Robinson Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IX
Signs
§ 300-81 Applicability.
Signs in all zoning districts shall be subject to the regulations contained in this article.
§ 300-82 Exempt signs.
The following signs shall be exempt from these regulations:
A.
Address signs and nameplates, as defined herein, provided they shall not exceed one square foot in surface area.
B.
Flags, as defined herein.
C.
Government signs, street identification signs and official traffic signs, as defined herein.
D.
Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays, provided they do not interfere with traffic safety or do not, in any other way, become a public safety hazard.
E.
Incidental signs, as defined herein.
F.
Memorial/historical plaques, as defined herein.
G.
Point of purchase displays, as defined herein, located inside a store, in a display window or on fuel pumps.
H.
Political signs, as defined herein, provided that they shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area. Said signs shall not be erected more than 45 days before the election to which they pertain and shall be removed within 10 days following the election.
I.
Trespassing signs, as defined herein.
J.
Window displays, as defined herein, provided they shall not exceed 20% of the gross surface area of all windows in an establishment.
§ 300-83 Prohibited signs.
The following signs shall be expressly prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Advertising vehicles, as defined herein.
B.
Banners, as defined herein, except when authorized as part of an approved special event display or grand opening display.
C.
Window displays, as defined herein, which exceed 20% of the gross surface area of all windows in an establishment.
D.
Bench signs, as defined herein.
E.
Billboards, as defined herein, in any R, S-1, C-1, C-3, C-4, C-5 or I-1 Zoning District.
F.
Festoons, as defined herein.
G.
Flashing or animated signs, as defined herein.
H.
Painted wall signs, as defined herein, other than super graphics, as defined herein, when authorized by the Board of Commissioners as a conditional use.
I.
Portable signs, including sidewalk or sandwich signs, as defined herein.
J.
Projecting signs, as defined herein.
K.
Roof signs, as defined herein.
L.
Rotating signs, as defined herein.
M.
Snipe signs, as defined herein.
N.
Any sign which imitates a traffic control device.
O.
Balloons or other inflatable advertising devices.
§ 300-84 General regulations.
The following provisions shall apply to all signs in all zoning districts:
A.
Lots with multiple or lengthy street frontages. Except for large-scale developments which shall comply with the provisions of § 300-90, in all other developments on lots in commercial or industrial zoning districts, lots fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one authorized freestanding business sign on each street frontage. In all commercial or industrial zoning districts, lots which have 2,000 feet or more of frontage on any one public street shall be permitted to have two authorized freestanding business signs at either end of that frontage.
B.
Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic traveling on a street or entering onto a street or by obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device.
C.
Maintenance and inspection. All signs shall be maintained in a safe condition by the owner thereof. If upon inspection any sign is found to be in an unsafe condition or not in compliance with this chapter, the Zoning Officer shall give notice, in writing, to the owner of the sign to repair or remove the sign within 10 days, unless there is an immediate threat to public safety, in which case the sign shall be repaired or removed immediately. If the owner fails to repair or remove the sign within the time specified in the notice, Robinson Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.
D.
Removal of abandoned signs. Abandoned signs, as defined herein, shall not be permitted to remain on any property which becomes vacant and remains unoccupied for a period of six months or on any property where the business or other use of the present occupant is unrelated to the abandoned sign. Abandoned signs which relate to a time, event or purpose which is past shall not be permitted to remain on any property. Abandoned signs shall be removed within 30 days of abandonment, as defined by this article, or if the owner fails to remove the signs as required by this section, such signs shall be removed within 30 days of written notice from the Zoning Officer to the owner to remove an abandoned sign.
F.
Content of sign permit application. Application for a sign permit for the erection, alteration, replacement or relocation of any sign shall be made to the Zoning Officer upon a form provided by the Zoning Officer and shall include the following information:
(1)
Name and address of the owner of the sign.
(2)
Street address or location of the property on which the sign is to be located, along with the name and address of the property owner.
(3)
The type of sign and type of sign structure proposed, as defined in this chapter.
(4)
In the case of large-scale developments, as defined herein, a master sign plan showing the proposed location of all site identification signage and off-premises directional signage and a key referencing detail of each type of sign.
(5)
Sign detail plans providing specifications and scale drawings for the materials, design, dimensions, structural supports, and electrical components, if any, of the proposed sign or signs.
G.
Referral of applications requiring conditional use approval. Any application for a sign permit which requires conditional use approval shall be referred by the Zoning Officer to Robinson Township Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners for review and approval. No permit for any sign which requires conditional use approval shall be issued by the Zoning Officer until the Board of Commissioners has granted conditional use approval and the applicant has demonstrated compliance with all conditions which may be attached to the grant of conditional use approval.
H.
Permit fees. All applications for sign permits filed with the Zoning Officer shall be accompanied by the required fee established from time to time by resolution of Robinson Township Board of Commissioners. The current schedule of fees shall be available to the public in the office of the Zoning Officer.
I.
Expiration of permits. Any permit issued by the Zoning Officer for erection, alteration, replacement or relocation of any sign shall expire within one year of the date of issuance if work authorized by the permit has not been initiated and diligently pursued.
J.
Changeable copy signs. Unless otherwise authorized by this chapter, all changeable copy signs shall utilize manual changeable copy.
