Perkiomen Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
Signs
§ 310-79 Legislative intent.
It is recognized that signs perform an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events and other matters of interest to the public. It is hereby found and declared, however, that control of signs is necessary to promote the health, safety and general welfare by:
A.
Lessening hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
B.
Preserving property values.
C.
Preventing unsightly and detrimental development which has a blighting influence upon residential, business and industrial areas.
D.
Preventing signs from reaching such excessive size that they obscure one another to the detriment of all concerned.
E.
Securing certain fundamentals of design for the Township.
§ 310-80 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
EMERGENCY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
A notification by the way of display and/or voice which is intended to draw the attention of the public to issues where injury or death may occur if not heeded.
SIGN
A structure, building wall or other outdoor surface or any device used for visual communication which is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public or to display, identify and publicize the name and product or services of any person, exclusive of supporting members that bear no message.
SIGN AREA
A.
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs, logos and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed (whether such background is open or enclosed), but excluding any supporting framework and bracing which are solely incidental to the display itself, provided the same do not contain any lettering, wording or symbols.
B.
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs and symbols.
C.
Where a sign consists of a double face, only one side shall be considered in the calculation of area.
SIGN HEIGHT
The distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean grade at the base of the sign.
SIGN TYPES
A.
ADVERTISING SIGN
An off-premises sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a commodity, business, industry, home occupation or other similar activity which is sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on the lot upon which the sign is located.B.
ANIMATED SIGN
A sign with action or motion, flashing or color changes requiring electrical energy, except such signs defined as "electronic signs" and as regulated herein, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or novelty items.C.
AWNING SIGN
A sign painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.D.
BUSINESS SIGN
An on-premises sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on the premises upon which the sign is located, or to which it is affixed.E.
DIRECTORY SIGN
An on-premises sign listing names, uses or locations of various businesses or activities conducted within a building or group of buildings. Such a sign shall be centrally located on private property and shall not provide any advertising displays.F.
ELECTRONIC SIGN
The portion of a sign composed of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message periodically. Electronic signs may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays, and may be composed of alphanumeric text, images, symbols, or any combination thereof.G.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles or standards, either on the ground or on the roof of a building.H.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign whose copy is limited to the name of a building, institution or person and/or to the activity or occupation being identified.I.
INCIDENTAL SIGN
A directional sign of a public service nature which contains no advertising.J.
MARQUEE SIGN
Any sign attached to or supported by a marquee structure.K.
OBSCENE SIGN
Any sign or symbol which displays or contains obscene matter. The matter shall be considered obscene if the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find the sign or symbol, taken as a whole, appeals to prurient interest; the sign or symbol depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by applicable state law; and/or the sign or symbol, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.L.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment which is sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at a place other than on the property on which said sign is located; a sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity not on the same lot where the sign is located, e.g., billboards, outdoor advertising, subdivision directional sign, and real estate sign.M.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity on the same lot where the sign is located.N.
PAINTED WALL SIGN
Any sign which is applied with paint or similar substances on the face of a wall.O.
PARALLEL WALL SIGN
A sign mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface but does not extend beyond the edge of any wall, roofline or other surface to which it is mounted and does not project more than 10 inches from the surface to which it is mounted.P.
PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGN
A sign which displays an individual's political, religious or personal belief, provided such sign is not considered obscene or offensive to an individual race, gender or religious belief.Q.
PROJECTING WALL SIGN
Any sign mounted to a wall or other vertical surface other than a parallel sign but does not project more than seven feet from the surface to which it is mounted nor project above the wall, roofline or surface to which it is mounted nor in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.R.
REVOLVING SIGN
Any sign which revolves 180° or more.S.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partly supported by that building.T.
