Towamencin Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Signs
§ 153-800 Purpose.
It is recognized that signs perform an important function in identifying residences and businesses. It is hereby found and declared, however, that control of signs is necessary to promote the health, safety and general welfare by:
A.
Setting standards and providing uniform controls that permit reasonable use of signs and preserve the character of the Township;
B.
Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, illumination, and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists;
C.
Preserving property values;
D.
Avoiding excessive conflicts from large or multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion; and
E.
Ensuring sign design that builds on the image and visual environment the Township seeks to promote.
§ 153-801 Definitions.
Words and terms in this article shall have the meanings given in this article. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any pertinent word or term not part of this listing but vital to the interpretation of this article shall be construed to have its legal definition or, in absence of a legal definition, its meaning as commonly accepted by practitioners, including civil engineers, surveyors, architects, landscape architects, and planners.
A sign, including both on-premises signs and off-premises signs, which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 180 days.
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service.
A sign that uses action, motion, flashing, or color changes and requiring either electrical energy or an electronic manufactured source of supply. This does not include wind-actuated elements such as flags or banners.
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering which projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window and is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building.
A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to, an awning, as defined herein.
A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered to a fixed location, which contains an advertisement message either on its surface or attached to the balloon in any other manner.
Any temporary sign intended to be hung either with or without frames and possessing characters, letters, illustration, or ornamentations applied to fabric or similar material and attached to a pole or building. National, state, or municipal flags, or flags containing only decorative illustrations, shall not be considered a banner sign for the purposes of this article unless its use or purpose is that of advertising the location of a business at which it is flown.
A signaling or guiding device, such as a lighthouse, spotlight, or other light, used to attract attention to a specific business, property, or any location.
A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.
See "off-premises sign."
The maximum linear width of a building measured in a single straight line parallel with the abutting public street or parking lot.
An on-premises sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted, other than incidentally, on the premises upon which the sign is located or to which it is affixed.
A structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or other material that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the ground and may also be connected to a building.
Any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy.
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, panels, or illustrations can be manually changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. This shall also include the changing of a copy on a billboard.
Any sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional letters, illuminated or nonilluminated, individually applied to a wall.
Either the vertical distance above a walkway (or other surface if specified) to the bottom edge of a sign or the horizontal distance between two objects.
Any temporary sign displaying the names of principal contractors, architects, or lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed. Where permitted, construction signs shall be limited to the duration of construction.
Any portion of a sign consisting of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message or image automatically or by remote control, including but not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma screen.
An on-premises or off-premises incidental sign designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Where permitted, such signs shall not include logos, insignia, or any other commercial symbols.
A sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building is given, including, but not limited to, office buildings and church directories.
Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners. Flag signs include flags printed with logos or text for a commercial purpose, not including local, state, or national flags.
A sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant in intensity when in use and which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include signs meeting the definition of "message center signs" or "digital displays."
A unit of incident light (on a surface) stated in lumens per square foot and measureable with an illuminance meter. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
A unit of emitted light (from a surface) stated in lumens per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter. One footlambert is equal to one lumen per square foot.
A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards, or masonry structure on the ground independent from any building or other structure. The following are subtypes of freestanding signs:
GROUND SIGNA freestanding sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building (also referred to as "monument sign").
POLE SIGNA freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or base structure.
A freestanding, open-air structure constructed for the purposes of shielding service station islands from the elements.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides of the gas station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of this article, gas station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.
Any sign for the control of traffic or for identification purposes which is erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof, in the discharge of official duties, including, but not limited to, street signs, warning signs, railroad signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction.
Signs or displays including lighting which are a nonpermanent installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons (also known as "seasonal decorations").
A sign in which a source of light is used in order to make the message readable. This shall include signs with both external illumination and internal illumination.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated in or indirectly from an artificial source (also "illuminated").
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATIONArtificial 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.
FESTOON LIGHTINGA directly illuminated sign, as defined herein, comprised of either:
INTERNAL ILLUMINATIONA light source that is concealed or contained with the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Message center signs, digital displays, and signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination for the purposes of this article.
HALO ILLUMINATIONA sign using a three-dimensional message, logo, etc., which is lit in such a way as to produce a halo effect (also known as "back-lit illumination").
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.
Signs displayed in a window displaying information such as the business hours of operation, credit institutions accepted, commercial and civic affiliations, and similar information. These signs shall be informational only and shall not contain a commercial message.
A sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the device.
An electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior or electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
The physical attributes of a sign that allow for an observer's differentiation of its letters, words, numbers, or graphics.
Light emitted by a lighting installation which extends beyond the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited.
An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination, including illumination emitted by an electronic sign, measured in candela per square foot (cd/ft2).
See "changeable copy sign."
A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection from the elements.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purposes 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.
A sign having parts that physically move rather than merely appear to move as might be found in a digital display. The physical movement may be activated electronically or by another means but shall not include wind-activated movement such as used for banners or flags. Mechanical movement signs do not include digital displays.
