Plumstead Township City Zoning Code
PART 26
SIGNS
§ 27-2601 Purpose.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2600; amended by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023]
The purpose of sign regulations is:
1.
To provide uniform standards for signs within the Township and specific standards for signs in each zoning district.
2.
To establish procedures for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
3.
To regulate the locations, size, construction, erection, alteration, use, and maintenance of signs.
4.
To promote the use of well-crafted signs in harmony with the architectural, rural and residential character of the Township.
§ 27-2602 Definitions.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2601; amended by Ord. 2003-09, 8/19/2003, Art. I; Ord. 2008-07, 4/15/2008; Ord. 2010-09, 11/3/2010, Art. X; and by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023]
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current, open, and/or active business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least six months; a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or vandalized and not repaired within 60 days; or a temporary sign that has not been removed within the required timeframe.
A sign that designates the street number, street name, and/or occupants of a property or location for identification purposes.
A change in the size, shape, or type of an existing sign. Copy or color change of an existing sign is not an alteration. Changing or replacing a sign face or panel is not an alteration, provided there is no increase in the size of the sign face or panel.
A person or entity who applies for a sign permit in accordance with the provisions of this part.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself. The computation of area of the sign shall include decorative trim in addition to the portion devoted to the message and lettering.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
Unless provided otherwise, in computing square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
Illumination.
Indirectly illuminated signs are those which have no internal source of light but which have lights external to the sign which shine on signs to illuminate them. Lights shall shine with white or clear light only.
Directly illuminated signs are signs which have an internal light source within the sign. The internal light source shall be a white or clear light only.
Unilluminated signs are those which have no internal or external illumination.
A sign with its copy on a shelter made of any nonrigid material, such as fabric or flexible plastic that is supported by or stretched over a frame and attached to an exterior wall of a building or other structure.
A sign with its copy on nonrigid material such as cloth, plastic, fabric, or paper with no supporting framework. Banners are temporary in nature and do not include flags such as the flag of the United States, the Pennsylvania state flag, and/or other local governmental flags.
A sign that is applied or affixed to a building, including awning, canopy, marquee, projecting, wall, and window signs, but not roof signs.
A sign on a rigid multisided structure attached to a building or on any other freestanding structure, that may have a roof with support but no walls.
A freestanding or monument sign erected at the primary entrance of a residential community for the purpose of providing a visual notification to motorists and passersby of the name and location of the entrance of the community which the sign identifies. Signs erected for nonresidential purposes shall not be considered development identification signs.
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. A directional sign shall not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services, and no sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered directional.
A sign with two faces, back to back.
A sign or portion thereof that is an electronically activated changeable sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures, and/or images whose presentation capabilities can be electronically or digitally programmed. Under no circumstances shall an electronic message center sign be considered an off-premises sign (generally known as a "billboard").
Emergency warning signs erected by a government agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.
The general term for any sign which is supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent and detached from any building or other structure. A freestanding sign can either be a monument sign or a pole sign. All freestanding signs may be double-faced.
A usually symmetrical two- (gambrel) or four- (mansard) sided roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope of the roof is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope of the roof is steep.
A sign erected by a municipality, or on behalf of a municipality, for the purpose of identifying the entrance of the municipality, or sections of that municipality such as a village area or a specific section or district within the municipality.
A sign erected by a governmental entity, including safety signs, signs indicating points of interest, historical markers, signs identifying official government buildings or facilities.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from an artificial source.
EXTERNALAn artificial light source located away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
INTERNALAn artificial light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Message center signs, digital displays, and signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination for the purposes of this chapter.
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "telephone," "no entry," and other similar directives; advertising the availability of restrooms or public conveniences; and signs showing store hours, the names of accepted credit institutions, affiliations with business groups or associations, and business-related awards. An incidental sign shall not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services, and no sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
Any sign attached to a covered structure projecting from and supported by a building with independent roof and drainage provisions and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against the weather.