SNIPE SIGN
A permanent or temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, fence, utility pole or upon rocks or natural features.U.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign which advertises community or civic projects, construction projects, real estate for sale or lease, or other special events on a temporary basis. The following types of signs shall be considered temporary signs:(1)
BANNER SIGN
A temporary sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind. National flags, flags of political subdivisions, and symbolic or decorative flags of any institution, residential use or business shall not be considered banners for the purpose of this chapter.(2)
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
Any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, subcontractors, architects and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed.(3)
DEVELOPMENT SIGN
An on-premises sign on a building or lot which announces the nature, purpose or name of the prospective building/enterprise.(4)
POLITICAL SIGN
A temporary sign used in connection with a local, county, state or national election or referendum.(5)
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to: signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu board and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business. Portable signs shall not be illuminated unless a conditional use is granted by the Township Board of Supervisors.(6)
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary sign which advertises the sale, lease or rent of the property on which the sign is placed. Open house signs for property which is for sale shall be considered real estate signs.(7)
SPECIAL EVENT SIGNS
On-premises window signs, banners or commemorative flags which advertise a grand opening or other special event.(8)
STREET BANNER SIGN
Any banner sign which is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.(9)
SUBDIVISION SIGN
An on-premises or off-premises directional sign advertising to the public the name of the subdivision project and the nature of the product offered.(10)
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign affixed to or visible through a window and intended to be viewed from the outside.(11)
SEASONAL ACTIVITY SIGN
Any on-premises sign advertising an activity that is to be held during a limited part of the year. An example would be "summer camp."(12)
REGISTRATION SIGNS
Any off-premises sign that is temporary for the purpose of advertising information for the registration/sign-up for any activity.V.
TIME-AND-TEMPERATURE SIGN
A display containing illuminated or reflective numerals switching alternatively to show the time and temperature.W.
TRAILER SIGN
Any sign which is erected upon a structure having wheels or rollers facilitating movement from one location to another.X.
UNDERCANOPY SIGN
A sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee.Y.
VEHICULAR SIGN
Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of the sign is no longer incidental to the vehicle's purpose but becomes a primary purpose in itself. An example is an empty tractor-trailer with advertising painted on its side, left for an extended period of time in front of the business premises that is advertised on the trailer. This does not include "For Sale" signs for the sale of personally owned vehicles.Z.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS
A sign that utilizes a constant, nonvarying artificial light source primarily to convey its message after sunset. Illuminated signs shall fall into one of two categories:(1)
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN
Any sign that is illuminated by an artificial light source from within the sign structure, including neon and exposed lamps, usually projected through a transparent or translucent sign face.(2)
EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN
Any sign that is partially or completely illuminated at any time by an artificial light source that directly or indirectly illuminates any face of the sign from outside the sign structures.(3)
ELECTRONIC SIGN
The portion of a sign composed of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message periodically. Electronic Signs may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays, and may be composed of alphanumeric text, images, symbols, or any combination thereof.§ 310-81 Applicability.
A.
Any signs erected after the effective date of this chapter shall conform to the regulations set forth within this article.
B.
Signs legally in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter which do not conform with the requirements of this article shall be considered a nonconforming sign.
C.
Nonconforming signs shall be removed, replaced, or modified so as to conform with the standards contained in this article when any of the following conditions are met:
(1)
Perkiomen Township approves an application for a permit for a (nonconforming) sign that is to be significantly altered. Changes to the sign copy or the replacement of a sign panel shall not be considered to be a significant alteration, provided the type and illumination of the sign are not changed.
(2)
The sign is abandoned. Evidence of abandonment shall include neglect, deterioration, discoloration, overgrowth, lack of lighting, or a general lack of functionality for a continuous period or six months or more.
(3)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located undergoes a change in use requiring the issuance of a new use and occupancy permit and the nonconforming sign is no longer intended to be used for the new use.
D.
A nonconforming sign which is destroyed or partially destroyed by any cause other than neglect may be reconstructed and used as before, provided that:
(1)
The reconstructed sign shall not exceed the dimensions of the damaged or destroyed sign, including height, width, and depth, nor shall the method of illumination differ from that of the sign which was damaged or destroyed.
(2)
A zoning permit is obtained from Perkiomen Township to replace the sign within three months of the sign damage and work is completed on the damaged sign within six months of the date of the zoning permit.
(3)
The sign poses no hazard to safety by virtue of its location.
E.
To determine the legal status of existing signs, in cases listed above in § 310-81C and D, the applicant shall submit the following information to the Township Zoning Officer:
(1)
Type(s) of existing sign(s) located on the property.
