Richland Township City Zoning Code
PART 9
SIGNS
§ 27-901 Scope and Applicability.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
Any sign hereafter erected and maintained shall conform with the provisions of this Part and any other Municipal ordinances and regulations.
§ 27-902 Definitions.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
A sign that moves or has an optical illusion of moving, such as the movement of any illumination or the flashing or varying of light intensity to depict action or create a special effect or scene, or a sign that has changing messages. For purposes of this Chapter, a sign that changes static messages not more than once every eight seconds shall not be considered an animated sign.
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole, a building or any other structure. Flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations shall not be considered banners.
Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.
See “outdoor advertising sign.”
Any sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information about its construction, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.
Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.
Any sign that is a part of an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.
A sign or portion thereof which has a reader board for the display of text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic or symbol is defined by objects, not consisting of an illumination device and may be changed or rearranged manually or mechanically with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign.
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, non-pictorial, text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic, or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LED’s), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area. Electronic changeable copy signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic displays. A sign on which the message changes more than every eight seconds shall be considered an animated sign and not an electronic changeable copy sign for the purposes of this Chapter.
Any sign wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity.
An off-premises sign that displays electronic, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without text information, defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately or by means of fade. Electronic graphic display signs shall include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays.
Any sign supported by an upright(s) that is anchored in the ground and that is independent from any building or other structure.
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 trespassing” and other similar directives, and window signs giving store hours or the names of credit institutions. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed for commercial use to provide protection from the weather or for advertising.
Any sign attached to, in any manner or made a part of a marquee.
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 proposes.
Any sign composed in whole or in part of a series of vertical or horizontal slats or cylinders that are capable of being rotated at intervals so that partial rotation of the group of slats or cylinders produces a different image and, when properly functioning, allows on a single sign structure the display at any given time one of two or more images.
A sign which directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business that is primarily offered at a location other than the lot upon which the sign is located.
A sign which directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business that is offered on the lot upon which the sign is located.
A permanent, large-scale, freestanding structure sign which meets any one or more of the following criteria:
It is used as an off-premises sign.
It is used for general advertising for hire.
It functions as a principal or separate principal use of the land on which it is located.
The term “billboard” applies to all physical parts of the sign, including display faces, structure, support poles, attached ladders, attached catwalks, and appurtenant lighting systems, and visual display systems. |
Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material which does not contain a message and is suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
A sign which displays or identifies an individual, individuals, slate of candidates, or political party standing or running for election in a primary or general election event for a Federal, State, County, or local municipal/school board office, and/or a sign supporting, opposing, or commenting upon a referendum issue placed upon the ballot for consideration by the general voting public in either a primary or general election.
Any sign which is self supporting without being firmly embedded in the ground or is fixed on a movable stand or mounted on wheels or movable vehicles or made easily movable in some other manner including, but not limited to, signs converted to A- or T-frames; 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.
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 14 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall. Projecting signs shall not project more than four feet from the wall or surface to which they are attached, shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted, and the lowest edge shall be at least eight feet above the ground level immediately below.
A sign which is used to offer for sale, lease, or rent the premises upon which such sign is placed.
Any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located.
Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.
Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than 14 inches.
Any device, fixture, placard or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol or writing to advertise, announce or identify the purpose of a person or entity or to communicate information of any kind to the public.
An outdoor advertising sign that changes its message or background in a manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, which may or may not include text and depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames which mimic the illusion of motion, including, but not limited to, moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, or expanding and contracting shapes and/or fade, dissolve, travel or scrolling features. Video billboards include projected images or messages with these characteristics onto buildings or other objects.
Any sign attached parallel to, but within 14 inches of a wall, painted on a wall surface or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface.
Any sign, picture, symbol or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service, which is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.
§ 27-903 Area of Signs.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
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.
2.
The area of a sign painted upon or applied to a building shall be considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.
3.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, canopy 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.
4.
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.
5.