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other remembrances of persons or events, which is not used for a commercial message.
A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available at a restaurant or other use serving food or beverages.
A type of illuminated changeable copy sign that consists only of electronically changing alphanumeric text, including, but not limited to, gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards.
The spreading of one message across more than one sign structure.
A freestanding sign used to advertise businesses that occupy a shopping center or complex with multiple tenants.
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 (also known as "mural sign").
A nonbusiness sign which announces only the name and/or address of the occupants of a residence.
The unit measurement for luminance equal to one candela per square meter.
A sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective date of this article, or amendment thereto, that does not currently comply with sign regulations of the district in which it is located.
An outdoor sign whose message directs attention to a specific business, product, service, event, or activity, or other commercial or noncommercial activity or contains a noncommercial message about something that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located. See § 153-502C(21) for additional requirements (also known as a "third-party sign," "billboard," or "outdoor advertising").
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional signs and other traffic signs erected and maintained on public highways and roads in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of traffic.
An outdoor sign whose message and design relate to an individual business, profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial or noncommercial activity sold, offered or conducted on the same property where the sign is located.
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.
A sign attached to or affixed to a building, window, or structure or to the ground in a manner than enables the sign to resist environmental loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement of the sign and whose intended use appears to be indefinite.
A sign possessing characters, letters, illustration, or ornamentations applied to fabric or similar material and attached to a single pole at the top and bottom.
A sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently attached to the ground or other structure. The following are subtypes of portable signs:
SANDWICH BOARD SIGNA 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").
VEHICULAR SIGNAny vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign, or signs, no longer is incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself, shall be considered a freestanding sign and, as such, shall be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district in which the vehicle is located.
A sign indicating a street or drive which is not publicly owned and maintained and used for access by the occupants of the development and their guests.
A building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two faces generally perpendicular to the building wall, otherwise known as a "blade sign."
A sign erected or required by governmental agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs, for public access.
Any sign which is used to offer for sale, lease, or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
A sign containing any material or device which has the effect of intensifying reflective light.
A sign which revolves in a circular motion, rather than remaining stationary on it supporting structure.
A sign erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building which is wholly or partly supported by said building.
A sign that provides information or warning regarding potential hazards, proper use or materials.
A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely to provide information to the attendees of an athletic event.
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such as "No Trespassing," "No Hunting," or "No Soliciting" (also known as "warning sign").
The description of a luminaire from which no direct glare is visible at normal viewing angles, by virtue of its being properly aimed, oriented, and located and properly fitted with such devices as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts, or visors.
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. A sign includes the sign faces as well as any sign supporting structure.
The dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. See § 153-805C of this Code for standards for measuring sign area.
The part of the sign that is or can be used for the sign area. The sign area could be smaller than the sign face.
A group of two or more similar signs placed on the same property. All sign groups, except for those containing only signs exempt from a permit by § 153-804, require a permit.
The distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean grade at the base of the sign.
A directed and controlled light specifically intended to illuminate a sign.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports holding a sign in place.
Sign of any material whatsoever that is attached in any way to a utility pole, official traffic sign, traffic signal pole, tree, stake, fences, public benches, streetlights, or any similar object located or situated on public or private property without permission of the property owner (also known as a "bandit sign").
The exterior facade of a building housing a commercial use visible from a street, sidewalk, or other pedestrianway accessible to the public and containing the primary entrance to the commercial establishment.
A display made of lightweight, flexible materials, consisting of long, narrow, wavy strips hung individually or in a series, with or without a logo or advertising message printed or painted on them and typically designed to move in the wind.
Any off-premises temporary banner sign which is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.
The side or sides of a lot abutting a public street or right-of-way.
A banner sign suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertising.
A type of nonpermanent sign that is located on private property that can be displayed for no more than 120 days and is not intended to be permanent and which is intended to advertise, without limitation, special events, sales, general elections, community or civic projects, construction projects and real estate for sale or lease on a temporary basis.
A display containing numerals flashing alternately to show the temperature and time.
Any sign which is erected upon a structure having wheels, rollers, or similar devices facilitating movement and is capable of being moved from one location to another.
An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.
A display, whether illuminated or nonilluminated, attached to the underside of a marquee protruding over a public or private sidewalk or right-of-way.
A sign displayed on a vending machine indicating the name of the product being sold and/or the price.
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. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall sign (also known as "fascia sign," "parallel wall sign" or "band sign").
A sign which is applied, painted or affixed to a window, or placed inside a window or glass door, within three feet of the glass, facing the outside of the building, and easily seen from the outside, which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity conducted on the same lot or premises. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering behind a store window are not considered window or door signs.
§ 153-802 Engineering design and standards for signs.
A.
Only materials as permitted by the Building Code,[1] as adopted and last revised by Towamencin Township, shall be used in the manufacture of signs. The design and construction of illuminated signs shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth by the National Electrical Code and the Underwriters Laboratories.
