is produced.
H.
For Sale Sign not exceeding two square feet in area in a residential district or six square feet in a commercial district (B-1, B-2), provided such sign does not exceed five feet in height, and providing such sign does not contain any information concerning any off-site activity.
I.
Garage Sale Sign not exceeding two square feet in area in a residential district or six square feet in a commercial district (B-1, B-2), provided such sign does not exceed five feet in height, and providing such sign does not contain any information concerning any off-site activity and is removed within seven calendar days of sale.
J.
Home Occupation Sign for a permitted home occupation not exceeding four square feet in area.
K.
Political signs. Signs in any district announcing candidates seeking public office shall not be attached to fences, trees, utility poles, or the like. Permission for placement of such signs from the owner of the property where the sign is erected shall be the responsibility of the sign owner. Political signs in any district shall not be erected closer than five feet to any road right-of-way or lot line and shall be removed within seven calendar days following an election if pertaining to one.
L.
Real estate signs. Not more than one sign for every 200 feet of road frontage not exceeding six square feet each in area advertising the sale, lease or rental of a residential lot on which the sign is located, provided such signs are not erected on or project over any road right-of-way. Not more than one sign for every 200 feet of road frontage advertising a commercial or business lot or development on which the sign is erected not exceeding 24 square feet each in area, provided such signs are not placed within any road right-of-way or within five feet of any lot line. Such signs shall only be located on the premises being leased or sold, shall not exceed five feet in height, and shall be removed after settlement, lease of the property, or expiration of the listing term.
M.
Special Event Sign (Commercial and Nonprofit):
(1)
No business, individual, or organization may display special event signs without first obtaining a special event zoning permit and meeting the standards herein.
(2)
No business, individual or organization may display special event signs more than four times in a twelve-month period for the same special event.
(3)
A maximum of two special event signs is permitted, of which one may be a banner.
(4)
No use shall display special event signs for a period exceeding 30 days per event.
(5)
The special event sign may be a portable sign.
N.
Sports Patronage Signs shall not extend above the fence surrounding the athletic field and shall not exceed 32 square feet.
O.
Vending Machine Signs shall not extend in height or area beyond the vending machine. Such signs shall be an integral part of a vending machine and cannot be used apart from the vending machine.
P.
Window Signs not exceeding 50% of the window area through which or on which they are displayed.
§ 160-79 Signs requiring a permit.
The following signs and street graphics require a permit from the Zoning Officer and are permitted where allowed by Schedule V of this chapter when the sign conforms to any and all regulations set forth in this chapter:
A.
Off-Premises Signs. Off-premises signs, with the exception of electronic message off-premises signs, which shall be further restricted to the B-1 and B-2 districts, may be erected and maintained along Routes 191, 390, 611 and 940, subject to the following standards:
(1)
An off-premises sign or graphic shall be considered a primary use of a lot.
(2)
One off-premises sign may be erected, constructed, or maintained on any parcel as allowed above provided that:
(3)
An off-premises sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area. A backup advertisement may be displayed on the opposite side of the sign.
(4)
No off-premises sign shall be more than 15 feet in height and all such structures shall have an open space of not less than three feet between its lower edge and the ground, which space may be shielded by an ornamental lattice.
(5)
No off-premise sign shall be located closer than 50 feet to any property line or 15 feet to any road right-of-way.
(6)
No off-premises sign shall be permitted within 1,000 feet of another off-premises sign measured in all directions. However, off-premises electronic message signs must also comply with § 160-79C(8)(f). The separation distance shall be measured between the closest points of the two signs in question.
(7)
Such signs shall not be erected within 250 feet of any existing freestanding on-premises sign, or within 1,000 feet of any residential dwelling.
(8)
A landscaped island containing shrubs and/or flowers with a minimum of 32 square feet in area and a minimum of one foot in height is required around all off-premises signs. The landscaping shall comply with § 160-84.
(9)
Extensions or add-ons beyond the rectangular perimeter of the sign are prohibited.