Lots fronting on two or more streets may compute the sign area for each street frontage separately; however, signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
§ 27-904 Illumination of Signs.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
Directly Illuminated Sign. A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a source of light within such sign including, but not limited to, neon and exposed lamp signs.
2.
Indirectly Illuminated Sign. A sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct rays there from are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs. If such shielding device is defective, such sign shall be deemed to be a directly illuminated sign.
3.
Non-Illuminated Sign. A sign which is not illuminated either directly or indirectly.
§ 27-905 Height of Signs.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
The height of a freestanding sign shall be computed as the distance from the normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be the existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction (exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign), whichever is lower.
2.
For a projecting roof or wall sign, the height shall be determined by its placement on the building.
§ 27-906 Placement of Signs.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
In no case shall any sign be erected so that it:
A.
Interferes with traffic through glare or through confusion with a traffic control device (by reason of color, location, shape, wording or other characteristic) or through any other means.
C.
Lies within a parking space or parking aisle.
D.
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on public thoroughfares.
E.
Blocks the entrance, exit, fire escape or fire lane to a building.
2.
Signs shall not be located within, nor project into, the ultimate right-of-way of a street. In addition, the following minimum setback requirements shall be met:
A.
Signs of two square feet or less shall be set back at least two feet from a sidewalk or the cartway of a street.
B.
Signs of six square feet or less shall be set back at least five feet from a sidewalk or the cartway of a street.
C.
Signs which are greater than six square feet shall be set back at least 10 feet from a sidewalk or the cartway of a street.
3.
Signs shall be no closer than 15 feet to a side or rear lot line.
§ 27-907 Exempted Signs.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
The following signs, to the extent indicated, are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a sign permit:
A.
Street Sign. An official highway route number sign, street name sign, directional or other traffic sign. These may be erected and maintained on public roads and highways in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of traffic.
B.
Legal Notice Sign. An on-premises, temporary sign which contains information required by an ordinance or law.
C.
Official and Governmental Signs. Such signs include safety signs, signs indicating points of interest, historical plaques, public parks or recreation facilities, public information kiosks or directional signage erected by the Township or other Governmental entity. Signs identifying official Township or other governmental buildings or facilities. Signs identifying government buildings or facilities may be directly or indirectly illuminated.
D.
Real Estate Signs.
(1)
The area of the sign shall meet the size requirements for temporary signs in the district the sign is located.
(2)
No more than one sign per street frontage with a maximum total of two signs on any one property.
(3)
Signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until there is an agreement of sale, lease, or rental for the property. The sign shall be removed within 20 days upon settlement or upon execution of the lease.
(4)
Signs advertising sales within a development of more than one dwelling unit erected by a builder or developer or real estate agent may be erected; provided, that the sign is placed on the property to which it relates and that it does not exceed a size of eight square feet. Such sign shall be removed within 20 days after the settlement or execution of a lease of the last dwelling unit.
§ 27-908 Prohibited Signs.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
Animated signs.
B.
Beacons.
C.
Portable signs for permanent use.
D.
Pennants.
E.
Signs containing information that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
F.
Signs illuminated by a group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or used to outline a sign or structure, with the exception of festive lighting.
G.
Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature.
H.
Flashing Signs. Any signs that include lights which flash, blink or turn on and off intermittently, but not including time and temperature signs.
I.
Glaring Signs. Signs with light sources or reflecting brightness which constitutes a hazard or nuisance.
J.
Video Billboards. As such term is herein defined, shall not be permitted in Richland Township.
§ 27-909 Signs Permitted in All Zoning Districts.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts and do not require a permit, provided the applicable requirements have been met. In addition, such signs shall not be counted when calculating the maximum total area of all signs on a lot.
A.
Incidental signs, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
B.
Flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations, provided that the total area of all such flags shall not exceed 60 square feet in area.
C.
