Penn Township Westmoreland County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Sign Regulations
§ 190-701 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to protect the safety and orderly development of the community through the regulation of signs and sign structures.
§ 190-702 General sign types.
§ 190-703 General provisions.
A.
Conformance to codes. Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this article and the provisions of the International Building Code and of any other ordinance or regulation within this jurisdiction.
B.
Signs in rights-of-way. No sign other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within two feet (610 mm) of the right-of-way of any street, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of this jurisdiction or by specific authorization of the Code Official.
C.
Projections over streets. Signs projecting over streets shall be permitted to do so only subject to the projection and clearance limits either defined herein or, if not so defined, at a minimum height of eight feet (2,438 mm) from grade level to the bottom of the sign. Signs, architectural projections or sign structures projecting over vehicular access areas must conform to the minimum height clearance limitations imposed by the jurisdiction for such structures.
D.
Traffic visibility. No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street or driveway in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where by its position, shape or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
E.
Computation of frontage. If a premises contains walls facing more than one property line or encompasses property frontage bounded by more than one street or other property usages, the sign area(s) for each building wall or property frontage will be computed separately for each building wall or property line facing a different frontage. The sign area(s) thus calculated shall be permitted to then be applied to permitted signs placed on each separate wall or property line frontage; provided, however, notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, that on lots of 30,000 square feet or less only one sign shall be permitted on said lot.
F.
Animation, illumination and changeable messages. Animated signs, changeable signs and electronic message centers, except as prohibited in § 190-705, are permitted in all zoning districts. Illuminated and/or animated signs and electronic message centers shall be extinguished by 11:00 p.m. or whenever the site use or activity closes, whichever is later.
G.
Changeable signs, manually or electrically activated, are permitted for nonresidential uses subject to all other provisions of this chapter.
(1)
Animated signs, electronic changeable signs and electronic message centers shall come equipped with automatic dimming technology which automatically adjusts brightness of display to changing ambient light conditions. Said dimming function shall be enabled and operational at all times.
(2)
Animated signs, changeable signs and electronic message centers shall be only used to advertise activities or goods or services available on the property on which the sign or message center is located, or to present messages of a public service nature.
(3)
Animated signs, electronic changeable signs and electronic message centers shall comprise no more than 40% of the total allowable square footage of signage for any given site.
(4)
Within any given multitenant building or complex, only one animated sign or electronic message center shall be allowed. Said sign or message center shall comprise no more than 50% of the total allowable square footage of signage for any given site.
(5)
Each message displayed on any of the above listed electronic media must be static or depicted for a minimum of 10 seconds. Duration time for fade out and fade in effects or scrolling of a message shall be included as display time. The continuous scrolling of a message is prohibited.
(6)
Maintenance, repair and removal. Every sign permitted by this article shall be kept in good condition and repair. When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the Code Official, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this article, the owner thereof or the person or firm using same shall, upon written notice by the Code Official forthwith in the case within not more than 10 days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this article, or shall remove it. If within 10 days the order is not complied with, the Code Official shall be permitted to remove or cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or the user of the sign.
H.
Obsolete sign copy. Any sign copy that no longer advertises or identifies a use conducted on the property on which said sign is erected must have the sign copy covered or removed within 30 days after written notification from the Code Official, and upon failure to comply with such notice, the Code Official is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign copy, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or ground on which the sign is located.
I.
Nonconforming signs. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this article that does not conform in use, location, height, or size with the regulations of the zone in which such sign is located shall be considered a legal nonconforming use or structure and shall be permitted to continue in such status until such time as it is either abandoned or removed by its owner, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
Structural alterations, enlargement or re-erection are permissible only where such alterations will not increase the degree of nonconformity of the signs.
(2)
Any legal nonconforming sign shall be removed or rebuilt without increasing the existing height or area if it is damaged, or removed if allowed to deteriorate to the extent that the cost of repair or restoration exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the sign as determined by the Code Official.
J.
Special yard provisions. Notwithstanding any provisions of this article, only one sign of any type (either wall, freestanding, canopy or marquee signs, awning signs, projecting signs, under-canopy signs, roof signs and menu boards) shall be permitted on property on which the sign will face or abut a residential zone or use. Said sign shall be located no closer than 40% of the width of the lot line of a residential zoned lot or residential use on which the sign shall face. None of the above signs shall be illuminated or animated.
§ 190-704 Exempt signs.
The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. No other sign shall be exempt from § 190-706.
A.
Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety official.
B.
Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, commonwealth or municipal governments.
C.
Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
D.
The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a school.
E.
Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season.
F.
Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise where the enterprise does not receive direct commercial gain.
H.
Noncommercial signs.
§ 190-705 Prohibited signs.
Prohibited signs. The following devices and locations shall be specifically prohibited:
A.
Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
B.
Banner signs, except:
(1)
As nonprofit banner signs advertising special events, not erected over a street, highway or right-of-way, and only with approval of the landowner; or, if located over a street, highway or right-of-way owned or maintained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the County of Westmoreland, with the approval of the appropriate governmental unit; provided, further, that such banner sign located over a state highway or right-of-way shall only be erected in accordance with Resolution No. 25 of 1999 of Penn Township, as it may be from time to time amended; or
C.
Signs which blink, flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance.
D.
Portable signs except as allowed for temporary signs.
E.
Any sign attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property, except for signs meeting the following conditions:
(1)
The primary purpose of such a vehicle or trailer is not the display of signs.
(2)
The signs are magnetic, decals or painted upon an integral part of the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer, and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle.
(3)
The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets, when applicable, and actively used or available for use in the daily function of the business to which such signs relate.
F.
Vehicles and trailers are not used primarily as static displays, advertising a product or service, nor utilized as storage, shelter or distribution points for commercial products or services for the general public.
G.
Balloons, dirigibles, streamers, pinwheels or an inflatable device, except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion or community event. For the purposes of this subsection, "temporarily" means no more than five consecutive days.
H.
All off-premises signs except as otherwise permitted in this chapter or by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the County of Westmoreland pursuant to the rules and regulations of each entity.
§ 190-706 Permits.
A.
Permits required. Unless specifically exempted, a permit must be obtained from the Code Official for the erection and maintenance of all signs erected or maintained within this jurisdiction and in accordance with other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in safe manner and in a manner in accordance with all the other provisions of this article.
B.
Construction documents. Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure requiring such permit, construction documents shall be filed with the Code Official showing the dimensions, materials and required details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent data. The permit application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected and by engineering calculations signed and sealed by a registered design professional where required by the International Building Code, as may be in effect within Penn Township.
C.
Changes to signs. No sign shall be altered, enlarged or relocated, except in conformity to the provisions herein, and only after obtaining a proper permit. The changing of copy, business names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter, or the content of any sign shall require a permit. The changing or maintenance of the movable parts or components of an approved sign that is designed for such changes shall not be deemed an alteration of the sign.
D.
Permit fees. Permit fees to erect, alter, enlarge or relocate a sign shall be in accordance with the fee schedule adopted by the Board of Commissioners.
§ 190-707 Specific sign requirements.
A.
Identification signs. Identification signs shall be in accordance with Subsection A(1) through A(3).
(1)
Wall signs. Every multiple-family residential complex, commercial or industrial building, and every separate nonresidential building or use facing the front, rear or side lot of a residential use, may display one wall sign subject to the limiting standards set forth in Table 700A.[1] For shopping centers, planned industrial parks or other multiple-occupancy nonresidential buildings, the building face or wall shall be calculated separately for each separate occupancy, but in no event will the allowed area for any separate occupancy be less than 10 square feet.
[1]
Editor's Note: This table is included at the end of this article.
(2)
Freestanding signs. In addition to any allowable wall signs, every single-family residential subdivision, multiple-family residential complex, commercial or industrial building, and every separate nonresidential building or use in a residential zone shall be permitted to display freestanding or combination signs per street frontage subject to the limiting standards set forth in Table 700B.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: This table is included at the end of this article.
(3)
Directional signs. Directional signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts subject to the following limitations:
(a)
No more than two on-premises directional signs shall be permitted per street entrance to any lot. There shall be no limit to the number of directional signs providing directional information interior to a lot. In all zones, the maximum area for directional signs shall be six square feet. Not more than 25% of the area of any directional sign shall be permitted to be devoted to business identification or logo, which area shall not be assessed as identification sign area.
(b)
Off-premises directional signs shall be permitted for use only by worship facilities, schools and other nonprofit organizations subject to the following limitations:
[1]
The maximum area for off-premises directional signs shall be six square feet. No more than 25% of the area of any off-premises directional sign shall be devoted to the organization or entity identification or logo.
[2]
The maximum number of off-premises directional signs permitted per organization or entity shall be four.
[3]
No off-premises directional sign shall be placed further than 1/2 of one mile (2,640 feet) from the location of the referenced organization or entity as delineated from a circle whose center represents the location of said organization or entity.