(10)
A site plan meeting the standards for a Sketch Plan as set forth by the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance shall accompany an application for an off-premises sign.
(11)
Wood and beam frame structures are prohibited. All sign support structures shall be constructed of steel.
(12)
An engineering certification shall accompany any application for an off-premises sign. The certification shall indicate under seal of a professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that the sign has been designed in accordance with acceptable engineering practices.
(13)
Trees greater than 10 inches in diameter (dbh) removed for construction of the sign shall be replaced on-site at a ratio of one replacement tree for each removed tree using native species no less than four inches in diameter.
(14)
Electronic message signs shall be permitted as off-premises signs in the B-1 or B-2 districts only and shall comply with § 160-79C(8).
B.
Multiple Message Signs. Multiple Message Signs may be used as off-premise or on-premise signs provided.
(1)
Multiple Message Signs shall be limited to a maximum of three displays.
(2)
Multiple Message Signs shall be approved only through the consolidation of existing or otherwise legally permitted signs, with one existing or otherwise legally permitted sign being removed or replaced for each message display on the Multiple Message Sign. Off-premise signs replaced may be existing or otherwise legally permitted conforming or nonconforming signs, and may be on separate lots.
(3)
Multiple Message Signs used as off-premise signs shall comply with the requirements for all off-premise signs [see § 160-79A above].
(4)
Multiple Message Signs used as on-premise signs shall be setback no less than 15 feet from any highway right-of-way, 75 feet from any rear or side lot line and 1,000 feet from any other Multiple Message Sign or Electronic Message Sign.
C.
On-Premises signs.
(1)
Awning Signs may not contain signage in excess of 40% of the awning material. Awning sign area shall be included within the maximum aggregate area for all wall signs.
(2)
Banners are permitted on state streets or highways only provided:
(a)
The bottom of the sign and any supports shall be at least 15 feet above the street surface.
(b)
The sign surface shall not be higher than 18 inches.
(c)
The total sign area shall not be more than 75 square feet.
(d)
The sign may be double-faced with 75 square feet on each face.
(e)
Evidence of PennDOT approval shall be supplied to the Township.
(f)
At least one side of any banner must be on applicant's property.
(g)
Applicant must provide evidence of liability insurance in an amount set by the Board of Supervisors by resolution from time to time.
(3)
Blade signs.
(a)
The minimum height of a blade sign shall be eight feet measured from the walking surface to the bottom of the sign and the maximum height of blade sign shall be 10 feet measured from the walking surface below the sign to the top bottom of the sign.
(b)
The maximum sign area for each face of a blade sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(c)
Blade signs shall not be illuminated.
(d)
Blade signs shall contain the name of the tenant occupying the designated or divided area in question and shall be mounted perpendicular to the building entrance.
(e)
Blade signs may be changeable signs.
(4)
Business Nameplate Signs shall not exceed 25 square feet in aggregate sign area and shall not exceed eight feet in height.
(5)
Canopy Signs shall not exceed the height of structure associated with the use. Canopy Signs may not contain signage in excess of 40% of the canopy material. Canopy sign area shall be included within the maximum aggregate area for wall signs.
(6)
Construction signs-large. Construction Signs greater than four square feet for any single-family residential construction or 16 square feet for any commercial construction: Construction Signs for nonresidential developments, lots or sites in excess of 10,000 square feet of gross leasable area shall be governed and controlled by the following regulations:
(a)
Construction Signs shall only face a street which serves as the principal means of access to the nonresidential lot, development or site in question.
(b)
One Construction Sign for the nonresidential lot, development or site in question may be permitted at any one time and may only contain copy designating the name of the complex, development, or nonresidential building to be constructed, the name, logo, trademark, or other identifying symbol of one or more tenants who have executed leases in the nonresidential building in question, the name of the developer, contractor or builder of the nonresidential building in question, together with addresses, phone numbers, and other contact information with respect to the foregoing.