B.
Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist wind forces as specified in the Building Code, as adopted and last revised by the Township.
C.
Detailed plans showing supporting structural members and foundations must be submitted to the Code Enforcement Department for approval before the issuance of a permit. In the case of a freestanding sign in excess of 50 square feet, on one side, and over 16 feet in height above the existing grade, a seal of a registered professional engineer registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall be required on all such plans.
D.
Electrical standards.
(1)
Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an approved electrical permit, if required. Applications for electrical permits shall be filed at the same time as the sign permit application.
(2)
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.
(3)
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 the Township as a condition precedent to the issuance of a sign permit.
§ 153-803 Prohibited signs.
A.
The following types of signs, illumination of signs, and lights shall be prohibited in Towamencin Township, excluding, specifically, government regulatory signs and official traffic signs:
(1)
Abandoned signs.
(2)
Animated signs.
(3)
Beacon light.
(4)
Bench signs.
(5)
Festoon lighting.
(6)
Flashing signs or signs that scroll or flash text or graphics.
(7)
Inflatable signs or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
(8)
Interactive signs.
(9)
Marquee signs.
(10)
Pennants.
(11)
Projecting signs.
(12)
Mechanical movement signs.
(13)
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
(14)
Revolving signs.
(15)
Roof signs.
(16)
Snipe signs.
(17)
Trailer signs.
(18)
Under-marquee signs.
(19)
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business logos, identification, or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
(20)
Any sign that imitates, resembles, interferes with, or obstructs government regulatory signs, official traffic signs, official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
(21)
Any sign which prevents free ingress and egress from any door, window or fire escape or that prevents free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(22)
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor, or contain open flames.
(23)
Banner signs or any other sign suspended across a public street without the permission of the owner of the property and road.
(24)
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, with the exception of those authorized or required by local, state or federal government.
(25)
Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of the Towamencin Township Zoning Ordinance.
(26)
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects as determined by Towamencin Township.
(27)
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
(28)
Any exterior sign that is affixed with only adhesives.
§ 153-804 Signs exempt from sign permit.
[Amended 2-28-2024 by Ord. No. 24-03]
A.
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of permanent signs allows within a zoning district, provided that such signs comply with the regulations in this section, if any.
(1)
Official traffic signs.
(2)
Governmental regulatory signs.
(3)
Signs inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which are not meant to be viewed from the outside and are located greater than three feet from the window or glass door.
(4)
Holiday decorations.
(5)
Up to two address signs or nameplate signs which do not exceed one square foot, are nonilluminated and do not include any commercial advertising or other identification.
(6)
Residential districts. Signs permitted in any residential district by § 153-808, provided that they do not create a sign group and do not exceed four square feet.
(7)
Nonresidential Districts. Signs permitted in any nonresidential district by § 153-808, provided that they do not create a sign group and do not exceed five square feet.
(8)
Public signs.
(9)
Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical, or educational organization, provided that they do not create a sign group and do not exceed four square feet in area. The sign shall include only the name of such organization and its location.
(10)
Private drive signs. One sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed two square feet in area. Private drive signs may not be illuminated.
(11)
Security and warning signs. Signs not to exceed 1 1/2 square feet in area for every 100 square feet of street frontage. The limitations shall not apply to the posting of conventional "No Trespassing" signs in accordance with the state law. Security and warning signs may not be illuminated.
(12)
Legal notices.
(13)
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification sign erected by the Township.
(14)
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, existing at the time of the adoption of this article.
(15)
Farmstand signs. Signs advertising the sale of farm products, when associated with a permitted farmstand in accordance with this chapter, are permitted, provided that:
(a)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet;
(b)
Not more than two signs are used;
(c)
Such signs shall be displayed only when such products are on sale;
(d)
Such signs shall not be located in the right-of-way or obstruct visibility at an intersection; and
(e)
The signs shall not be illuminated.
(16)
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs.
(18)
Art and murals, provided that such signs to do not contain any commercial messaging.
(20)
Electric vehicle charging station signs.
§ 153-805 General regulations applicable to all districts.
A.
Sign location.
(1)
Signs shall not be placed in such position as to endanger traffic on a street by obscuring a clear view, or by confusion with local street signs, or traffic signals, by virtue of position or color. In addition, no sign shall be located or arranged so that it interferes with traffic through glare, blocks reasonable sight lines for streets, sidewalks or driveways, or causes confusion with traffic control devices by reason of color, location, shape, or other means. Signs which are located adjacent to any driveway or right-of-way must meet the approval of the Township Engineer.
(2)
No sign, other than governmental regulatory signs or official traffic signs, is to be erected or maintained within the ultimate right-of-way of any public street unless a waiver of damages, in a format acceptable to the Township, is provided by the property owner and recorded at the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds, indicating that if it becomes necessary to have the sign removed that the Township and/or governing agency having jurisdiction of the street shall not be liable for any damages or cost of removal.