Identification signs displaying only the name and/or address of the occupant of a premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 200 square inches, and provided that only one such sign shall be permitted per premises.
D.
Building markers or historical signs or tablets provided that the total area of such signs shall not exceed four square feet per building.
E.
Political signs.
§ 27-910 Signs in Residential Districts.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
In the RP, RA, SRC, SRL, SRM, SRH and URL Districts, the following sign regulations shall apply to residential uses:
B.
Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be six square feet.
(2)
Freestanding signs or window signs shall be permitted.
(3)
Such signs shall be non-illuminated.
(4)
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted in any one calendar year and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(5)
Such signs shall be removed after 30 days.
C.
Each residential development or complex shall be permitted an identification sign at each principal access drive subject to the following requirements:
D.
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be six feet.
2.
In the RP, RA, SRC, SRL, SRM, SRH and URL Districts, the following sign regulations shall apply to permitted nonresidential uses and lawful nonconforming uses:
A.
Each lot shall be permitted permanent signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
One freestanding sign with a maximum area of 12 square feet.
(2)
One wall sign with a maximum area of 10 square feet.
(3)
The signs permitted by subparagraphs (1) and (2) above may be changeable copy signs provided that they are not directly illuminated.
(4)
Such signs shall be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated.
B.
Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 10 square feet.
(2)
Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted.
(3)
Such signs shall be non-illuminated.
(4)
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted in any one calendar year and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(5)
Such signs shall be removed after 15 days.
C.
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be six feet.
§ 27-911 Signs in the PC Districts.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
The following types of permanent signs shall be permitted in the PC Districts:
B.
Each lot shall be permitted building signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
The total area of all building signs shall not exceed 15% of the exterior area of the front building wall (including window and door area and cornices) of the principal building.
(2)
Canopy signs, projecting signs, integral roof signs, marquee signs, wall signs and window signs shall be permitted.
(3)
Not more than one projecting sign or marquee sign shall be permitted per principal building and such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(4)
Not more than two integral roof signs shall be permitted per principal building.
(5)
Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window area.
C.
The signs permitted by Paragraph A and B above may be changeable copy signs or electronic changeable copy signs. Electronic changeable copy signs are subject to the following standards:
(1)
Audio or Pyrotechnics. Audio speakers and/or any form of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
(2)
Duration. Any portion of the message must have a minimum duration of eight seconds and must be a static display. Messages may change immediately or fade in and out only. No portion of the message may flash, scroll, twirl, twinkle, oscillate, rotate, blink, change color, or in any manner imitate movement.
(3)
Time and temperature shall be included, as separate messages.
(4)
Brightness (Luminance). The illumination and/or intensity of the display shall be controlled so as to not create glare, hazards or nuisances. Such signs shall have a maximum nits level of 7,000 nits; provided the brightness of the digital sign does not exceed 0.3 foot-candles 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.
(a)
The luminance specification shall be determined by a foot-candle metering device held at a height of five feet and aimed towards the sign from a distance of 65 feet.
(b)
The metering device should be at a location perpendicular to the sign’s center (as seen in plan view) as this angle has the highest luminance.
(c)
This check shall include the measurement of an all white image displayed by the sign to evaluate the worst case condition.
(d)
If the difference in luminance between the sign-on and the sign-off conditions is 0.3 fc or less, then the sign luminance is in compliance.
(5)
Default Mechanism. All 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)
Applicant shall be required to coordinate/permit message access for local, regional, State and national emergency services during emergency situations. Emergency messages are not required to conform to message standards listed herein.
D.
Such signs shall be non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
2.
Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements:
A.
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 32 square feet.
B.
Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted, provided that no more than one temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
C.
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet.
D.
Such signs shall be non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
E.
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment for any one calendar year and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment at any one time.
F.
Such signs shall be removed after 30 days.
3.
The following special provisions shall apply to multiple commercial uses which include at least one large retail store with a gross floor area of greater than 100,000 square feet at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors:
A.
