Pennsbury Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXI
Signs
§ 162-2101 Purpose.
It is the purpose of this article to promote the public safety and welfare by regulating the placement, size, number, and conditions of signs and by limiting visual blight, potential hazards to vehicular and pedestrian movement, and dangers posed by signs in disrepair. Further, it is the purpose of this article to provide opportunities for a variety of sign types and encourage sign designs that meet local resident and business needs in a manner that complements the character of the Township.
§ 162-2102 Prohibited signs.
A.
Any sign erected, painted, or drawn on a tree or rock or other natural feature, unless approved by the Board of Supervisors.
B.
Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter.
C.
Roof signs of any size.
D.
Digital, electronically changing message, or flashing signs.
E.
Internal illumination of signs.
F.
Portable or Mobile signs of any type or size (e.g., signs on trailers or wheels)
G.
Signs affixed to or painted on a vehicle or trailer and parked at a specific location for the purpose of conveying a commercial message.
H.
Off-premises signs, except for an off-site billboard permitted in the HC Zoning District only and a temporary sign.
§ 162-2103 General sign regulations.
The following shall apply to all permitted sign uses:
A.
Sign location.
(1)
No sign shall be permitted to be placed close enough to any intersection to impact the clear sight triangle as per § 162-1907, nor to obstruct clear and free vision of traffic control signals or signs. Signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard.
(2)
No sign, other than official traffic signs, shall be located within or extend into or over any street right-of-way.
(3)
No sign shall be higher than permitted by this chapter or protrude above the building height as defined in the district in which the sign is located, whichever is lower.
(4)
Any sign located along the right-of-way of a state or federal highway shall comply with any more restrictive applicable federal or state requirements.
(5)
No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
(6)
No business sign may be located nearer to a residence or a residential lot line than permitted for other commercial, institutional, or industrial accessory uses in the district in which the sign is located. If located nearer than 50 feet or facing into a residence or a residential lot, the sign shall be so designed as not to shine or reflect light upon such residence or lot.
(7)
The outdoor storage of vehicles on a property shall not be used as a sign for a business, home occupation, or any other use. No vehicle which contains business advertising on its exterior shall park in a location visible from a public right-of-way.
B.
Sign illumination and movement.
(2)
External light sources shall be located above the sign to be illuminated, and the direction of the illumination shall be downward on the sign.
(3)
Any illumination of signs in any district shall be so shielded that the source of light shall not be visible from a point off the lot on which the sign being illuminated is erected, and so that only the sign is illuminated thereby. Signs shall be illuminated only during the hours of operation and the light source shall be extinguished at the end of business hours.
(4)
Electrical transformer boxes and raceways are required to be concealed from public view. If a raceway cannot be mounted internally behind the finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of the raceway shall be finished to match the background wall, or integrated into the overall design of the sign.
C.
Sign construction, maintenance, and removal.
(1)
All signs shall be constructed of durable materials firmly supported and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer is designated to periodically inspect signs.
(2)
If the Zoning Officer finds a sign to be structurally unsafe or endangering the public safety, or the safety of a building or premises, the Township shall give written notice to the owner of the premises on which the sign is located that such sign be made safe or removed within five days at the expense of the owner. Failure to comply shall be just cause for the Township to remove the sign or take corrective action to ensure the maintenance of the public safety. Such remedy shall be at the expense of the owner of the property on which the sign is located.
(3)
All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be manufactured in accordance with the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) specifications and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
(4)
All signs shall be securely mounted or fastened to the building upon which they are erected or, if freestanding or ground signs, must be securely and safely installed in the ground. Breakaway signs shall be installed where freestanding signs are installed immediately adjacent to vehicular facilities, as required by the Board of Supervisors. The installation of all signs must be approved by the Zoning Officer.
(5)
Abandoned signs shall be removed by the owner of the property. Such signs may be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner of the property on which said sign is located.
(6)
Any site, lot, or building on which a sign was erected shall be restored to its original, or better, condition upon removal of the sign by the owner of the property on which said sign was located.
D.
Sign size. Permitted sign size shall be dependent on sign type and the district in which the sign is located, and may be dependent on the building frontage that a business occupies. For purposes of calculating permitted size, building frontage shall be calculated as follows:
(1)
On buildings housing only one tenant, or multiple tenants that access the building via a common outside entrance(s), building frontage shall be that one face or wall of a building which is architecturally designed as the front of the building and which contains the main entrance for use by the general public. In instances where building frontage is in question, an average of the linear feet of those walls in question shall be used in calculating allowable sign area.