(3)
Any signs with any part of the sign or sign supporting structure which is not set back a minimum of 10 feet from an ultimate street right-of-way are subject to the following:
(4)
No sign may occupy any sight triangle as defined by the Township Engineer.
(5)
Signs and sign supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.
(6)
No freestanding sign shall occupy a designated parking area or intended parking area, walkway, cartway, driveway or area designated for any other use.
B.
C.
Sign area. In calculating the area of signs, the following provisions shall apply:
(1)
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed (whether such background is open or enclosed), excluding any supporting framework and bracing which are solely incidental to the display itself, provided that the same do not contain any such lettering, wording, designs or symbols.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall, or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs and symbols.
(3)
Where a sign consists of a double face, only one side shall be considered for the purpose of calculating such area, provided that both faces are identical, but if the interior angle formed by two faces of a double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(4)
Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional or irregularly shaped objects shall have a sign area of the sum of two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest cube encompassing the sign or object.
(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 parallel to the plane of view.
(6)
The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by the sign type and the zoning district in which the sign is located.
D.
Sign spacing. The spacing between signs shall be measured as a straight-line distance between the closest edges of each sign.
E.
Landscaping. A landscaped area around the base of a freestanding sign on the ground, including but not limited to pole signs and monument signs, equal to two square feet of landscaped area for each square foot of sign. The landscaping shall be in accordance with the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance[1] as last amended with modifications as approved by the Township Engineer.
F.
Sign illumination.
(1)
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified within, consistent with the following standards:
(a)
Location. The type of illumination permitted is determined by the type of sign and the zoning district.
(b)
Light sources to illuminate signs shall be neither visible from any street right-of-way nor cause glare hazardous or distracting to pedestrians, vehicle drivers or adjacent properties.
(c)
No more than 0.2 footcandle of light shall be detectable at the boundary of any abutting property.
(d)
Hours of operation.
[1]
Signs on nonresidential properties adjacent to a residential use or district may be illuminated from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. or 1/2 hour past the close of business of the facility being identified or advertised, whichever is later.
[2]
Signs shall provide an automatic timer to comply with the intent of this section.
(e)
Brightness. Message center signs and digital displays are subject to the following brightness limits:
[1]
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance shall be no greater than 5,000 nits.
[2]
At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 250 nits.
[3]
Each sign must have a light-sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change to comply with the limits set here within.
(f)
Glare control. Glare control shall be achieved primarily through the use of such means as cutoff fixtures, shields, and baffles and appropriate application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming angle and fixture placement. Vegetation screens shall not be employed to serve as the primary means for controlling glare.
(2)
Types of illumination. Where permitted, illumination may be:
(a)
External. Signs with external illumination, where permitted, are subject to the following regulations:
(b)
Internal. Signs with internal illumination, where permitted, are subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Internal illumination, including neon lighting, must be static in intensity and color.
[2]
Message center signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations contained in § 153-805F(3).
[3]
Digital displays are permitted in accordance with the regulations contained in § 153-805F(4).
(3)
Message center signs are subject to the following regulations, in addition to all other illumination requirements established in § 153-805F(1) and (2).
(b)
Height. A message center sign shall have the same height limits as other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(c)
Area. When used as an on-premises sign, message center signs shall not exceed 50% of the sign area for any one sign and shall not exceed more than 30% of the total area for all signs permitted on a property.
(d)
Maximum number. Where permitted, one message center sign is permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two message center signs per property.
(e)
Message display.
[1]
The words, symbols or images must remain stationary for a minimum of 30 seconds before changing to any other words, symbols or images.
[2]
No message center sign may contain text which flashes, pulsates, moves, or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[3]
The content of a message center sign must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[4]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted non-message center sign to a message center sign requires the issuance of an additional sign permit.
(g)
The addition of any message center sign to any nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements. The owner of every message center sign shall coordinate with the local authorities to display, when requested by local authorities, emergency information important to the traveling public, including, but not limited to, Amber Alerts or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(4)
Digital display signs are subject to the following regulations in addition to all other requirements established in § 153-805F(1) and (2).
(b)
Height. A digital display shall have the same height limits as for other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(c)
Area.
[1]
When used as an on-premises sign, digital displays shall not exceed more than 30% of the total sign area permitted on the site.
[2]
When used as an off-premises sign, digital displays may be used for the full permitted sign area in accordance with the requirements in Article VIII and § 153-502C(21).
(d)
Maximum number per property. Where permitted, one digital display sign is permitted per property.
(e)
Message display:
[1]
The words, symbols or images must remain stationary for a minimum of 30 seconds before changing to any other words, symbols or images.
[2]
Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or text or images which flash, pulsate, move or scroll is prohibited. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[3]
One message/display may be brighter than another, but each individual message/display must be static in intensity.
[4]
The content of a digital display must transition by changing instantly, with no transition in graphics (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[5]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted nondigital display to a digital display requires the issuance of a sign permit.
