This Article establishes regulations for all signs erected within Springfield Township to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, are in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and are protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare. Specifically, the regulations shall:

      A.   Provide uniform standards for all signs within the Township and specific standards for signs in each zoning district;

      B.   Regulate the location, size, appearance, construction, erection, alteration, use and maintenance of signs;

      C.   Promote the use of well-crafted signs in harmony with the architectural and rural residential character of the Township, protect viewscapes in the Scenic Overlay District, and respect historic structures identified in the Historic Resources Overlay District;

      D.   Provide adequate identification and direction for motorists and pedestrians, to ensure traffic safety, while minimizing clutter, blight, unsightliness, confusion, conflicts, and hazards from large, multiple, or poorly located signs;

      E.   In accordance with the findings contained in the attached Appendix: “Findings of Board of Supervisors of Springfield Township Concerning Electronic Message Centers,” to promote public safety by regulation of signs that may distract vehicular operators;

      F.   Establish a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.

   Except for exempt signs under § 906 hereof, a zoning permit must be obtained prior to the installation, moving, enlarging, changing or extension of any sign regulated hereunder. The procedures contained in § 1202, § 1203 and § 1204 shall be followed.

(Ord. passed 10-2-2007, § 900.1; Ord. 156, passed 4-27-2010, § 47)

   The provisions of the sign regulations provided herein shall be enforced as provided in § 1307 hereof.

(Ord. passed 10-2-2007, § 900.2; Ord. 156, passed 4-27-2010, § 47)

   A.   Abandoned Sign: A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 180 days, in the case of off-lot signs, or at least 360 days in the case of on-lot signs.

   B.   Awning Sign: Any sign painted on, or applied to, an awning.

   C.   Balloon Sign: A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed location, which contains an advertisement message on its surface or attached to the balloon in any manner.

   D.   Banner: Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners are temporary in nature and do not include flags.

   E.   Beacon Lighting: Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other object.

   F.   Changeable Message Sign: A sign (such as a tri-vision sign or an electronic alphanumeric display) that automatically changes the message periodically.

   G.   Clear Sight Triangle: The triangle defined by the safe sight distance at any intersection of streets, alleys, or driveways as defined by Pennsylvania Code Title 67, Chapter 441, and PennDOT Design Manual, Part 2, Publication 13.

   H.   Directional Sign: On-lot signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic into and out of, or within a site.

   I.   Electronic Alphanumeric Display: A type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists of electronically changing alphanumeric text; often used for gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards.

   J.   Electronic Message Center Sign: A sign, or portion thereof, that displays animated images, moving video images, graphics, or scrolling messages, electronic images, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without textual information, and is capable of change or alteration by electronic means on a fixed display screen composed of a series of lights including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), OLEDs, LCDs, DLPs, plasma, fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the area where the message is displayed. EMCs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays. EMCs include signs that use technology not listed in this definition and shall include similar technology which may be developed in the future, or the use of which may become widespread in the future.

   K.   Festoon Lighting: A type of illumination comprised of either: (a) a group of light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or other structure, or (b) light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.

   L.   Freestanding Sign: A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground; and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure.

   M.   Illumination: A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from an artificial source.

   N.   Illumination, External: Artificial light, located away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.

   O.   Illumination, Internal: A light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Electronic message center signs, electronic alphanumeric displays, and signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination for the purposes of this ordinance.

   P.   Illuminated Sign: A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination, either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source contained inside the sign or externally illuminated by a light source aimed at its surface.

   Q.   Incidental Sign: A sign that displays general site information, instructions, directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public street. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertising.

   R.   Marquee: A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection from the elements.

   S.   Marquee Sign: Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a use or product. If attached to a theater, performing arts center, cinema, or other similar use, it may also advertise films or productions.

   T.   Message Sequencing: The spreading of one message across more than one sign structure.

   U.   Mural (or mural sign): A large picture/image (including but not limited to painted art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.

   V.   Non-Commercial Districts: The Watershed (WS), Agricultural (AD), Resource Protection (RP), Rural Residential (RR), Village Residential (VR), or Development (DD) zoning districts constitute non-commercial districts.