One freestanding sign shall be permitted (to be shared by all users of the multiple commercial use) along each street frontage abutting the property, provided that the total area of any one permitted freestanding sign along the arterial corridor shall not exceed a total of 350 square feet of any one face and a free standing sign along the arterial corridor shall have a maximum height of 40 feet. The total area of any permitted freestanding sign along additional road frontages shall not exceed a total of 200 square feet and have a maximum height of 25 feet.
4.
Billboards. One outdoor advertising sign is permitted by conditional use approval from the Richland Township Board of Supervisors, in addition to other signs which may be permitted by this Chapter, on all commercial and industrial properties located in the PC–Planned Commercial Zoning District, which have frontage on State Route 309, provided the following provisions are met:
A.
The maximum sign face size shall be 300 square feet; inclusive of any border and trim, but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members. Extensions, projections and/or add-ons beyond the rectangular perimeter face of the sign are prohibited.
B.
Signs may be two sided and may be illuminated.
C.
Signs shall not exceed a maximum overall height of 25 feet above the centerline of the adjacent roadway.
D.
No portion of the sign shall be located closer than 20 feet to the ultimate right-of-way line, or a side property line; nor farther away than 60 feet from the ultimate right-of-way line. If the sign is located in a required buffer yard, the base of the sign support structure shall be landscaped.
E.
Billboards shall not be located closer than 2,000 linear feet on the same side of the roadway or 1,000 linear feet on the opposite side of the roadway from another off-premise or outdoor advertising type sign, as measured along the right-of-way line.
F.
Billboards shall not be located closer than 300 feet from any residential zoning district, nor 500 feet from any dwelling unit.
G.
Billboards shall be located, constructed and maintained in accordance with all applicable Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations.
H.
The sign shall be located in accordance with all other regulations of Richland Township.
I.
Billboards shall not contain, include, or be illuminated by flashing, intermittent or moving light(s).
J.
An engineering certificate shall accompany any application for a billboard. The certification shall indicate under seal of a professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that the sign has been designed in accordance with acceptable engineering practices.
K.
Wood and beam frame structures are prohibited. All sign structures shall be constructed of steel.
L.
The applicant shall provide financial security, in a form acceptable to the Township, sufficient to secure to the Township the removal of any billboard upon which no advertising is located or otherwise ceases to be used for a period of three consecutive months. The applicant shall further provide, in a form acceptable to the Township, proof that the record owner and the licensee or other person in control of the signage consents to the removal of the sign for reasons as set forth in this subsection, which said consent shall be in such form so as to be recorded of record with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds office.
M.
Audio or Pyrotechnics. Audio speakers and/or any form of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
N.
Electronic graphic displays (digital billboards) must also meet the following standards:
(1)
Message Duration. Any portion of the message must have a minimum duration of eight seconds and must be a static display. Messages may change immediately or fade in and out only. No portion of the message may flash, scroll, twirl, twinkle, oscillate, rotate, blink, change color, or in any manner imitate movement.
(2)
Default Mechanism. All 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.
(3)
Brightness (Luminance). The illumination and/or intensity of the display shall be controlled so as to not create glare, hazards or nuisances. Such signs shall have a maximum nits level of 7,000 nits; provided, the brightness of the digital billboard does not exceed 0.3 foot-candles 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.
(a)
The billboard luminance specification shall be determined by a foot-candle metering device held at a height of five feet and aimed towards the billboard from a distance of 175 feet.
(b)
The metering device should be at a location perpendicular to the billboard center (as seen in plan view) as this angle has the highest luminance.
(c)
This check shall include the measurement of an all white image displayed by the billboard to evaluate the worst case condition.
(d)
If the difference in luminance between the billboard-on and the billboard-off conditions is 0.3 fc or less, then the billboard luminance is in compliance.
(4)
Applicant shall be required to coordinate/permit message access for local, regional, State and national emergency services during emergency situations. Emergency messages are not required to conform to message standards listed herein.