(g)
The addition of any digital display to any nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements: The owner of digital display shall coordinate with the local authorities to display, when requested by local authorities, emergency information important to the traveling public, including, but not limited to, Amber Alerts or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
§ 153-806 Regulations by sign type.
A.
On-premises signs.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less than eight feet above the finished grade. If the wall sign projects less than three inches from the building wall on which it is affixed, the eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
(b)
A wall sign shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall, roofline or other surface to which it is mounted and shall not project more than 12 inches from its mounting surface.
(2)
Canopy or awning signs.
(a)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertisement shall not be regulated as a sign.
(b)
Canopy signs or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
(c)
No canopy sign or awning sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
(d)
No canopy sign or awning sign shall be illuminated with internal illumination or external illumination.
(f)
Sign height. The lowest edge of the canopy sign or awning sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(g)
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
(h)
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided that they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(i)
Multi-tenant Buildings. If the canopy sign or awning sign is mounted on a multitenant building, all canopy signs or awning signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the building.
(3)
Window signs.
(a)
Incidental window signs displaying pertinent business information, such as the business's hours of operation and credit cards accepted, shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
(b)
Total square footage of such signs shall not exceed 25% of the square footage of the individual window at/on which the sign is located.
(c)
Such signs shall be installed only at/on the windows of the ground-level floor of a building.
(d)
Such signs shall be installed at/on no more than 1/2 of the total number of windows on one facade only of the first floor/ground-level floor of the building. In the event that the building has multiple street frontages, the total number of window signs shall be limited to no more than two street frontage facades.
(4)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
The lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall either be less than four feet or greater than seven feet above the ground.
(b)
Freestanding ground signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(c)
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway or other areas required to remain unobstructed.
(d)
Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs are only permitted when integrated into a freestanding sign or wall sign.
(e)
Flag signs. Flags containing commercial messages may be used as permitted freestanding 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 containing commercial messages are not exempt from permit requirements.
(5)
Sandwich board signs.
(b)
One sandwich board sign is permitted per establishment.
(c)
Sandwich board signs are only permitted for eating places and are limited to displaying the daily specials and hours of operation.
(d)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of five square feet per sign face.
(e)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 3 1/2 feet.
(f)
Sign placement.
[1]
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
[2]
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 10 feet of the primary public entrance, of the establishment it advertises.
[3]
The sign must be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
(g)
The sign shall be removed at the end of the business day.
(6)
Pole banner signs.
(b)
Area. Each sign may not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(c)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
(d)
Clearance. A minimum clearance of 10 feet is required between the ground surface and the bottom of the sign.
(e)
Sign placement. The sign must be placed within the site and set back a minimum of 20 feet from the right-of-way or property line.
(f)
Sign groups. Identical pole banner signs may be installed within the property. The maximum number of pole banner signs shall be 12. Permits are required for sign groups.
B.
Off-premises signs.
(1)
Billboards as defined in § 153-502C(21) are permitted in the Zoning Districts where the use C-21 is permitted.
(2)
Billboards or off-premises signs must comply with the requirements in § 153-502C(21) and this article. In the event of a conflict, the more restrictive requirement applies.
(3)
Message sequencing is prohibited.
(4)
All off-premises signs shall be identified on the structure with the name, address, and phone number of the owner.
(5)
Off-premises signs may not be 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.
(6)
Off-premises signs shall not be located on sewer rights-of-way, or water, electric, or petroleum pipelines.
(8)
Off-premises signs may incorporate manual changeable copy signs, message center signs, digital displays, or tri-vision signs. The words, symbols, or images for off-premises signs must remain stationary for a minimum of 30 seconds before changing to any other words, symbols, or images.
C.
Temporary signs, as defined in § 153-801, located on private property, are subject to the regulations set forth below. Temporary signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. Unless otherwise stated below, the requirements listed below shall apply to both commercial and noncommercial signs.
(1)
Nonresidential districts.
(a)
Large temporary signs. One large on-premises temporary sign is permitted per property in all nonresidential districts advertising the sale, rental or development of the property on which the sign has been erected or a special event to be held on the property on which the sign has been erected. On lots with more than one street frontage, one sign is permitted per street frontage.
[4]
Duration.
[a]
A sign for the sale, rental, or development of a property shall be removed within 20 days after agreement of sale or rental or completion of the development.
[b]
A banner sign or temporary sign for a special event may not be displayed earlier than 30 days prior to the event, and such banner sign and temporary sign can only be displayed for a maximum of 45 days.
[c]
Display of a banner sign or temporary sign for a special event may occur no more than two times per year at a subject property.
(b)
Small temporary signs. In addition to the large temporary sign(s) outlined above, one small on-premises temporary sign for the purpose of advertising contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans on the property where such work is being performed is permitted per property in all nonresidential districts. On properties with more than one street frontage, one small temporary sign is permitted per street frontage.
(2)
Residential districts.
