Solebury Township City Zoning Code
PART 24
SIGN REGULATIONS
§ 27-2401 Purpose and Scope.
[Ord. No. 2021-002, 2/16/2021[1]]
1.
The Township has a compelling interest in providing for the health and safety of its residents and in protecting the environment and the local economy. The careful regulation of signs furthers those interests. In the case of providing for public health and safety, this sign ordinance enables the Township to maintain safe conditions on its roads for both motorists and pedestrians alike. With regard to the protection of the local economy, the ordinance helps the Township to maintain the aesthetic and natural beauty of its lands, thereby protecting real estate values and promoting tourism in one of the most scenic areas in Bucks County, our commonwealth, and nation. The Township adopts this sign ordinance to further these interests while respecting free speech rights.
2.
Signs may be erected or maintained in the Township only in compliance with the provisions of this Part and any other applicable law or regulation.
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also repealed former Part 24, Sign Regulations, adopted by Ord. 94, 6/8/1988, as amended.
§ 27-2402 Definitions.
[Ord. No. 2021-002, 2/16/2021]
A sign made of nylon, canvas or like material that is hung for a limited period of time.
One or more commercial uses, including without limitation, grocery stores, banks, coffee shops, cafes and dining areas, located within a single primary structure.
An illuminated sign, where the illumination is not kept at a constant intensity/brightness or which exhibits sudden or marked changes in lighting effects. Also includes any sign that exhibits moving text/graphics or 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 progression of frames which present the illusion of motion, including, but not limited to, the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, or expanding or contracting shapes. Flashing/video signs shall include images or messages with these characteristics that are projected onto buildings or other objects, and electronic graphic signs.
A pole sign or a monument sign.
Any sign erected by a governmental authority or its duly appointed agent, in accordance with the provisions of a statute, ordinance, code, rule, or regulation, including safety signs, signs indicating scenic or historical points of interest, conserved property signs, and traffic signs.
The vertical distance of a sign as measured from the lowest ground elevation beneath the sign to the highest point on the sign or its supports.
A sign that is lit either internally or externally with artificial light.
An informational/directional sign, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "no trespassing," "no hunting," and other similar directives.
A sign that is nonpermanent and can be display for 120 days, but is not intended to be displayed for any indefinite period, and which requires a permit that may be renewed annually.
A sign directly anchored in the ground through a concrete, solid wood, stone, or brick base, and is independent from any building or other structure. Monument signs may have two display sides.
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 supported by one or more uprights/poles, anchored in the ground, and is independent from any building or other structure. Pole signs may have two display sides.
A sign that is directly affixed to the wall of a building and is not parallel to the face of such wall. It includes signs that are a part of an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area as well as marquees.
A sign that is nonpermanent that can be displayed for 45 days, but is not intended to be displayed for any indefinite period.
A permanent or temporary structure or part thereof, or any device attached, painted, placed, reflected, or represented on a structure or other surface that shall display or include any letter, word, message, picture, design, symbol, logo, insignia, or representation used as or which is in the nature of an advertisement, announcement, visual communication, or direction; or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public. Interior signs not visible from a public right-of-way or adjoining property, and cornerstones built into or attached to a wall of a building, shall not be construed to be signs.
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-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
A sign attached to a tree, utility pole, pole, stake, fence, bench, traffic light, streetlight, street sign or other sign, or other object, that is on public property, in the public right of way, or on private property without the permission of the property owner. Also called a bandit sign. This definition does not apply to the proper posting of signs prohibiting trespassing or hunting, or to signs expressly allowed by this Part.
An impermanent sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time in a twelve-month period. Temporary signs do not include banners.
A sign meeting the requirements of § 1.7 of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Traffic Engineering and Operations Manual-Tourist Oriented Directional Signing (TODS) Policy and approved there under by PennDOT. A TODS sign shall be located within the right-of-way of a street and provide the name and directional guidance to an attraction that the traveling public would have a reasonable interest in.
A sign which is painted on, or attached and parallel to, an outside wall of any building or structure, including windows and doors. Such a sign must not project more than eight inches from the wall and must be fully supported by such wall.
A sign that is placed within the interior of a building or structure and is visible from the exterior of a window.
§ 27-2403 General Rules.
1.
All signs must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair at all times.
2.
Where a sign is supported by the ground, it must be firmly attached, supported, and anchored to its supports and framework or directly to the ground. Every such sign's supports and framework shall be firmly attached and anchored to the ground.
3.