O.
Multi-vision signs (tri-vision) must also meet the following standards:
(1)
Any image or message, or portion thereof, must have a minimum duration of eight seconds and must be a static display. Transition time must be no longer than two seconds.
(2)
Default Mechanism. All signs must be equipped with a properly functioning default mechanism that will stop the sign in one position should a malfunction occur.
5.
Mobile billboards shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:
A.
No sign shall be lawfully displayed without first obtaining a permit. The permit must be renewed every 15 days, or the sign shall be subject to impoundment and daily fine.
B.
No sign shall be of such size, or designed with moving parts or flashing lights, as to obstruct or distract drivers and pose a traffic safety hazard.
C.
Mobile billboards shall be limited in size as follows:
(1)
The maximum size of any mobile billboard sign shall be six feet in height by 10 feet in length, exclusive of trailer or other vehicle support system.
(2)
The ultimate height of the mobile billboard and vehicle support system shall not exceed 12 feet in height, when measured from the road surface.
D.
No person may park a mobile billboard or other commercial advertising vehicle on private property without the written consent of the property owner and without a temporary sign permit or on any public street or right-of-way in the Township for the primary purpose of displaying a commercial advertising sign. “Park” or “parking” shall mean the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not.
E.
Exemptions.
(1)
These regulations shall not restrict business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily used for business purposes.
(2)
Any vehicle which displays an advertisement or business identification of its owner, so long as such vehicle is engaged in the usual business or regular work of the owner, and not used merely, mainly or primarily to display advertisements.
(3)
This Chapter shall not prohibit any form of vehicular sign; such as a sign attached to a bus, taxi or lettered on a motor vehicle where the vehicle is not used for the basic purpose of providing advertisement or direction as set forth above.
(4)
Vehicles parked for a primary purpose other than displaying a commercial advertising sign, including:
(a)
A vehicle parked while loading or unloading passengers or goods.
(b)
A vehicle parked while engaged in the delivery of services.
(c)
Vehicles parked within 600 feet of the residence of the registered owner of the vehicle, provided the lot is larger than one acre in size.
(d)
Drivers of mobile billboards shall be permitted stops of less than 30 minutes in duration for meals or other necessary personal business. However, a maximum of four stops shall be permitted per day.
§ 27-912 Signs in the PI and EXT Districts.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
The following types of permanent signs shall be permitted in the PI and EXT Districts:
B.
Each lot shall be permitted business signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
The total area of all building signs shall not exceed 5% of the exterior area of the front building wall (including window and door area and cornices) of the principal building.
(2)
Canopy signs, projecting signs, roof signs, wall signs and window signs shall be permitted.
(3)
Not more than one projecting sign shall be permitted per principal building and such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(4)
Not more than one roof sign shall be permitted per principal building. Such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet and extend more than four feet above the roof line.
C.
Provided permitted by Paragraphs A and B above may be changeable copy signs.
D.
Such signs shall be non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
2.
Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements:
A.
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 32 square feet.
B.
Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted provided that no more than one temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
C.
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet.
D.
Such signs shall be non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
E.
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment for any one calendar year and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment at any one time.
F.
Such signs shall be removed after 30 days.
3.
Mobile billboards shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:
A.
No sign shall be lawfully displayed without first obtaining a permit. The permit must be renewed every 15 days, or the sign shall be subject to impoundment and daily fine.
B.
No sign shall be of such size, or designed with moving parts or flashing lights, as to obstruct or distract drivers and pose a traffic safety hazard.
C.
Mobile billboards shall be limited in size as follows:
(1)
The maximum size of any mobile billboard sign shall be six feet in height by 10 feet in length, exclusive of trailer or other vehicle support system.
(2)
The ultimate height of the mobile billboard and vehicle support system shall not exceed 12 feet in height, when measured from the road surface.
D.
