Paxtang City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Sign Regulations
§ 425-81 Purpose and applicability.
A.
Purpose.
(1)
This Article XIII is intended to promote and maintain overall aesthetic quality of the community; establish time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating content; promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B.
Permit required.
(1)
A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for:
(a)
Signs meeting the requirements of Article XIII of this chapter relating to miscellaneous signs not requiring permits; and
(b)
Nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, poster board or similar materials that are not of a permanent nature. The only signs that shall be allowed are the types, sizes and heights that are specifically permitted by this article within the applicable zoning district.
C.
Changes on signs.
(1)
Any lawfully existing sign (including legally nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without a new permit under this article, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased nonconformity with this Article XIII or Article XV of this chapter relating to nonconforming signs.
§ 425-82 General regulations for all signs.
A.
Signs shall be constructed of durable material and maintained in good condition.
B.
No sign within Paxtang Borough shall be in a state of disrepair; have the appearance of complete neglect, rotting or falling down; illegible or have loose parts separated from original fastenings.
C.
Signs shall be maintained in a structurally safe manner and shall not endanger the safety of the building or premises or endanger the public safety.
D.
Signs, excluding Borough-approved community murals, that are painted upon or displayed upon a building or structure shall be regarded as a flat wall (parallel) sign and the regulations pertaining thereto shall apply.
E.
Each sign shall be removed when the circumstances leading to its erection no longer apply in accordance with Article XIII of this chapter relating to abandoned signs.
F.
Signs in the mixed use districts, commercial/industrial districts, and other districts may be illuminated by floodlights or spotlights that shall be so shielded, installed and aimed that they do not project their output into the windows of buildings on adjacent lots, past the sign being illuminated, skyward, onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way, and shall comply with Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses.
G.
Internally illuminated signs, designed to give forth artificial light directly or through transparent or translucent material from a source of light within such sign, including but not limited to neon, shall be permitted within the DT Zoning District and commercial/industrial districts, provided that all such lighting emitted from the sign shall not cause a glare nor emit direct light transmitted to other properties or public rights-of-way, and shall comply with Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses.
H.
Flashing, blinking, strobe, twinkling, animated, streaming or moving signs of any type shall be permitted in the commercial/industrial districts, and shall comply with Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses. Otherwise, in the MNB and DT Zoning Districts, signs may only change from one message to another message, provided that the message does not change more than once every hour, except that displays of time and temperature may change more frequently. In addition, flashing lights visible from the public right-of-way shall not be used to attract attention to a business. This restriction specifically includes window signs, but does not prohibit seasonal Christmas lighting or displays that comply with this Article XIII and with Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses.
I.
No sign shall be located so as to interfere with visibility for motorists at street rights-of-way, access drives or driveway intersections.
J.
No sign shall be of such character, form, shape or color that it imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device, nor shall it have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
(1)
No sign located within 300 feet of any traffic light shall be illuminated with red, green or yellow lights.
(2)
No sign shall, by reason of size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination, obstruct the vision of drivers when leaving or entering a roadway from another roadway, access drive or driveway or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device on public streets and roads.
(3)
No signs shall make use of words such as "stop," "look," "one-way," "danger," "yield" or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
K.
All electrically illuminated signs shall be constructed to the standards of Chapter 160 of this Code, relating to buildings.
L.
No sign shall be erected displaying words or pictorially depicting or giving a visual representation of any type of explicit sexual materials, hardcore materials, specified anatomical areas, specified sexual activities, as defined in Article II of this chapter relating to definitions.
M.
No sign shall be erected or located as to prevent free ingress or egress from any window, door or fire escape.
N.
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will obscure light or air from a building.
O.
No sign shall be permitted to be attached to a public utility pole.
P.
In the event that a symbol, trademark or other such figure is used as a sign post or standard which could be construed to indicate or identify a particular use or business, that symbol, trademark or figure is to be computed as part of the total allowable sign area.
Q.
No sign shall contain information that states or implies that a lot may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable provisions of this chapter.