Where a sign is attached to a structure, such as a building, it must be solidly and firmly attached, supported, and anchored to its supports and framework and its supports and framework shall be firmly attached and anchored to the structure. The applicant must provide proof that the structure can safely support the proposed sign.
4.
No sign shall be located, arranged, or placed in a position where it will cause danger to traffic or pedestrians on a street or entering a street; or obscures from view, hides from view, or interferes with the effectiveness of a traffic control device.
5.
No sign shall be placed within a clear sight triangle of a street, except governmental signs, and street and address signs.
6.
No sign shall be placed within the existing right-of-way of a street, except governmental signs, street and address signs, temporary signs and TODS signs.
7.
All permanent signs affixed to any permitted building shall be integrated into the architectural design of the building on which they are placed and shall be harmonious with the design of the facade of the building.
§ 27-2404 Rules Governing Specific Types of Signs.
1.
Double Faced Signs: Any sign may be double faced provided it has two parallel surfaces that are opposite and matching in size and shape and are not over 12 inches apart. The sign shall be considered as one sign and only one face shall be used to calculate the total area of the sign.
2.
Freestanding Signs.
A.
The maximum height of any portion of a pole sign shall be as follows: In the TNC and the LI Districts the maximum height shall be 18 feet. In the RC, QA and OR Districts, the maximum height shall be 15 feet. In the RA, RB, RD, VR, VR-C, VC, VC-1 and VC-C Districts, the maximum height shall be 10 feet. The height limitations do not apply to governmental signs in any district.
B.
The height of any monument sign shall not exceed five feet.
C.
The supports for pole signs shall be made of metal, steel, or pressure treated timbers. All supports for pole signs larger than six square feet in sign area shall be embedded in the ground at least three feet six inches.
D.
Freestanding signs in all districts shall be set back a minimum of four feet from the cartway and from the rear and side yard lot lines, except as otherwise specifically provided, and except governmental signs, street and address signs, and TODS signs.
E.
Any pole sign exempt from the requirements for a permit shall not exceed seven feet in height. This height limitation does not apply to governmental signs and TODS signs.
F.
Freestanding signs, except as otherwise specifically provided by district, shall be at least six feet apart from one another and in no event shall any freestanding sign be closer than four feet from any riparian corridor, stream, watercourse, regulated water of the commonwealth, lake, pond, and wetlands.
3.
Wall Signs: No wall sign shall be installed, placed, or hung in such a fashion or location so as to constitute a safety hazard or danger to passers-by.
4.
Illuminated Signs.
A.
Illuminated signs shall be aimed, located, designed, fitted, and maintained so as not to present a hazard to drivers or pedestrians by impairing their ability to safely traverse public streets and other ways (i.e., blinding or disabling glare), and so as not to create a nuisance by projecting or reflecting objectionable light onto a neighboring use or property.
B.
No illuminated sign facing an occupied dwelling unit located within an agricultural or residential district shall be permitted within 150 feet of such occupied dwelling.
C.
Any external light illuminating a sign must be directed downwards at the sign and shall be installed and/or aimed so that it does not project its output at neighboring residences, adjacent uses, directly skyward, or onto a roadway.
D.
Where non-cutoff luminaires such as floodlights are used to meet the lighting design objectives for outdoor sign lighting, the luminaires shall be equipped with glare shields and other similar shielding accessories as required to ensure that the candlepower distribution from all lighting installations shall be cut off at all angles beyond those required to restrict direct illumination within the perimeter of the sign being illuminated.
E.
The lighting or relighting of signs and billboards shall require a zoning permit which will be granted only when the Township is satisfied that the excessive brightness, light pollutions, flare and light trespass have been mitigated to the extent possible.
F.
An illuminated sign shall meet all of the other requirements applicable to the type of sign being illuminated.
5.
Projecting Signs.
6.
Banners.
A.
At least 30 days prior to the desired date of hanging a banner, an applicant must complete and submit a sign permit application to the Township for approval.
B.
The bottom of a banner shall not be hung lower than 20 feet over any portion of the street right-of-way. A banner shall have a maximum sign area of 100 square feet.
C.
Banners shall be displayed at least 1/4 mile apart from each other. No more than four banners may be hung for a single purpose.
D.
Banners may not be hung for more than 30 days. Banners hung longer than this thirty-day period may be removed by the Township and the applicant shall be liable for the actual cost of removal.
E.
All banners shall be located at least 100 feet away from any traffic control device and shall not block to the view of the traveling public of any traffic control device.
7.