K.
Sign location. Except for billboards and off-premises directional signs, as defined herein, where authorized by this chapter, all signs shall be located on the premises which they are intended to serve.
L.
Height and location of freestanding signs. No part of any freestanding sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to any street right-of-way or any property line. The maximum height of the top of any freestanding sign is specified in § 300-85 through § 300-90. The bottom edge of any freestanding pole sign, as defined herein, shall be a minimum of seven feet above the adjacent ground level if traffic is not proposed to circulate under it, and shall be a minimum of 12 feet above the adjacent ground level if traffic will circulate under the sign. The maximum height of the bottom edge of any freestanding ground sign shall be 18 inches above the adjacent ground level.
M.
Illumination of signs. When authorized by this chapter, indirect illumination shall be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties or streets. The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign, whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so as not to create glare and so that it is compatible with the intensity of ambient light and illumination on surrounding properties. Electrical devices and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the specifications of all applicable codes. All electrical sign components, connections and installations shall conform to specifications of all applicable codes. In no case shall any open spark or flame be used as part of a sign display.
N.
Architectural compatibility. The design and lettering of individual signs within a shopping center, office center, industrial park or other identifiable group of buildings on a site shall be compatible with the architecture, landscaping and general signage theme for the center or group of buildings. If no signage theme has been established, signs shall be compatible with conforming signs of contiguous establishments.
O.
Structural integrity of signs. All signs shall be securely mounted or fastened to the building upon which they are erected or, if freestanding, shall be securely and safely installed in the ground. All signs shall be designed to withstand minimum wind loads as specified in the edition of the Uniform Construction Code currently in effect in Robinson Township (Chapter 105).
§ 300-85 Signs authorized in all zoning districts.
The following signs are authorized in all zoning districts, subject to the requirements specified for each sign:
A.
Special event display. One nonilluminated special event display, as defined herein, shall be permitted to be attached to the face of a public building, place of worship or building which houses a nonprofit organization, provided that the sign shall not exceed 48 square feet in surface area and the sign shall be displayed for not longer than 90 days and shall be removed within five days following the event it is erected to promote. No special event display shall be permitted to be placed in or over a public right-of-way or sidewalk.
B.
Temporary real estate sales sign. One nonilluminated real estate sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot, provided that the sign shall not exceed six feet in height. The real estate sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area when located on property in any residential or S-1 Zoning District and shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area when located on property in any commercial or industrial zoning district. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the property on which it is located.
C.
Temporary development sign. One nonilluminated development sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot, provided that the sign shall be a ground sign, as defined herein, which shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area. The development sign shall not exceed six feet in height in a residential or S-1 Zoning District and shall not exceed 10 feet in a commercial or industrial zoning district. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale of the last lot or completion of the proposed construction in the development.
D.
Temporary construction sign. One nonilluminated construction sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot, provided that the sign shall be a ground sign, as defined herein, and shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area. The construction sign shall not exceed four feet in height in a residential or S-1 Zoning District and shall not exceed six feet in height in a commercial or industrial zoning district. Such sign shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work.
E.
Temporary construction sign. One nonilluminated construction sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot, provided that the sign shall be a ground sign, as defined herein, and shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area. The construction sign shall not exceed four feet in height in a residential or S-1 Zoning District and shall not exceed six feet in height in a commercial or industrial zoning district. Such sign shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work.
F.
Home-based business identification sign. One nonilluminated home-based business identification sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted to be attached to a dwelling or to a mailbox, provided that the sign shall not exceed one square foot in surface area.
G.
Bulletin sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated bulletin sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot which contains an authorized place of worship, school, library or other public or semipublic building, provided that the sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in surface area. A bulletin sign may be either a wall sign or a freestanding ground sign, as defined herein. The maximum height of a freestanding ground bulletin sign shall be six feet. A bulletin sign may be proposed in addition to the identification sign, as defined herein, authorized for the use; however, if a bulletin sign includes the identification sign, the surface area of the combined sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
H.
On-premises directional signs.
(1)
On any lot which contains two or more multiple-family dwelling buildings or nonresidential buildings and/or any lot which provides more than 100 parking spaces, on-premises directional signs, as defined herein, shall be permitted, provided that the surface area of any one sign shall not exceed four square feet and the height of any sign shall not exceed three feet.
(2)
On lots with lot areas of 20,000 square feet or less, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted. On lots with lot areas of more than 20,000 square feet, but not more than one acre, a maximum of six nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted. On lots with lot areas in excess of one acre, an additional two nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted for each additional acre or fraction thereof in excess of one acre.
I.
Business event display or banner. One nonilluminated business event display or banner, as defined herein, shall be permitted to be attached to the face of a public building, provided that the business event display or banner shall not exceed 48 square feet in surface area for a business event display or banner and the business event display or banner shall be displayed for not longer than 90 days and shall be removed within five days following the event it is erected to promote. The applicant may extend the time period for erection of the business event display or banner for additional ninety-day consecutive periods upon submission of an application requesting such extension. The application for an extension shall be granted without additional fee and provided that the applicant does not have any existing or prior violations of this chapter. A business event display not exceeding 75 square feet in surface area may be authorized by the Zoning Officer to be erected within a public right-of-way, provided that the erection of the same does not impair the public's health, safety and welfare.