(1)
Only those signs referring directly to services, materials or products made, sold or displayed on the premises shall be permitted, except as otherwise provided in this article.
R.
No sign shall emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odors.
S.
Any sign attached to a building shall not be placed on the roof, be higher than the wall to which it is attached, or located on a parapet wall.
T.
No sign shall be placed on nor affixed to any vehicle or trailer:
(1)
In such a manner that the carrying of such sign is no longer incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose of transporting persons and goods; and
(2)
That is parked on a public right-of-way or public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business, organization or other activity.
U.
Unless otherwise permitted by the Borough, no sign located on public property or a public right-of-way shall bear any business advertising or announcement.
V.
No sign shall be painted on, attached to or supported by a tree, stone, cliff or other natural object.
W.
Nothing in these regulations shall be construed as prohibiting signs intended for viewing principally from within a building or signs temporarily attached to the inside face of a display window, announcing a sale or similar feature, provided that the latter shall not occupy more than 33 1/3% of the total display window area for a period not to exceed 10 days.
§ 425-83 Determination of size of sign area.
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, including any border framing or decorative attachments, but not including any supporting framework or bracing incidental to the display itself. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building, wall or window, the area of the sign shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
B.
Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all sign faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign; except that a sign may have two sign faces, if they are:
§ 425-84 Miscellaneous signs not requiring permits.
Abbreviations: |
|---|
max. = maximum |
min. = minimum |
hrs. = hours |
Table 13-1 Miscellaneous Signs Not Requiring Permits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type and Definition of Signs Not Requiring Permits | Maximum No. of Signs per Lot | Maximum Sign Area per Sign* on Residential Lot | Maximum Sign Area per Sign* on Non- residential Lot* | Other Requirements |
Athletic field signs - such as those commonly found on the inside side of outfield walls/fences of baseball fields | N/A | N/A | N/A | Signs shall only be placed facing the ball field |
Christmas tree sign - advertises the seasonal sale of Christmas trees | 2 | 8 square feet | 20 square feet | Shall only be posted during seasons when such products are actively offered for sale at a maximum of 14 days prior to event and removed a maximum of four days after event |
Charitable event sign - advertises a special event that primarily is held to benefit an established tax-exempt nonprofit organization | 2 | four square feet | 20 square feet | Shall be placed a maximum of 14 days prior to event and removed a maximum of four days after event |
Contractor's sign - advertises a building tradesperson, engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work on a particular lot that is not such person's regular place of business | 1 per company working on the site | 4 square feet | 20 square feet | Shall only be permitted while such work is actively and clearly underway and a maximum of four days afterward; shall not be illuminated |
Apartment numbers or parking courts in a development, fire lanes, parking or similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Flag - a banner or pennant made of fabric or materials with a similar appearance that is hung from a pole in such a way to flow in the wind, and that includes the words "Open" or some type of advertising message | 1 | 15 square feet | 20 square feet | Governmental flags and flags without an advertising message are not regulated by this Article XIII; also, a corporate flag may be displayed on a flag pole |
Identification sign - only identifies the name and/or occupation of the resident/occupant and/or the name, street address and/or use of a lot, but does not include other advertising | 1 | 2 square feet | 2 square feet | No freestanding sign permitted |
Open house sign - advertises the temporary and periodic open house of a property for sale or rent | 2 per event | 4 square feet | 4 square feet | Shall be placed a maximum of four days before open house begins, and removed a maximum of 24 hours after open house ends |
Opinion and election signs | Shall comply with all general and specific sign regulations for signs in the applicable zoning district in this article | Persons posting opinion and election signs shall maintain a written list of locations of such signs, unless posting signs on their own property; opinion and election signs shall not be placed on a property without the prior consent of the owner | ||
Public services sign - advertises the availability of restrooms, telephone or other similar public convenience | No maximum | 2 square feet | 2 square feet | |
Real estate sign - advertises the availability of property on which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease | 1 per street that the lot abuts | 4 square feet | 15 square feet | Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively for sale, lease or rent, and shall be removed a maximum of seven days after settlement or start of lease |
Roadside stand sign - for the sale of agricultural products grown and sold upon the same property, including crops and gardening and agricultural operations | 2 per property | 6 square feet | 6 square feet | |
Community service organization/place of worship sign - an off-premises sign stating name of recognized incorporated community service organization or place of worship and that states the place and times of meetings or services and/or an arrow directing persons to such location | 1 | 2 square feet | 2 square feet | |
Special sale signs - temporary banners, flags and other signs that advertise a special sales event or grand opening at a lawful principal business | 2 per lot | Not permitted | Total of 30 square feet for all such banners, flags and other temporary signs | Shall be displayed a maximum of seven days per event; such signs shall not flash or obstruct safe sight distances |
Trespassing sign - indicating that a road is private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities such as hunting and fishing on the lot | No maximum | 2 square feet | 2 square feet | |
NOTES: | |
|---|---|
* | A "nonresidential lot" shall be considered a lot occupied by a lawful principal commercial, industrial, public/semipublic/institutional, or mixed (commercial/residential) use. |
§ 425-85 Signs not regulated by this article.