Window Signs: The total area of all temporary or permanent window signs shall not exceed 35% of the total glass area of the window in which they are placed.
8.
Long-Term Temporary Signs.
A.
Maximum sign size: six square feet for on-premises signs and off-premises signs.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
B.
Signs may be erected for a single purpose for no more than one 120-day period per year.
C.
Signs shall be removed immediately upon the end of the period. Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee to be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
D.
[1]No person, organization or establishment may erect more than six off-premises signs and one on-premises sign.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection 8D, regarding written permission for off-premises signs, was repealed by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022. This ordinance also renumbered former Subsection 8E and F as Subsection 8D and E, respectively.
E.
Signs shall be no closer than six feet from one-another and shall be four feet from any riparian corridor, stream, watercourse, regulated water of the commonwealth, lake, pond, wetlands, and the cartway.
9.
Short-Term Temporary Signs.
A.
Maximum sign size: six square feet.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
B.
Signs may be erected for a single purpose for no more than two forty-five-day periods per year.
C.
Signs shall be removed immediately upon the end of the period. Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee to be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
D.
Signs shall be no closer than four feet from one another and shall be four feet from any riparian corridor, stream, watercourse, regulated water of the commonwealth, lake, pond, wetlands, and the cartway.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
§ 27-2405 Signs For Which a Permit Is Required.
1.
The following signs are allowed within the following districts, provided a sign permit has been obtained:
A.
Residential and Mobile Home Park Overlay (MHPO) Districts. In all Residential Zoning Districts, including the MHPO District, the following types of signs shall be allowed for uses permitted in each district, upon issuance of a sign permit and compliance with the applicable requirements:
(1)
A single wall sign, provided such sign shall not exceed four square feet in area.
(3)
Off-premises freestanding signs indicating location or direction of an place, provided:
(a)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed three square feet in area.
(b)
The number of any such signs to be erected off-premises per place shall be limited to one except hospitals and other acute care medical facilities may erected an unlimited number of signs.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection 1A(3)(c), regarding written permission for off-premises signs, was repealed by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022.
(4)
Only the following illuminated signs shall be allowed:
(a)
An on-site identification sign for a hospital, physician, dentist, governmental agency, or any other similar person or entity whose services, in an emergency, are considered essential to the public health, safety, and welfare.
(5)
Banners.
(6)
Long-term temporary signs.
(7)
Short-term temporary signs other than such signs placed on private property by the owner or occupant of the property.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
B.
Village Districts. In all Village Zoning Districts, the following types of signs shall be allowed for uses permitted in each district, upon issuance of a sign permit and with compliance with the following and any other applicable requirements:
(1)
General Regulations. All such signs erected in a Village District shall comply with the following:
(a)
Every sign shall be constructed out of wood or masonry, or out of steel, iron or other similar material and that effectively simulates wood or masonry. The supports for every sign shall be constructed out of wood, masonry, metal or cast iron.
(b)
Where applicable and required, every sign shall comply with the Township's Historical Architectural Review Board Ordinance (Chapter 11) and obtain a certificate of appropriateness.
(c)
Where applicable, every sign shall comply with the then-current Design Guidelines for Solebury Township Historic Districts.
(2)
Any sign permitted in a Residential District which relates to a use permitted in the Village Districts is allowed in the Village Zoning Districts, so long as all applicable requirements are met.
(3)
In the Village Commercial Districts, freestanding, projecting, or wall signs are allowed, provided:
(a)
Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted upon any property unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one sign may be erected along each frontage. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area. Such signs shall be set back a distance of not less than four feet from the cartway. See § 27-2404, Subsection 2D.
(b)
Not more than one projecting sign shall be permitted upon each property. Such sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area.
(c)
Not more than one wall sign shall be permitted upon each property. Such a sign shall not exceed, in area, 10% of the wall surface area to which it is attached or 16 square feet, whichever is less.
C.
Commercial, Industrial, and Quarry Districts. In all Commercial, Industrial, and Quarry Zoning Districts, the following types of signs shall be allowed, upon issuance of a sign permit and compliance with the applicable requirements:
(1)
Any sign permitted in a Residential District, provided all applicable requirements are met.
(2)
Permitted signs may be illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this Part.
(3)
In the LI, QA, and TNC Districts, freestanding, projecting and wall signs are allowed, provided:
(a)
Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted upon any property unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one sign may be erected along each frontage. In the QA District, such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area. In the TNC and LI Districts, such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. Such signs shall be set back a distance of not less than 10 feet from the edge of the cartway.