(a)
Large temporary signs. One large on-premises freestanding temporary sign is permitted per property for the purpose of advertising the development or proposed development of a parcel.
[1]
Each large temporary sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet and a maximum height of six feet.
(b)
(c)
Signs advertising the sale of residential property may be erected on the day of an open house for which the hours of the open house have been published in a newspaper of general circulation and provided that:
[1]
Such signs may be on-premises signs or off-premises signs.
[2]
Signs must be removed within one hour after the open house, but in no event is the sign permitted after 8:00 p.m. on any day.
[3]
Such signs are permitted if they are stationary and nonilluminated.
[4]
Such signs must not exceed four square feet in area.
[5]
No such sign shall be placed within a street or public right-of-way or placed at or attached to any utility pole or other structure therein.
[6]
Prior to placement of any such sign, the approval of the subject property owner on which said sign is to be placed shall be secured by the placer of such sign.
[7]
Such signs shall not be placed on any Towamencin Township property without written permission from the Board of Supervisors of Towamencin Township.
(3)
Political signs designed to influence action of the voters for the passage or defeat of a measure or the election of a candidate to a public office at a national state or local election are exempt from obtaining a sign permit; the signs are in accordance with the following provisions:
(a)
Such signs may be on-premises signs or off-premises signs.
(b)
Such signs are permitted if they are stationary, nonilluminated, and temporary.
(c)
Such signs shall be displayed no earlier than 30 days prior to a voting day.
(d)
Such signs may not exceed four square feet in area.
(e)
No such sign shall be placed within a street or public right-of-way or placed or attached to any utility pole or other structure therein.
(f)
Prior to the placement of any such sign, the approval of the subject property owner on which said sign is to be placed shall be secured by the placer of such sign.
(g)
Such signs shall be removed within five days after the election to which they pertain.
(4)
No temporary banner sign or other sign shall extend into, or over, a public right-of-way.
(5)
Display of temporary sign or banner for a special event may occur no more than two times per calendar year at a subject property and may not be displayed for a duration of more than 45 days for each occurrence.
(6)
Temporary signs may not be attached to any pole or structure within a street or public right-of-way.
(7)
Permission. The party posting the temporary sign is solely responsible for obtaining the permission of the property owner before posting their temporary sign.
(8)
Installation and maintenance.
(a)
All temporary signs must be installed such that, in the opinion of the Township Zoning Officer, they do not create a safety hazard.
(b)
All temporary signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.
(c)
Temporary signs that are frayed, torn or broken or that are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
(9)
Illumination. Illumination of any temporary sign is prohibited.
(10)
Temporary signs meeting the requirements in this article are exempt from permit requirements.
§ 153-807 Removal of signs.
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs. The Zoning Officer shall have the authority to require the removal and/or demolition of a sign under the following circumstances:
(1)
When it is determined by such officer that the sign has deteriorated to the point of becoming a danger to the public, is in danger of falling, or becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication, or it is determined by the Zoning Officer to be a nuisance, or it is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this article.
(2)
In the case of unsafe or unlawful signs, the sign removal procedure will be initiated by a letter to the owner or lessee by the Zoning Officer requiring the removal of such sign within 30 days, provided that within such 30 days the owner or lessee shall take steps to begin the repair or rehabilitation of such sign or the alteration thereof so as to make the same comply with the provisions hereof, then such letter shall be automatically rescinded, provided that such owner or lessee promptly commences and diligently pursues such repair or alteration to conclusion.
(3)
Should the subject sign fail to be removed within the time frame set herein, the Zoning Officer shall have the subject sign removed from the premises, and any costs incurred by the Township for the removal of the subject sign shall be billed to the owner of the premises, including any inspection fees as may be required by the Zoning Officer, and the owner shall have 30 days from the date of billing to remit the necessary fees for the removal of the sign from the premises. Should the owner fail to remit the necessary funds, appropriate legal action as may be taken will be initiated in order to collect money due the Township at the expense of the owner.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
It shall be responsibility of the owner of any property upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within 180 days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in § 153-801. Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire sign including the sign face, sign supporting structure, and structural trim.
(2)
Where the owner of the property on which the abandoned sign is located fails to remove such sign in 180 days, the Township may remove such sign. Any expense directly incurred in the removal of such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property. Where the owner fails to pay, the Township may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with the removal of the sign.
§ 153-808 Sign regulations by district.
A.
Signs in the R-200, R-180, R-175, R-125, R-50, MRC and RBP Residential Districts. The following signs and no other, subject to the conditions specified, may be erected in the above-referenced districts:
(1)
General conditions.
(a)
Freestanding signs may not exceed six feet in height from grade to the highest point above grade of the top of the sign.
(b)
Wall signs, or portions of such signs, shall not be located at a height greater than the ceiling/floor division of the first story of the building.
(c)
Signs must meet the maximum size requirements outlined below, but if not specified, a sign may not have an area greater than 20 square feet.