(2)
The area and height of all signs.
(3)
For freestanding signs, the distance the outermost portion of the sign is set back from the legal right-of-way.
(4)
Type of sign illumination.
(5)
The material of which the sign is constructed.
(6)
The building length along public street frontage.
F.
Prior to the events listed in § 310-81C, nonconforming signs may be repainted, repaired up to 50%, the sign copy may be changed, or sign panels may be replaced, provided that such actions do not increase the dimensions of the existing sign nor in any way increase the extent of the sign's nonconformity.
G.
Under the following conditions, nonconforming signs shall be exempt from the provisions of § 310-81C:
(1)
The nonconforming sign possesses documented historic value.
(2)
The nonconforming sign is of a unique nature or type by virtue of its architectural value or design.
(3)
For a change of owner when a business name is retained.
§ 310-82 Administration.
A.
Sign permits. Except as expressly provided for in § 310-83B, it shall be unlawful to erect, construct or significantly alter any sign without first obtaining a permit from Perkiomen Township.
B.
No sign shall be placed in the right-of-way of a road or street or on any property without permission of the owner.
C.
Signs placed in violation of this article may be removed by the Township in accordance with § 310-83L. In addition, the violator may be subject to the enforcement and/or penalty provisions of this chapter.
D.
Sign permit review. The Zoning Officer shall either approve or deny the application or refer the application back to the applicant in any instance where insufficient information has been submitted.
E.
Fees. All applications for permits for the erection, construction or alteration of signs shall, at the time of making application, be paid to the Township in accordance with the respective fee schedule adopted by the Township Board of Supervisors from time to time.
§ 310-83 General sign regulations for all districts.
In all zoning districts, the following sign regulations shall apply:
A.
Prohibited signs. The following types of signs or illumination of signs shall be prohibited in the Township:
(1)
Animated signs.
(2)
Flashing, moving or reflective signs, unless permitted as an electronic sign elsewhere in this article.
(3)
Illuminated temporary signs.
(4)
Revolving signs.
(5)
Roof signs.
(6)
Vehicular signs.
(7)
Obscene signs.
(8)
Snipe signs.
B.
Signs exempt from sign permits. The following signs are permitted throughout the Township and are exempt from requiring a sign permit, provided that such signs comply with the regulations of this article. Signs exempt from a sign permit shall still comply with all applicable standards in the PA Uniform Construction Code, and shall require a building permit when applicable:
(1)
Trespassing signs and signs indicating private ownership of roadways or other property on the same premises therewith, provided that the total area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
(2)
Real estate signs as follows:
(a)
For advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which the sign is erected, provided that the total area on any one side of such signs on any street frontage of any property in single or separate ownership shall not exceed the following:
[1]
In the R-1 Residential, R-2 Residential, R-3 Residential, R-4 Residential, R-5 Residential, ER Elderly Residential and OSR Open Space Residential Overlay Districts: four square feet.
[2]
In the VCR-1 District, VCR-2 District and Institutional Overlay District: 16 square feet.
[3]
In the CR Commercial Retail District, LI Light Industrial District, and IN Industrial District: 32 square feet.
(b)
Signs so erected shall be removed within 10 days after the settlement of the property.
(c)
For temporary advertising on the premises of the sale or development of homes within a subdivision, provided that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed 35 square feet, and provided that not more than two such signs shall be erected within any such subdivision.
(3)
Directional subdivision sign (off-premises) for a subdivision within Perkiomen Township, provided that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet, and provided that such signs shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 500 feet of street frontage.
(a)
A maximum of three off-premises directional signs shall be permitted for one development. Permission must be obtained in advance from the property owner where the sign is to be placed.
(b)
Signs shall not be erected more than 60 days prior to the beginning of the actual construction of the project and shall be removed within 10 days after the date of the sale or rental of the final unit in such development.
(4)
Temporary signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans erected and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed during the period in which such work is being performed, provided that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property in single and separate ownership, and provided that such sign shall be removed upon completion of the work.
(5)
Construction sign, provided that the area of any one side of the sign does not exceed 35 square feet and that the height is no more than 15 feet. One such sign per street frontage is permitted. Signs shall not be erected more than 60 days prior to the beginning of the actual construction of the project and shall be removed 10 days after the date of the sale or rental of the final unit in the development.