(b)
In the QA District, not more than one wall or projecting sign shall be permitted upon each property. Such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.
(c)
In the LI District, not more than one wall or projecting sign shall be permitted upon each property. Such sign shall not exceed, in area, 10% of the wall surface area to which it is attached or 32 square feet, whichever is less.
(d)
Except as set forth in § 27-2405, Subsection 1C(3)(e), in the TNC District not more than one wall or projecting sign is permitted upon each commercial unit. Each such sign shall not exceed 10% of the wall surface area of the commercial unit to which it is attached or 32 square feet, whichever is less.
(e)
In the TNC District, a commercial unit with multiple commercial uses may have one wall or projecting sign per commercial use, provided that not more than three wall or projecting signs are permitted upon such commercial unit. Each such sign shall not exceed 10% of the wall surface area of the commercial unit to which it is attached or 32 square feet, whichever is less.
(4)
In all Commercial Zoning Districts other than the TNC, freestanding, projecting and wall signs are allowed, provided:
(a)
Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted upon any property unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one sign may be erected along each frontage. Such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall be set back a distance of not less than 10 feet from the cartway.
(b)
Not more than one wall or projecting sign shall be permitted upon each property. Such sign shall not exceed six square feet in area.
D.
Outdoor Recreation District. The following signs can be erected and maintained in the Outdoor Recreation (OR) District upon issuance of a sign permit and compliance with the applicable requirements.
(1)
Any sign permitted in a Residential District, provided all applicable requirements are met.
(2)
Freestanding and wall signs, provided:
(a)
Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted along each public street on which the use has frontage. Such signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in area and shall be set back at least 10 feet from the cartway, and shall be separated at least 100 feet from one another, as measured along the street line.
(b)
Not more than two wall signs attached to a facade of a permitted principal building shall be allowed, neither of which shall exceed 15 square feet in area.
(3)
Permitted signs may be illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this Part.
E.
Light Industrial District. Off-premises signs can be erected in the Light Industrial (LI) District upon issuance of a sign permit and in compliance with the following:
(1)
Off-premises signs shall be located only along State Route 202 or State Route 32 in the LI Zoning District. Such signs are only permitted as a special exception.
(2)
All off-premises signs shall be erected upon land which is leased or purchased for the exclusive purpose of maintain a sign. Only one such sign may be erected per parcel. Off-premises signs shall not be erected upon or within any protected natural resource.
(3)
All off-premises signs shall be permanent freestanding signs erected upon the ground. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon, painted on, applied to, attached to, and/or supported by a building, vehicle, or other structure.
(4)
Setbacks.
(a)
Right-of-Way. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained closer than 50 feet from the future right-of-way of State Route 202 or State Route 32. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained farther away than 150 feet from the future right-of-way of State Route 202 or State Route 32.
(b)
Side or Rear Yards. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
(c)
Other Signs. No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 500 feet to any other off-premises sign, such measurement to be made between the two nearest points located on any portion of the two signs.
(d)
Residences. No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 500 feet to any residence located within a residential or agricultural zoning district, such measurement to be made between the two nearest points located on any portion of the sign and the residence.
(e)
Public and Civic Places. No off-premises sign shall be placed so as to face a lot located within 300 feet of the sign and occupied by a church, school, park, playground, open space, historic, building, or cemetery.
(f)
Other Structures. No off-premises sign shall be located within 30 feet of any other structure.
(5)
No off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 160 square feet, including border and trim but excluding supports. A sign having two sides back-to-back, or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 45° is permitted to have 160 square feet on each side for a total maximum area of 320 square feet.
(6)
No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be taller than 20 feet in height measured from the nearest shoulder of the road to the highest point of the proposed sign or taller than 25 feet in height measured from lowest point of the undisturbed surface of the ground underneath the sign. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon a berm or other artificial/man-made structure designed to increase the height of the sign.
(7)
An off-premises sign structure may contain only one sign or advertisement per face.
(8)
Off-premises signs shall not be artificially lit in any fashion. No revolving or electronic off-premises signs including, but not limited to, flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination, or signs with mechanically or electronically changing messages, shall be permitted. No mobile off-premises signs shall be permitted. No flashing/video off-premises signs shall be permitted.
(9)
The following buffer plants shall be planted adjacent to all off-premises signs. The size and species of these plants shall comply with the requirements listed in § 22-520 of the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter 22). All such buffer plants shall be properly maintained and cared for and shall be replaced if they die or are damaged or diseased.
