Ridley Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XII
Signs
§ 325-65 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
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.
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. In computing square foot area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faces sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in the calculating the sign area.
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 no limited to, neon and exposed lamp signs. No directly illuminated sign shall violate the provisions of § 325-61.
FESTOON LIGHTINGA directly illuminated sign comprised of a group of incandescent bulbs hung or strung overhead or used to outline a structure or any part thereof.
INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct rays therefrom 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.
FLASHING SIGNAn illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained in a stationary position and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
NONILLUMINATED SIGNA sign which is not illuminated either directly or indirectly.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD (LED) SIGNA sign with a fixed or changing message composed of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means.
[Added 9-26-2007 by Ord. No. 1926]
ON-PREMISES SIGNA sign which directs attention to an activity conducted on the same lot.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNA sign which directs attention to an activity not conducted on the same lot.
ADVERTISING SIGNAn 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 such sign is located.
BUSINESS SIGNAn on-premises sign which 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 such sign is located or to which it is affixed.
Any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof or any device attached, painted or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface that shall display or include any letter, word, insignia, flag or representation used as or which is in the nature of any advertisement, announcement, visual communication, direction or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public.
FREESTANDING SIGNA self-supporting sign resting on the ground or supported by means of poles or standards in the ground. The height of freestanding signs shall be measured from the official street grade.
PARALLEL SIGNA sign attached, painted or otherwise mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface. Parallel signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted or shall not project more than 18 inches from its surface.
PROJECTING SIGNAny sign mounted to a wall or other vertical building surface other than a parallel sign. Projecting signs shall not project more than two feet from the wall or surface to which they are mounted nor in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Projecting signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted.
ROOF SIGNA sign erected on or above the roof or parapet of a building.
§ 325-66 General sign regulations.
A.
Holiday decorations. Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter except as they may interfere with glare, traffic safety or in any other way become a public safety hazard.
B.
Nonconforming signs. Any sign not of a type permitted, or of a permitted type but of a size exceeding the maximum permitted size by more than 10%, may be continued for one year following the effective date of this chapter, provided that, after the expiration of that period, such sign shall be terminated. Any noncompliance as to location of any sign shall be corrected within six months following the effective date of this chapter.
C.
Obstruction. No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger on a street by obscuring the view and, in no case, except official traffic and street signs, shall signs be placed within the clear-sight triangle.
D.
Official signs. No signs except those of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic signs and similar regulatory notices, shall be allowed within street lines. This provision may be waived for parallel and projecting signs in areas where no yard setback is required.
E.
Permit required. Except for official signs, all on-premises signs over six square feet in area and all off-premises signs regardless of size shall require the issuance of a zoning permit before erection or replacement. All signs must comply with all of the regulations contained herein, regardless of whether a permit is required.
F.
Posting of signs. No person shall paint, paste, brand, stamp or in any manner whatsoever place on or attach to any tree, telegraph, electric light or other pole on any street in the Township any written, printed, painted or other advertisement, bill, notice, sign, card or poster.
G.
Prohibition. Projection signs, roof signs, flashing signs, festoon lighting and electronic message board signs shall not be permitted in any district unless specified.
[Amended 9-26-2007 by Ord. No. 1926]
H.
Separate frontage. If an establishment has walls fronting on two or more streets, the sign area for each street may be computed separately.
I.
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 had been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, or if any sign is erected without obtaining a permit therefor, he shall give written notice to the permittee or the owner or occupier of the property thereof. If the permittee or the owner or occupier of the property fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within 10 days after such notice, such sign may be removed or altered to comply by the building inspector at the expense of the owner of the property on which it is located. The Township Building Inspector may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
J.
Vehicular signs. Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose but becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and, as such, be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle is located.
K.
Yard requirements. No portion of any freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the required yard for the district in which it is located. If this requirement cannot be met, then freestanding signs shall be prohibited on such properties.
L.
Zoning information. No sign shall be erected containing information which it states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
M.
Hot or cold air balloons. All hot or cold air balloons or other floating devices, with or without a message, placed or tethered on any property or structure shall require the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 325-66M(3) of this subsection. The permit shall be obtained prior to erection or placement of the hot or cold air balloon. Balloons used for human conveyance are specifically excluded from this regulation.
[Added 2-28-1994 by Ord. No. 1746]
(1)
Setback requirements. No portion of any hot or cold air balloon shall be located closer to any lot line than a distance equal to the height of the proposed balloon. The height of a proposed balloon shall be measured from ground level to the top of the balloon, including any wires, ropes or other stabilizing mechanisms. In the case of a balloon erected on a building, said measurement shall include the height of the building.