(c)
Any annual off-premises directional sign considered unlawfully installed will be subject to removal with no additional notice required.
B.
(1)
Real estate signs. Real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
Real estate signs located on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than six feet in height and nine square feet in area.
(b)
Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots located within a subdivision shall be limited to one sign per entrance to the subdivision, and each sign shall be no greater than 30 square feet in area nor six feet in height. All signs permitted under this section shall be removed within 10 days after sale of last original lot.
(c)
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of space within commercial or industrial buildings shall be no greater than 100 square feet in area nor 20 feet in height and shall be limited to one sign per street front.
(d)
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of vacant business or industrial land shall be limited to one sign per street front, and each sign shall be no greater than 20 feet in height, and 75 square feet for property of 10 acres or less, or 100 square feet for property exceeding 10 acres.
(2)
Development and construction signs. Signs temporarily erected during construction to inform the public of the developer, contractors, architects, engineers, the nature of the project or anticipated completion dates, shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
Such signs on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than nine feet in height and six square feet in area.
(b)
Such signs for a residential subdivision or multiple residential lots shall be limited to one sign at each entrance to the subdivision or on one of the lots to be built upon and shall be no greater than 15 feet in height and six square feet in area.
(c)
Such signs for nonresidential uses in residential districts shall be limited to one sign and shall be no greater than six feet in height and 15 square feet in area.
(d)
Such signs for commercial or industrial projects shall be limited to one sign per street front, not to exceed 20 feet in height and 75 square feet for projects on parcels five acres or less in size, and not to exceed 20 feet in height and 100 square feet for projects on parcels larger than five acres.
(e)
Development and construction signs may not be displayed until after the issuance of construction permits by the Building Official and must be removed not later than 24 hours following issuance of an occupancy permit for any or all portions of the project.
(3)
Special promotion, event and grand opening signs. Signs, except as provided in this section, temporarily displayed to advertise special promotions, events and grand openings shall be permitted for nonresidential uses in a residential district and for all commercial and industrial districts, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
Such signs shall be limited to one sign per street front.
(b)
Such signs may be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days and shall be removed not more than three days after the special event, promotion or grand opening.
(c)
The total area of all such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in any single-family residential district, 32 square feet in any multiple-family residential district and 32 square feet in any commercial or industrial district.
(4)
Portable signs. Portable signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, as designated in this chapter, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
No more than one such sign may be displayed on any property and shall not exceed a height of six feet nor an area of 32 square feet.
(b)
Such signs shall be displayed not more than 30 days in any calendar year.
(c)
Any electrical portable signs shall comply with the ICC Electrical Code, as adopted in this jurisdiction.
(d)
No portable sign shall be displayed prior to obtaining a sign permit.
C.
Requirements for specific sign types. Signs of specific type shall be in accordance with Subsection C(1) through C(7).
(1)
Canopy and marquee signs.
(a)
The permanently affixed copy area of canopy or marquee signs shall not exceed an area equal to 25% of the face area of the canopy, marquee or architectural projection upon which such sign is affixed or applied.
(b)
Graphic striping, patterns or color bands on the face of a building, canopy, marquee or architectural projection shall not be included in the computation of sign copy area.
(2)
Awning signs.
(a)
The copy area of awning signs shall not exceed an area equal to 25% of the background area of the awning or awning surface to which such a sign is affixed or applied, or the permitted area for wall or fascia signs, whichever is less.
(b)
Neither the background color of an awning, nor any graphic treatment or embellishment thereto such as striping, patterns or valances, shall be included in the computation of sign copy area.
(3)
Projecting signs.
(a)
Projecting signs shall be permitted in lieu of freestanding signage on any street frontage, limited to one sign per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance to such an occupancy, and shall be limited in height and area to one square foot per each one lineal foot of building frontage, except that no such sign shall exceed an area of 150 square feet.
(b)
No such sign shall extend vertically above the highest point of the building facade upon which it is mounted by more than 50% of the height of the building facade.
(c)
Such signs shall not extend over a public sidewalk in excess of 50% of the width of the sidewalk.
(d)
Such signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any street a minimum of 17 feet.
(e)
No such sign shall be erected with its closest point less than two feet from an established right-of-way line.
(4)
Under-canopy signs.
(5)
Roof signs.
(a)
Roof signs shall be permitted in industrial districts only.
(b)
Such signs shall be limited to a height above the roofline of the elevation parallel to the sign face of no more 20% of the height of the roofline in industrial districts.