(2)
On buildings that house more than one tenant where each tenant has its own outside entrance(s), building frontage for each tenant shall be that one architecturally designed perimeter wall that contains that tenant's main entrance for use by the general public to the area occupied by that tenant. In instances where a tenant occupies an area which has more than one architecturally designed wall located on the perimeter of the building, only that one wall which contains the primary entrance for use by the general public shall be used in calculating allowable sign area. In instances where it cannot be clearly determined which perimeter wall contains the primary entrance for use by the general public, an average of the linear feet of those walls in question shall be used in calculating allowable sign areas.
E.
Sign design standards and guidelines. The intent of the sign design standards and guidelines is to provide minimum standards and additional guidance for how signs are designed, constructed, and placed in order to produce creative, high-quality signage that effectively communicates its message while positively contributing to Township character. These standards and guidelines will also assist those responsible for reviewing sign permit applications by providing established criteria against which to judge the appropriateness of a sign's design. The standards and guidelines apply to all new signs and the modification or reconstruction of existing signs in all zoning districts, and compliance is highly encouraged. Proposed signs located within the boundaries of the Brandywine Battlefield National Historic Landmark Planning Area, Fairville Village Historic District, the Route 1 Corridor Overlay District, or on or within 100 feet of the exterior walls of a historic resource shall be reviewed by the Historical Commission and Planning Commission for their comments regarding sign design, as per § 162-1708C. All signs shall be coordinated with the design of the principal use in such a manner that the overall appearance is harmonious in color, form and proportion. The following specific standards and guidelines are recommended:
(1)
Color.
(a)
The total number of colors used on a sign should be limited to increase readability. It is recommended that no more than three colors be used for a sign.
(b)
A substantial contrast should be provided between the color of the background and the letters or symbols to make the sign legible.
(c)
Sign colors should complement the colors used on the structures and project as a whole. Matching either the background or trim color of the structure which the sign serves is encouraged.
(d)
Use historic colors if appropriate. Appropriate historic colors include but are not limited to bottle green, olive, gold, and burgundy. Black lettering on a white background is not recommended, nor are metallic paints other than gold.
(e)
When more than one sign is permitted, the colors on the signs shall be coordinated with each other to present a unified image.
(2)
Materials.
(a)
Sign materials and finishes should be compatible with the architecture of the structure the sign serves.
(b)
Signs shall be professionally constructed using durable and high-quality materials.
(c)
Signs are recommended to be constructed of natural materials such as wood, masonry, stone, or metal with painted or raised lettering. Wood signs, either painted or carved, should be properly sealed to prevent deterioration. Metal signs should be properly primed and painted or factory coated to protect against corrosion.
(d)
The use of synthetic materials is allowed, but sign materials are encouraged to replicate a natural material.
(e)
Materials should contribute to the legibility of the sign. For example, glossy finishes are often difficult to read because of glare and reflections.
(3)
Legibility.
(a)
The information shown on signs shall identify the use or business(es) in a simple and straightforward manner. Brief, succinct messages are encouraged.
(b)
Crowding or over-spacing of letters, words, or lines should be avoided. As a general rule, letters should not occupy more than 75% of the total sign area.
(c)
The number of different font styles on a single sign should be limited. A general rule is no more than two font styles for small signs and three for large signs.
(d)
Overly intricate fonts that are difficult to read should be avoided. Sign fonts should be selected to provide both clarity and artistic integrity.
(e)
Symbols and logos in place of words should be used whenever appropriate.
(4)
Illumination.
(a)
Use illumination only if necessary, and keep any lighting in proportion with the sign and structure.
(b)
Where illumination is required, a projected light source is preferred. Projected lighting (such as gooseneck lighting) emphasizes the continuity of the sign and structure, and should be simple, unobtrusive, and not obscure the sign.
(c)
If electrical raceways are necessary, they shall be as thin and narrow as possible and should never extend in width or height beyond the area of the sign's lettering or graphics. All exposed conduit and junction boxes shall be concealed from public view.
(5)
Structure compatibility and site integration.
(a)
Signs should be located where architectural features or details suggest a location, size, or shape for the sign.
(b)
Signs should be placed consistent with the proportions and scale of the elements within the structure's facade.
(c)
Signs should be designed and placed to relate to the architectural features of the building and site on which they are located.