(2)
Maximum duration of permit. No permit shall be issued for the erection and use of a hot or cold air balloon for a period in excess of three weeks.
(3)
Permit process. An application for a hot or cold air balloon permit shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer with a permit fee no later than 30 days prior to the proposed time for erection of the balloon. The permit fee shall be set periodically by resolution of the Board of Commissioners. The following information shall be provided in the permit application:
(a)
Purpose of the balloon.
(b)
Name, address and telephone number of the organization or person proposing the balloon.
(c)
Proposed time period of use of the balloon.
(d)
The height and width of the balloon.
(e)
Where on the property the balloon will be located, including the distance to the closest property line.
(f)
The applicant shall agree to provide a certificate of insurance to the Township prior to the issuance of the permit adding the Township as an "additional insured" on the applicant's insurance policies.
(g)
Any other information the Zoning Officer deems reasonably necessary to determine that the permit meets the requirements of this subsection.
(4)
Issuance or denial of permit. Based on the information provided and a reasonable investigation, the Zoning Officer shall either issue the permit or send a written denial of the permit. If a permit is issued, it shall contain the information as provided by the applicant in the permit application, subject to any changes made by the Township Zoning Officer to ensure compliance with this chapter. A denial of a permit may be appealed to the Township Zoning Hearing Board.
§ 325-67 Signs in residential districts.
A.
On-premises signs. In residential districts, only the following on-premises signs shall be permitted:
(1)
Nonilluminated signs displayed strictly for the direction, safety or convenience of the public, including signs which identify rest rooms, telephone booths, parking area entrances or exits, freight entrances or the like, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(2)
Parallel, projecting and freestanding flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations.
(3)
One nonilluminated sign posted in conjunction with door bells or mailboxes, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 36 square inches.
(4)
One nonilluminated sign or indirectly illuminated sign displaying only the name and address of the occupant of a premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 108 square inches. The provisions of § 325-67A(7) do not apply to this type of sign.
(5)
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sign for home occupations or accessory offices indicating only the names of persons and their occupations (words only), and not larger than six inches by 18 inches.
(6)
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated bulletin or announcement board or identification sign for a permitted nonresidential building or use, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(7)
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sign in connection with a lawfully maintained nonconforming use, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(8)
One nonilluminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises on which the sign has been erected or one sign indicating that said premises have been sold or rented, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet and shall be removed within 20 days after an agreement of rental has been entered into or legal title has been transferred.
(9)
One temporary nonilluminated sign erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested in such sales or development, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet and shall be removed within 20 days after the last structure has been initially occupied or upon expiration of the building permit, whichever is sooner.
(10)
Temporary nonilluminated sign of mechanics or artisans may be erected and maintained during the period such persons are performing work on the premises on which such signs are erected, provided that such sign shall be removed on completion of work by the mechanic or artisan and the total area of all such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(11)
Nonilluminated signs announcing no trespassing; signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises; and signs controlling fishing or hunting on the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(12)
Nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated memorial signs or historical signs or tablets.
B.
Off-premises signs. In residential districts, off-premises signs are permitted as follows (signs permitted within this subsection may also be on-premises signs):
(1)
Signs necessary for the direction, regulation and control of traffic; street name signs; legal notices; warnings at railroad crossings; and other official signs which are similarly authorized or erected by a duly constituted governmental body. Such signs may be illuminated only as necessary or customary for traffic control or safety.
(2)
Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that:
(a)
The size of any such sign is not in excess of 16 square feet.
(b)
The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than 70 days prior to the election to which they pertain.
(c)
The erector of such sign or an authorized agent of the political party or candidate applies for and obtains a permit from the Zoning Officer and deposits with the Township, at the time of his application, the sum as set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners per each 15 such signs or fraction thereof as a guaranty that all such signs will be removed promptly within five days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. At the time of deposit, the erector or authorized agent shall indicate on which streets signs are to be located. If such signs are not removed at the end of the five-day period, the Township shall have them removed and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred by it and for general Township purposes.
[Amended 10-25-2000 by Ord. No. 1808]
(3)
Temporary nonilluminated signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows, events or proposed development located in the Township may be erected, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(b)
Signs shall not be posted earlier than two weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates and must removed within one week after the date of the exhibit, show or event. When related to a proposed development, such sign must be removed immediately on sale or rental of the final unit in such development.
(c)
Street banners are prohibited, except in the case of civic or charitable nonprofit organizations. When permitted, such banners are exempted from the size restrictions of § 325-67B(3)(a) above but must comply with the time limits for display set forth in § 325-67B(3)(b) above.
(4)
Nonilluminated signs used for directing patrons, members or an audience to service clubs, churches or other nonprofit organizations, provided that signs shall indicate only the name of the facility and the direction to the facility and shall not exceed four square feet in area.