Any vehicle or trailer which has attached thereto or thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises. These shall not include business logos, identification, or advertising on vehicles primarily used for other business purposes.
A type of freestanding sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building.
A sign which was erected prior to the establishment of zoning regulations within the Township or was erected in compliance with the then-enacted zoning regulations but does not currently comply with the applicable sign regulations of this chapter.
A type of sign which directs attention to or contains a message about a business, industry, profession, product, commodity, service, event, entertainment, idea, concept, point of view, or other commercial or noncommercial activity, not specifically located upon, sold, offered, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the premises where the sign is located. Also generally known as a "billboard."
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business, profession, product, commodity, service, event, entertainment, idea, concept, point of view, or other commercial or noncommercial activity located upon, sold, offered, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the same property where the sign is located.
A sign attached or affixed to a building, window, or structure, or to the ground, in a manner that enables the sign to resist environmental loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement of the sign and whose intended placement and use appears to be indefinite.
A type of freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or a base structure.
Any sign, including banners and flags, intended to express political beliefs, or to promote an individual or an issue on an election ballot.
A sign that is dependent on a building for support and which projects more than 12 inches from the building, including an awning sign. Whenever a canopy or awning is affixed with any lettering, design, symbol, or made from any special material which is intended to be or by its nature is an identification of a business, the applicable measurable area of the awning or canopy is a projecting sign.
A sign, any part of which is erected, constructed, and/or maintained on or above the eve of the roof of a building; or a sign, any part of which is erected, constructed, and maintained higher than the highest elevation of the lower slope of a gambrel or mansard roof.
A sign that is not permanently attached to the ground or a building and is readily movable by a single person, consisting of two faces, connected, and hinged at the top and whose message is targeted to pedestrians.
A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely to provide information concerning the event occurring within the venue to the attendees of the event.
Any device visible from a public place whose essential purpose and design is to convey either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. The term "sign" shall not include any flag or badge or insignia of the United States, State of Pennsylvania, Bucks County, Plumstead Township, or official historic plaques of any governmental jurisdiction or agency. A sign includes the sign faces, as well as any sign supporting structure.
Signs placed for a specified period of time, not to be permanent, including but not limited to signs for the sale of agricultural products, contracts, mechanics or artisan signs, community event signs or garage sale signs.
Any of the following signs erected and maintained on public highways and roads by the commonwealth, the county, the Township or, in the case of private streets, the owner of the road: official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional signs, parking signs, railroad crossing signs, construction signs, emergency signs, and other traffic signs erected and maintained in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
A sign that is in any manner affixed to an exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building, provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign.
A sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or placed inside a window, facing the outside of the building, and visible from the outside.
§ 27-2603 Sign Regulations Applicable to All Districts.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2602; amended by Ord. 2003-09, 8/19/2003, Art. II; Ord. 2008-07, 4/15/2008; and by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023]
Objectives of Sign Regulations. The purpose of the sign regulations is to allow for the public to be able to identify community businesses and to protect the community appearance by regulating the size, location, and type of signs used. Signs should be designed to be compatible with the rural/suburban nature of the community.
A.
Except for temporary signs, no more than one freestanding sign shall be placed on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event one freestanding sign may be erected on each street frontage.
B.
Unless the regulations of this chapter specifically state that a sign may be placed off the lot or premises to which it relates, signs may be placed only on the same lot with the use or establishment to which the sign relates.
C.
Obstruction. No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street or entering a street by obscuring the view, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic control device. No sign shall be placed in a clear sight triangle.
D.
Location. All parts of any sign, except for official traffic and street signs, shall observe the following placement requirements:
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained within 15 feet of the edge of the cartway or curb or be located within, or project over, the legal right-of-way of any existing or proposed street or road, whichever is greater.
(2)
No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of 10 feet from the side property boundary of a lot, except as may be specifically permitted by this part.
(3)
No sign shall be placed on Township property except for those signs installed by the Township or which the Township requires.
(4)
No sign shall be placed along a state road or road right-of-way which violates the regulations of PennDOT.
