Tilden Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XX
Signs
§ 500-117 Scope and applicability.
In all zoning districts within the Township, signs may be erected, altered, maintained, used, or moved only when in accordance with the provisions of this article.
§ 500-118 Sign size and area computation.
A.
The size of any sign shall be computed by multiplying its greatest height by its greatest length, exclusive of supporting structures, unless such supporting structure is illuminated or is in the form of a symbol or contains advertising copy. In the case of signs that have no definable edges, such as raised letters attached to a building facade, the sign size shall be that area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the actual message or copy area.
B.
In computing square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both sign faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of a double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
C.
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.
D.
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 which can encompass all of the letters and symbols.
E.
If an establishment has walls fronting on two or more streets, the sign area for each street shall be computed separately.
§ 500-119 General sign regulations.
A.
Setback from property line. There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet between any side property line and any sign erected under the provisions of this chapter.
B.
Setback from cartway. No sign, other than a traffic or street sign, shall be located within the lines of any road right-of-way or within seven feet of the edge of the cartway of any public street. In no case shall a sign be placed in such a position or manner or have such a source of illumination, that it will cause any danger to pedestrians or vehicular traffic on any road or street.
C.
Minimum distance from street intersection. No signs except official traffic or street name signs shall be permitted within 50 feet of a street intersection measured from the intersection of the street right-of-way lines.
D.
Maintenance of signs. Every sign permitted in this article must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign that is allowed to become dilapidated in the opinion of the Township Supervisors shall be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.
E.
Nonconforming signs. If any legal, nonconforming sign shall be removed, it may be replaced only, within 60 days, with a sign that conforms to the provisions of this article. However, legal nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired provided that the dimensions of the sign are not increased.
F.
Sign permit requirements. A sign permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Officer prior to the erection, alteration or relocation of any sign, billboard or other advertising device over four square feet in area. In applying for such permit, the applicant shall use the form provided by the Township, and shall include a plot plan of the property upon which such sign is located or proposed, showing the location of the street lines, cartway lines, and all signs already existing on the property, in order to facilitate the determination by the Zoning Officer that the sign to which the application relates complies with the provisions of this chapter approved by the Township Planning Commission.
G.
Lighting of signs. Signs shall only be illuminated by shielded lighting mounted to the top of the sign directing the light down onto the sign. The lighting fixtures shall be designed, fitted, and aimed to place the light output on and not beyond the sign.
H.
Wall signs. Wall signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any facade or other surface to which they are mounted.
I.
Projecting signs. Projecting signs shall not extend more than four feet from the wall or surface to which they are mounted and shall be no closer than six feet to a property line. No projecting signs shall interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic and shall be at least 10 feet above the pavement or ground.
J.
Signs within right-of-way lines. No signs except those of a duly constituted governmental body shall be allowed within street right-of-way lines unless specifically authorized by the Township and in compliance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regulations. However, wall signs and projecting sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted to have a portion thereof extending into the public right-of-way no more than four feet.
K.
Applicability to tall structures. These sign provisions shall apply to all signs on smokestacks, water towers, and other similar tall structures.
L.
Construction site signage. Nonilluminated temporary signs may be permitted on new construction sites, if such signs do not to exceed 32 square feet in total area and if they are removed within seven days after completion of the construction work. Not more than one sign shall be placed on each street frontage of the construction site.
§ 500-120 Signs permitted in all districts.
The following signs are permitted in all districts without a permit:
A.
Signs necessary for direction, regulation, and control of traffic; road construction-related signs; street name signs; legal notices; warnings at railroad crossings; and other official federal, state, county, and Township governmental signs.
B.
Temporary signs announcing or advertising any educational, charitable, civic, professional, religious, or similar campaign or event may be permitted, providing such signs do not exceed 32 square feet in area and are removed promptly after the conclusion of the campaign or event.
C.
Temporary political signs supporting political parties, candidates for political office, ballot questions, or current election issues shall be allowed without a permit. The placement of such signs shall be subject to the permission of the property owner on whose land said signs are located. No such sign shall be placed so that it obstructs a motorist's view of a cartway or pedestrian way or otherwise creates a public safety hazard. All such signs shall be removed within seven calendar days immediately following said election.
D.
"No trespassing" signs, signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway, or premises, and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling fishing or hunting upon a particular premise, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
§ 500-121 Signs prohibited in all districts.
The following signs shall not be permitted to remain or to be erected in any district:
A.
Signs that are obsolete structures not meeting construction standards, out-of-date political signs, and signs that have been erected without a permit having been issued therefor.
B.
Signs that are illegal under state law or regulations.
C.
Signs that are not securely fixed on a substantial structure.
D.