§ 300-86 Signs authorized in residential zoning districts.
In addition to the signs authorized by § 300-85 in all zoning districts, only the following signs shall be permitted in any residential zoning district, subject to the requirements specified for each sign.
A.
Residential identification sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated identification sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted as a wall sign on a multiple-family dwelling building or as a freestanding ground sign at the entrance to any residential development, provided the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area. The maximum height of a freestanding ground identification sign shall be three feet. Freestanding ground signs shall not be located in any public right-of-way unless Robinson Township approves their location in an approved landscaped traffic island within a public right-of-way, subject to an agreement that the island will be maintained by a homeowners' association.
B.
Nonresidential identification sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated identification sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot which contains a nonresidential use other than a home-based business which has been approved as a conditional use or use by special exception in a residential zoning district, provided that the sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in surface area. The identification sign may be either a wall sign or a freestanding ground sign. The maximum height of such a freestanding ground sign shall be three feet.
C.
Legal nonconforming use identification sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated business or identification sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot which contains a legal nonconforming nonresidential use in a Residential Zoning District, provided the sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in surface area. The identification sign may be either a wall sign or a freestanding ground or pole sign. The maximum height of such a freestanding ground sign shall be three feet and the maximum height of such a freestanding pole sign shall be 12 feet.
§ 300-87 Signs authorized in mobility overlay districts.
Authorized sign types in the mobility overlay districts shall be determined by the overlay's base zoning district(s) and shall conform to the regulations of the base zoning district(s).
§ 300-88 Signs authorized in commercial or S-1 Zoning District.
In addition to the signs authorized by § 300-85 in all zoning districts, only the following signs shall be permitted in any commercial or S-1 Zoning District, subject to the requirements specified for each sign:
A.
Signs permitted in the C-1 Convenience Commercial and S-1 Special Development Districts. Only the following additional signs shall be permitted in the C-1 and S-1 Districts:
(1)
One business sign or professional sign which is a wall sign, as defined herein, which shall be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each establishment. Internally illuminated signs, as defined herein, shall not be permitted. The maximum surface area of such wall sign shall not exceed one square foot for every two lineal feet of the building frontage, as defined herein, provided that the surface area of a wall sign for any one establishment shall not exceed 60 square feet.
(2)
One freestanding business or professional sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for a lot, regardless of the number of establishments on the lot. A freestanding professional sign shall be a ground sign, as defined herein. A freestanding business sign shall be either a ground sign or pole sign, as defined herein. The maximum surface area of the ground or pole sign shall not exceed 32 square feet if there is one establishment on the lot or shall not exceed 60 square feet if there is more than one establishment on the lot. The maximum height of a pole sign shall be 20 feet. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be four feet. The ground or pole sign shall be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated. Internally illuminated signs shall not be permitted.
B.
Signs permitted in the C-2, C-3, C-4 and C-5 Commercial Districts: Only the following additional signs shall be permitted in the C-2, C-3, C-4 and C-5 Districts:
(1)
One business sign or professional sign which is a wall sign, as defined herein, which shall be either nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each establishment. The maximum surface area of a wall sign shall not exceed one square foot for every two lineal feet of the building frontage, as defined herein, provided that the surface area of a wall sign for any one establishment shall not exceed 120 square feet. In the case of multistory buildings, the total surface area of all wall signs shall be based upon the building frontage on the ground floor level only. The developer shall be responsible for dividing the total permitted sign area among all of the occupants in the building and for ensuring that the maximum permitted sign area shall not be exceeded.
(2)
One freestanding sign, which may be either a ground sign or pole sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for a lot, regardless of the number of establishments on the lot. The maximum surface area of the ground or pole sign shall not exceed one square foot for every two lineal feet of building frontage, as defined herein, provided that the surface area of a ground or pole sign shall not exceed 60 square feet if there is one establishment on the lot or shall not exceed 120 square feet if there is more than one establishment on the lot. The maximum height of a pole sign shall be 20 feet. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be four feet. The ground or pole sign shall be either nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated.
(3)
One nonilluminated or directly luminated changeable copy sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each establishment, provided that the copy is changed manually and/or electronically. The maximum surface area of a changeable copy sign shall not exceed 32 square feet, provided that the area of other signs to which the use is entitled is reduced by an amount equal to the area of the changeable copy sign. The changeable copy sign shall be either a sign, as defined herein, or shall be attached to the structure of an existing or proposed freestanding pole business sign. Independent, freestanding or portable changeable copy signs shall not be permitted. Internally eliminated changeable copy signs shall not be permitted.
(4)
In shopping centers or office centers which have pedestrian accessways covered by a roof, marquee or exterior arcade, one nonilluminated arcade sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted per business in the center, provided that the maximum surface area of each sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
(6)
One grand opening display, as defined herein, shall be permitted for a commercial establishment, provided that:
(a)
The grand opening display shall be securely attached to the building or to the permanent supporting structure for the business identification sign.
(b)
The grand opening display shall be displayed for a period not exceeding 90 days.