(5)
No sign shall be placed in a manner that blocks the entrance or exit of a building, or within a parking space or fire lane.
(6)
No sign shall be attached, erected, posted, painted, or otherwise placed upon public or private property without the permission and/or knowledge of the property owner (with the exception of signs posted in accordance with legal notification requirements).
(7)
No sign shall be placed on or near a public sidewalk, trail, or other thoroughfare in a manner that would obstruct the movement of pedestrians or bicyclists.
(8)
Only banner signs, traffic signs, and governmental signs are permitted within a public street right-of-way. In no case shall a sign intrude or hang over the cartway of a public road.
E.
Code Requirements. All signs over two square feet in size, other than official highway signs, shall be considered as structures and shall conform to the provisions of this chapter, the municipal Building Code, and any other ordinance regulations of the Township.
F.
Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited:
(1)
Signs of a flashing, rotating or revolving type, including strobe lights and spotlights, with the exception of barber poles and/or signs that display the date, time or outside temperature.
(2)
Novelty signs, including but not limited to objects such as tires, automobiles, food products, pennants, banners, balloons, bulletin boards, and animated signs.
(3)
Roof signs.
(4)
Any sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights is prohibited.
(5)
Signs erected or attached to a tree or utility pole or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature.
(6)
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street, except for such signs which are approved by the Board of Supervisors to be of general benefit to the Township, or for public convenience, necessity, or welfare.
(7)
Any sign suspended between poles that is either a pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind.
(8)
Any sign that interferes with, obstructs, mimics, imitates, or resembles a traffic sign, traffic signal, or traffic device.
(9)
Any mobile sign which is parked on or near a public right-of-way and/or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the primary purpose is for advertising.
(10)
Any sign is prohibited that does not conform to the requirements of the sign ordinance that was in effect when the sign was erected.
(11)
No sign shall be erected containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of the Plumstead Township Zoning Ordinance in the zoning district on which the property to which the sign relates is located.
(12)
No freestanding, building, wall, projecting, or directory sign shall contain neon or other gases in exposed tubes, audio speakers and/or any form of pyrotechnics, or any device that emits open flames, flashing lights, smoke, sound, or odor.
(13)
A series of lights or lighting outlining the edges of buildings or building elements shall be considered a sign under the terms of this chapter and shall be prohibited.
(14)
Portable or movable signs, except as permitted temporary signs.
(15)
All electrical or digital signs, except electronic message centers that comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(16)
Any sign fully or partially blocking ingress to and/or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. Only safety signs shall be attached to fire escapes or fire standpipes.
G.
All permanent signs shall be professionally lettered and neatly displayed.
H.
Interior signs, which are signs placed within a building and are placed more than 12 inches from the interior surface of a window, are not regulated by the provisions of this chapter.
I.
Illuminated Signs. Any illuminated sign, whether illuminated from within or by an exterior light, shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1)
No illuminated sign facing an occupied dwelling unit within an agricultural or residential district shall be permitted within 200 feet of such occupied dwelling.
(2)
No red, green or yellow illuminated sign shall be permitted on the exterior of a building, but shall be permitted in the interior of a building.
(3)
Signs which contain, include, or are illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights are prohibited.
(4)
Internally illuminated signs shall have dark backgrounds and light letters, rather than light backgrounds and dark letters, in order to reduce glare and increase visibility.
J.
Construction and Maintenance.
(1)
All signs must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair at all times. The requirements of applicable Township codes shall be met.
(2)
Detailed plans showing supporting structural members and foundations must be submitted to the Building Inspector's office for approval before issuance of a permit. The seal of a registered engineer shall be required on all plans in any instance when the Building Inspector or the Township Engineer deems the approval of a registered engineer necessary to public safety.
K.
Removal or Abandonment.