   W.   Off-Lot Advertising Sign: An off-lot advertising sign is a sign that directs attention regarding a person or commercial or non-commercial activity, conducted on a different lot or location.

   X.   On-Lot Sign: An on-lot sign is a sign that directs attention to a person or commercial or non- commercial activity, conducted on the same lot with the sign.

   Y.   Pennant: A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material, commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles intended to flap in the wind.

   Z.   Portable Sign: A sign designed to be transported or moved that is not permanently attached to the ground, a building or other structure. Includes Sandwich Board and Vehicular Signs.

   AA.   Projecting Sign: A building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two faces generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs located on a canopy, awning, or marquee.

   BB.   Roof Sign: A building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building.

   CC.   Sandwich Board Sign: A type of freestanding, portable, temporary sign consisting of two faces connected and hinged at the top and whose message is targeted to pedestrians (also known as an A-frame sign).

   DD.   Sign: Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers, or letters for the purpose of communicating a message. Sign includes the sign faces as well as any sign supporting structure.

   EE.   Sign Area: The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. See § 905.C. for standards for measuring sign area.

   FF.   Temporary Sign: A type of non-permanent, sign that is located on private property that can be displayed for no more than 90 days in a 6-month period.

   GG.   Tri-Vision Sign: An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.

   HH.   Vehicular Sign: A sign affixed to a vehicle in such a manner that the sign is used primarily as a stationary advertisement for the business on which the vehicle sits or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle’s primary purpose.

   II.   Wall Sign: A building-mounted sign which is either attached to, displayed on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface.

(Ord. 191, passed 1-8-2019)

   A.   Sign Location.

      1.   No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering with or imitating official street signs or signals by virtue of position, color, or reflective surface.

      2.   No sign may occupy a clear sight triangle.

      3.   Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.

      4.   No sign or other advertising device shall be located within any street right-of-way line except for official traffic signs and signals.

      5.   Except as otherwise permitted herein, [see Section 908, which is also incorporated into Section 909], only one sign of a type for which a permit is required shall be erected on any one lot except that a lot fronting on more than one street may have one permitted sign on each street frontage.

   B.   Sign Materials & Construction.

      1.   Every sign that requires a permit shall be constructed of durable materials, using non- corrosive fastenings; shall be structurally safe and erected or installed in strict accordance with the PA Uniform Construction Code; and shall be maintained in safe condition and good repair at all times so that all sign information is clearly legible.

   C.   Sign Area.

      2.   For a sign painted upon or applied to a building, the area shall be considered to include all lettering, wording, accompanying designs, or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.

      3.   Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape that encompasses all the letters and symbols and spaces between each letter or symbol.

      4.   In computing the size of a double-faced sign where the sides are parallel to each other, only one side shall be considered when determining the sign area, provided both faces are identical (or mirror images of each other). If the angle between the two sides is greater than 45 degrees, or if they are not identical or mirror images, all sides of such signs shall be considered in calculating the sign area. Where the faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.

      5.   If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or banner, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and perpendicular to the line-of-sight.

      6.   The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by whether they are located on-lot or off-lot, the sign type, and the zoning district.

   D.   Sign Height.

      1.   Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean grade at the base of the sign.

      2.   Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs, where specified, shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.

      3.   The permitted maximum height for all signs is determined by the sign type and the zoning district in which the sign is located (see §§ 907-909).

   E.   Sign Spacing. The spacing between signs shall be measured as a straight-line distance between the closest edges of each sign. For both on-lot (except those delineated in Section 905.J.3.b) and off-lot signs, minimum spacing is determined by the speed limit on the adjacent street as it relates to visibility and readability (see Table A), unless otherwise specified or unless lot sizes dictate closer spacing.

   Table A. Minimum Sign Spacing

 

   F.   Sign Illumination.

      1.   Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein, consistent with the following standards:

         a.   Illuminated signs shall be so arranged so that the source of light is not visible from any point off the lot and that only the sign is directly illuminated. Any lighting of billboards or other externally illuminated signs of more than 20 square feet of sign area shall be placed at the top of the billboard or sign and be aimed downwards.

         b.   Lighted signs shall conform to all applicable requirements of Section 502.

         c.   On-lot lighted signs in all districts shall be extinguished between 11 PM and dawn, except in the case of a non-residential use that is open during those hours. In the latter case, the on-lot lighted sign must be extinguished when the non-residential use is closed.