(6)
For sale of agricultural products, signs indicating the name of the owner or occupant and the product sold, provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(7)
Open house signs (on- and off-premises) for properties within Perkiomen Township. There shall be a maximum of one on-premises open house sign for each property line of street frontage.
(a)
A maximum of four off-premises directional open house signs shall be permitted for each home or development.
(b)
Signs shall not exceed four square feet per side and may not be illuminated.
(c)
Off-premises directional signs must have permission in advance from the property owner where the sign is to be placed. Signs cannot be placed in the legal right-of-way.
(d)
Freestanding open house and directional signs shall not exceed a height of six feet.
(e)
Open house signs shall be allowed to be posted two days prior to the open house and shall be taken down immediately upon the closing of the open house.
(8)
Signs which advertise public auctions for the disposal of real estate, property or merchandise.
(a)
Signs shall not exceed nine square feet in area, at a maximum height of six feet and shall be placed only on the property where the stated auction is being conducted.
(b)
Signs may be erected not earlier than 60 days prior to the advertised auction and shall be removed within 10 days after the auction.
(9)
Political signs. Political signs may be erected not earlier than 45 days before the date of the election. All political signs shall be removed within seven days after the election date.
(10)
Government signs (i.e., traffic signs, parking signs, etc.), official street and traffic signs and any signs required by law.
(11)
Incidental signs for the convenience and safety of the public (for example, signs identifying parking areas, telephones, rest rooms, loading docks, other public conveniences, etc.), provided that they contain no advertising and do not exceed three square feet.
(12)
Incidental signs, provided that the aggregate area of incidental signs on a property does not exceed four square feet; incidental sign area in excess of four square feet shall be included in the calculation of a property's permitted sign area.
(13)
Legal notices.
(14)
Public monument, plaque, historic identification sign erected by a government agency.
(15)
Government flag, insignia or decorative banners.
(16)
Address signs, not exceeding two square feet.
(17)
Nameplates and identification signs, provided that characters do not exceed three inches in height and with an area not exceeding two square feet.
(18)
Vending machine signs, where a product name is an integral component of the vending machine.
(19)
Home security signs, not exceeding one square foot.
(20)
Yard sale signs, which shall be no more than four square feet in size.
(21)
Personal expression signs, provided that they either are freestanding, wall or window signs. Such signs may not exceed six square feet and, in the case of freestanding signs, six feet in height. They also cannot be illuminated or placed within the legal right-of-way or clear sight triangle of a road.
C.
The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts provided the following requirements are satisfied and a sign permit is obtained from the Township:
(1)
Special event signs or banners. Special event signs or banners for public or quasi-public events shall comply with the following standards:
(a)
Regulations for all special event signs or banners. Signs or banners shall be posted no earlier than one month prior to the event and must be removed with seven days after the day of the scheduled event.
(b)
Special event banners.
[1]
Such banners shall be affixed to a building or some other appropriate sturdy structure.
[2]
The permitted size of any banner shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Township Zoning Officer.
[3]
If the banner is to be strung across a state-owned road, the sponsoring organization must receive necessary approvals from the PennDOT.
(c)
Special event signs. Off-premises signs, not exceeding 10 square feet in area and six feet in height, shall be permitted for any special event, provided that permission has been obtained from the property owner where the sign is to be placed.
(2)
Seasonal activity sign. Seasonal activity signs shall be posted no earlier than 30 days prior to the date the activity begins and must be removed no later than seven days after the activity starts. The area of any one side of the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(3)
Registration sign (off-premises) shall be posted no earlier than 30 days prior to the date the registration begins and shall be removed no later than seven days after the last day of registration. The area of any one side of the sign shall not exceed six square feet.
D.
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger traffic on a street by obscuring a clear view or by confusion with official street signs or signals.
E.
No sign, other than official municipal street or directional signs, street banner signs, or political signs, shall be erected or maintained within the legal street right-of-way.
F.
No sign shall be erected or maintained as to prevent free ingress and egress to or from any door, window or fire escape.