(c)
The maximum height of such Construction Sign shall not exceed 12 feet and shall not contain a sign area greater than 50 square feet per sign face. Such Construction Sign may have up to two sign faces each of which shall be attached to the same support structure but may be separated from the other by up to a 90° angle. For purposes of this section, the height of a Construction Sign shall be measured from the grade at the base of the support structure of the Construction Sign.
(d)
Construction Signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from the road right-of-way and shall not obstruct the sight triangle vision at any intersection, traffic control sign or traffic control signal, nor shall any Construction Sign project into a public right-of-way.
(e)
Construction Signs shall comply with all applicable Pennsylvania Department of Transportation rules and regulations.
(f)
Construction Signs shall not be illuminated.
(g)
Construction Signs shall only be permitted after a Zoning and/or Building Permit is issued.
(h)
Construction Signs shall be removed once temporary or permanent zoning and building Certificates of Occupancy are issued, or an on-premise sign for the principal use is erected. Where a Construction Sign has designated the name, logo, trademark, or other identifying symbol of a tenant in a nonresidential building denoted on the Construction Sign, the tenant's name shall be removed from the Construction Sign once temporary or permanent zoning and building Certificates of Occupancy for the tenant are issued or temporary or permanent zoning and building Certificates of Occupancy for the tenant's use of the designated area are issued.
(i)
The Construction Sign for the nonresidential land development in question shall be removed if construction of the nonresidential land development in question does not commence within 90 calendar days of the installation of said Construction Sign.
(j)
No Construction Sign shall be erected for more than 18 consecutive months from the date of issuance of a zoning permit for the installation of the Construction Sign.
(7)
Directional/Information sign. A nonresidential lot, development or site may display Directional/Information Signs adjacent to intersecting interior driveways or an interior driveway nearest the principal building or buildings, and for each use having a drive-through food service lane, provided that:
(a)
The sign shall not exceed a height of eight feet.
(b)
The sign shall not exceed an area of 25 square feet.
(c)
Where the property contains only one business, the sign may contain incidental and directional information associated with that business only.
(d)
Where the property contains more than one business, the sign may contain incidental and directional information associated with the uses and businesses on the property in question only.
(e)
All such signs shall be setback at least 10 feet from any vehicular right-of-way, except for drive-through menu signs which may be located less than 10 feet from a drive-through lane; however, in no case shall said sign be located in such a way to cause a safety hazard.
(8)
Electronic message signs. Electronic Message Signs shall comply with the following:
(a)
Electronic Message Signs shall be on-premise signs for Master Developments in any zoning district and/or developments which serve multiple commercial uses in the B-1 or B-2 districts. Electronic Message Signs as off-premise signs shall be permitted only in compliance with § 160-79A.
(b)
Electronic Message Signs shall be contained within a frame made of solid material of a solid color extending out from the message screen a minimum of six inches on all sides.
(c)
Electronic Message Signs shall not display animation, flash or blink, scroll or have intermittent or full motion video. Motion shall be limited to the transition from one message to another.
(d)
Electronic Message Signs shall be equipped with light sensors capable of measuring ambient light levels and dimming devices that shall lower the brightness of the sign based on the measured ambient light to minimize the brightness level required to make the sign visible. The dimming device shall minimize the illumination used to the lowest level necessary to make the sign conspicuous and visible during both daytime and night time hours. At no time shall the brightness level of any Electronic Message Sign constitute glare.
(e)
Electronic Message Signs within Master Developments shall only display graphics for commercial, industrial, institutional, service or entertainment purposes, products, uses or services conducted, sold or offered upon the same premises. In determining whether an Electronic Message Sign is an on-premises sign in a Master Development, the entire Master Development shall be considered a single premise.
(f)
No Electronic Message Sign may be located within 3,500 feet of any Multiple Message Sign or other Electronic Message Sign.
(g)
Electronic Message Signs shall be located a minimum of 350 feet from any existing dwelling structure and 200 feet from any lot line associated with any existing vacant residential lot of two acres or less in lot area.