No person may park a mobile billboard or other commercial advertising vehicle on private property without the written consent of the property owner and without a temporary sign permit or on any public street or right-of-way in the Township for the primary purpose of displaying a commercial advertising sign. “Park” or “parking” shall mean the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not.
E.
Exemptions.
(1)
These regulations shall not restrict business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily used for business purposes.
(2)
Any vehicle which displays an advertisement or business identification of its owner, so long as such vehicle is engaged in the usual business or regular work of the owner, and not used merely, mainly or primarily to display advertisements.
(3)
This Chapter shall not prohibit any form of vehicular sign; such as a sign attached to a bus, taxi or lettered on a motor vehicle where the vehicle is not used for the basic purpose of providing advertisement or direction as set forth above.
(4)
Vehicles parked for a primary purpose other than displaying a commercial advertising sign, including:
(a)
A vehicle parked while loading or unloading passengers or goods.
(b)
A vehicle parked while engaged in the delivery of services.
(c)
Vehicles parked within 600 feet of the residence of the registered owner of the vehicle, provided the lot is larger than one acre in size.
(d)
Drivers of mobile billboards shall be permitted stops of less than 30 minutes in duration for meals or other necessary personal business. However, a maximum of four stops shall be permitted per day.
§ 27-913 Nonconforming Signs.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
Signs existing at the time of passage of this Chapter, which were legally erected, and which do not conform with the requirements of this Chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
2.
Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting) provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. Wording may also be changed. However, nonconforming signs shall either be eliminated or made to conform with the requirements of this Part when any proposed change, repair or maintenance would constitute an expense of more than 50% of the original value or replacement value of the sign, whichever is less.
3.
Nonconforming signs which are removed shall be replaced only with conforming signs.
§ 27-914 Permits, Construction, Maintenance and Violations.
[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1.
General Permit Procedures.
A.
A zoning permit must be obtained from the municipality before the erection of any sign greater than two square feet in area, unless specifically exempted herein. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a zoning permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this Chapter.
B.
Permanent Signs. Before any permit is granted for the erection of a permanent sign or permanent sign structure, plans and specifications shall be filed with the municipality showing:
(1)
The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached.
(2)
The dimensions of the sign’s supporting members.
(3)
The maximum height of the sign.
(4)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of the building, in front of which or above which it is to be erected.
(5)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot upon which it is to be situated.
(6)
The method and hours of illumination.
(7)
The materials, finish, and details of construction including loads, stresses, anchorage, and any other pertinent engineering data.
(8)
Existing signs on the property.
C.
Temporary Signs. Temporary signs shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1)
A temporary sign permit shall allow the use of a temporary sign for a specified time period, as authorized by this Chapter.
(2)
The applicant for a temporary sign permit shall provide the Zoning Officer with sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the sign regulations of this Chapter.
(3)
An escrow deposit shall be required as a guarantee that the temporary sign shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at the end of the authorized period, the municipality will have them removed and keep a sum necessary to reimburse the expense incurred in removal.
D.
Fees and Deposits. Permit fees and refundable escrow deposit amounts shall be set from time to time by resolution of the governing body.
3.
Maintenance Requirements. Every sign permitted by this Chapter must be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated may be removed by the municipality at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property or premises on which it is located. Prior to such action, the Zoning Officer shall follow the notification procedures specified in Subsection 5 below.
4.
Unsafe and Unlawful Signs. If the Zoning Officer fords 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 to remove or alter the sign to comply with this Chapter, in the same manner as in Subsection 5 below. However, any sign which is in immediate peril to persons or property may be removed summarily and without notice.
5.
Removal of Signs. The owner or lessee of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal as required by any provision of this Chapter If the owner or lessee of any property upon which a sign has been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as hereinabove required, the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner by certified mail to remove the sign. If this letter is returned undelivered, for any reason, he may post such notice upon the premises. If, upon the expiration of 30 days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the municipality shall arrange for its removal and shall bill the owner or lessee for the cost of such work plus 10% for administrative costs.