G.
No signs shall be placed on utility poles.
H.
Property owners shall assume the cost of relocating any sign within the ultimate right-of-way of a street which is widened.
I.
All signs shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be maintained in good condition and repair at all times.
J.
Illumination standards: Signs may only be illuminated in accordance with the requirements of this article herein and the requirements of the specific zoning district in which the sign is located:
(1)
All illuminated signs. No more than 0.5 footcandle of light shall be detectable along the boundary of any adjacent property. Illumination of signs shall be subject to the National Electrical Code.
(2)
External illumination.
(a)
External illumination shall be by a steady, stationary light source, shielded and directed solely at the sign. The light source must be static in color.
(b)
The source of light must be concealed by translucent covers.
(3)
Internal illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination, including neon lighting, must be static in intensity and color.
(b)
Electronic signs using internally illuminated components shall only be permitted pursuant to § 310-85.
K.
Sign location requirements. No freestanding sign can occupy a designated parking area or intended parking area, walkway, cartway, driveway or area designated for any other use.
L.
Removal of signs.
(1)
The Township shall have the authority to remove or require the removal and demolition of signs under the following circumstances:
(a)
When it is determined that the sign has deteriorated to the point of becoming a danger to the public.
(b)
When a sign is erected without an approved sign permit.
(c)
When a sign is erected which does not comply with the requirements of this article.
(d)
A nonconforming sign which has not been removed or brought into conformity pursuant to § 310-90 of this article.
(2)
Except as set forth in Subsection L(5) below, the removal procedure will be initiated by a letter to the owner or lessee by the Zoning Officer, requiring the removal of such sign within 30 days.
(3)
Owner's or lessee's remedial action for each circumstance:
(a)
Deteriorated/hazardous sign: rehabilitation/repair of sign within 30 days.
(b)
No sign permit: obtain permit within 30 days.
(c)
Prohibited sign or nonconforming sign: required to be brought into conformity pursuant to this article.
(4)
A landowner's failure to take remedial action within 30 days after notice is given shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
(5)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections L(1) to (4) above, any "snipe," "for sale," "open house," "yard sale," or other similar sign installed or placed on public property or within any public right-of-way that is not in conformity with the regulations of this article shall be forfeited to the public and subject to immediate confiscation and destruction. In addition to other authorized remedies, the Township shall have the right to recover from the owner of the sign, the owner of the property, or the person placing such sign, the full cost of removal and disposal of any and all such signs.
§ 310-84 Electronic signs.
A.
The purpose of this section is to regulate the use of electronic signs within the Township, to minimize the impact of such signs that may distract drivers and be detrimental to neighboring properties, and to limit the aesthetic impact that a proliferation of electronic signs could have on Township properties.
B.
Electronic signs shall only be permitted in conjunction with nonresidential uses in the following districts and none other:
(1)
CR Commercial Retail District.
(2)
LI Light Industrial District.
(3)
IN Industrial District.
(4)
VCR-1 and VCR-2 Village Commercial Residential Districts, provided that such nonresidential uses to which electronic signs are accessory are located upon arterial roads and the electronic sign is permitted as a conditional use in accordance with § 310-53 of this chapter and § 310-84C below.
(5)
R-5 Residential District, provided that such sign is for a nonresidential use and located upon an arterial or collector road and the electronic sign is permitted as a conditional use in accordance with § 310-53 of this chapter and § 310-84C below.
(6)
Institutional Overlay District, provided that such sign is for a nonresidential use and located upon an arterial road.
C.
Where permitted, all electronic signs shall comply with the following requirements:
(1)
No electronic sign, or any electronic display component of any sign, shall not exceed 35 square feet in area.
(2)
Message display.
(a)
Each message displayed on an electronic sign must be static or depicted for a minimum of 10 seconds.
(b)
Where text is displayed on a background, the text shall be brighter than the background, i.e., dark text shall not be displayed on a bright background.
(c)
Each complete message must fit onto one screen, i.e., no scrolling or incomplete messages permitted.
(d)
Electronic signs may not contain animation or any flashing, scrolling, or moving lights, text or graphics, or any type of video.