(h)
Electronic Message Signs shall be set back from the edge of any highway right-of-way by no less than 15 feet and no more than 30 feet. Electronic Message Signs shall be set back from any side or rear lot line by no less than 75 feet. No Electronic Message Sign structure shall exceed 18 feet in height.
(i)
The screen for any Electronic Message Sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. Each message on a screen of an Electronic Message Sign shall comply with all recommendations in the United States Sign Council Sign Legibility Rules of Thumb as exists on the date of enactment or as hereafter amended.
(j)
Transitions for Electronic Message Signs shall fade and content shall not change more than once every 10 seconds with a transition time not exceeding two seconds.
(k)
All Electronic Message Signs shall include landscaping in compliance with the following requirements:
[1]
The sign structure shall be surrounded by a landscaped area equal to not less than 50% of the sign area.
[2]
The minimum number of planting units for the landscaped area shall be equal to not less than one planning unit per four square feet of landscaped area. Planting units shall include a mixture of annuals, perennials, shrubs, evergreen and/or shade trees. No less than 50% of the total number of planting units shall be a mixture of perennials, shrubs, evergreen and or shade trees. No plantings shall include invasive species.
[3]
The perimeter of the landscaped island shall be formed from materials such as, but not limited to, stone, brick, decorative concrete block, or landscape timbers.
[4]
The area of the landscaped island shall be mulched and maintained as necessary to keep it free of weeds, brush, and deteriorating material.
(l)
Electronic Message Signs shall only be permitted along Routes 191, 390, 611 and 940 and must comply with all applicable PennDOT regulations. For the purposes of this section, the intersection of an arterial road and another road, regardless of classification, shall be considered an arterial road.
(m)
No Electronic Message Sign shall display any interactive message such as a message requesting that the viewer call a number for a chance to win a prize or claim a reward. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Amber Alert message or similar message provided by a governmental entity on an Electronic Message Sign shall not be considered an interactive message.
(n)
There shall be a maximum of one Electronic Message Sign per street frontage of any lot or any Master Development. Where a Master Development is located on both sides of the street, the Master Development shall be considered to have a single street frontage along that particular street.
(o)
A Master Development may have one additional Electronic Message Sign beyond the number of signs otherwise permitted if such additional Electronic Message Sign meets all of the following criteria:
[1]
The additional Electronic Message Sign shall be on an interior roadway which shall not be dedicated to the Township.
[2]
The additional Electronic Message Sign and light produced by such Electronic Message Sign shall not be visible from public streets or from any lot which is not part of the approved Master Development. At the time of application for a zoning permit for the additional Electronic Message Sign, the applicant shall present plans identifying existing vegetation (including height of such vegetation) or proposed screening (including height at time of installation) which shall completely screen the additional Electronic Message Sign from view from all public right-of-way and lots which are not part of the Master Development.
[3]
The additional Electronic Message Sign shall meet the size, height, and landscaping requirements above.
(9)
Freestanding signs. On-premises Freestanding Signs shall be permitted in accordance with Schedule I of this chapter under the following conditions:
(a)
On-premises Freestanding Signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height, except for accessibility signs required by applicable construction codes adopted by the Township.
(d)
In the OSC, RR, R-1 and R-2 districts On-Premises Freestanding Signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in aggregate or one square foot per every five feet of frontage (whichever is less) and no individual sign shall exceed 24 square feet.
(e)
In the B-1, B-2 districts and in Master Developments On-Premises Freestanding Signs shall not exceed 75 square feet in aggregate or one square foot per every one foot of frontage (whichever is less) and no individual sign shall exceed 32 square feet.
(f)
Freestanding signs may be changeable signs.
(10)
Marquee signs. Advertising displays on marquees shall not exceed 80% of the area of the marquee. Marquee Sign area shall be included within the maximum aggregate area for Wall Signs. If illuminated, Marquee Signs shall comply with § 160-83 of this Ordinance. Marquee signs may be changeable signs.