(c)
The sign area for roof signs shall be assessed against the aggregate permitted area for wall signs on the elevation of the building most closely parallel to the face of the sign.
(6)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for any nonresidential use in a residential district and for all commercial and industrial districts, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed 25% of the window area on which such signs are displayed. Window panels separated by mullions shall be considered as one continuous window area. Said sign shall be either on the inside surface of the glass or affixed on the exterior side of the glass.
(b)
Window signs shall not be assessed against the sign area permitted for other sign types.
(7)
Menu boards. Menu board signs shall not be permitted to exceed 50 square feet.
§ 190-708 Signs for development complexes.
A.
Master sign plan required. All landlord or single-owner-controlled multiple-occupancy development complexes, including but not limited to shopping centers, planned industrial parks, or multi-unit business or retail centers, shall submit to the Code Official a master sign plan prior to issuance of any new sign permit. The master sign plan shall establish standards and criteria as set forth in Article VII of this chapter of the Code for all signs in the complex that require permits and shall address, at a minimum, the following:
C.
Compliance with master sign plan. All applications for sign permits for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex shall comply with the master sign plan.
D.
Amendments. Any change to a master sign plan must be signed and approved by the owner(s) of the development complex before such change will become effective.
§ 190-709 Off-premises outdoor advertising structures.
Additional requirements for outdoor advertising structures. Outdoor advertising structures shall be subject to all of the following requirements:
A.
Location. Off-premises outdoor advertising structures may be authorized as a permitted use only in IC District, provided that all of the following requirements are met:
(1)
Outdoor advertising structures shall not be erected within 500 feet of the boundary line of any R District or within 500 feet of any public or private school, church or cemetery, said 500 feet being measured along the radius of a circle from the center-most point of the outdoor advertising structure extending in all directions.
(2)
On interstate and limited access highways, outdoor advertising structures shall not be erected within 500 feet of an interchange or safety rest area, measured along the interstate or limited access highway from the beginning or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.
(3)
Outdoor advertising structures shall maintain a lateral minimum spacing between any existing or proposed outdoor advertising structure of 1,000 feet. Required spacing shall be measured along both sides of the same roadway frontage from the center-most point of the billboard structure along a line extending from the center-most point of the outdoor advertising structure which is parallel to the center line of the roadway to which the outdoor advertising structure is oriented.
(4)
No outdoor advertising structure shall be located closer than 10 feet to any public street right-of-way.
(5)
The minimum side and rear yard requirements applying to a principal structure as set forth within the zoning district in which the outdoor advertising structure is to be located shall apply to each outdoor advertising structure.
(6)
No outdoor advertising structure shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view from the road or street of any existing business identification sign or residential or nonresidential structure or limit or reduce the light and ventilation requirements.
(7)
No outdoor advertising structure shall be constructed within the clear sight triangle of the public street or road on which it is situated and such structure shall not, in any case, obstruct or impede traffic safety.
(8)
No outdoor advertising structure shall be erected over any sidewalk or public right-of-way.
(9)
Outdoor advertising structures shall not be part of a roof or wall, nor shall they be mounted on the roof, wall or other part of a building or any other structure.
B.
Size and height. An off-premises outdoor advertising structure shall have a maximum allowable gross surface area of 450 square feet per sign face. This gross surface shall be permitted, provided that all of the following additional requirements are met:
(1)
An outdoor advertising structure shall have no more than two sign faces per outdoor advertising structure, which may be placed back to back or in a V-shaped configuration having an interior angle of 90° or less.
(2)
The dimensions of the gross surface area of the outdoor advertising structure sign face shall not exceed 20 feet in total height or 25 feet in total length, provided that the total allowable gross surface area for the sign face is not exceeded.
(3)
An outdoor advertising structure shall have a maximum height above the surface of the roadway from which it is intended to be viewed of 40 feet.
C.
Construction methods. Off-premises outdoor advertising structures shall be constructed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Township Building Code, as now or hereafter adopted, and shall meet all of the following additional requirements:
(1)
An outdoor advertising structure shall have a maximum of one vertical support, being a maximum of three feet in diameter or width and without additional bracing or vertical supports.
(2)
An outdoor advertising structure sign face shall be independently supported and shall have vertical supports of metal which are galvanized or constructed of approved corrosive-resistant, combustible materials. Outdoor advertising structures constructed with galvanized metal shall not be painted.