(d)
The scale of signs should be appropriate for the building and site on which it is placed and should be proportional to the size of the location and the scale of the structure.
(e)
Signs are discouraged from obscuring any architectural detail.
(f)
In pedestrian-oriented areas, signs should relate to the sidewalk instead of motorists.
(g)
Signs should be placed at or near the public entrance to a building or main parking area to indicate the most direct access to the building.
(6)
Sign type guidelines.
(a)
Freestanding signs are considered most appropriate for buildings originally designed as residential dwellings or where larger front yard setbacks are present and the building is fronted by landscaping. Freestanding signs should emphasize horizontal rather than vertical massing. Landscaping should be planted around the base of freestanding signs at a surface area ratio of 1:1 or greater. Between five and 10% of the sign area should be dedicated to identification of the street address.
(b)
Wall signs designed as an integral part of the front facade of commercial buildings (the band or blank area between the first and second floors of a building) are encouraged. Signs should be proportional in scale to the building and to the wall space on which they are mounted.
(c)
Wall or projecting signs are preferred where there is a small front yard setback.
(d)
Projecting signs and wall-mounted signs that are rectangular, square or oval are encouraged for historic structures, as they are most appropriate to the majority of historic buildings.
(e)
Projecting signs are most appropriate in pedestrian-oriented areas, and should be placed in close proximity to an entrance. A projecting sign should be suspended between the bottom of the second story window sills and the top of the doors or windows of the first story on a multistory building. On a one-story building, the top of the sign should be suspended in line with the lowest point of the roof. A projecting sign should be hung at a 90° angle from the face of the building, and should be pinned at least six inches away from the wall for best visibility.
(f)
Multitenant signs should be designed with consideration of legibility and tenant replacement. Individual tenant sign panels should be uniform in size, recognizing that the major tenant or name of the center may require a slightly larger sign panel. The size, font, and number of tenant names should provide visual interest. Panels should be designed in such a manner that replacement of an individual tenant's panel can be accomplished without negatively affecting the overall appearance of the sign.
§ 162-2104 Standards for specific sign types.
A.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
In order to provide safe passage for pedestrians, freestanding signs shall be designed and installed so that the sign area is either lower than four feet in height or higher than eight feet in height, above grade. A freestanding sign shall be no more than 12 feet in height, except for off-site billboards which shall not exceed 35 feet.
(2)
Freestanding signs shall be limited to one such sign per lot or development. If more than one use is carried on in a structure or lot, the one permitted freestanding sign may indicate the presence of all uses in the structure or lot. Individual freestanding signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(3)
Where both freestanding signs and ground signs are permitted in this article, only one of these sign types shall be erected on a lot or development.
(4)
The height shall be measured from the proposed finished grade to the highest point of the sign structure. Berming or mounding around the location of the sign to increase the sign height is prohibited.
(5)
Size shall be as specified below by district.
B.
Ground signs.
(1)
Ground signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or building design scheme.
(2)
Ground signs shall be limited to one such sign per lot or development. If more than one use is carried on in a structure or lot, the one permitted ground sign may indicate the presence of all uses in the structure or lot. Individual ground signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(3)
In those districts where both ground signs and freestanding signs are permitted, only one of these sign types shall be erected on a lot or development.
(4)
Ground signs may have an open area, and if so it shall not extend more than two feet above grade. This area should be maintained free of weeds and debris. The overall height of any ground sign, including support structure, shall not be more than six feet above grade.
(5)
Size shall be as specified below by district.
C.
Projecting signs.
(1)
No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than eight feet nor more than 15 feet above grade if located above a sidewalk. If located above a parking area or drive, no portion of a projecting sign shall be less than 14.5 feet nor more than 20 feet above grade.
(2)
No projecting sign can project more than 42 inches from the face of the building.
(3)
Projecting signs shall not extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted.
(4)
No projecting sign shall be attached to a building where a canopy, marquee, or awning sign exists.
(5)
Size and number of signs permitted per lot shall be as specified below by district.
D.
Wall signs.
(1)
No portion of an exterior wall sign shall extend more than six inches from the building wall.
(2)
No portion of a wall sign that extends from the building shall be less than eight feet above grade.
(4)
Letters painted on or affixed to a building shall be considered a wall sign and shall be included in the computation of the total sign area.
(5)
Murals that consist only of images and do not include any commercial messages shall not be considered a wall sign. Murals that include commercial messages shall be considered a wall sign and regulated as such.
F.
Off-site billboards.