A.
Historic sign. A sign that memorializes an important historic place, event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Borough, county or a state or federal agency.
B.
Holiday decorations. Decorations that commemorate a holiday recognized by the Borough, county, state or federal government and that does not include advertising.
C.
Not readable sign. A sign that is not readable from any public street or any exterior lot line.
D.
Official sign. A sign erected by the federal, state, county, the Borough or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by the Borough ordinance or resolution, and which exists for public purposes.
E.
Required sign. A sign that only includes information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Borough.
F.
Right-of-way sign. A sign posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the Borough or PennDOT.
§ 425-86 Freestanding, wall and window signs.
A.
The following signs are permitted within the specified zoning districts, in compliance within the following regulations:
Table 13-2 Freestanding, Wall (Parallel), and Window Signs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Freestanding Signs | ||||
Type of Use/Zoning District | Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding Signs | Maximum Total Height of Freestanding Signs | Maximum Area of Wall (Parallel) Signs | Maximum Area of Window Signs |
Home occupation sign advertises a permitted home occupation | 1 sign per lot with a maximum area of 6 square feet; otherwise, freestanding signs shall not be permitted in the SR, PAC or TN Zoning Districts | 4 feet; otherwise, freestanding signs shall not be permitted in the SR, PAC or TN Zoning Districts | 5 square feet per use | May be used in place of a wall (parallel) sign with the same restrictions |
Residential districts, with these signs limited to allowed principal nonresidential uses | Freestanding signs shall not permitted in residential districts | Freestanding signs shall not permitted in residential districts | 12 square feet per use | May be used in place of a wall (parallel) sign with the same restrictions; such signs shall be on the inside of windows or printed on the window itself |
Mixed use districts* | Freestanding signs shall not be permitted in the PAC and TN Zoning Districts: otherwise, only 1 freestanding sign per use with a maximum area of 12 square feet** shall be permitted | Freestanding signs shall not be permitted in the PAC and TN Zoning Districts; otherwise, when permitted the maximum height shall be 5 feet | 15 square feet per use | Temporary nonilluminated window signs are permitted per Article XIII of this chapter relating to general regulations for all signs; other window signs are regulated under wall (parallel) signs. Such signs shall be on the inside of windows or printed on the window itself |
Commercial/ industrial districts* | 1 sign per use with a maximum area of 24 square feet**, ***, **** | 15 feet | 5% of the vertical area of the building side on which the signs are attached, but in no case exceeding a maximum total of 175 square feet per building | Temporary nonilluminated window signs are permitted per Article XIII relating to general regulations for all signs; other window signs are regulated as wall (parallel) signs |
Other districts* | 1 sign per use per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 18 square feet** | 5 feet | 20 square feet per use | Temporary nonilluminated window signs permitted per this Article XIII relating to general regulations for all signs; other window signs are regulated as wall (parallel) signs |
NOTES: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
* | In the mixed use districts and commercial/industrial districts, the following additional signs shall be allowed: | ||
(1) | A maximum of one projecting sign shall be permitted per business, provided that: | ||
(a) | Such sign has a minimum clearance over the sidewalk and the grade directly below the sign of eight feet unless a differing standard is established in Chapter 160 of this Code, relating to buildings. | ||
(b) | Has a maximum sign area of 12 square feet for one side (but permitted to a projecting sign have two sides, with no one side exceeding 12 square feet). | ||