(11)
Monument sign. Monument Signs shall comply with the following:
(a)
The maximum height of the sign is eight feet.
(b)
In the OSC, RR, R-1 and R-2 districts Monument Signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in aggregate or one square foot per every five feet of frontage (whichever is less) and no individual sign shall exceed 24 square feet.
(c)
In the B-1, B-2 districts and in Master Developments Monument Signs shall not exceed 75 square feet in aggregate or one square foot per every one foot of frontage (whichever is less) and no individual sign shall exceed 32 square feet.
(f)
Monument Signs may be changeable signs.
(12)
Multifamily sign. One Multifamily Sign shall be permitted per building and shall not exceed four square feet in size.
(13)
Multiple message sign. On-premise Multiple Message Signs shall meet the standards set out in § 160-79B.
(14)
Murals: (see Wall Sign).
(15)
Pedestrian information sign. Pedestrian Information Signs may be approved in conjunction with approval of nonresidential Land Development applications.
(16)
Pole sign. (See Freestanding Sign, § 160-79C(9).)
(17)
Projecting signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, where Projecting Signs are permitted as set forth in Schedule I of this chapter, any nonresidential use permitted by the Township may display one projecting sign on the main entrance building facade provided that:
(a)
Projecting Sign area shall be included within the maximum aggregate area for Wall Signs.
(b)
The projecting sign conforms to the Wall Sign Regulations set forth in § 160-79C(20) hereof.
(c)
The minimum height of a projecting sign shall be eight feet and the maximum height of a projecting sign shall be 10 feet measured from the walking surface below the sign to the bottom of the sign. The maximum area of any such sign shall be 10 square feet.
(d)
The sign shall not project into any public or private right-of-way and shall not be illuminated.
(e)
The projecting sign shall not project more than four feet from the wall to which it is attached.
(f)
The applicant must provide the Township with evidence of liability insurance in an amount set by the Board of Supervisors by resolution from time to time.
(g)
Projection Signs may be changeable message signs.
(17.A)
Scoreboards at Public Parks.
[Added 12-16-2013 by Ord. No. 212]
(a)
Only one Scoreboard shall be allowed for each sport playing field at any Township owned or controlled park.
(b)
Scoreboard size shall not exceed 80 square feet.
(c)
Scoreboard may include one donor acknowledgement advertisement as long as such advertisement is not electronic or multiple message, does not include lighting, and does not constitute more than 30% of the sign face.
(d)
Any donor acknowledgement advertisement shall not be transferable to any new or different commercial entity and shall be removed at the time the advertised commercial entity ceases to exist.
(e)
Scores and sport statistics (inning, runs, errors, etc.) may be shown using manual, electric or LED display and may be controlled remotely.
(f)
Scoreboard shall not be located within 350 feet of any existing dwelling unit or within 200 feet of any lot line associated with any vacant residential lot of two acres or less of lot area.
(g)
Scoreboards shall not display animation, flash or blink, scroll, have intermittent or full motion video, or have protrusions, fireworks or sound capabilities.
(h)
Scoreboards shall be utilized during sporting events only.
(18)
Shopping cart corral signs. Shopping Cart Corrals may be approved in conjunction with approval of nonresidential Land Development applications.
(19)
Subdivision Identification Signs (residential). Unless otherwise noted herein, Subdivision Identification Signs are permitted as allowed in Schedule V of this chapter provided that:
(a)
The subdivision contains a minimum of six lots.
(b)
The subdivision has received preliminary plan approval from the Paradise Township Board of Supervisors.
(c)
The subdivision identification signs are located on-premises.
(d)
The subdivision identification sign must be landscaped in accordance with § 160-84 of this article.
(e)
There is a maximum of two one-sided subdivision identification signs or one two-sided subdivision identification sign at each entrance to the subdivision.
(f)
The maximum aggregate square footage of subdivision identification signage allowed for each subdivision shall be 32 square feet.