(1)
The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the circumstances that caused its erection have ceased to exist, or at such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provision of this chapter. If the owner of any property upon which a sign has been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as herein above required, the Zoning Officer shall give notice by certified mail to the owner. If this letter is returned undelivered, for any reason, he or she may post such notice upon the premises. If, upon the expiration of 30 days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the Zoning Officer shall arrange for its removal on behalf of the Township, at the expense of the property owner, and the Township shall bill the owner for the cost of such work plus 10% for administrative cost. If such bill remains unpaid after the expiration of 30 days, the Township Solicitor shall take the necessary steps to collect the same, including but not limited to the placement of a municipal lien upon the property. Failure of the property owner to remove such sign after the notice hereinabove provided shall constitute a violation of the terms of this chapter, and each day's continuance of such failure shall constitute a separate violation.
(2)
If the owner of any sign in violation is not the owner of the premises on which it is situated, the identical notices specified above may be issued to him in like manner, and such owner of the sign shall be required to take such steps to comply with the notice or notices issued to him as though he were the owner of the property or premises on which the sign is located; if such owner of the sign fails to comply, such failure shall constitute a violation of the terms of this chapter. Such owner of the sign shall be liable to the same extent as the owner of the property or premises on which the sign is located.
L.
Unsafe and Unlawful Signs. If the Zoning Officer finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give notice, in the same manner as in Subsection K above, to the party to whom the permit was issued to erect the sign or to the owner of the premises where the sign is located, or to the owner of the sign or to any combination of them. If the parties notified fail to remove or alter the sign to comply with the standards herein set forth within 10 days after notice, such sign may be removed or altered by the Township at the expense of each and every person notified. The expenses of removal or alteration shall be computed and paid for by the parties notified in the same manner as in Subsection K above, and the same sanctions shall apply. The Zoning Officer may cause any sign or other advertising structure that is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
M.
Nonconforming Signs. Any sign existing and lawful at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height, or size with the regulations of the district in which such sign is located shall be considered a nonconforming sign and may continue in its present location until replacement or rebuilding becomes necessary, at which time a zoning permit shall be required and the sign must be brought into conformity with this chapter. If the sign is a part of a nonconforming use of the property, any such sign may be maintained, modernized, or replaced without increasing its size, provided that such sign was legally erected prior to the adoption of this chapter. If the nonconforming use of the property is changed to another nonconforming use or to a permitted use, such sign shall be brought into conformity with the requirements of this chapter.
§ 27-2604 Administration and Signs Exempt from Permits.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2603; amended by Ord. 2003-09, 8/19/2003, Art. III; Ord. 2017-05, 11/28/2017; and by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023]
A.
Zoning Permits. A zoning permit shall be secured prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration or relocation of any sign, except the signs which are exempt from permits by this part, within the Township. The changing of movable parts of an approved sign that is designed for changes, or the replacing of sign facing material, or the repainting or reposting of display matter shall not be deemed an alteration, provided the conditions of the original approval are not violated. For purposes of obtaining a zoning permit, the applicant shall make application in writing and shall submit a plan, sketch of design and lettering, construction plans, including loads, stresses, anchorage, and any other pertinent engineering data to the Zoning Officer. The plot plan shall indicate all existing structures, including signs. The application shall contain all necessary facts with respect to signs already existing on the property.
B.
Any erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or moving of any sign, poster, or advertising structure shall be commenced within one year after the date of issuance of the zoning permit. If such activities are not commenced within the prescribed period of time, the permit shall be considered null and void.
C.
The following sign types do not require a permit. The regulations regarding size and placement of these signs are found in §§ 27-2605 through 27-2609 of this part.
(1)
Traffic signs or signals and emergency signs.
(2)
Trespassing signs and warning signs. Such signs shall not exceed two square feet in sign area and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 50 feet.
(3)
Directional, incidental, and public service information signs, except where otherwise stated approval may be required in this chapter.
(4)
Signs placed inside a building more than 12 inches from a window or door.
(5)
Any temporary sign, so long as any such sign complies with the requirements of this chapter, placed on the property by the owner or tenant of the property or authorized to be placed on the property by the owner or person occupying the property where the sign is placed without receiving remuneration.