(3)
The one vertical support shall be capable of enabling the entire sign face to be able to withstand a minimum one-hundred-mile-per-hour wind load. Structural design computations shall be made and certified by a registered engineer and shall be submitted to the Township with the application for conditional use.
(4)
The base shall be installed using a foundation and footings approved by the Township Community Development Department for the type of construction proposed.
(5)
The entire base of the outdoor advertising structure parallel to the sign face shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery and/or bushes of a minimum height of three feet, placed in such a manner as to screen the foundation of the structure.
(6)
Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner in an attractive and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation practices.
(7)
No bare cuts shall be permitted on a hillside.
(8)
All cuts or fills shall be permanently seeded or planted.
(9)
An outdoor advertising structure with display lighting shall be constructed so that it does not glare upon adjoining property and shall not exceed a maximum foot-candle of 1.5 upon the adjoining property.
(10)
Display lighting shall not operate between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., prevailing local time.
(11)
No outdoor advertising structure, sign face or display lighting shall move, flash or emit noise. No display lighting shall cause distractions, confusion, nuisance or hazards to traffic, aircraft or other properties.
D.
Maintenance.
(1)
An off-premises outdoor advertising structure shall be entirely painted every three years, unless constructed of an approved corrosive-resistant material.
(2)
Every 10 years, the owner of the outdoor advertising structure shall have a structural inspection made of the outdoor advertising structure by a qualified Pennsylvania-registered engineer and shall provide to the Township a certificate from the engineer certifying that the outdoor advertising structure is structurally sound.
(3)
Annual inspections of the outdoor advertising structure shall be conducted by the Township to determine compliance with this chapter.
(4)
Outdoor advertising structures found to be in violation of this chapter shall be brought into compliance or removed within 30 days, upon proper notification by the Township.
(5)
Outdoor advertising structures using removable paper or other materials shall be maintained in such condition as to eliminate loose or frayed material protruding or hanging from the structure. All paper and other waste materials shall be removed from the site and disposed of properly whenever any sign face is changed.
E.
Liability insurance. The applicant for a sign permit to erect an off-premises outdoor advertising structure shall provide a certificate of insurance for public liability and property damage which holds the Township harmless. The amount of insurance to be maintained shall be determined and adjusted from time to time by resolution of the Township Commissioners. The insurance certificate shall contain a clause stating that the insurance shall not be cancelled or reduced without first giving 30 days' notice to the Township.
Table 700A - Identification Sign Standards - Wall Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
Land Use | Aggregate Area (square feet) | |
Single-family residential | Not permitted | |
Multiple-family residential | 10 square feet | |
Nonresidential building or use in a residential zone | 25 square feet, aggregate | |
Business and industrial | See Table 700B | |
Table 700B — Sign Area | ||
|---|---|---|
Distance of sign from road or adjacent commercial or industrial zone | Percentage of building elevation in square feet permitted | |
0 to 100 feet | 5% | |
101 to 300 feet | 10% | |
Over 301 feet | 20% | |
Table 700C - Identification Sign Standards - Freestanding Signs A, B, C | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Land Use | Number of Signs | Height (feet) | Square Feet | Area Spacing | ||
Single-family | ||||||
Residential subdivision entrance | 2 per entrance | 6 (maximum) | 15 each, 30 in the aggregate | 2 per subdivision entrance (see Subsection F below) | ||
Multiple-family residential | 2 per entrance | 6 (maximum) | 15 each, 30 in the aggregate | 1 per driveway (see Subsection F below) | ||
Nonresidential in a residential area | 2 per entrance | 6 (maximum) | 15 each, 30 in the aggregate | 300 (see Subsection F below) | ||
Commercial and industrial | 2 per entrance | 8 (maximum) | 24 each, 48 in aggregate, § 190-640 | 150 (see Subsection G below) | ||
F.
For subdivision or apartment identification signs placed on a decorative entry wall approved by the Code Official, two identification signs shall be permitted to be placed at each entrance to the subdivision or apartment complex, one on each side of the driveway or entry drive.
G.
For shopping centers or planned industrial parks, two monument-style freestanding signs not exceeding 50% each of the permitted height and area, and spaced not closer than 100 feet to any other freestanding identification sign, shall be permitted to be allowed in lieu of any freestanding sign otherwise permitted in Table 700B.
H.
For any commercial or industrial development complex exceeding 1,000,000 square feet of gross leasable area or 40 acres in size, such as regional shopping centers, auto malls or planned commerce parks, one freestanding sign per street front shall be permitted to be increased in sign area by up to 50%.