(c) | Is securely attached to the building. | ||
(2) | A maximum of one additional wall (parallel) sign or projecting sign shall be permitted per business, provided that: | ||
(a) | The lot upon which the business is located is provided with lot access at the rear of lot from an alley, and parking is provided at the rear of the principal building in which the nonresidential use is located. | ||
(b) | The total maximum sign area shall be 1/2 of the total permitted sign area for the applicable sign type in the respective zoning district. | ||
(c) | Such sign shall only be located on the rear of the principal building in which the nonresidential use is located and shall face the parking lot. | ||
(d) | Such sign shall comply with all other sign standards provided for in this Article XIII. | ||
(3) | A maximum of one sidewalk sign (or "a frame sign") shall be permitted per business, provided that: | ||
(a) | Such sign has a maximum sign area of eight square feet on each of two sides, has a maximum separation width of three feet, and has a maximum height of four feet. | ||
(b) | Such sign is taken indoors during all hours when the business is not open to the public. | ||
(c) | Such sign is not in a location that would interfere with pedestrian traffic, emergency access or parking spaces and does not interfere with a four-foot-wide minimum clear path for pedestrians, and such sign is kept as close to the building as is feasible. | ||
(d) | Such sign is well-maintained and durably constructed. | ||
** | If the permitted freestanding sign area is not used, such sign area may be added to the permitted wall (parallel) sign area. In the commercial/industrial districts, an automobile, boat, heavy equipment, mobile/manufactured home, recreational vehicle and similar motor vehicle rental/sales, repair/service, washing and/or fuel/gas sales may also include an additional 24 square feet of sign area to display fuel/gas prices. | ||
*** | If a lot includes three or more distinct nonresidential establishments, then along a single street, the maximum freestanding sign area may be increased to 40 square feet | ||
**** | If a lot includes 10 or more distinct nonresidential establishments and is adjacent to two or more public street rights-of-way, then one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on each of the streets, each with a maximum sign area of 100 square feet | ||
B.
Placement and maximum height of wall (parallel) signs.
(1)
A wall (parallel) sign shall not be placed upon a wall that faces onto the residential districts or an existing residential dwelling in the mixed use district. This shall not prevent the placement of a wall (parallel) sign on a building side that faces onto an abutting public right-of-way.
(2)
The maximum height of a wall (parallel) sign shall be equal to the top of a structural wall to which the sign is attached. A sign shall not be attached to a parapet wall or to a pitched or mansard roof and shall not extend above a roof.
(3)
A sign may be placed on a canopy over gasoline sales; however, the square footage of such sign shall be included as permitted wall (parallel) sign area.
§ 425-87 Abandoned signs.
A.
Signs advertising a use that is no longer in existence shall be removed within 90 days of the cessation of such use. If the owner of a property does not remove such sign within 30 days after receiving a written notice from the Zoning Officer, the sign may be removed by the Borough at the expense of the property owner.
B.
These time limits shall not apply to a sign intended to be reused with a new sign face serving a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase.
§ 425-88 Location of signs.
A.
Setbacks.
(1)
A sign shall not intrude into or project over an existing street right-of-way, unless specifically authorized by a permit from the Borough or PennDOT. The Police Department, Zoning Officer or the owner of a pole or tree shall have the authority to remove and dispose of signs attached to a utility pole or tree. The Paxtang Borough Council or PennDOT may approve a temporary banner over a street cartway to advertise a charitable event.