Signs that attempt or appear to attempt to regulate, warn, or direct the movement of traffic, except for official traffic-related signs, signals, and devices.
F.
Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from any doors, window, or fire escape or that are attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
G.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence or a product no longer available.
H.
Banners, spinners, flags, pennants, or any moving objects used for commercial advertising purposes, whether containing a message or not, except as specifically allowed in this article.
I.
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated, or moving message displays of any type, except on emergency signs, those signs related to road or other construction activities, those portions of signs which indicate time and/or temperature, and where otherwise specifically allowed for in this chapter.
[Amended 4-10-2014 by Ord. No. 216-2014]
J.
Portable signs, including A-frame, menu, and sandwich board signs and balloons used as signs, but not including road construction or emergency signage.
K.
Signs attached to or painted on vehicles that are parked on a site and are visible from the public right-of-way in such a manner that the carrying or displaying of such sign or signs no longer is incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes the primary purpose in itself, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of a business located on the site or a business performing construction, remodeling, or similar activity on the site.
§ 500-122 Signs permitted in residential districts by permit.
In R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Residential Districts, the following types of signs shall be permitted by permit:
A.
Identification signs for farms, schools, churches, hospitals, institutions, and for public or private recreation areas, clubs or other similar uses, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
B.
Signs erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other person interested in such sale or development provided that the area of such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. Such signs shall be located only on the premises to which they relate, and not more than one such sign shall be placed on any property in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts on more than one public street, in which case one sign may be erected along each street frontage.
C.
Signs advertising the sale, lease, or rental of property, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet. No more than one such sign shall be placed on property held in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage. All signs shall be removed within seven days after settlement or rental has been entered into.
D.
Where a real estate developer is engaged in selling lots only, temporary signs advertising the sale of lots in the subdivision shall be permitted during the initial period of the development project. Said period shall commence with the recording date of the subdivision plan and shall end 12 months thereafter. The permit for such signs may be renewed at the end of each twelve-month period.
E.
Temporary signs of contractors, architects, mechanics and artisans during the period such persons are performing work on the premises, provided that:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
Not more than one sign for each such mechanic, contractor or artisan shall be placed on any one property on which such person is performing work, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event, each such mechanic, contractor or artisan may erect one such sign on each street frontage.
(3)
Such sign shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work.
§ 500-123 Signs permitted in residential districts without permit.
In R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Residential Districts, the following types of signs shall be permitted without a permit:
A.
Official traffic-related or street name signs.
B.
Name, accessory use, and home occupation signs, indicating the name, profession, or activity of the occupant of a dwelling, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
C.
Directional, informational or public service signs, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, and any such sign shall not exceed two square feet in size.
D.
Signs erected by the Township and any of its boards, commissions, or agencies.
§ 500-124 Signs permitted in commercial and industrial districts by permit.
[Amended 4-10-2014 by Ord. No. 216-2014]
In Commercial C-1, C-2 and C-3 and in Industrial L-1, L-2, and L-3 Districts, the following types of signs shall be permitted by permit:
A.
Identification signs for schools, churches, hospitals, institutions, and public and private recreation areas, clubs, and other similar uses, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
B.
Signs erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other person interested in such sale or development, provided that the area of such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. Such signs shall be located only on the premises to which they relate, and not more than one such sign shall be placed on any property in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts on more than one public street, in which case one sign may be erected along each street frontage.
C.
Signs advertising the sale, lease, or rental of property, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet. No more than one such sign shall be placed on property held in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage. All signs shall be removed within seven days after settlement or rental has been entered into.
D.
Where a real estate developer is engaged in selling lots only, temporary signs advertising the sale of lots in the subdivision shall be permitted during the initial period of the development project. Said period shall commence with the recording date of the subdivision plan and shall end 12 months thereafter. The permit for such signs may be renewed at the end of each twelve-month period.
E.
Temporary signs of contractors, architects, mechanics and artisans during the period such persons are performing work on the premises, provided that:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
Not more than one sign for each such mechanic, contractor or artisan shall be placed on any one property on which such person is performing work, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event, each such mechanic, contractor or artisan may erect one such sign on each street frontage.
(3)
Such sign shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work.
F.
Signs identifying a business, industry, or other permitted use, provided that:
(1)
Such sign is located on the site where such use is conducted.
(2)
Not more than one sign shall be permitted for any one use unless the property on which such use is located fronts on more than one street, in which event one sign may be erected on each frontage.
(3)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
(4)
Signs shall only be illuminated by shielded lighting mounted to the top of the sign directing the light down onto the sign.
(5)
No sign shall exceed 12 feet in height.
G.