(2)
On-premises signs. The following signs shall be permitted:
(a)
One nonilluminated nameplate sign or address sign not exceeding one square foot in area announcing the name and address of the occupants of the residence.
(b)
One internally illuminated, externally illuminated, or nonilluminated sign for home occupations or accessory offices indicating only names of persons and their occupations, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(c)
A professional business sign of a physician, dentist, magisterial justice, and such other persons whose services in emergency situations are customarily considered essential to the public health, safety and welfare, may be externally illuminated, provided that the illumination is white light only and the light is directed only at the sign without causing glare on adjacent properties or distraction to drivers. The professional business sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(d)
Residential subdivisions of 10 or more lots or dwelling units may have one on-premises, externally illuminated freestanding sign, displaying only the name and/or address of the subdivision or land development located at the main entrance, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in area, or two signs not exceeding 15 square feet each, and may not exceed five feet in height. The structure supporting the sign may not exceed seven feet in height.
[1]
Signs may also be permitted at other entrances to the subdivision or development with conditional use approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(3)
Off-premises signs. No off-premises signs are permitted except:
(a)
Government regulatory signs, official traffic signs, and signs necessary for the direction, regulation, and control of traffic, street name signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other official signs which are singularly authorized or erected by duly constituted governmental bodies.
B.
Signs in the MR Multifamily Residential, MH Manufactured Housing, and IN Institutional Districts. The following signs and no other, subject to the conditions specified, may be erected in the above-referenced districts or as indicated for a permitted institutional use in another district:
(2)
Freestanding signs may not exceed six feet in height from grade to the highest point above grade of the top of the sign.
(3)
On-premises directional signs displayed for the direction, safety, or convenience of the public, including signs which identify a business or rental office, public rest rooms, parking areas, entrances and exits, freight entrances or the like, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
(4)
One on-premises internally or externally illuminated or nonilluminated sign, displaying only the name and address of the premises or complex, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(5)
One on-premises internally or externally illuminated or nonilluminated bulletin board or announcement board for the identification of community service notices for a permitted building or use, provided that the area of any such board shall not exceed eight square feet in area.
(6)
Pole banner signs may be installed in IN Institutional Districts in accordance with § 153-806A(6).
(7)
The following numbers and types of signs may be erected in lieu of the foregoing for a combined E-7 Nursing Home and E-8 Personal Care Facility use ("community") on a single tract or multiple tracts of land 100 acres or more in the IN Institutional District, subject to the conditions specified below:
(a)
Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Number. The following freestanding signs shall be permitted:
[a]
One sign shall be permitted at each access road to the community, except for the main entrance as set forth in § 153-808B(7)(a)[1][c] below. Only one such sign per road frontage may be a full-sized freestanding sign in accordance with § 153-808B(7)(a)[2] below. All other signs at an access road shall be a directional sign. Directional signs shall identify only the name of the community, facilities, and destinations within the community to be accessed from such access road.
[b]
One sign shall be permitted at the intersection of two public roads adjoining the community. If the community is located on more than one corner of the intersection, such sign shall be located on only one corner of the intersection.
[c]
At the main entrance to the community, single-sided freestanding signs may be erected on both sides of the entrance (one on each side), provided that 1) the main entrance drive is similar in nature to a public street creating the characteristics of a corner property on either side of such entrance drive; 2) the main entrance drive is the primary means of access to the administrative offices on the property; and 3) the signs are the same size and colors.
[2]
Area: 32 square feet, except as follows: 1) in the event that two freestanding signs are erected at the main entrance in accordance with § 153-808B(7)(a)[1][c] above, the signs shall not exceed 80 square feet each; and 2) directional signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
[3]
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of nine feet measured from grade. Notwithstanding the foregoing, directional signs shall have a maximum height of six feet measured from grade.
[4]
Illumination. Signs may be illuminated subject to compliance with all applicable criteria contained in this article.
(b)
On-premises directional signs displayed along internal private roads for and used to identify facilities, on-site traffic direction, hours of operation, and other information for the direction, safety, or convenience of the public shall be exempt from permit requirements, subject to the following:
(c)
Parallel wall signs displayed for and used to identify facilities for the direction, safety, or convenience of the public within the community, and not intended to be viewed from a public street or road, are permitted, subject to the following regulations:
C.
Signs in the VC Village Commercial, PBC Planned Business Campus, C Commercial, SC Shopping Center, and LI Limited Industrial Districts. The following signs and no other, subject to the conditions specified, may be erected in the above-referenced districts:
(2)
Wall signs shall be permitted, subject to the following provisions:
(a)
One internally or externally or nonilluminated wall sign may be attached to or mounted on a building front, provided that the total area of such sign does not exceed 35 square feet plus one additional square foot of sign area for each two feet in excess of the minimum front yard setback required for such districts. The maximum square footage of the sign area shall be 50 square feet, except the sign area may be increased to a maximum of 65 square feet where the building front that the sign is attached to is located 150 feet in excess of the minimum front yard setback required for such districts. In the event of a property with more than one street frontage, one such sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
(b)
In lieu of the wall sign set forth in Subsection C(2)(a) above, one on-premises internally or externally illuminated or nonilluminated parallel wall sign is permitted for each use or tenant/subtenant, provided that the total area of all parallel signs for each tenant/subtenant shall not exceed 1 1/2 square feet for each foot of length of the front building or length of that portion of such wall devoted to such tenant/subtenant. Maximum size for single tenant/subtenant is 35 square feet.