(6)
Signs indicating that the property the sign is located upon is preserved by the Township, the county, the commonwealth, and/or a land trust. Only one per road frontage shall be permitted and shall not exceed four square feet in sign area and shall have a maximum sign height of five feet.
(7)
Cornerstones, historical plaques, or plates affixed to the surface of a building wall, so long as any such sign does not exceed four square feet in sign area.
(8)
Signs or displays, including lighting, which are temporary and celebrate a national, state, or local holiday; religious or cultural holiday; or another holiday season.
(9)
Legal notices.
(10)
Any sign erected by or at the direction of Plumstead Township.
(11)
Governmental flags or insignias.
(12)
Address signs.
(13)
Political signs.
D.
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit shall not relieve the owner of the sign from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner that complies with all other provisions of this chapter.
E.
Inspection. The Building Inspector shall require the proper maintenance of all signs and shall inspect every sign for which a permit is required within 10 days after work is completed on the sign.
F.
Fees and Deposits. Permit fees and refundable escrow deposit amounts, as required herein, shall be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
G.
Plan Requirements. Any sign which is intended to be used or included in any development or plan of building or development to be submitted and reviewed by the Township shall be identified on the plan, including location, size, nature of the sign materials, and the purpose of the sign.
§ 27-2605 Signs Permitted in Residential Districts.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2604; amended by Ord. 2003-09, 8/19/2003, Art. IV; Ord. 2017-05, 11/28/2017; and by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023]
In the RP, R-O, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 Districts, the following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted. Signs may be unilluminated or indirectly illuminated but shall not be internally illuminated with lights inside the sign.
A.
Traffic signs and emergency signs.
B.
Any temporary or exempt sign. All temporary signs shall comply with the following:
(1)
One temporary real estate sign advertising the sale and/or lease of a property shall be permitted for each road the property fronts upon. The sign shall be removed within 30 days from the date of final sale or execution of lease of any property. Residential signs shall not exceed six square feet in sign area. Nonresidential signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign area. No real estate sign shall exceed six feet in height.
(2)
Temporary signs in residential zoning districts shall not exceed six square feet in sign area or exceed four feet in height, unless otherwise stated in this chapter.
(3)
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated in any fashion.
(4)
Temporary signs associated with construction work occurring at any specific property shall be limited to six square feet in sign area and shall be removed upon completion of the project. Only one sign shall be permitted to be placed on the property where the construction work is occurring.
(5)
Temporary signs advertising the sale of agricultural and/or horticultural events or activities associated with an agricultural use shall not exceed 12 square feet in sign area and shall not exceed five feet in height.
(a)
On a lot where products are sold and events are held, one sign per road frontage is permitted on lots that are 25 acres or less, and two signs per road frontage are permitted on lots that are over 25 acres.
(b)
Up to four off-premises locations within Plumstead Township are permitted to be erected for any single establishment upon approval of a Township permit. One sign per off-premises location is permitted. Off-premises signs shall only be permitted when written permission from the owner of the property where the sign is proposed is provided to the Township.
(c)
An agricultural temporary sign may be permitted to be erected for no more than 45 days per year, which may be divided among more than one growing season.
(6)
Temporary signs exceeding six square feet may be permitted but shall require a permit from the Township Zoning Officer. Such signs must comply with the following:
(a)
Maximum size: 24 square feet.
(b)
The erector of such signs or those responsible for or benefiting by the erection shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer, and make a deposit with the Township at the time of application of a sum to be set at a certain amount from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, to ensure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within 20 days after the event to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the twenty-day period, the Township will then have them removed and forfeit the sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred in removal. The deposit shall be returned upon the satisfactory removal of such signs within the twenty-day period. The deposit amounts required to be paid herein are in addition to the permit fee.
(c)
No such temporary sign may be displayed for a period or periods exceeding a total of 45 days in any one calendar year, unless authorized by the Board of Supervisors to be renewed a longer period of time.