(c)
The surface area of a grand opening display shall not exceed 32 square feet per establishment.
(d)
Grand opening displays shall be nonilluminated.
(7)
Billboards may be permitted in the C-2 District, subject to the regulations specified in § 300-98A(7) of this chapter.
§ 300-89 Signs authorized in industrial districts.
In addition to the signs authorized by § 300-85 in all zoning districts, only the following signs shall be permitted in any industrial zoning district, subject to the requirements specified for each sign:
A.
One business sign, which is a wall sign, as defined herein, which shall be either nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each establishment. The maximum surface area of a wall sign shall be one square foot for every one lineal foot of building frontage, as defined herein, provided that the surface area of a wall sign for any one establishment shall not exceed 200 square feet.
B.
One freestanding sign, which may be either a ground sign or pole sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for a lot, regardless of the number of establishments on the lot. The maximum surface area of the ground or pole sign shall not exceed one square foot for every two lineal feet of building frontage, as defined herein, provided that the surface area of a ground or pole sign shall not exceed 60 square feet if there is one establishment on the lot or shall not exceed 120 square feet if there is more than one establishment on the lot. The maximum height of a pole sign shall be 20 feet. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be four feet. The ground or pole sign shall be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated. Internally illuminated signs, as defined herein, shall not be permitted.
C.
One nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated directory sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for buildings or sites which contain three or more establishments. The directory sign shall be permitted either as a separate wall sign or attached to an existing or proposed freestanding business pole sign structure, provided that the maximum surface area of the directory sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
E.
Billboards may be permitted in the I-2 District, subject to the regulations specified in § 300-98A(7) of this chapter.
§ 300-90 Signs in large-scale developments.
The following regulations shall apply to large-scale developments, as defined herein.
A.
Master sign plan required. Regardless of the zoning district in which the large-scale development is located, signs for large-scale developments shall be limited to the signs authorized by Subsection B, below, and shall be subject to the approval of all proposed signs as part of the master sign plan required by § 300-84F(4) of this chapter.
B.
Signs permitted in large scale developments. Only the following signs shall be permitted in any large-scale development, as defined herein:
(1)
Monumental site identification signs.
(a)
One nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated freestanding monumental site identification sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each principal entrance to a large-scale development, as defined herein, from an expressway or arterial street, provided that only one such sign shall be permitted along any one expressway or arterial street. The maximum surface area of any monumental site identification sign shall not exceed 240 square feet, and the maximum height of any such sign shall be subject to approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and shall not exceed 60 feet if located along an expressway, and shall not exceed 50 feet if located along an arterial street. Neither dimension of such sign shall be less than 10 feet.
(b)
Monumental site identification signs may be located within the right-of-way of a public street, if authorized by the owner of the right-of-way.
(c)
If two entrances to a large-scale development are proposed along an arterial street which are at least 1,000 feet apart, a secondary site identification sign may be placed at the second entrance from the arterial street on which a monumental site identification sign is proposed.
(d)
If a monumental site identification sign is located at a vehicular entrance which serves other developed parcels outside the boundaries of the large-scale development, the applicant submitting the master sign plan for the large-scale development may propose consolidation of existing signs for the developed parcel or parcels into the monumental site identification sign, provided that the gross surface area of the existing signs shall not be increased. The gross surface area of any existing sign which is incorporated in the monumental site identification sign shall be excluded from the calculation of the maximum surface area for the monumental site identification sign.
(e)
One temporary business identification sign may be incorporated in a monumental site identification sign during construction of a large-scale development, provided that the maximum surface area of the temporary business identification sign shall not exceed 60 square feet and the temporary business identification sign shall be removed within one year of the date of its installation.
(2)
Secondary site identification signs. One nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated freestanding secondary site identification sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each principal entrance to a large-scale development from a collector street, provided that only one such sign shall be permitted along any one collector street. The maximum surface area of any secondary site identification sign shall not exceed 100 square feet, and the maximum height of any such sign shall not exceed 30 feet. Neither dimension of such sign shall be less than eight feet.
(3)
Interior site identification sign.
(a)
In large-scale developments which contain several independent development sites, such as shopping centers, office centers or industrial parks, within their boundaries, each interior site shall be permitted to have only one nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated interior site identification sign, as defined herein, at the principal entrance to that site from a public street within the large-scale development, provided that the interior site identification sign is not located within 300 feet of any existing or proposed monumental or secondary site identification sign for the large-scale development.
(b)
In office parks or industrial parks, the interior site identification sign shall be a ground sign. The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 60 square feet, and the maximum height shall not exceed six feet. In shopping centers, the interior site identification sign may be a freestanding pole sign. The maximum height of any such sign shall not exceed 20 feet, and the maximum surface area shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(c)
In the event that two major entrances to the interior site are proposed which are more than 500 feet apart, one interior site identification sign shall be permitted at each entrance.
(4)
Off-premises directional signs. Within the site of a large-scale development, as defined herein, off-premises directional signs, as defined herein, shall be permitted within a reasonable distance in any direction of the intersection of any two collector streets within the development, provided the intersection is a key decision point for vehicular traffic circulating on the site of the large-scale development. The maximum height of any off-premises directional sign shall be 10 feet, and the maximum surface area shall not exceed 50 square feet. Off-premises directional signs shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated. Off-premises directional signs may be located within the right-of-way of a public street, if authorized by the owner of the right-of-way, provided that the sign is located at least five feet from the curb or edge of paving.