(a)
Five evergreen trees within a thirty-foot radius along each side of the sign.
(b)
Five evergreen trees within a forty-foot setback along the rear of the sign (if no advertising face on the rear on the sign).
(c)
Four flowering trees within a fifty-foot radius along each side of the sign.
(d)
One shrub along the front of the sign for every three lineal feet of sign frontage.
(e)
One shrub along the rear of the sign for every three lineal feet of sign frontage (if there is an advertising face on the rear on the sign).
(10)
All off-premises signs shall be maintained in good condition. The structural components of the sign shall be maintained to ensure their integrity and to prevent the possible collapse of the sign. Any damage to the structural components shall be repaired within 24 hours. The face of the sign shall be blank or shall show the full advertisement. Signs having ripped, defaced, or partial advertisements shall be immediately repaired by having the advertisement restored to its original condition, removed, or covered.
§ 27-2406 Signs Allowed Without a Permit.
1.
The following signs are exempt from the requirements for a permit but shall still be subject to all applicable regulations in this Part. These signs are allowed in all zoning districts.
A.
Governmental signs.
B.
Incidental signs on the same lot as the use to which the sign relates, provided the area of each said sign shall not exceed two square feet.
C.
Signs on private property by the owner or occupant of the property, provided:
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
(1)
Not more than one such freestanding sign shall be placed upon any property unless such property has more than one entrance from a street, in which event, one such sign may be erected at each entrance. Such a freestanding sign cannot be in excess of six square feet in area.
(2)
One such wall sign may be erected by the primary entrance to the primary building on the property. Such a wall sign cannot be in excess of two square feet in area.
(3)
Such signs shall contain letters and numbers eight inches or less in height and width.
E.
Temporary signs related to activity on same property as sign is placed, provided:
(1)
The size of the sign is not in excess of six square feet in area.
(2)
Not more than one sign for each activity shall be placed on any one property on which such activity is taking place, unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(3)
Such signs may only be placed during the activity in question, and shall be removed within two days of the completion of the activity.
F.
One temporary event sign not exceeding four square feet shall be permitted upon the property where the event is occurring, and three additional signs may be placed along the streets in the area for directional purposes. Such signs shall only be erected on the day of the event and must be removed 24 hours after the conclusion of the event.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
G.
One or more temporary signs applied to a windowpane provided they do not exceed, in total, two square feet in area.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
H.
Other temporary signs on private property by the owner or occupant of the property, provided:
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022[2]]
(1)
The size of the sign is not in excess of six square feet in area.
(2)
Not more than one such temporary sign may be placed on any property unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(3)
Signs shall be four feet from any riparian corridor, stream, watercourse, regulated water of the Commonwealth, lake, pond, wetlands, and the cartway.
[2]
Editor's Note This ordinance also renumbered former Subsection 1G as Subsection 1I.
I.
TODS signs may be erected and maintained along state and Township roads in compliance with § 1.7 of PennDOT's Traffic Engineering and Operations Manual-Tourist Oriented Directional Signing (TODS) Policy. The Township shall not be responsible for the cost, installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of any TODS sign. Any TODS sign that becomes noncompliant with the PennDOT Manual shall be immediately brought into compliance or removed.
§ 27-2407 Prohibited Signs.
1.
The following signs are not allowed:
A.
Signs containing spinning, animated, or twirling components.
B.
Flashing/video signs.
C.
Banners, pennants, balloons, and signs of any similar character; except for banners temporarily suspended across or along public streets, public property, or private property as allowed elsewhere in this Part.
D.
Signs containing the colors red, green, or yellow which are illuminated or reflective within 100 feet of any traffic light.
E.
Signs that are not securely embedded into the ground or attached to a building with a permanent foundation; signs affixed to a movable stand or mounted on wheels; including, but not limited to, signs converted to A or T frames; and umbrellas with logos, words or letters on them.
F.
Any sign painted, erected, constructed, or inscribed wholly upon, or over the roofline, or the roof of any building, or structure with the principal support on the roof. Any sign which extends above the roofline of any building or structure.
G.
Any sign erected or maintained on Township-owned property, except for those signs installed by the Township, government signs, or signs required by the Township and temporary signs at polling stations owned by the Township so long as the temporary signs are only in place while the polling station is open and the placement and location of the temporary signs complies with all state and county rules and regulations.
H.
Multiple signs placed in succession and forming a cohesive phrase, idea, communication, or concept.
I.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, or odor.
J.