(7)
Political signs shall not be placed within a public right of way, clear sight triangle, upon any Township-owned property (except for a Township-owned property serving as a polling location) or erected in a manner that may cause an obstruction for motorists or pedestrians but is otherwise exempt from the requirements of this section.
C.
Development identification signs for residential developments may be permitted, provided the following regulations are met:
(1)
Permanent freestanding or monument identification signs for residential developments containing more than 10 dwelling units shall have a maximum sign area of 15 square feet and shall have a maximum sign height of six feet.
(2)
Permanent freestanding or monument identification signs for residential developments containing 10 dwelling units or less shall have a maximum sign area of eight square feet and shall have a maximum sign height of four feet and shall include "Plumstead Township" on the face of the sign so as to identify the residential development being located within the Township.
(3)
Any sign erected shall be maintained by a homeowners'/condominium association and/or the owner of the property where the sign is located. Documentation shall be provided to the Township acknowledging the entity/person(s) responsible for the sign maintenance and containing the contact information for that entity/person(s). If at any point the responsible party has changed, updated documentation shall be provided to the Township.
(4)
Only one sign shall be permitted per community and the sign shall be located at the community's primary entrance, which is the entrance most frequently traveled to gain interior access to the development. The sign shall be erected upon property owned and maintained by a homeowners/condominium association.
(5)
Temporary signs advertising the development of premises upon which they are erected, when erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other person interested in such sale or development, may be erected and maintained, provided that:
D.
Identification signs for schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, life care facilities, full care facilities or similar institutions, and for clubs, golf courses, farms, or estates, provided that the following regulations are met:
E.
Gateway signs. All gateway signs shall comply with the following:
(1)
Every gateway sign must be a freestanding or monument sign. Archway style gateway signs that span across any public roadway are strictly prohibited.
(2)
Dimension.
(a)
A gateway sign shall comply with the requirements of freestanding signs in the zoning district in which they are proposed. However, a gateway sign may exceed the maximum sign height and sign area requirements of this chapter, but only when the sign design is approved by the Plumstead Township Board of Supervisors.
(3)
The location and design of any new gateway sign must be approved by the Plumstead Township Board of Supervisors.
F.
Signs advertising nonresidential uses, where such uses are permitted as principal or valid nonconforming uses, provided that the following regulations are met:
G.
Sign types permitted are freestanding and building wall signs. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a maximum height of five feet from the ground level to the top of the sign in these zoning districts.
§ 27-2606 Signs Permitted in Commercial Districts: C-1, C-2, and C-3.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2605; amended by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023]
The following types of signs are permitted in the C-1, C-2, and C-3 Districts:
B.
Signs for only one principal use on one lot in accordance with the following regulations:
(1)
Wall sign: One shall be permitted for each wall facing a public street, each with a total area not to exceed 12% of the total area of the building face on which the sign is located. The total maximum sign area shall be 60 square feet.
(2)
Freestanding sign: One shall be permitted for each public street in which the lot has frontage. The following sign heights and size options can be used:
C.
Signs for a Use G25, Shopping Center, or similar group of uses on one lot shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:
(1)
One freestanding sign shall be permitted for any shopping center unless the property on which the shopping center use is located fronts on more than one street, in which event one sign may be erected on each frontage.
(2)
Each commercial use in a shopping center or similar group of stores on one lot shall be permitted one sign per exposed exterior wall. The surface area of each sign shall not exceed 12% of the surface area of the exposed exterior wall or up to a maximum of 100 square feet. These signs may not project more than two feet from the facade or building overhang; and if any sign projects more than six inches from the face of the building, the bottom of the sign must be at least eight feet above the sidewalk below. The height of a building sign shall not exceed the height to the uppermost projection of the building at the location on the facade where it is to be located.
(3)
All freestanding signs shall have bases and supports designed and landscaped to screen utility and service equipment associated with them. Monument-type signs are preferred.
D.
Electronic message center sign. All electronic message center signs shall comply with the following:
(1)
Electronic message center signs are permitted in the form of freestanding or wall signs or incorporated as a portion of a freestanding or wall sign. Electronic message centers are permitted instead of and shall not be permitted in addition to a permitted freestanding or wall sign on a property. The sign area of the electronic message center sign counts towards the total permitted sign area permitted for the sign type.