      2.   Types of Illumination: Where permitted, illumination may be:

         a.   External: External illumination shall be by a steady, stationary light source, shielded and directed solely at the sign. The light source must be static in color.

         b.   Internal: Internally illuminated signs, and neon lighting, where permitted, must be static in intensity and color.

      3.   Electrical Standards.

         a.   The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground cables.

         b.   The owner of any illuminated sign shall arrange for a certification showing compliance with the brightness standards set forth herein by an independent contractor and provide the certification documentation to Springfield Township as a prior condition for issuance of a sign permit.

   G.   Changeable Message Signs.

      1.   Message Duration: The minimum message duration shall be no less than eight (8) seconds.

   H.   Directional Signs.

      1.   Directional signs shall not exceed 3 square feet in area.

      2.   Height of directional signs, measured from the mean elevation of the proposed finished grade at the foot of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure shall not exceed three and one-half (3.5) feet.

   I.   Signs Not Permitted.

      1.   No signs shall emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor.

      2.   No roof signs shall be permitted.

      3.   No sign or any guy, stay or attachment thereto shall be erected or placed on any electric light, power, telephone wires, or supports thereof.

      4.   Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) shall be prohibited in all zoning districts within the Township.

      5.   Abandoned signs.

      6.   Signs incorporating beacon lighting.

      7.   Any sign of any type suspended across a public street, without the permission of the owners of the properties and road.

   J.   Exempt Signs. A sign permit shall not be required prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration, moving, removal, or demolition of any of the following signs in any zoning district in the municipality. Exempt signs shall conform to the regulations of § 905. No exempt sign shall be illuminated, either from an interior light source or by an exterior source focused on the sign, except for official governmental building signs and police station signs.

      1.   Official highway route number signs, street name signs, and other official traffic signs that are in the interest of public safety or the regulation of traffic.

      2.   Signs that are not visible from a public right-of-way and not visible at a property line not in single ownership.

      3.   Small, on-lot signs

         a.   “Small sign- Type A”: with a sign area >1 sq. ft. but < 2 sq. ft.

            i.   One Type A sign is allowed per lot.

         b.   “Small sign - Type B”: with a sign < 1 sq. ft.

            i.   Minimum sign spacing is 100 ft.

            ii.   Number of signs = Total lot perimeter length/100.

      4.   Temporary signs, provided that the area on any one side of such sign shall not exceed 6 square feet and the height shall not exceed three and one-half (3.5) feet. Temporary signs shall be displayed for no more than 90 days in a 6-month period and shall be marked indelibly with the posting date. Temporary signs that relate to a specific event shall be removed by the installer or by the lot owner on which the sign is installed within 5 days after the event has occurred. Three temporary signs are permitted per lot, except that a lot fronting on more than one street may have three temporary signs on each street frontage.

      5.   Window Sign - A sign applied to a window pane (e.g., giving store hours or the name or names of credit or charge institutions), when the total area if any such sign or all signs together does not exceed 1 square foot.

      6.   Cornerstone or historical plaque/sign affixed to the surface of a building wall and not exceeding one and one-half (1.5) square feet.

      7.   Bunting - Bunting, pennants, and similar materials to announce the opening of a new structure, business or industry placed on the premises, provided the bunting is removed not later than 14 days after the opening day or the first day of operation.

      8.   Official and governmental signs including flags or insignia, safety signs, signs indicating points of interest, signs identifying official Township buildings or facilities. Signs identifying Township buildings, police stations, or other Township facilities may be illuminated by exterior lights focused on the sign.

      9.   Holiday and seasonal decorations.

      10.   Personal expression signs of any type, including flags, provided that they do not exceed eight (8) sq. ft. in area per side, are non-commercial in nature, and no illuminated.