(5)
On-premises directional signs.
(a)
On any lot which contains two or more multiple-family dwelling or nonresidential buildings and/or any lot which provides more than 100 parking spaces, on-premises directional signs, as defined herein, shall be permitted, provided that the surface area of any one sign shall not exceed four square feet and the height of any sign shall not exceed three feet.
(b)
On lots with lot areas of 20,000 square feet or less, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted. On lots with lot areas of more than 20,000 square feet, but not more than one acre, a maximum of six nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted. On lots with lot areas in excess of one acre, an additional two nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted for each additional acre or fraction thereof in excess of one acre.
(6)
Site directories. Within the site of a large-scale development, as defined herein, site directories, as defined herein, shall be permitted within a reasonable distance in any direction of the intersection of any collector street with any local street within the large-scale development which provides access to three or more lots or three or more buildings which each have a gross floor area in excess of 150,000 square feet. The maximum height of any site directory shall be 10 feet, and the maximum surface area shall not exceed 50 square feet. Site directories shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated. Site directories may be located within the right-of-way of a public street, if authorized by the owner of the right-of-way, provided that the sign is located at least five feet from the curb or edge of paving.
(7)
Temporary signs. Only the following temporary signs shall be permitted in large-scale developments:
(a)
Temporary real estate sales sign. One nonilluminated real estate sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot, provided that the sign shall not exceed six feet in height. The real estate sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area when located on property in any residential zoning district and shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area when located on property in any commercial or industrial zoning district. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the property on which it is located.
(b)
Temporary development sign. One nonilluminated development sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot, provided that the sign shall be a ground sign, as defined herein, which shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area. The development sign shall not exceed six feet in height in a residential zoning district and shall not exceed 10 feet in a commercial or industrial zoning district. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale of the last lot or completion of the proposed construction in the development.
(c)
Temporary construction sign. One nonilluminated construction sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted on a lot, provided that the sign shall be a ground sign, as defined herein, and shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area. The construction sign shall not exceed four feet in height in a residential zoning district and shall not exceed six feet in height in a commercial or industrial zoning district. Such sign shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work.
(d)
Grand opening display. One nonilluminated grand opening display, as defined herein, shall be permitted for a commercial establishment, provided that:
[1]
The grand opening display shall be securely attached to the building or to the permanent supporting structure for the business identification sign.
[2]
The grand opening display shall be displayed for a period not exceeding 90 days.
[3]
The surface area of the grand opening display shall not exceed 32 square feet per establishment.
[4]
Grand opening displays shall be nonilluminated.
(8)
Arcade signs. In shopping centers or office centers which have pedestrian accessways covered by a roof, marquee or exterior arcade, one nonilluminated arcade sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted per business in the center, provided that the maximum surface area of each sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
(9)
Additional signage in office parks or industrial parks. In addition to the signs authorized in Subsection B(1) through (8), above, the following signs shall be permitted:
(a)
One business sign which is a wall sign, as defined herein, which shall be either nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each establishment. The maximum surface area of a wall sign shall be one square foot for every one lineal foot of building frontage, as defined herein, provided that the surface area of a wall sign for any one establishment shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(b)
One freestanding ground sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for a lot, regardless of the number of establishments on the lot. The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 60 square feet. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be four feet. The ground shall be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated. Internally illuminated signs, as defined herein, shall not be permitted.
(c)
One nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated directory sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for buildings which contain three or more establishments. The directory sign shall be permitted only as a separate wall sign, provided that the maximum surface area of the directory sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(10)
Electronic changeable copy signs in shopping centers. One changeable copy sign which utilizes manually or electronically produced changeable copy shall be permitted on the site of the shopping center which is a large-scale development, as defined herein, or is part of such a large-scale development, provided that the electronic changeable copy signs shall be incorporated in or attached to the structure of an existing or proposed freestanding site identification sign and the maximum surface area of the electronically changeable copy sign shall not exceed 80 square feet. Independent freestanding electronically changeable copy signs shall not be permitted unless they are proposed in place of, and not in addition to, an otherwise authorized sign in a large-scale development.
(11)
Additional signage for commercial establishments or shopping centers in large-scale developments. In commercial establishments or shopping centers in large-scale developments, as defined herein, in addition to the signs authorized in Subsection B(1) through (8) and (10) above, the following additional signs shall be permitted:
(a)
Outparcel identification signs. On any outparcel or group of outparcels in a shopping center which contains one or more buildings, one nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated freestanding outparcel identification ground sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted, provided the minimum surface area of such sign shall not exceed 60 square feet. Where more than one establishment exists on one or more outparcels, only one freestanding outparcel identification ground sign shall be permitted and shall be located at the common entrance driveway serving the establishments. The maximum height of an outparcel identification sign which identifies only one establishment shall not exceed eight feet. The maximum height of an outparcel identification sign which identifies more than one business shall not exceed 10 feet.