(c)
Canopy or awning signs in accordance with § 153-806A(2) are permitted. A canopy sign or awning sign shall be included in the size calculation for wall signs, and the combination of wall sign, canopy sign, or awning signs shall not exceed the maximum area for wall signs in this section.
(3)
In addition to permitted wall signs, the following on-premises freestanding business signs are permitted under the following conditions:
(a)
Freestanding signs may not exceed 30 feet in height from grade to the highest point above grade of the top of the sign except signs that are located within the boundaries of the Village Overlay District as shown on the Township Zoning Map,[1] which shall have a maximum height of 12 feet.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said Zoning Map is on file in the Township offices.
(b)
Only one such sign shall be permitted on each street frontage of the property, except where properties have continuous frontage on the same street in excess of 1,000 feet, a second sign is permitted along that frontage with a maximum of two such signs per property regardless of the number of streets, or length of frontage, which such property abuts. The signs shall not be located closer to each other than at least 1/3 the length of the street frontage.
(c)
Sandwich board sign in accordance with § 153-806A(5).
(d)
Pole banner signs in accordance with § 153-806A(6).
(e)
As part of a sign, the following is permitted for nonresidential uses on properties that are not located within the boundaries of the Village Overlay District as shown on the Township Zoning Map:
(f)
The following signs are prohibited on properties that are located within the boundaries of the Village Overlay District as shown on the Township Zoning Map:
(g)
In the case of three or fewer permitted uses or tenants located in one or an arrangement of buildings, one freestanding sign shall be permitted for the entire group of uses or tenants and shall have an area of not more than 35 square feet per street frontage. In the event that the height of such sign is eight feet or less (as measured from grade to the highest point above grade of the top of the sign), the maximum square footage of such sign may be increased to 50 square feet, provided that such sign shall also be set back an additional 10 feet from the requirement as set forth in § 153-805A(3) herein resulting in a minimum setback of such sign of 20 feet from an ultimate street right-of-way.
(h)
In the case of four or more permitted uses or tenants located in one or an arrangement of buildings, one freestanding sign shall be permitted for the entire group of uses or tenants and shall have an area of not more than 150 square feet per street frontage except signs for properties that are located within the boundaries of the Village Overlay District as shown on the Township Zoning Map shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
(i)
In all Limited Industrial Districts, the sign area of any permitted freestanding business sign may be increased to 120 square feet.
(4)
Window signs or door signs in accordance with § 153-806A(3).
(5)
Landscaping must be provided for all freestanding signs as follows:
(a)
The applicant shall provide two square feet of landscaped area for each square foot of sign area.
(6)
On-premises directional signs displayed for the direction, safety, or convenience of the public, including signs which identify a business or rental office, public restrooms, public telephone booths, parking areas, entrances and exits, freight entrances, or the like, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet. Only signs necessary, as determined by the Township, for the safe vehicular or pedestrian circulation shall be permitted.
(7)
One on-premises message center sign or digital display shall be permitted as part of any permitted sign but shall not exceed more than 50% of the allowable square footage of the permitted sign or signs for the property or 20 square feet in area, whichever is less. These signs shall be permitted only in the districts identified in § 153-808C.
D.
Signs in the IN-A District.
(1)
One on-premises, internally or externally illuminated or nonilluminated freestanding sign, displaying only the name and/or address of the premises or complex, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet and may not exceed six feet in height from grade to highest point above grade to the top of the sign; or
(2)
Two on-premises, internally or externally illuminated or nonilluminated wall signs, displaying only the name and/or address of the premises or complex, provided that the area of each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(3)
Directional signs shall be allowed within the development, so long as said signs are located at least 15 feet from the ultimate right-of-way line of a street from which access is taken. The maximum number of signs on either side of the street shall be two.
§ 153-809 Permit requirements.
A.
It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter any sign other than the signs listed in § 153-804 [signs exempt from a sign permit] without first obtaining a duly approved sign permit from the Township's Code Enforcement Department. In addition, a sign permit is required for all illuminated signs regardless of size or location.
B.
Applications for permits for the erection, construction or alteration of signs shall be accompanied by a site plan, drawings of the proposed work, zoning district in which the sign is located, structural details of the sign, all of which are to be drawn to scale, and any other details as may be required by the Zoning Officer.
C.
All application fees for permits for the erection, construction, or alteration of signs shall, at the time of making application, be paid to the Township, in accordance with the respective fee schedule adopted by the Board of Supervisors.