(2)
Only one message center sign is permitted per property, regardless of the number of street frontages the property has, or the number of signs permitted on the property under this part.
(3)
All displays or messages, or any portion thereof, must have a minimum duration of 15 seconds and must be a static display. Message may change immediately or fade in and out only. No portion of any display or message may flash, scroll, twirl, twinkle, oscillate, rotate, blink, change color, or imitate movement in any other manner.
(4)
The illumination and/or intensity of the display shall be controlled so as to not create glare, hazards, or nuisances. The brightness of the electronic message center sign shall not exceed 0.3 footcandle of light above the normal ambient light levels. Such signs shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology which automatically adjusts the sign's brightness based on ambient light conditions. The Township may, at its discretion, require approval from its Lighting Engineer for the illumination of the electronic message center sign.
(5)
All electronic message center signs must be equipped with a properly functioning default mechanism that will stop the sign and return to a solid black display should a malfunction occur.
(6)
The applicant and/or owner of the electronic message center sign shall be required to coordinate and allow access for local, regional, state, and national emergency services during emergency situations. Emergency messages are not required to conform to message standards required by this part.
E.
Temporary signs in nonresidential zoning districts shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign area and shall not exceed six feet in height.
(1)
One temporary sign is permitted for each road the property fronts upon. On properties with multiple units, one temporary sign is permitted for each unit.
(2)
Any temporary sign exceeding six square feet shall require a permit from the Township Zoning Officer. The application shall indicate the total number of days the sign is to be on display, a site plan to show the location of the sign, and a rendering of the sign showing its dimensions. The display of temporary signs shall be limited to no more than 45 days per calendar year, whether consecutive, or broken up throughout the calendar year.
(3)
A deposit shall be submitted to the Township at the time of application, of a sum to be set at a certain amount from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, to ensure that all signs be removed promptly within 10 consecutive days from the date on which the permit is set to expire. The deposit shall be returned upon satisfactory removal of such signs within the ten-day period. If the sign is not removed, the deposit shall be forfeited, and the Township shall reserve the right to remove and dispose of the sign.
(4)
Sandwich board signs shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs permitted on a property. Sandwich board signs shall comply with the following:
(a)
Only one sandwich board sign is permitted per establishment.
(b)
Sandwich board signs shall not be illuminated.
(c)
Sandwich board signs shall not be placed in any location which obstructs any sidewalk, parking area, fire lane, and/or building entrance or exit. A minimum of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk must be maintained between the sign and any building, edge of sidewalk, curb, or other obstruction.
F.
Marquee signs shall be permitted only in nonresidential zoning districts, provided the signs comply with the following:
(1)
Only one marquee sign shall be permitted on any property and shall be located above the primary public entrance of a building facing a public street or parking lot.
(2)
No marquee containing a marquee sign shall be wider than the entrance it services, plus two feet on each side thereof.
(3)
No marquee containing a marquee sign shall extend into the right-of-way of a public street. In no case shall a marquee containing a marquee sign extend more than 10 feet from the face of the building it is attached to.
(4)
No portion of the marquee containing a marquee sign shall extend vertically above the eave line of the building it is attached to, and it shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet.
G.
Projecting signs shall only be permitted when the sign complies with the following:
(1)
No portion of a projecting sign shall project more than five feet from the face of the building it is attached to.
(2)
No portion of a projecting sign shall encroach a public-right-of way of a public street.
(3)
All projecting signs shall have a clearance height of eight feet. Projecting signs located over sidewalks or other public walkways shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet.
(4)
Projecting signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in sign area.
§ 27-2607 Signs Permitted in Industrial Districts: LI and Q.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2606; amended by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023]
The following types of signs are permitted in the Industrial Districts:
B.
Wall sign: Up to two shall be permitted for each establishment. Each sign shall have a total sign area of no greater than 12% of the total area of the building face on which each is visible, or a total maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less.