Signs identifying a commercial/industrial park, provided that:
(1)
One sign for commercial/industrial park identification will be allowed for each park. Such sign shall be located near the intersection of the primary park access drive and the existing public road. Any alternate location for this sign shall be with the recommendation of the Planning Commission and the approval by the Township Board of Supervisors.
(2)
The purpose of this sign is to identify the park and its tenants and shall not be used for any advertising.
(3)
Park identification signs shall have an area of not more than 75 square feet for each lot in the park, with a maximum area of 450 square feet.
(4)
Park identification signs shall be illuminated by shielded lighting only, mounted at the top of the sign and directing the light down onto the sign.
H.
Special promotional signs or displays, such as banners and pennants, which are not readily measurable for the purpose of determining compliance with the size limitations for signs contained in this article, shall be permitted for no more than a total of 15 days in any one calendar year.
I.
Off-premises signs in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
§ 500-125 Signs permitted in commercial and industrial districts without a permit.
[Amended 4-10-2014 by Ord. No. 216-2014]
In C-1 C-2 and C-3 and in L-1, L-2, and L-3 Districts, the following types of signs shall be permitted without a permit:
A.
Official traffic-related or street name signs.
B.
Name, accessory use, and home occupation signs, indicating the name, profession, or activity of the occupant of a dwelling, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
C.
Directional, informational or public service signs, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, and any such sign shall not exceed two square feet in size.
D.
Signs erected by the Township and any of its boards, commissions, or agencies.
§ 500-126 Signs permitted in OS Open Space District without permit.
In the OS Open Space District, the following types of signs shall be permitted without a permit:
A.
Official traffic-related or street name signs.
B.
Directional or informational signs, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, and any such sign shall not exceed two square feet in size.
C.
Signs erected by the Township and any of its boards, commissions, or agencies.
D.
Signs erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
§ 500-127 Signs permitted in A Agricultural District by permit.
In the A Agricultural District, the following types of signs shall be permitted by permit:
A.
Identification signs for farms, schools, churches, hospitals, institutions, and for public or private recreation areas, clubs or other similar uses, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
B.
Temporary signs of contractors, architects, mechanics and artisans during the period such persons are performing work on the premises, provided that:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
Not more than one sign for each such mechanic, contractor or artisan shall be placed on any one property on which such person is performing work, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event, each such mechanic, contractor or artisan may erect one such sign on each street frontage.
(3)
Such sign shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work.
§ 500-128 Signs permitted in A Agricultural District without permit.
In the A Agricultural District, the following types of signs shall be permitted without a permit:
A.
Official traffic-related or street name signs.
B.
Name, accessory use, and home occupation signs, including signs for roadside stands, indicating the name, profession, or activity of the occupant of a dwelling, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
C.
Directional, informational, or public service signs, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, and any such sign shall not exceed two square feet in size.
D.
Signs erected by the Township and any of its boards, commissions, or agencies.
§ 500-129 Off-premises signs.
A.
Location of off-premises signs. Off-premises signs which conform with the provisions of this section shall be permitted only in the C-3 Highway Commercial and the L-2 Industrial Districts. In no event shall any portion of any off-premises sign be erected within 100 feet of any property zoned for or in residential use. No off-premises sign shall be erected within 1,500 feet of any other off-premises sign on the same side of any street. No off-premises sign shall be erected closer than 10 feet to a street right-of-way line or a property line. No off-premises sign shall be located in such a manner as to obscure or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or obstruct or physically interfere with a driver's view of approaching or intersecting traffic.
[Amended 4-10-2014 by Ord. No. 216-2014]
B.
Area of off-premises signs. The maximum area of an off-premises sign face shall be 300 square feet. The maximum length of an off-premises sign shall be 25 feet. Temporary embellishments shall not exceed 20% of the permanent sign area.
C.
Height of off-premises signs. Off-premises signs shall not exceed an overall height of 25 feet above the adjacent ground elevation or 40 feet above the surface of the road, whichever is lesser in height.
D.
Spacing of off-premises signs. Property facing roads and all other property that is zoned so as to permit the construction and maintenance of off-premise signs shall be subject to the following:
E.
Lighting of off-premises signs. Off-premises signs may be illuminated, subject to the following restrictions:
(1)
Flashing devices and revolving or rotating beams or beacons of light that simulates emergency light devices shall not be permitted as part of any off-premises sign. However, illuminated signs that indicate customary public information, such as time, date, temperature or other similar information, shall be permitted.
(2)
The illumination of off-premises signs shall not create a general nuisance to adjoining properties and shall be effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays from being directed at any portion of adjacent roads and are not of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle. External lighting, such as floodlights, thin line, and goose neck reflectors, are permitted, provided the light source is directed downward on the face of the sign.