(1)
Shall be permitted only in the Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District.
(2)
Shall not exceed a dimension of 10 feet vertically and 20 feet horizontally, for a total surface area of 200 square feet.
(3)
Shall not be located closer to a street line than the minimum front yard allowed in the HC Zoning District and must be the sole use on a separate lot containing no less than 30,000 square feet.
(4)
No part of the off-site billboard shall exceed 35 feet in height.
(5)
Lighting of the off-site billboard shall be permitted without time limitations, provided that the lighting meets all other requirements of this chapter pertaining to the lighting of signs.
(6)
Content shall not be regulated, except that lewd or indecent content, as defined by community standards, is prohibited.
(7)
No off-site billboard shall contain advertising on more than one side of the sign structure.
G.
Temporary signs. Temporary signs announcing special or community events or the temporary, lawful sale of products, goods and/or services such as, but not limited to, the seasonal sale of goods such as Christmas trees, or special sales events of items, shall be permitted, provided that:
(1)
A permit shall be obtained before erecting any temporary sign, unless exempted under § 162-2108. Permits shall run for 45 successive days and may be re-issued for an additional 45 successive days once per calendar year where just cause has been demonstrated.
(2)
Temporary signs shall comply with all pertinent regulations applicable to permanent type signs.
(3)
Temporary signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in total sign area per lot, business, or use.
(4)
Signs shall be removed no later than three days after the expiration of the permit, or three days after completion of the advertised event if no permit was required.
(5)
Any site, lot, or building on which the sign was erected shall be restored to its original or better condition upon removal of the sign.
(6)
Portable signs shall be permitted as a temporary sign; however, such signs shall only be permitted for commercial uses in districts where commercial uses are permitted as a principal use, and there shall be no more than one portable sign per establishment.
(7)
Banner signs shall be permitted only as a temporary sign. No such sign is permitted to extend over a public road right-of-way.
§ 162-2105 Signs in residential districts.
The following types of signs and no others shall be permitted in the Residential Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5), the Mobile Home Park Zoning District (MHP), and the Village Residential Zoning District (VR), provided that the signs comply with all requirements herein specified.
A.
Official traffic signs.
D.
Real estate signs, provided that:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
Not more than one such sign shall be placed on premises held in single and separate ownership unless such premises front on more than one street, in which event, one such sign may be placed on each frontage.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the premises. Open house signs shall be removed within 24 hours after the end of the open house.
F.
No trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a driveway or premises, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
G.
Artisan signs, provided that:
(1)
Such signs shall be erected only on the premises where such work is being performed.
(2)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(3)
Not more than one such sign per contractor shall be placed on premises held in single and separate ownership.
(4)
No such sign shall be illuminated.
(5)
Signs may be placed no sooner than three days prior to work.
(6)
Such signs shall be removed promptly upon completion of active work.
K.
On-site directional signs, not exceeding two square feet in size, shall be permitted but shall be located no closer than 20 feet from any street intersection, and shall not be illuminated. No advertising matter shall be contained on signs of this type.
§ 162-2106 Signs in Village Commercial District.
The following types of signs shall be permitted in the Village Commercial (VC) District, provided that the signs comply with all requirements herein specified:
A.
Any sign permitted in residential districts which relates to a use permitted in the district.
B.
Business signs, provided that:
(1)
Not more than one freestanding or ground sign and one building-mounted (projecting, wall, canopy, marquee, or awning) sign; or two building-mounted signs shall be placed on each premises held in single and separate ownership.
(2)
The maximum total sign area for the premises held in single and separate ownership shall not exceed an area equal to one square foot for every one linear foot of building frontage, but not to exceed 26 square feet in total area for all signs.
§ 162-2107 Signs in Highway Commercial, Light Industrial, and Multi-Use Districts.
The following types of signs shall be permitted in the Highway Commercial (HC), Light Industrial (LI) and Multi-Use (MU) Districts, provided that the signs comply with all requirements herein specified:
A.
Any sign permitted in residential districts which relates to a use permitted in the district.
B.
Real estate signs advertising the sale or rental of premises, provided that:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(2)
Not more than one such sign shall be placed on premises held in single and separate ownership unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case, one such sign may be placed on each street frontage.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the premises. Open house signs shall be removed within 24 hours after the end of the open house.
C.