(b)
Wall signs for individual establishments on outparcels. For individual establishments on outparcels in a shopping center, two nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated wall signs, as defined herein, shall be permitted, provided that each sign is on a different wall. The maximum surface area of each sign shall not exceed the interior gross square footage of the building divided by a factor of 110 or 15% of the building facade on which it is mounted, whichever is less. Maximum surface area for any given wall-mounted identification sign shall not exceed 250 square feet. A third wall-mounted identification sign may only be permitted as a conditional use by the Robinson Township Board of Commissioners, after review and recommendation from Robinson Township Planning Commission.
(c)
Wall signs identifying the name of the shopping center. No more than two nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated wall signs, as defined herein, shall be permitted, to contain only the name and logo of the shopping center and no other advertising, provided the maximum surface area of each sign shall not exceed 240 square feet.
(d)
Wall signs for individual establishments (nonanchor tenants) in a shopping center. Individual establishments (nonanchor tenants) in a shopping center which have a gross floor area which is less than 25,000 square feet shall be permitted to have one nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated wall sign, as defined herein. The maximum surface area of the wall sign shall not exceed 15% of the total surface area of the building wall on which it is to be placed or 150 square feet, whichever is less.
(e)
Wall signs for anchor tenants in a shopping center.
[1]
For anchor tenants in a shopping center, no more than one nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated wall sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted, except that anchor tenants which are located at the end of a mall or strip center shall be permitted to have two wall signs, provided they either:
[2]
The maximum surface area of any wall sign for anchor tenants which have a gross floor area between 25,000 square feet and 75,000 square feet shall not exceed 250 square feet. For anchor tenants which have a gross floor area in excess of 75,000 square feet, the maximum surface area of any wall sign shall not exceed 400 square feet, provided that no letter or logo shall exceed 12 feet in height.
(f)
Special business information signs. When an establishment within a large-scale development which has a gross floor area in excess of 100,000 square feet has unique needs to provide information to its customers about the operation of its particular business, which cannot be accommodated by the signs authorized by this chapter, the Board of Commissioners may approve such signs by conditional use, subject to review by the Planning Commission and subject to a public hearing to determine compliance with the following express standards and criteria:
[1]
The signs shall be submitted as part of the master sign plan required by § 300-84F(4) of this chapter.
[2]
The gross surface area, height, location and manner of illumination, if any, of the sign shall be compatible with other proposed signage on the site and shall be considered as they relate to safety, visibility and visual effect.
[3]
The proposed signs shall be architecturally compatible with the proposed theme of signage on the site and with other signage in the large-scale development.
[4]
The Board of Commissioners shall determine the appropriateness of the type and number of signs proposed in relation to the existing or proposed signage on the site and on adjacent properties.
(g)
Super graphics. Super graphics, as defined herein, shall be permitted by conditional use, subject to review by Robinson Township Planning Commission and approval by the Board of Commissioners, pursuant to a public hearing, to determine compliance with the following express standards and criteria:
[1]
The super graphic shall be the only display permitted on the wall on which it is proposed and shall not be permitted to be used in conjunction with any other sign on the same facade.
[2]
The theme of the super graphic shall not relate to any business, product, service or other commercial or political promotion.
[3]
The super graphic shall be compatible with any architectural or design theme established for the shopping center, office park or industrial park in which it is located.
[4]
The super graphic shall be incorporated into a plaza or other pedestrian area within the development.
[5]
The maximum surface area of a super graphic shall not exceed 500 square feet.
[6]
Super graphics shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
[7]
Only one super graphic shall be permitted in any shopping center, office park, industrial park or other group of buildings on less than 10 acres.
§ 300-91 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Continuance. Any permanent legal nonconforming sign shall be permitted to remain, provided it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:
(1)
Nonconforming signs may be repaired or reconstructed, provided that no structural alterations are made which increase the gross surface area of the sign.
(2)
Nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged, added to or replaced by another nonconforming sign, except that the interchange of poster panels to change advertising copy on billboards shall be permitted.
(3)
Nonconforming signs shall not be relocated or removed and replaced except by a sign which conforms to the provisions of this chapter.
(4)
Any nonconforming sign which is damaged or destroyed to the extent of 50% or more of its replacement cost at the time of destruction shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(5)
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any structure or any part thereof declared to be unsafe by any official charged with the safety of the public.
B.
Removal of nonconforming temporary signs. Any temporary signs, including construction, development, political or real estate signs, which do not comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be removed within 90 days of the date of adoption of this chapter.
C.
Nonconforming billboards.
(1)
Any billboard which does not conform to the requirements of § 300-98A(7) shall not be enlarged or moved unless the billboard complies with all provisions of § 300-98A(7).
(2)
Any billboard which is damaged or destroyed by more than 51% of its replacement value at the time of damage or destruction shall be reconstructed only in compliance with all the provisions of § 300-98A(7).
§ 300-92 Signs in Parkway Protection Overlay District.
A.
Off-premises signs. All off-premises signs located in the Parkway Protection Overlay District shall be governed by this article.
B.
On-premises signs.