C.
Freestanding sign: not to exceed one freestanding sign per street frontage. The following sign heights and size options can be used:
§ 27-2608 Signs Permitted in VR and VC Village Districts.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2607; amended by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023]
The following types of signs are permitted in the Village Districts:
B.
Signs for permitted nonresidential uses: one building wall sign per establishment, with a maximum sign size of 20 square feet.
C.
Projecting signs shall only be permitted within the Village Districts provided the sign complies with the following:
(1)
One projecting sign shall be permitted on any property, except where a property has multiple units, where one sign per unit may be permitted.
(2)
No portion of a projecting sign shall project more than four feet from the face of the building it is attached to.
(3)
No portion of a projecting sign shall encroach a public right-of-way of a public street.
(4)
All projecting signs shall have a clearance height of eight feet. Projecting signs located over sidewalks or other public walkways shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet.
(5)
Projecting signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in sign area.
§ 27-2609 Off-Premises and Directional Signs.
[Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, § 2608; amended by Ord. 2010-09, 11/3/2010, Art. X; and by Ord. No. 2023-02, 2/14/2023[1].]
A.
Off-premises signs are limited to properties with frontage on U.S. Route 611 and which are located in the C-1, C-2, C-3 and LI Districts only. Such signs are only permitted as a special exception.
B.
All off-premises signs shall be erected upon land which is leased or purchased for the exclusive business purpose of advertising by sign. Only one such sign may be erected per parcel. Off-premises signs shall not be erected upon or within any protected natural resource.
C.
All off-premises signs shall be permanent freestanding signs erected upon the ground. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon, painted on, applied to, attached to, and/or supported by a building, vehicle, or other structure.
D.
Setbacks.
(1)
Right-of-Way. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained closer than 50 feet to the future right-of-way of a public street. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained farther away than 150 feet from the future right-of-way of State Route 611.
(2)
Side or Rear Yards. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
(3)
Driveways and Private Lanes. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any driveway or private lane.
(4)
Other Signs. No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 1,000 feet to any other off-premises outdoor advertising sign, such measurement to be made between the two nearest points located on any portion of the signs.
(5)
Residences. No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 500 feet to any residence located within a residential or agricultural zoning district, such measurement to be made between the two nearest points located on any portion of the sign and the residence.
(6)
Public and Civic Places. No off-premises sign shall be placed so as to face a lot located within 300 feet of the sign and occupied by a church, school, park, playground, open space, historic building, or cemetery.
(7)
Other Structures. No off-premises sign shall be located within 30 feet of any other structure.
E.
No off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 360 square feet, including border and trim but excluding supports. A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 45° is permitted to have 360 square feet on each side for a total maximum area of 720 square feet.
F.
No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be taller than 20 feet in height measured from the nearest shoulder of the road to the highest point of the proposed sign or taller than 25 feet in height measured from lowest point of the undisturbed surface of the ground underneath the sign. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon a berm or other artificial/man-made structure designed to increase the height of the sign.
G.
An off-premises sign structure may contain only one sign or advertisement per face.
H.
Off-premises signs shall not be artificially lit in any fashion. No revolving or electronic off- premises signs, including, but not limited to, flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination, or signs with mechanically or electronically changing messages, shall be permitted. No mobile off-premises signs shall be permitted.
I.
The following buffer plants shall be planted adjacent to all off-premises signs. The size and species of these plants shall comply with the requirements listed in § 27-2405.
J.
All off-premises signs shall be maintained in good condition. The structural components of the sign shall be maintained to ensure their integrity and to prevent the possible collapse of the sign. Any damage to the structural components shall be repaired within 24 hours. The face of the sign shall be blank or shall show the full advertisement. Signs having ripped, defaced, or partial advertisements shall be immediately repaired by having the advertisement restored to its original condition, removed, or covered.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 27-2610, Preservation Signs, adopted by Ord. 01-09-18-1, 9/18/2001, as § 2609