Business signs, provided that:
(1)
In the case of a premises under single and separate ownership with one permitted use, up to two signs shall be permitted. Not more than one freestanding or ground sign and one building-mounted (projecting, wall, canopy, marquee, or awning) sign shall be placed on each premises held in single and separate ownership. The maximum total sign area for the premises shall not exceed an area equal to one square foot for every one linear foot of building frontage, but not to exceed 32 square feet in total area for all signs.
(2)
In the case of a unified development with more than one entity under single and separate ownership, such as an office or industrial park, business or shopping center, the following shall apply:
(a)
One freestanding or ground sign may be erected at the entrance of the unified development. Such freestanding sign shall identify the name of the development or center and may include names of the principal businesses or uses and shall not exceed 32 square feet in total area. No freestanding or ground sign shall be permitted for individual businesses located within the same development or on the same lot as the unified development.
(b)
The area of a permitted building mounted sign for individual uses within a unified development shall be as follows:
[1]
Buildings that house only one tenant shall not exceed one building-mounted sign. Sign size is limited to one square foot of sign area for every one linear foot of building frontage; however, no sign shall be in excess of 20 square feet. Such sign shall be located on the entry or parking side of the building.
[2]
Buildings that house multiple tenants which access the building via a common outside entrance shall be permitted one directory sign which shall not exceed 20 square feet in total area. Such sign shall be located on the entry or parking side of the building.
[3]
Buildings that house multiple tenants which access the building via multiple, common outside entrances shall be permitted one directory sign which shall not exceed 20 square feet in total area on the building frontage, and may have additional nameplate signs that do not exceed two square feet on the other common entrances.
[4]
Buildings that house more than one tenant where each tenant has its own outside entrance(s) shall not exceed one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage occupied by each tenant. The maximum allowable sign area for any one tenant, however, shall not exceed a total of 20 square feet.
§ 162-2108 Sign permits and bonds.
A.
Permits. In addition to applicable requirements of Article XXIII, a sign permit shall be required for all signs exceeding two square feet in area, except as designated in Subsection B below, and such signs shall be subject to annual inspection. All illuminated signs shall be in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Applications for sign permits shall be filed in triplicate and on forms furnished by the Township and shall be accompanied by detailed plans, drawings, specifications and such other information deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer to determine the location and details of construction of such sign. The plans and drawings shall show, in detail, the size, location, illumination, color, material and information included on the proposed sign(s).
B.
The following signs are allowed without a permit or fee, but the owner of the property on which the sign is located shall still be responsible for its proper erection and maintenance in a good and safe condition.
(1)
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional or other official federal, state, county, or Township signs.
(2)
Signs, as permitted in residential districts, six square feet or less in area.
(3)
Artisan signs.
(4)
Real estate signs.
(5)
Political signs, which are permitted in all zoning districts, provided they are on private property and are not more than six square feet. Political signs shall be permitted within 30 days prior to any municipal, state or national election or referendum and shall be removed within three days after election day.
C.
Bond or liability insurance policy. Before any permit will be issued for any sign erected and/or projecting over property used by the public, a liability insurance policy or an indemnity bond payable to the Pennsbury Township, in a form and amount satisfactory to the Township Solicitor, shall be posted. Only one such bond or liability policy need be posted for the owner of the sign.
D.
Permit fees. No permit to erect shall be issued until a fee has been paid to the Township in such amount as the Board of Supervisors shall by resolution establish.
E.
All application for sign permits shall be accompanied by the property owner's written consent, if the property owner is not owner of the sign.
F.
Annual inspection fees. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to annual inspection by the Zoning Officer. The fees for annual inspection shall be established by resolution by the Board of Supervisors, and the Zoning Officer shall issue a certificate of inspection upon payment of the same.
G.
Signs deemed by the Zoning Officer to be illegal or without permit shall be removed within five days of written notification by the Zoning Officer in accordance with the provisions of § 162-2306. Any failure to remove such sign or recurrence of a similar infraction on the premises by the owner or lessee shall be in violation of this chapter and shall be punishable in accordance with the provisions of Articles XXIII and XXVI.
H.
Signs within the Brandywine Battlefield National Historic Landmark Planning Area, Fairville Village Historic District, the Route 1 Corridor Overlay District, or on or within 100 feet of a historic resource shall be reviewed by the Historical Commission and Planning Commission for their comments in accordance with § 162-1708C.
§ 162-2109 Nonconforming signs.
All nonconforming signs at the effective date of this chapter, or at the effective date of any amendment of this chapter by which any sign shall be made nonconforming, shall be subject to the provisions of Article XXII.