(g)
The maximum height for a subdivision identification sign shall be eight feet.
(20)
Wall signs. Any nonresidential uses permitted by the Township may display Wall Signs in accordance with the following regulations:
(a)
The height of a Wall Sign shall not exceed the height of the building facade to which it is attached or 30 feet, whichever is less.
(b)
The maximum aggregate wall sign area in the OSC, RR, R-1 and R-2 districts shall be 5% of any single building facade or 32 square feet (whichever is less). The maximum aggregate wall sign area in the B-1, B-2 districts and Master Developments shall be 10% of any single building facade or 64 square feet (whichever is less). The areas of any/all Awning, Canopy, and Marquee Signs permitted shall be included in the maximum aggregate wall sign area.
(d)
Wall Signs may project from the wall by such distance as is necessary to accommodate the ballasts, raceway, electrical components, and cabinetry of the Sign up to a maximum of 18 inches.
§ 160-80 Prohibited signs.
The prohibitions contained in this section shall apply to all signs, all artificial lighting and all zoning districts, regardless of designation, within the Township.
A.
No sign, including projecting signs, shall be located in or project over any access or road right-of-way except an official sign and banners as provided below.
B.
No advertisement, advertising structure, billboard, building structure or other object shall be erected, used or maintained which in any way simulates official, directional or warning signs erected or maintained by the state, county or Township or by any railroad or public utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of the public health or safety.
C.
No sign or advertising device shall be erected or maintained at the intersection of roads in such manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of the intersection and all regulated signs shall comply with clear-sight triangle requirements of the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
D.
Roof signs. Roof Signs shall be prohibited within Paradise Township except that legally existing roof signs may be maintained or replaced with signs of the same or less sign area.
E.
The following advertisements are specifically prohibited. Any advertisement which uses a series of two or more freestanding signs placed in a line parallel to the highway or in similar fashion, each carrying a word or words which are part of a single advertising message.
F.
No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices. Said devices, as well as strings of lights, shall not be used for the purpose of advertising or attracting attention when not part of a sign.
G.
Banners spanning Township streets are prohibited.
H.
With the exception of electronic message signs, any illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ only lights emitting a light of constant intensity and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, rotating or moving light or lights. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be so placed or directed so as to permit beams and illumination there from to be directed, beamed or be reflected upon a public road, highway or adjacent lot so as constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
I.
Except for temporary signs, signs made of cardboard, paper or similar nonpermanent material are specifically prohibited.
J.
No sign in any district shall be attached, erected, displayed, located, hung, placed, suspended or affixed to fences, trees, utility poles or similar objects.
K.
Any sign prohibited by state or federal law or containing a message prohibited under state or federal law is hereby prohibited in the Township.
L.
Portable signs are prohibited except as provided herein (see Special Event Signs).
M.
Moving signs, inflatable signs (except that one bouquet of balloons shall be allowed on premises that sell balloons, and balloons shall be allowed in temporary commercial situations or special occasions at a residence), vehicle signs, glaring signs, flashing signs, fluorescent signs, holographic images, mirrors, obstructive signs, posters and handbills, simulated traffic signs and obstructions, strings of lights, sign emissions, and signs adversely affecting safety.
§ 160-81 Grand opening signs.
Grand opening signs and pennants shall be allowed when a new business is opened in the B-1 Business District. A temporary permit will be issued when proper application is made to the Zoning Officer and will be allowed for a period of 14 calendar days. At the end of the 14 calendar days, the above sign and pennants must be removed.
§ 160-82 Design standards.
All signs in Paradise Township shall be constructed of durable materials, designed to withstand expected wind pressures and erected so as not to sustain damage and deterioration from the elements. All signs shall be made a harmonious part of the architectural design of new construction or major alteration of existing buildings. All signs and street graphics erected within Paradise Township shall conform with the applicable building and zoning codes, the Uniform Construction Code and the following general requirements:
A.
Maintenance. Every sign, including those specifically exempt from permitting and permitting fees, shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, clean, and attractive condition.