(e)
The display of an electronic sign must transition by changing instantly, with no transition graphics (i.e., no fade-out or fade-in).
(f)
One message/display may be brighter than another, but each individual message/display must be static in intensity.
(g)
The electronic sign shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(3)
Illumination.
(a)
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance shall be no greater than 5,000 nits.
(b)
Between sunset and 10:00 p.m., luminance shall be no greater than 250 nits.
(c)
Between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise, luminance shall be no greater than 100 nits.
(d)
Each electronic sign shall be equipped with automatic day/night dimming software, to adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change to comply with the limits set herein.
(e)
Lighting from the sign must not exceed an intensity of 0.5 footcandle of light at the property line, as measured with a portable handheld light sensor.
(f)
The sign may not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary driver, or constitute a nuisance.
(4)
Content. Electronic display signs may only be used to advertise or promote goods or services offered on the premises; time and temperature; and/or emergency service announcements. In addition, if the sign is capable of being connected to the Amber Alert System, the owner of the sign must so register, and, shall display all Amber Alert messages whenever issued.
(5)
The addition of any electronic sign to any nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(6)
No more than one electronic sign is permitted per premises, regardless of number of signs permitted or the number of uses. Electronic signs provided on properties with multiple uses or tenants shall be shared or made available to all uses or tenants.
(7)
Electronic signs shall comply with other applicable sign regulations.
(8)
Upon completion of an electronic sign's installation, the installing contractor shall provide a written certification to the Township, certifying the following: the electronic sign's design specifications and that the electronic sign complies with all requirements of this section, including but not limited to Subsection C(2) and (3) above.
§ 310-85 Signs permitted in residential districts.
The following number and types of signs are permitted for any one lot located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and ER Districts:
A.
Any sign permitted in § 310-83B and C of this article.
B.
Professional, accessory use, home occupation or name signs on the same lot with and indicating the name, profession or activity of the occupant of the dwelling, provided that the area of any one side shall not exceed two square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected for each permitted use or dwelling and a permit has been obtained from Perkiomen Township for such sign.
C.
Electronic Signs in the R-5 District as permitted in § 310-84B(5) of this article.
§ 310-86 Signs permitted in mixed-use and industrial districts.
The following number and types of signs are permitted for any one lot located in the VCR-1, VCR-2, IN Industrial Districts:
A.
Any sign permitted in § 310-83B and C of this article.
B.
Residential uses. Residential uses are allowed any of the signs permitted in § 310-85 of this article.
C.
Commercial or industrial uses. The following signs are permitted and require permits:
(1)
One freestanding business or identification sign per street frontage.
(a)
At gas stations, one additional freestanding sign per street frontage for advertising gas prices only, provided that this sign is attached to a freestanding sign.
(2)
One of the following types of signs for each side of the building which faces a street or a parking lot located on the same property:
(a)
Awning sign.
(b)
Identification sign.
(c)
Marquee sign.
(d)
Painted wall sign.
(e)
Parallel wall sign.
(f)
Window sign.
(g)
Projecting wall sign.
(3)
One of the following types of temporary signs:
(a)
Portable signs.
(b)
Special event signs or banners.
(c)
Seasonal activity signs.
(d)
Registration signs.
(4)
Directory signs.
(5)
Electronic signs as permitted by § 310-84 of this article.
§ 310-87 Dimensional standards for signs in mixed use-and industrial districts.
A.
Total signage for any nonresidential use: 35 square feet, to be divided between one or more signs.
B.
Additionally, window signs are permitted, provided they do not exceed 30% of the glazed area of any window which faces a public street.
C.
Multiple tenants or buildings.
(1)
An individual building with multiple tenants is allowed a directory sign, which must be mounted on the building, and each tenant is allowed a sign of no more than three square feet with the total sign area not to exceed 24 square feet.
(2)
Multiple buildings are allowed directory signs at any entrance to their development, provided that the sign is designed as a freestanding sign, supported by poles or standards located in the ground. Such sign may not exceed 70 square feet and cannot be located more than 12 feet above the highest grade on which it is placed.
D.
Gas stations are allowed price signs, provided they do not exceed 36 square feet and are attached to permanent freestanding sign, which shall be in addition to the freestanding center sign.