C.
Restrictions on type and placement of signs.
(1)
Illuminated signs shall not be lighted after 11:00 p.m.; provided, however, that illuminated signs shall be hooded, so that the illumination does not affect areas outside of a fifty-foot radius.
(2)
Freestanding ground signs may not exceed six feet in height.
(3)
Parallel signs or portions of such signs shall not be located above the ceiling of the ground floor of any building or more than 12 feet above the upper surface of the official street grade, whichever is less.
§ 325-68 Signs in commercial districts.
A.
On-premises signs. In commercial districts, only the following on-premises signs shall be permitted.
(1)
All signs permitted in § 325-67A at the standards prescribed therein, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(2)
Parallel business signs are permitted, provided that:
(a)
The total area of all parallel signs for each establishment shall not exceed four square feet for each foot of length of the front building wall or length of that portion of such wall devoted to such establishment.
(b)
If such establishment does not occupy any floor area on the ground level of the building other than an entryway, the maximum permitted sign area shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of length of the front building wall or length of that portion of such wall devoted to such establishment.
(c)
Signs painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of windows shall be included in this computation if their combined area exceeds 50% of the area of the window which they occupy.
(d)
In no case, however, may the total area of parallel signs exceed 25% of the area of the wall (including windows, door area ana cornices) to which they are attached.
(3)
Freestanding business signs are permitted, provided that:
(4)
Nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated business signs are permitted.
(5)
Projecting business signs are permitted as a substitute for either parallel or freestanding signs, provided that such signs shall not conflict with signs on neighboring properties, shall not visually interfere with the view to and from adjacent properties, shall not extend above any portion of the roof of the building to which such sign is affixed, shall have its lower edge at least eight feet above any sidewalk or pedestrian way, shall in most cases have a vertical alignment and in general shall be appropriate to and in scale with the building to which it is affixed.
(6)
Canopies or marquees are permitted as projecting signs in C-2 Commercial Districts, subject to the requirements of the Township Building Code.[1] When signs are proposed in connection with said canopy or marquee, they shall be considered to be projecting signs and shall:
(a)
Be affixed flat to such canopy or marquee;
(b)
Be limited to announcing the name of the establishment or any on-premises show or event;
(c)
Have an eight-foot minimum clearance above any portion of any walk directly below;
(d)
Have the maximum permitted area of all other signs permitted on the premises reduced in an amount equal to the area as the sign to be located on such canopy or marquee.
(7)
Electronic message board signs shall be allowed as either a freestanding or wall-mounted sign. Such signs shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
[Added 9-26-2007 by Ord. No. 1926]
(a)
The LED display shall not be animated, flashing, multicolored, or scrolling.
(b)
Such signs are limited to amber text or images on black background.
(c)
The frequency of message change shall be restricted to no more once every three minutes.
(d)
The maximum area of an electronic message board shall not exceed 10 square feet.
(e)
All messages shall be of such a nature that they are not normally objectionable to members of the public.
§ 325-69 Signs in industrial districts.
A.
On-premises signs. In industrial districts, only the following on-premises signs shall be permitted:
(2)
Parallel business signs, subject to the following provisions:
(a)
The total area of any parallel sign shall not exceed two square feet for each foot of length of that portion of such wall or length of that portion of such wall devoted to such establishment or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
No parallel sign shall be painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of windows in such districts.
(3)
Freestanding business signs, provided that:
(a)
The area of all such signs shall not exceed one square foot for each two feet of lot frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
Signs mounted or otherwise affixed to the roof of a building are permitted on one-story buildings, provided that such signs do not extend more than four feet above the roof line.
(c)
The maximum height of freestanding business signs shall not exceed 20 feet.
(4)
Nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated business signs.
B.
Off-premises signs. In industrial districts, only the following off-premises signs shall be permitted:
(2)
Advertising signs are permitted in I District, subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Advertising signs may not be located within 1,000 feet of any area designated A Residential District, B Residential District, or C Residential District.
(b)
The area of any advertising sign shall not exceed 700 square feet.
(c)
Advertising signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated but may not be directly illuminated or flashing.
(d)
The maximum height of advertising signs shall not be more than 26 feet above the height of the building or structure (other than the sign support itself) to which the sign is affixed or, in the case of freestanding signs, above the official street grade nearest the sign. In cases of unique physical circumstances, the maximum height of advertising signs may be increased, provided that such increase is authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.
§ 325-70 Signs in special districts.
§ 325-71 Signs in Planned Residential Developments.
A.