B.
Sign projections. Except as otherwise permitted by this article, signs shall have no projecting elements greater than three inches.
D.
Signs on private property. No person shall post any sign of any kind upon private property without written permission from the property owner.
E.
Ancillary uses of signs. Except as otherwise permitted in this article, a sign shall not be employed for purposes other than conveying a written message (e.g., such as a loudspeaker intended to convey spoken messages or attract attention with noise) unless authorized by the Township.
§ 160-83 Sign illumination.
Sign illumination applies to all signs and street graphics and shall be subject to the following regulations:
A.
All lighting shall be aimed, located, designed, fitted and maintained so as not to present a hazard to drivers or pedestrians by impairing their ability to safely traverse areas within the viewing area of a sign. Glare control shall be in accordance with the recommended practices of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North American (IESNA), unless more restrictive criteria are set forth in this chapter.
(1)
Illuminated signs shall not create a nuisance by projecting or reflecting objectionable light onto a neighboring use or property. The illumination projected from any use onto a residential use shall at no time exceed 0.1 foot-candles, measured line-of-sight from any point on the receiving property. The illumination projected from any use onto a commercial use shall at no time exceed 1.0 foot-candle, measured line-of sight from any point on the receiving property.
(2)
Externally illuminated billboards and signs shall have fixtures mounted at the top of the billboard or sign and aimed downward. The fixtures shall be designed, fitted and aimed to shield the source from off-site view and to place the light output onto and not beyond the sign or billboard. At no point on the face of the sign or billboard and at no time shall the illumination exceed 30 vertical footcandles during hours of darkness.
(3)
The light source for internally illuminated signs shall not exceed 1,000 initial lumens (roughly equivalent to the output of one 75 watt incandescent light bulb) per square foot of sign face.
(4)
Off-premises illuminated signs shall be extinguished automatically by a programmable controller by no later than 11:00 p.m. until dawn.
(5)
On-premises signs may be illuminated whenever a business is open plus 1/2 hour prior to opening and 1/2 hour after closing, provided, however, there shall be no restriction on illumination necessary for the security and/or safety of the facility in question and its Premises.
B.
Color of light. Signs may display colored light as follows:
D.
Indirect illumination. Indirect illumination of signs is permitted in all areas.
E.
Internal illumination. Internal illumination of signs is permitted in B-1, B-2 districts and Master Developments when only the letters, logos, and/or symbols are illuminated.
F.
Charged gas tubes. One neon sign is permitted for uses in the B-1, B-2 districts and Master Developments facing any street toward which it has frontage provided that:
G.
Floodlight illumination. All floodlight illumination shall be from the top of the sign directed downward, and not from the bottom of the sign or the ground directed upward.
§ 160-84 Landscaping for signs.
All Signs affixed to a sign structure in contact with the ground which require landscaping shall comply with the following:
A.
The sign structure shall be surrounded by a landscaped area equal to not less than 50% of the sign area.
B.
The minimum number of planting units for the landscaped area shall be equal to not less than one planting unit per four square feet of landscaped area. Planting units shall include a mixture of annuals, perennials, shrubs, evergreen and/or shade trees. No less than 50% of the total number of planting units shall be a mixture of perennials, shrubs, evergreen and/or shade trees. No plantings shall include invasive species.
C.
The perimeter of the landscaped island shall be formed from materials such as, but not limited to, stone, brick, decorative concrete block, or landscape timbers.
D.
The area of the landscaped island shall be mulched and maintained as necessary to keep it free of weeds, brush, and deteriorating material.
E.
The proposed landscape plan shall be approved by the Zoning Officer or his/her designee.
§ 160-85 Conformance required.
A.
No sign, whether new or existing, shall hereafter be erected or altered, except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. However, notwithstanding any provisions contained herein, the sign must be kept clean, neatly painted and free from all hazards, such as, but not limited to, faulty wiring and loose fastenings and must be maintained at all times in such safe condition so as not to be detrimental to the public health or safety.