      11.   Flags:

         a.   Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any right-of-way.

         b.   Height. Flagpoles shall have a maximum height of 30 ft.

         c.   Number. No more than two (2) flags per lot in residential districts, no more than three (3) flags per lot in all other districts.

         d.   Size. Maximum flag size is 24 sq. ft. in residential districts, 35 sq. ft. in all other districts.

         e.   Flags containing commercial messages may be used as permitted freestanding or projecting signs, and, if so used, the area of the flag shall be included in, and limited by the computation of allowable area for signs on the property. Flags up to eight (8) sq. ft. in area containing noncommercial messages are considered personal expression signs and are regulated in accordance with § 905.J.10.

      12.   Vending machine signs.

      13.   Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification signs erected by Springfield Township, including plaque signs up to six (6) sq. ft. in area.

      14.   Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs shall be removed after the growing season.

      15.   Incidental signs, including incidental window signs.

      16.   Art and murals, provided that such signs do not contain any commercial messaging.

(Ord. 191, passed 1-8-2019)

   A.   Off-lot advertising signs shall be permitted only on properties with frontage on an arterial roadway within the HC Highway Commercial and PI Planned Industrial Zoning Districts.

   B.    An Off-lot advertising sign shall only be allowed if a lot does not include more than one other freestanding sign.

   C.    One off-lot sign may be erected on a property. Vertically or horizontally stacked signs shall not be permitted.

   D.   Placement of off-lot advertising signs shall be:

      1.   Set back from the ultimate right of way a distance equal to the height of the off-lot sign or 15 feet, whichever is greater.

      2.   Located no closer than 25 feet from any property line.

      3.   Located no closer than 50 feet from any building, structure, or on lot sign located on the same property

   E.   Area of off-lot advertising signs - No off-lot advertising sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 150 square feet including border but excluding supports and decorative trim that are not part of the copy content of the display.

   F.   Off-lot advertising signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 25 feet.

   G.   Spacing: Off-lot signs shall be:

      1.   Located no closer to another off-lot sign, on either side of the road, than designated in Table A (Section 905.E.) as measured, parallel to the cartway edge, between cross-road perpendiculars at each sign location .

      2.   Located no closer than 500 ft. from any intersection.

      3.   Located no closer than twenty five feet (25') from the ultimate right-of-way.

      4.   Not attached to the external wall or otherwise affixed to any part of any building and shall not extend over any public property or right-of-way.

      5.   Not located on sewer rights-of-way, or water, electric, or petroleum pipelines.

      6.   Not located on a bridge.

   H.   Double-Sided Off-lot Signs: Signs may be single or double-sided, in accordance with § 905.C. Sign Area.

   I.   Message Sequencing: Message sequencing is prohibited.

   J.   Construction and Maintenance.

      1.   All off-lot advertising signs shall be structurally sound and maintained in good condition and in compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

      2.   The rear face of a single-face, off-lot advertising sign shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color.

      3.   Every three years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural inspection made of the billboard by a licensed engineer registered in Pennsylvania and shall provide to Springfield Township a certificate certifying that the billboard is structurally sound.

   K.   Identification of Sign Owner: All off-lot advertising signs shall be identified on the structure with the name, address, and phone number of the owner of such sign, legible from the ground.

   L.   Landscaping.

      1.   Landscaping shall be provided at the base of all off-lot advertising signs. Trees and shrubbery, including evergreen and flowering trees, of sufficient size and quantity shall be used to achieve the purpose of this Section.

      2.   Trees greater than four (4) inches in diameter removed for construction of the sign shall be replaced on-site at a ratio of one (1) replacement tree for each removed tree using native species no less than three (3) inches in diameter.

   M.   Additional Regulations. All off-lot advertising signs shall comply with any and all applicable zoning regulations of Springfield Township, and any and all municipal, state and/or federal regulations. In the event any other applicable regulation is in conflict with the provisions of this Section, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.

   N.   Application/Plan Requirements. Plans submitted for off-lot advertising signs shall show the following:

      1.   The location of the proposed sign on the lot with the required sign setbacks from the property line and ultimate right-of-way.