On-premises signs. In Planned Residential Development areas, parallel and freestanding business signs are permitted in conjunction with each permitted commercial use, provided:
(1)
Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
(2)
The total area of all parallel signs for each use or establishment shall not exceed two square feet for each foot of length of the front building wall or length of that portion of such wall devoted to such use or establishment.
(3)
Signs painted on, affixed to or in any way intended for view from a public way shall be included in this computation if their combined area exceeds 25% of the window which they occupy.
(4)
In no case may the total area of all parallel signs exceed 10% of the wall to which they are attached.
(5)
The area of any freestanding sign shall not exceed one square foot for each two feet of lot frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller; only one such sign is permitted adjacent to any building, irrespective of the number of occupants or uses.
(6)
The maximum height of freestanding business signs shall not exceed 14 feet.
B.
Off-premises signs. The following off-premises signs shall be permitted:
(1)
Advertising signs are permitted in planned residential development areas and are subject to the following provisions:
(a)
The area of any advertising sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(b)
Advertising signs may be freestanding or parallel signs but may not be projecting or roof signs.
(c)
Advertising signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated but may not be directly illuminated or flashing.
(d)
The maximum height of freestanding advertising signs shall not exceed 14 feet.
(e)
Advertising signs may advertise only uses or activities occurring within the same zoning district within which such sign is located; similarly, advertising signs are prohibited from advertising any product whatsoever.
§ 325-72 Signs in Shopping Center District.
[Added 3-11-1997 by Ord. No. 1758]
A.
Prohibited signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in the Shopping Center District:
(1)
Spinning, animated, twirling or any other moving objects used for advertising purposes whether containing a message or not.
(2)
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, or lighted moving signs of any type including automatic color changing and rotating lamps or other displays that call attention to a sign.
(3)
Advertising cloth or paper banner or signs of any similar character suspended or hung on any property, except for temporary banners which may be permitted through special permission of the Township.
(4)
Signs on mobile stands which can be moved from place to place and thereby not permanently affixed to the ground.
(5)
Curb or sidewalk signs or signs painted, attached or suspended from any outdoor bench, chair or other structure.
(6)
Swinging and hanging signs.
(7)
Roof signs.
B.
On-premises signs. In the Shopping Center District, only the following on-premises signs shall be permitted.
(1)
All signs permitted in § 325-67A at the standards prescribed therein, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(2)
One nonilluminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises on which the sign has been erected or one sign indicating that said premises have been sold or rented, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet and shall be removed within 20 days after an agreement of rental has been entered or legal title has been transferred.
(3)
One parallel business sign is permitted for each establishment in the shopping center, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
The total area of the parallel sign for each establishment shall not exceed four square feet for each foot of length of the front building wall or length of that portion of such wall devoted to such establishment.
(b)
If such establishment does not occupy any floor area on the ground level of the building other than an entryway, the establishment shall be permitted one additional sign on the ground level directing patrons to the second floor use. The maximum permitted sign area for that sign shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of the front building wall (or portion).
(c)
Signs painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of windows shall be permitted, provided that they do not exceed 25% of the window in which they are placed.
(d)
In no case, however, may the total area of parallel signs exceed 25% of the area of the wall (including windows, door area and cornices) to which they are attached.
(4)
Freestanding business signs are permitted, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
Only one such sign shall be permitted for the shopping center except as provided in § 325-66H. One additional freestanding sign is permitted when the shopping center can be accessed from two or more arterial streets, each of which is controlled by a traffic signal.
(b)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each two feet of lot frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(c)
The maximum height of freestanding business signs shall not exceed 20 feet, and the lowest edge shall be no closer to the ground than seven feet.
(d)
No such sign shall be illuminated except by lighting, concealed or indirect, attached to the sign itself.
(5)
A restaurant with drive-through service may erect one additional freestanding sign which is a menu sign, provided that it does not exceed 25 square feet.
(6)
Projecting business signs are permitted as a substitute for either parallel or freestanding signs, provided such sign shall not conflict with signs on neighboring properties, shall not visually interfere with the view to and from adjacent properties, shall not extend above any portion of the roof of the building to which such sign is affixed, shall have its lower edge at least eight feet above any sidewalk or pedestrian way, shall in most cases have a vertical alignment and in general shall be appropriate to and in scale with the building to which it is affixed.
(7)
Canopies or marquees are permitted, subject to the requirements of the Township Building Code.[1] Signs that are proposed in connection with canopies or marquees shall be considered to be projecting signs and shall:
(a)
Be affixed flat to such canopy or marquee.
(b)
Be limited to announcing the name of the establishment or any on-premises show or event.
(c)
Have an eight-foot minimum clearance above any portion of any walk directly below.
(d)
Have the maximum permitted area of all other signs permitted on the premises reduced in an amount equal to the area as the sign to be located on such canopy or marquee.