B.
In the event of a violation of any of the foregoing provisions, the Zoning Officer shall give written notice, specifying the violation, to the named owner of the sign and the named owner of the land upon which the sign is erected, sent to the addresses as stated in the application for the sign permit, to conform or remove such sign. The sign shall thereupon be conformed by the owner of the sign and/or the owner of the land within 30 calendar days from the date of said notice. In the event such sign shall not be so conformed within 30 calendar days, the Zoning Officer shall thereupon order that such sign be removed by the owner and/or the named owner of the land on which the sign is located at the expense of the same.
§ 160-86 Nonconforming signs.
A nonconforming sign erected prior to the effective date of this chapter may be continued provided that said is properly repaired and maintained. Such signs may be temporarily removed for maintenance and repairs, providing they are not enlarged or relocated.
A.
No nonconforming sign shall be allowed to be modified in order to incorporate internal illumination.
B.
No nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, extended, structurally reconstructed or altered in any manner unless the enlargement, extension, reconstruction or alteration will result in fully complying with this chapter through the elimination of the nonconforming features of the sign.
C.
Normal maintenance of nonconforming signs, including changing of copy, necessary repairs and incidental alterations which do not extend, increase or intensify the nonconforming features of the sign, is permitted.
D.
Nonconforming signs which are relocated or voluntarily replaced shall fully comply with all provisions of this chapter through elimination of the nonconforming features of the sign.
§ 160-87 Removal of signs.
A.
Damage or destruction of a sign. A nonconforming sign which is damaged or destroyed may be repaired or restored, provided that the repair or restoration is completed within 30 calendar days after receipt of notice from the Zoning Officer that the same must be removed if it is not repaired or restored within 30 calendar days. The notice shall be sent to the owner of the sign and/or the person owning or having a beneficial interest in or to the structure or premises on which such sign is located. The repaired/restored sign shall not be enlarged, extended nor be nonconforming in any other manner from the sign which was damaged or destroyed. If the sign is not repaired/restored within said thirty-day period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause the removal of the sign at the expense of the owner of the sign and/or the person owning or having a beneficial interest in or to the structure or premises on which such sign is located.
B.
Change of use. Whenever a land use changes, any previously conforming sign or signs which are no longer conforming because of the change in land use must be modified so as to be in full compliance with this Ordinance.
C.
Obsolete signs. Any business, directory, industrial, institutional, professional or home occupation sign, whether existing on or erected after the effective date of the Ordinance, which advertises a business no longer being conducted or a product or service no longer being offered for sale in or from the premises on which the sign is located, shall be removed within 30 calendar days after the cessation of such business or sale of such product or service by the owner of the sign and/or person owning or having a beneficial interest in the structure or premises on which such sign is located. If the Zoning Officer shall find that any such sign has not been removed within 30 calendar days after the cessation of such business or sale, he shall give written notice to the owner of the sign and/or person owning or having a beneficial interest in the structure or premises on which such sign is located to remove the same within 10 calendar days of the receipt of such notice. If such sign is not removed by the expiration of such ten-day period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause the sign to be removed forthwith at the expense of the owner of the sign and/or person owning or having a beneficial interest in the structure or premises on which such sign is located.
D.
Unsafe signs. If the Zoning Officer determines that any sign is unsafe or insecure or is a danger to the public, he shall give written notice to the owner of the sign and/or person having a beneficial interest in the structure or premises on which such sign is located to correct the condition within 10 calendar days after receipt of the notice. If such condition is not corrected by the expiration of said ten-day period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause to be removed the sign forthwith at the expense of the owner of the sign and/or person owning or having a beneficial interest in the structure or premises upon which such sign is located. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Zoning Officer is authorized to remove or cause to be removed any sign summarily and without notice, at the expense of the owner of the sign and/or person owning or having a beneficial interest in the structure or premises on which such sign is located, whenever the Zoning Officer determines that such sign is an immediate peril to persons or property.