Signs that use reflective materials to give the, appearance of flashing, blinking, twinkling, or electronically changing messages.
K.
Lasers; floodlights not specifically, being used for illumination.
L.
Signs on a permanently parked vehicle or trailer (one that is not moved on a regular basis or not regularly used for another purpose) which is visible from a public road.
M.
Snipe signs.
§ 27-2408 Removal of Signs.
1.
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him, a sign which has been abandoned. An abandoned sign for the purpose of this chapter is a sign erected on, and/or related to a property for which the use has been abandoned.
2.
Any conforming sign erected in conjunction with or advertising a use that is no longer located on the same property as the sign shall be removed immediately by the property owner. Any conforming sign erected in conjunction with or advertising a service or product that is no longer available shall be removed immediately by the owner of the property where the sign is located.
3.
Any conforming sign that is not maintained so as to become a danger to the public shall be immediately repaired or removed, to eliminate the danger, by the owner of the property it is located upon. Any conforming sign that has been erected in such a fashion as to constitute a dangerous or unsafe condition or a menace to the public shall be removed immediately by the owner of the property it is located upon.
4.
Any sign established, erected, placed, operated, repaired, or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any other ordinance, code, rule or regulation of the Township shall be removed and shall not be re-erected, reestablished, or replaced until it fully complies with all of the applicable provision of this chapter and any other ordinance, code, rule or regulation of the Township.
§ 27-2409 Nonconforming Signs.
1.
Any sign existing and lawful as of the effective date of this Part that does not conform with the current applicable zoning regulations shall be considered a nonconforming sign and may continue to exist and operate in its present location.
2.
Any nonconforming sign that is destroyed or removed, shall be replaced only with a sign erected in conformity with this Part.
3.
Any nonconforming sign which requires maintenance, renovation, replacement, or repair work shall be brought into conformity with this Part.
4.
Nonconforming signs may be repainted, repaired (including lighting if the sign already is illuminated), or altered in their wording, providing such modifications do not exceed the dimension of the existing nonconforming sign.
§ 27-2410 Permit Requirements.
1.
Except as provided by § 27-2410, Subsection 2, no sign shall hereafter be constructed, erected, installed, altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, or relocated until a permit for the same has been obtained from the Zoning Officer, except those types of signs specifically listed herein as being exempt from this permitting process. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing to the Township Zoning Officer in accordance with the following provisions:
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
A.
The Zoning Officer is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by him or her upon the failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provision of this chapter.
B.
All sign permit applications shall be filed on forms provided by the Township.
C.
All sign permit applications shall be filed in duplicate and shall include:
(1)
A description of the size, shape, color, material, supports, anchoring, weight and height of the sign(s), as well as the intensity of illumination, if any, and the purpose of the sign(s).
(2)
An architectural elevation drawn to scale of the sign(s) indicating the proposed style of the letters, words, symbols or other graphics, and the proposed size, dimensions, shape, color, material, supports, anchoring, and height of the sign(s).
(3)
A plot plan drawn to scale showing the proposed sign location(s), including any proposed off-premises locations with respect to property lines, buildings and any existing signs.
(4)
Written consent of the owner of the property the sign is proposed to be erected upon, if the owner is different from the applicant.
D.
All applications for sign approval permits shall be accompanied by payment to cover the required fee as set forth in the fee schedule established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
E.
All applications for a sign permit shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Officer, and where necessary, the Township Engineer.
F.
An application for a sign permit shall not be approved unless the sign meets all the applicable requirements set forth in this Part and all other applicable ordinances, rules and regulations.
2.
Except for short-term temporary signs placed on private property by the owner or occupant of the property, for which no permit is required (see § 27-2406D), no short-term temporary sign shall hereafter be erected or installed until a permit for the same has been obtained from the Zoning Officer. Application for a such sign permit shall be made in writing to the Township Zoning Officer in accordance with the following provisions:
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-002, 5/19/2022]
A.
The Zoning Officer is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by him or her upon the failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provision of this chapter.
B.
All sign permit applications shall be filed on forms provided by the Township.
C.
All applications for sign approval permits shall be accompanied by payment to cover the required fee as set forth in the fee schedule established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
D.
Only a single application with a single application fee need be submitted regardless of the number or variety of signs to be displayed.
E.
The applicant shall attach a picture or proof of each sign to be displayed.
F.
All applications for a sign permit shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Officer.
G.
An application for a sign permit shall not be approved unless the sign meets all the applicable requirements set forth in this part and all other applicable ordinances, rules and regulations.