E.
No projecting sign shall project more than seven feet from the surface to which it is mounted, nor project over the wall, roofline or surface to which it is mounted.
F.
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
G.
There shall be a minimum clearance of 10 feet between the bottom of the projecting sign and a public sidewalk or walkway.
H.
No sign shall be placed within five feet of a property line.
I.
Special event signs, banners, portable signs or commemorative flags for businesses announcing a grand opening, going-out-of-business sale or other special promotional event shall comply with the following standards:
(1)
The property or business shall display only one special event sign, banner, portable sign or commemorative flag at any one time.
(2)
A special event sign, banner or commemorative flag for a business shall be displayed no more than four times during the calendar year for periods of time not exceeding 30 calendar days. Portable signs may be displayed for a period of time not exceeding 60 days per calendar year.
§ 310-88 Signs permitted in CR District.
Regardless of those signs permitted under § 310-83B, the following number and type of signs are permitted for any one lot or building located in the CR Commercial Retail District, provided a permit has been obtained from Perkiomen Township:
A.
Any sign permitted in § 310-83B of this article.
B.
Any applicable sign permitted in § 310-86C of this article.
C.
Electronic signs as permitted in § 310-84 of this article.
D.
All dimensional standards for signs in § 310-87 shall apply for this district.
E.
Shopping centers shall have the following dimensional standards, but no electronic sign be permitted in excess of 35 square feet:
(1)
One freestanding center sign, provided it does not exceed 350 square feet and is not more than 25 feet in height.
(2)
An on-site, parallel, wall-mounted sign. The wall-mounted sign shall be determined by the size of the building:
Building Size (square feet) | Maximum Sign Size (square feet) |
|---|---|
10,000 | 100 |
10,001 to 20,000 | 200 |
20,001 to 30,000 | 300 |
30,000 plus | 400 |
(3)
At no time shall the wall-mounted sign cover more than 20% of the total face of the front wall.
§ 310-89 Signs permitted for Institutional Overlay District.
A.
Any sign permitted in § 310-83B of this article.
B.
One freestanding or wall sign, provided that it does not exceed 35 square feet and, in the case of a freestanding sign, 10 feet in height, provided a permit has been obtained from Perkiomen Township.
C.
Electronic signs as permitted in § 310-84B(6) of this article.
§ 310-90 Off-premises advertising signs.
A.
Off-premises advertising signs are permitted only in the Industrial (IN) District with Perkiomen Township Board of Supervisor approval by conditional use, pursuant to the following:
(1)
If the provisions with respect to location, use, size or height of signs are more restrictive in the building code enforced by the Perkiomen Township or any acts of assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, those restrictions shall take precedence over the regulations and conditions as otherwise set forth in this chapter.
(2)
An off-premises advertising sign may be double-faced with two advertising surfaces. However, both surfaces shall be the same size and shape, and the total length of the sign structure shall not exceed 20 feet, and the total height of the copy areas shall not exceed 18 feet, with a total copy area not exceeding 100 square feet.
(3)
Off-premises advertising signs may not be attached or painted on a building.
(4)
Off-premises advertising signs shall be located 75 feet from the ultimate right-of-way or 100 feet from any property line.
(5)
An open space of not less than four feet shall be maintained between the lower edge of the off-premises advertising sign display surface and the ground.
(6)
No portion of the supporting structure shall be visible above any advertising display area.
(7)
No off-premises advertising sign shall be located closer than 500 feet to the nearest off-premises sign on the same side of the highway, regardless of the size of the sign.
(8)
No off-premises advertising sign shall be allowed within 500 feet of the nearest public or private elementary, middle or high school or religious institution.
(9)
All off-premises advertising signs shall be erected on permanent footings or support structures designed by a registered structural engineer.
(10)
The applicant for any sign permit shall present a written statement from the owner of the property that the applicant has the right to use the property to erect a sign as well as maintain the sign during the time that the sign is erected. The owner must further verify in writing that it will, at its sole cost and expense, cause the sign to be removed at such time as there is no further use of the sign.
(11)
A permit will be obtained from Perkiomen Township prior to sign installation.