      2.   The location and species of existing trees.

      3.   The distance to the nearest existing off-lot advertising sign.

      4.   The distances to the nearest right-of-way, property line, building, structure, on-site sign, intersection, interchange, safety rest area, bridge, residential district, and institutional use, sewer rights-of-way, and water, electric or petroleum pipelines.

      5.   Site plan containing all of the applicable requirements set forth in the Springfield Township zoning ordinance, as amended.

      6.   Certification under the seal by a licensed engineer that the off-lot sign, as proposed, is designed in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, codes, and professional standards.

   O.   Illumination and Changeable Copy of Off-Lot Advertising Signs.

      1.   Off-lot advertising signs may incorporate manually changeable copy signs.

      2.   Off-lot advertising signs may be illuminated, provided that:

         a.   All light sources are designed, shielded, arranged, and installed to confine or direct all illumination to the surface of the off-lot advertising sign and away from adjoining properties.

         b.   Light sources are not visible from any street or adjoining properties.

      3.   External and internal illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 905.F. Sign Illumination.

      4.   Off-lot advertising signs may incorporate Tri-Vision Signs.

         a.   The minimum length of time each message of the Tri-Vision Sign may be displayed before changing is 8 seconds.

(Ord. 191, passed 1-8-2019)

   No sign or other on-lot advertising device shall be permitted except that the following signs are permitted on a lot, subject to the conditions specified here and in § 905:

      A.   Any sign smaller than 2 sq. ft. See § 905.J.3.

      B.   Any temporary sign. See § 905.J.4.

      C.   A free-standing sign for a permitted non-residential building or use. The area of such a sign shall not exceed 12 sq. ft.

      D.   A wall or projecting sign for a permitted non-residential building or use. The area of such a sign shall not exceed 10 sq. ft.

      E.   Illumination. No sign in these districts shall be internally laminated. See also § 905.F.1a. and § 905.F.1.b.

   Summary Table for On-Lot Signs in Non-Commercial Districts

 

 

      A.   All signs permitted in § 907 at the standards prescribed in that Section.

      B.   Freestanding signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

         1.   Number: One (1) sign per street frontage, up to two (2) signs per property held in single and separate ownership.

         2.   Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 sq. ft., plus an additional 5 sq. ft. per tenant, up to a maximum of 30 sq. ft.

         3.   Height: Freestanding signs shall have a maximum height of 8 ft.

      C.   All wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs shall be subject to the following limitations based on sign type, with total sign area limited to one and a half (1.5) square feet per one (1) linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking lot:

         1.   Wall signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

            a.   Number: One (1) sign per tenant per street frontage, up to two (2) signs per tenant. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.

            b.   Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 12 sq. ft. per sign face.

            c.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.

         2.   Awning or canopy signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

            a.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.

         3.   Projecting signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

            a.   Number: One (1) sign per ground floor establishment, plus one (1) sign per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground floor entrance.

            b.   Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 10 sq. ft. per sign face.

            c.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.

      D.   Window signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

         1.   Area: A maximum of 15% of the total window area of any single storefront may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or otherwise permanently affixed to the window.

         2.   Illumination: The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 905.F. Sign Illumination.

            a.   Neon lighting

      E.   Portable signs, subject to the following conditions:

         1.   Portable signs shall not be displayed on any premises before 6:00 AM and shall be removed each day at or before 10:00 PM. However, all portable signs must be taken in during hours of non-operation of the business being advertised.

         2.   Number: One (1) sign per establishment.

         3.   Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 8 sq. ft. per sign face. The sign shall be configured and positioned so that it does not block more than 50% of the pedestrian right-of-way.

         4.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of three and one-half (3.5) feet.

      F.   Illumination of Signs. Those signs in the VC District that are illuminated shall use external lights directed toward the sign. To maintain the village architectural character of the VC District, no internally illuminated signs (with the exception of window signs (see § 908.D.2)) shall be permitted. Refer also to § 905.F, which regulates lighting.