(3)
The illumination of any sign within 200 feet of any property zoned for or in residential use shall be diffused or indirect in design to prevent direct rays of light from shining onto adjoining property.
(4)
Off-premises signs shall not be illuminated between 11:00 p.m. and dawn, prevailing time.
F.
Off-premises sign arrangement. When two sign faces are utilized in a back-to-back arrangement, they shall be parallel and directly opposite sign faces, oriented in opposite directions, and located not more than 15 feet apart. When the V-type sign arrangement is used for two sign faces, the sign shall be located on a unipole support, so that when viewed from above, their faces are oriented in different positions forming the shape of the letter V. The sign faces shall not be located more than 15 feet apart at the closest point nor shall the interior angle be greater than 45°.
G.
Construction standards. All off-premises signs shall be constructed in accordance with the building code of the Township. The structural elements of all off-premises signs shall be constructed on a steel unipole support meeting the industry-wide standards as established by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising. All newly erected off-premises signs shall conform to all other applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations.
H.
Replacement of existing off-premises signs. The maintenance or replacement of off-premises signs existing prior to this section shall be permitted, provided upgrades are in accordance with the building code of the Township.
I.
Maintenance of off-premises signs. All off-premises signs shall be maintained in sound and safe structural condition. All painted portions of off-premises signs shall be kept in good condition. The general area in the vicinity of all off-premises signs on undeveloped property shall be kept free and clear of sign material debris.
J.
Removals. Abandoned off-premises signs shall be promptly removed.
§ 500-130 Signs Permitted in the C-3 District.
[Added 1-3-2006 by Ord. No. 161; amended 1-2-2007 by Ord. No. 173; 12-6-2008 by Ord. No. 190; 4-10-2014 by Ord. No. 216-2014]
A.
Building signs.
(1)
Front building signs, wall signs and permanent window signs shall be limited to a maximum of 10% of the building front wall area, but in no case shall the total of all such signage on a front wall exceed 1,000 square feet. Multi-use or tenant structures shall be limited to a maximum of 10% per use or tenant front wall area. The 1,000 square foot limit shall not apply to the multi-use or tenant structures.
(2)
Side building signs shall be limited to a maximum of 300 square feet and shall not be limited in number per use, provided the total area of all side building signs does not exceed 300 square feet.
B.
Center sign shall be a maximum of 450 square feet on each side and shall be limited to one sign per road frontage and/or access entry drive with a maximum of two center signs. Said sign(s) may be off-premises, as long as such sign is within 500 feet from the closest portion of the premises. A center sign shall be defined as a free standing sign representing a single commercial property or a collection of contiguous commercial properties having a total of at least 35 acres within the C-3 Zone.
C.
The maximum height of a center sign shall be 60 feet and the top of sign elevation shall not be higher than elevation 550, except that signs may be higher than elevation 550 provided that the height of the sign does not exceed 35 feet. Ground elevation shall be established by USGS topographical survey benchmarks.
D.
Roadside signs shall not exceed eight feet in height above ground level, shall be maximum of 80 square feet and shall be limited to a maximum of one sign per vehicle entrance to the center, except that the total number of proposed signs may be increased and/or decreased, provided that the total square footage of the sum of the roadside signage does not exceed the total square footage of roadside signage permitted by the number of allowable roadside signs.
E.
Directional signs shall be a maximum of 20 square feet per sign.
F.
Lighting of signs.
(1)
Signs may be illuminated either internally or externally and shall be in conformance with all standards contained within this chapter. Signs shall contain no flashing, laser, blinking, twinkling, animation or movement.
(2)
On-premises signs may include electronically changeable messages so long as messages shall remain unchanged for a minimum of 10 seconds and the time for each change between messages shall be one second or less.
(3)
Notwithstanding Subsection F(2) above, on-premises signs may include electronic messages which indicate customary public information such as time, date, temperature and on site gasoline prices.
(4)
The brightness of an electronic changeable copy sign shall not exceed an illumination of 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours, and 400 nits between dusk and dawn, as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness. The sign shall have an automatic dimmer switch control to produce a distinct illumination change from a higher illumination level to a lower illumination level for the period of time between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. Electronic changeable copy signs shall also be equipped with automatic monitors and dimmer features to adjust brightness levels based upon ambient light. At no time shall the sign be operated at a brightness level greater than the manufacturer's recommended levels. The lamp wattage and luminance level in nits (candelas per square meter) shall be provided at the time of permit application. Permit applications for electronic changeable copy signs shall also include a copy of the manufacturer's operating manual, which includes the manufacturer's recommended standards for brightness, and a certification from the owner or operator of the sign stating that the sign shall at all times be operated in accordance with all applicable Township regulations and that the owner or operator shall provide proof of such conformance upon request of the Township.