(1)
Ground signs. Except as provided below, all on-premises signs located in the Parkway Protection Overlay District shall be freestanding ground signs of the types depicted in the accompanying illustration, which is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(a)
Maximum height: five feet, including any base, provided that special logo identification features may be constructed to the height of seven feet. The total square footage of the logo shall not exceed nine square feet on each face.
(b)
Maximum length: 20 feet for the sign face and 30 feet for the overall length, including the base structure.
(c)
Maximum surface area. No on-premises sign shall exceed 60 square feet on each facade. No on-premises sign shall have more than two faces.
(d)
Maximum number. No more than one freestanding sign shall be allowed on any lot. However, where an establishment is part of a larger retail, commercial or industrial development, shopping center or similar land use with multiple occupants or tenants, the total number of freestanding on-premises signs shall be limited to two signs per lot that identify the development or center, not individual occupants or businesses therein, provided that a uniform sign plan has been submitted and approved for the entire development. No freestanding on-premises signs shall be allowed for individual establishments within a larger shopping center, commercial or industrial development or similar land use with multiple occupants or tenants.
(e)
Illumination. Whenever external illumination is used for a sign, the source of the light shall be screened or shielded in such a manner that the source is not visible. No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except during times the establishment displaying the sign is open for business. No signs within the district shall have internal illumination, and any sign located adjacent to a dwelling unit or lot zoned for residential use shall be located, shielded and screened to prevent direct light or glare onto a dwelling unit or residential lot.
(f)
Landscaping. The sign base shall be planted with a mixture of evergreen and deciduous shrubs to equal a minimum of five, with a requirement of one plant per two linear feet of the sign base.
(g)
Minimum setback. All signs must be set back at least five feet from the property line, except that no sign shall be erected within 100 feet of the nearest parkway right-of-way. However, if the lot upon which the sign is to be erected is less than 100 feet in depth, then the sign may be erected at a minimum distance of 1/2 the maximum depth of the lot. Furthermore, if the sign is constructed in a uniform parkway style as depicted in the accompanying illustration, then the sign may be placed a minimum distance of 50 feet of the nearest parkway right-of-way line within the landscaped bufferyard required in § 300-52E(6) herein. (See illustration, which is included as an attachment to this chapter.)
(h)
Minimum spacing between on-premises ground signs: 100 feet between the closest freestanding sign edges.
(i)
Color/materials. All on-premises signs shall be constructed of brick or stone and shall be of predominately natural earth-tone colors.
(2)
Special sign standards for automobile service stations. In addition to other signs allowed by this article, automobile service stations may erect changeable copy signs advertising the prices of different grades of fuels, provided that:
(a)
Such signs are permanently mounted either on fuel pumps or on the support of a canopy covering the fuel pumps.
(b)
Such signs shall not be erected higher than 12 feet above the ground.
(c)
There shall be no more than four sign faces per pump island, none of which shall exceed nine square feet.
(d)
In addition to the size limits for on-premises signs contained in Subsection A of this section, the combined surface area of all such signs at each pump island shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(e)
Such signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(3)
Additional standards for wall/building signs. In addition to the on-premises signs permitted according to the regulations in this article, there shall be allowed one additional sign for each lot, principal structure on each lot, or each business in a multioccupant or tenant development, affixed to the wall of the principal structure, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
The sign shall identify the principal user of the building, lot or space.
(b)
The sign shall extend no further than 12 inches from the wall to which it is attached. The sign shall be attached to the wall so that the face of the sign is substantially parallel to the wall.
(c)
The maximum vertical dimension of the sign shall be no greater than four feet and shall not extend beyond any wall or parapet of the building.
(d)
The maximum horizontal dimension shall be one foot for every front foot of building, to a maximum of 15 feet.
(e)
Wall signs shall have no more than one color.
(4)
Additional standards for window signs. In addition to the regulations contained in this article, all window signs shall comply with the following requirements: The total area of all window signs on display at any one time, including temporary window promotional signs, shall not exceed 33% of the total area of the window in which they are located. A series of windows that are separated by frames less than six inches in width shall be considered as a single window for the purposes of this computation.
(5)
Additional standards for canopy and awning signs. In addition to the regulations contained in this article, all canopy and awning signs shall comply with the following requirements: The characters or letters of the sign shall not exceed six inches in height and shall appear only on the apron of the canopy or awning.
(6)
Additional standards for temporary signs. All temporary signs within the Parkway Protection Overlay District shall conform to the following standards:
(a)
Maximum height: eight feet, including base, provided that Robinson Township Board of Commissioners shall have the authority to permit taller signs upon finding unusual topographic conditions, due to which placement of the sign on property below the level of the parkway would render such sign ineffective for conveying information to the public.
(b)
In providing relief from such conditions, Robinson Township Commissioners shall restrict the maximum height of the sign to the shortest height possible that will still enable the sign message to be conveyed to the public. However, in no instance shall any sign exceed 15 in height from base to the highest point on the sign.
(c)
Maximum length: eight feet.
(d)
Maximum surface area: 24 square feet. No temporary sign shall have more than two faces containing text, graphics, pictures or illustrations. No changeable copy temporary signs are permitted.
(e)
Maximum number. No more than one temporary sign shall be allowed on any lot in addition to any other sign allowed by district regulations.
(f)
Illumination. No external or internal illumination of any kind shall be allowed for a temporary sign.