   Summary Table for On-Lot Signs in Village Commercial Districts

 

 

(Ord. 191, passed 1-8-2019)

   No sign or other on-lot advertising device shall be permitted except that the following signs are permitted on a lot:

      A.   Any sign permitted in § 908 at the standards prescribed for in that Section.

      B.   Signs advertising a permitted principal nonresidential use are allowed, provided that, for all signs viewable from outside a building, such signs shall be in accordance with the following:

         1.   All wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs shall be subject to the following limitations based on sign type, with total sign area limited to one and a half (1.5 square feet per one (1) linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking lot:

            a.   Wall signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:

               i.   Number: One (1) sign per tenant per street frontage, up to a maximum of two (2) signs per tenant. Where a store has entrances facing both a street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.

               ii.   Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 32 sq. ft. per sign face.

               iii.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline. A row or series of adjoining signs to be placed upon a wall surface having a common roofline shall be of the same size, shape, general design, and material so as to create uniformity among the series of signs.

               iv.   Illumination: The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 905.F. Sign Illumination:

                  (a)   Internal illumination

                  (b)   External illumination, lit from above

                  (c)   Halo illumination or back-lit letters

                  (d)   Neon lighting

            b.   Awning or canopy signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

               i.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.

               ii.   Illumination: The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 905.F. Sign Illumination.

                  (a)   external illumination, lit from above

                  (b)   neon lighting

         2.   Window signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

            a.   Area: A maximum of 25% of the total window area of any single storefront may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or permanently affixed to the window. A maximum of 35% of the total window area of any single storefront may be covered by a combination of permanent and temporary window signs.

            b.   Illumination: The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 905.F. Sign Illumination.

               i.   Neon lighting

         3.   Marquee signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

            a.   Number: One (1) marquee sign per building.

            b.   Area: The total area of signs on a single marquee structure shall not exceed 200 sq. ft. in area.

            c.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.

            d.   Illumination: The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 905.F. Sign Illumination.

               i.    Internal illumination

               ii.   Electronic Alphanumeric Display

         4.   In addition to building signs, freestanding signs for non-residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

            a.   Number: One (1) sign per street frontage, up to two (2) signs per property held in single and separate ownership.

               i.   For permitted drive-through establishments, one (1) additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising items for sale to users of the drive-through lane only.

            b.   Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 50 sq. ft. plus an additional 10 sq. ft. per tenant up to a maximum of 100 sq. ft.

            c.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of 20 ft.

            d.   Illumination: The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 905.F. Sign Illumination.

               i.   Internal illumination

               ii.   Electronic alphanumeric display

         5.   Upper level building identification signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

            a.   Number: One (1) sign per building.

            b.   Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 200 sq. ft.

            c.   Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of ten (10) feet and shall not extend vertically beyond the eaveline.

            d.   Location: Signs shall be limited to buildings at least three (3) stories in height and shall be located only on the top floor of such buildings.

            e.   Illumination: The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 905.F. Sign Illumination.

               i.   Internal illumination

   Summary Table for On-Lot Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts

 

 

(Ord. 191, passed 1-8-2019)

   Signs not on the property to which they relate, and which are used for directing persons to principal permitted uses in the Township may be erected subject to the following additional requirements:

(Ord. 156, passed 4-27-2010)

      A.   A permit shall be obtained as provided in § 902 hereof.

      (Ord. 156, passed 4-27-2010)

      B.   A sign shall indicate only the name and direction of the principal use.

      C.   Only one such sign shall be erected prior to each intersection turning movement necessary to reach such principal use.

      D.   Such signs shall be located not more than 100 feet from intersecting street right-of-way lines.

      E.   No more than two directional signs shall be erected in the Township for any one principal use.

      F.   Signs shall not exceed 3 square feet in area.

      G.   Signs shall be no closer that 20 feet to a side lot line and shall not be located within the street right-of-way line.

      H.   Height of signs, measured from the mean elevation of the proposed finished grade at the foot of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure shall not exceed 10 feet.

      I.   Written permission from the owner of the property on which the sign is to be placed must be obtained and provided as part of the permit application.

(Ord. 156, passed 4-27-2010)

(Ord. passed 10-2-2007, § 907; Ord. 156, passed 4-27-2010, §§ 56, 57)