(2)
Unless specifically stated otherwise, a freestanding sign shall be set back a minimum of two feet from sidewalk and outside of any street right-of-way or lot line. Unless specifically stated otherwise, a freestanding sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from a lot in the residential districts or an abutting lot with an existing residential dwelling in the mixed use districts.
(3)
These setbacks shall not apply to official signs, identification signs on mailboxes, public service signs, directional signs, service organization/place of worship signs, and rights-of-way signs.
B.
Sight distance and clearance.
(1)
No sign shall be so located that it interferes with any clear-sight triangle and site distance requirements set forth in Article XIV of this chapter relating to driveways and access drives; Chapter 366 of this Code, relating to streets and sidewalks; and/or Chapter 370 of this Code, relating to subdivision and land development.
C.
Off-premises.
(1)
Except as provided in this article relating to off-premises signs (including billboards), no signs except permitted off-premises, official, opinion/election signs, public service signs, directional signs, service organization/place of worship signs, and rights-of-way signs shall be erected on a property to which they do not relate.
§ 425-89 Off-premises signs (including billboards).
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this article for the following purposes:
(1)
To ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and office parks.
(2)
To prevent visual pollution in Paxtang and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of Paxtang are within close proximity to existing residences.
(3)
To prevent glare on adjacent property and streets.
(4)
To avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards.
B.
Municipal signs. Signs erected and maintained by the Borough are permitted by right in all zoning districts.
C.
PennDOT signs. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted by right in all zoning districts.
D.
Permitted off-premises signs and billboards. Off-premises signs and billboards are permitted, subject to the following criteria:
(1)
Off-premises signs and billboards are only permitted in the GB Zoning District.
(2)
Off-premises signs and billboards shall comply with the setback requirements of the applicable zoning district, except that:
(a)
Off-premises signs and billboards shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from property in the residential districts or existing residential use in the mixed use districts.
(b)
Off-premises signs and billboards shall be separated by a minimum of 300 feet from any other off-premises signs and billboards on either side of a street and including existing billboards in other municipalities.
(3)
The maximum number of sign support structures for off-premises signs and billboards per property shall be one.
(4)
The maximum number of off-premises signs and billboards per sign structure shall be two.
(5)
The maximum permitted off-premises sign and billboard sign area shall be 300 square feet.
(6)
Off-premises signs and billboards constructed in a "side by side" or "over and under" manner shall not be permitted.
(7)
The maximum height of off-premises signs and billboards shall be whichever is the lesser of the following:
(a)
Twenty feet above the ground level upon which the off-premise sign or billboard is located; or
(b)
Twenty feet above the elevation of the center line of pavement of the adjacent street at the point nearest the off-premises sign or billboard.
In addition, if off-premises signs and billboards include a solar-energy system, no portion of said system may extend 10 feet above the maximum permitted off-premises sign height or billboard height. |
(8)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be permitted wherever a residential or mixed use district would be between the off-premises sign or billboard and the street toward which the off-premises sign or billboard is oriented.
(9)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be placed on, in or over any private property without notarized, written consent of the property owner in the form of a recorded easement.
(10)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be attached to, upon or above any building.
(11)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view from the public street right-of-way of any existing business identification sign, occupied residential or nonresidential structure, or limit or reduce the light and ventilation requirements relating to buildings.
(12)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be erected in such a manner as to interfere with or otherwise obstruct pedestrian and vehicular traffic:
(13)
Off-premises signs and billboards may be illuminated, provided that such lighting complies with this article and Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses and shall be designed to prevent glare to adjoining properties by employing full-cutoff hooded, shielded or screened fixtures that confine glare to the site. Lighting fixtures shall be placed above the off-premises sign and billboard and aimed downward, rather than at the bottom of the off-premises sign and billboard and aimed upward toward the sky.
(14)
The base of the off-premises sign or billboard support structure shall be screened in accordance with Article XII of this chapter relating to buffer and screening regulations.
(15)
The rear side of any single-sided (sign face on one side) off-premises sign or billboard shall be one color.