(g)
Sign base. All temporary signs must be affixed to the ground. No portable temporary signs are allowed in the district.
(h)
Minimum setback. All temporary signs must be set back at least 10 feet from the property line of the lot within which it is located, except that no sign shall be erected within 100 feet of the nearest parkway right-of-way. However, if the lot upon which the sign is to be erected is less than 100 feet in depth, then the sign may be erected at a minimum distance of 1/2 the maximum depth of the lot.
(i)
Minimum spacing. Temporary signs must be located at least 100 from any existing freestanding signage.
(j)
Color/materials. The frame and all structural elements of any temporary sign shall be painted a natural earth-tone color to blend in with the surrounding landscape. Only wood, metal, stone or brick materials may be used for the frame and structural elements.
(k)
Landscaping. No landscaping is required for temporary signs.
(l)
Duration. All temporary signs must be removed within 30 days after the occurrence of any special event, election or sale of property or merchandise advertised or featured thereon.
C.
Prohibited signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in the Parkway Protection Overlay District:
(1)
Portable signs.
(2)
Flashing or blinking signs, except official traffic signs.
(3)
Roof signs.
(4)
Attention-getting devices, flags, pennants and banners, except on a temporary basis in connection with the opening of a business for a period of no longer than 90 days.
(5)
Signs affixed to trees, utility poles or equipment.
(6)
Signs with moving, rotating or oscillating parts.
(7)
Signs, other than official traffic signs, using the words "Stop," "Look," "Listen," "Slow," "Danger" or any other word, phrase, symbol or character that imitates official traffic signs and that may be misleading or confusing to motorists.
(8)
Any sign that the Building Inspector determines to be unsafe or insecure or that is erected in violation of the provisions of this district.
D.
Exemptions. The following display devices shall not be defined as signs and shall be exempt from the requirements of these district regulations, except as they may interfere with traffic safety or in any other way become a public safety hazard:
(1)
Holiday displays or decorations displayed for recognized holidays.
(2)
Memorial plaques or historic markers or other similar displays.
(3)
Official government displays and notice boards owned and maintained by a governmental entity, including but not limited to traffic control devices, public notices, government flags and other displays warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions.
(4)
Street numerals indicating the address of a building or establishment.
(5)
Vehicle displays attached to any operative vehicle that is related to the purpose or use of the vehicle, such as taxi displays and delivery vehicle displays. Displays affixed to vehicles that are not related to the function of the vehicle shall be subject to the off-premises sign regulations contained herein.
E.
Sign placement. In addition to all placement requirements contained herein, no sign shall be placed in such a position that it will obstruct the view of motorists or cause any other danger to motorists or pedestrians within a public right-of-way or on adjoining lots. Nor shall any sign be placed within the clear sight triangle required to be maintained at all street intersections, driveway and accessway entrances onto public streets.
F.
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Any sign within the Parkway Protection Overlay District that was lawful at the time of enactment of these regulations or at the time of enactment of any amendment hereto that renders the sign nonconforming shall be deemed a legal nonconforming sign and may be continued only as provided in this section. However, before a property owner can apply for subdivision approval, a certificate of occupancy, or building permit to develop his or her property or develop another primary use on a lot, all nonconforming signs must be removed.
(2)
Normal maintenance of a nonconforming sign may occur, including any necessary repairs and alterations that do not enlarge, extend or intensify the nonconformity.
(3)
No structural alteration, enlargement or extension shall be made of a nonconforming sign, except when the alteration is required by law or will eliminate the nonconforming condition.
(4)
No conforming sign shall be erected on the same premises as an existing nonconforming sign until the nonconforming sign has been removed or changed to a conforming sign. However, in shopping centers or similar retail, commercial or industrial developments with multiple occupants or tenants, the fact that one particular establishment therein has a nonconforming sign will not prohibit a different establishment therein from erecting a conforming sign on the premises.
(5)
A nonconforming sign shall be made to conform with the requirements of this district whenever there is a change in the use or occupancy of the building which the sign serves or whenever the building or structure which the sign serves is externally expanded or remodeled.
(6)
Whenever the use of a nonconforming sign or the use that the sign serves has been discontinued for a period of six consecutive months or whenever it is evident that there is a clear intent on the part of the owner to abandon the use of a nonconforming sign or the use that the sign serves, then the sign thereafter shall be removed or made to conform with the provisions of this section.
(7)
If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent of 50% or more of its replacement value at the time of the damage or destruction (based on the then-prevailing costs), then the sign shall be made to conform to the provisions of the Parkway Protection Overlay District. However, if the damage or destruction is less than 50% of the replacement value, then the sign may be restored to its original condition. In either event, restoration or repair of the sign must begin within three months after the date of damage or destruction and be diligently pursued to completion, and the repaired or reconstructed sign shall be made to conform to the Building Code and Electrical Code of Robinson Township in force at the time of the repair or reconstruction.
§ 300-93 Additional penalties.
In addition to, and not in replacement of, those penalties specified in § 300-26 of this chapter, any person or entity who is found to be in violation of Article IX, Signs, and is convicted of such violation, shall be subject to payment to Robinson Township of its actual costs incurred in the removal of any sign found to be in violation of Article IX.