Upper Frederick Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XX
Signs
§ 285-172 Declaration of legislative intent.
In expansion of, and in addition to, the declaration of legislative intent found in Article I, § 285-2, of this chapter, and the statement of community development objectives found in Article I, § 285-3, of this chapter, it is the intent of this article to:
A.
Recognize that signs perform an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events and other matters of interest to the public.
B.
Set standards and provide controls that permit reasonable use of signs while restricting the potential adverse visual effects of signs on the character of the Township.
C.
Control the size, number, location and illumination of signs to reduce potential hazards caused by glare or obstruction of visibility, and to reduce visual clutter which results from competition among signs.
D.
Encourage signs which are attractively designed in order to enhance the economic value as well as the visual character of the various parts of the community.
E.
Establish criteria to encourage signs that are compatible with their surroundings, appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain, complimentary to the architecture of the buildings involved, expressive of the identity of individual proprietors or of an integrated development's identity, and which are easily readable in the circumstances in which they are seen.
§ 285-173 Definitions.
[Amended 12-8-2005 by Ord. No. 05-09]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any light with one or more beams, capable of being focused in several directions and rotated or revolved automatically.
A portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending from grade to the top of the parapet wall, or eaves, and the entire width of the building elevation.
The entire background area of a sign upon which copy could be placed. In computing the area of a sign background, only that face or faces, which can be seen from any one direction at one time will be counted.
A sign that directs attention to a business, profession, activity, commodity, service, product price or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located or with the building to which such sign is affixed.
A sign identifying individuals or companies involved in design, construction, wrecking, financing or development when placed upon the premises where work is under construction, but only for the duration of construction or wrecking.
A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly or through transparent or translucent material, from a source of light within the sign including, but not limited to, neon and exposed lamp signs.
A sign which indicates the name and/or address of the occupant, the address of the premises and/or identification of any legal business or occupation which may exist at the premises.
A sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic image or video, which may or may not include text. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens, digital screens, flat screens, video boards, LED displays, fiber optic displays, holographic displays or other technologies of a similar nature.
[Added 10-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-09]
Any sign, or portion of a sign, that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages in text form wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. Such signs shall include the following modes of operation:
[Added 10-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-09]
STATICSigns which shall include no animation or effects simulating animation.
FADESigns where static messages are changed by means of varying light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point of legibility.
DISSOLVESigns where static messages are changed by means of varying light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneous to the gradual appearance and legibility of the subsequent message.
TRAVELSigns where the message is changed by the apparent horizontal movement of letters or graphic elements of the message.
SCROLLINGSigns where the message is changed by the apparent vertical movement of the letters or graphic elements of the message.
A directly illuminated sign composed of either:
An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and/or color at all times when in use.
A sign in which a source of light is used in order to make the message readable. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs.
A sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct rays therefrom are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs. If such shielding device is defective, such sign shall be deemed to by a "directly illuminated sign."
A permanent sign which identifies the name of a subdivision or land development which complies with the following:
One freestanding sign may be located at each intersection of the development's streets with primary or secondary streets, the area of each sign not to exceed six square feet in area.
One freestanding sign may be located at one main entrance to the development, not to exceed 25 square feet in area, or two signs not exceeding 15 square feet each, provided both signs display the same content, are identical in size, and are part of a landscaping feature.
A sign visible from a public way that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, attraction or objects sold, offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot where the sign is displayed. The term "off-premises sign" shall include an outdoor advertising sign (billboard) on which space is leased or rented by the owner thereof to others for the purpose of conveying a commercial or noncommercial message.
The juncture of the roof and the perimeter wall of the structure.
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). The calculation of sign area must include the supporting frame work and/or bracing.
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 the letters, designs and symbols.
Where a sign consists of an identical double-face, only one side shall be considered in the calculation of area, but if the interior angle formed by the two faces is greater than 45°, then both sides of the sign shall be considered in the calculation of area.
The distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean grade at the base of sign.
Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting a sign, whether or not an integral part of a building.
ANIMATED SIGNA sign with action or motion, flashing or color changes requiring electrical energy, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or novelty items.
BUSINESS SIGNAn onpremises 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.
CONSTRUCTION SIGNAny sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNIncidental sign designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
DIRECTORY SIGNA sign on which the names and location of the occupants of the use of a building is given, including office building and church directories.
FREESTANDING SIGNA self-supporting sign resting on, or supported by means of, poles or standards, situated on the ground.
[Amended 10-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-09]
OFF-PREMISES SIGNA sign which advertises or otherwise direct attention to an activity not on the same lot where the sign is located.
ON-PREMISES SIGNA sign which advertises or otherwise direct attention to an activity not on the same lot where the sign is located.
PARALLEL WALL SIGNA sign mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface, but does not extend beyond the edge of any wall, roof line or other surface to which it is mounted, and does not project more than one foot from the surface to which it is mounted.
PROJECTED WALL SIGNAny sign mounted to a wall or other vertical surface other than a parallel sign, but does not project more than four feet from the surface to which it is mounted, nor project above the wall, roof line of surface to which it is mounted, or in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
REAL ESTATE SIGNAny sign which is used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property on which the sign is placed.
REVOLVING SIGNSA sigh which revolves 360°.
ROOF SIGNA sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building, and which is wholly or partly supported by that building.
TEMPORARY SIGNA sign which advertises community or civic projects, construction projects, real estate for sale or lease or other special events on a temporary basis.
VEHICULAR SIGNAny vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of the sign is no longer incidental to the vehicle's purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself. An example is an empty tractor trailer with advertising painted on its side, left for an extended period of time in front of the business premises that is advertised on the trailer.
WINDOW SIGNAny sign affixed to or visible through a window.
Temporary, nonilluminated signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows, events, grand openings, sales, etc., may be erected subject to the following requirements:
Banners, freestanding signs and signs on or in windows are permitted. Movable signs are not permitted.
Total temporary sign area permitted per property shall not exceed four square feet.
Signs on or in windows shall not exceed 50% of the window area.
A maximum of two off-premises directional signs, not exceeding 10 square feet in sign area shall be permitted for any special event, provided that permission has been obtained from the property owner where the sign is to be placed.
Signs shall not be posted more than 30 days prior to the advertised event, and must be removed no later than seven days following the event.
§ 285-174 General requirements.
[Amended 12-8-2005 by Ord. No. 05-09]
Signs shall be permitted in all districts in compliance with the requirements of this article.
A.
Permit required. Prior to erecting, affixing, attaching or installing any sign on or to any building, structure or property, an application for a use and occupancy permit must be submitted to the Zoning Officer for review. The application shall include:
(1)
A site plan showing the location of the sign in relation to buildings, structures, property lines and public or private rights-of-way. The width of street frontage(s) at the legal right(s)-of-way on the subject property shall be shown.
(2)
A drawing of the proposed sign showing the specific dimensions of all elements of the sign, the specific copy, lettering, words, symbols and designs to be displayed, along with a written explanation of any illumination or unusual feature of the sign.
C.
Prohibited signs. The following types of signs or illumination of signs is prohibited in the Township:
(1)
Flashing, revolving, nonstationary or animated signs, any signs with changeable copy, or any signs with electronic display screens.
[Amended 10-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-09]
(2)
Festoon lighting or beacon lights.
(3)
Roof signs.
(4)
Trailer signs.
(5)
Illuminated temporary signs.
(6)
Vehicular signs which do not meet the requirements for a freestanding sign in the district where the vehicle is parked.
(7)
Signs affixed with adhesives.
(8)
Electronic message centers.
[Added 10-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-09]
D.
Prohibition of hazards. Signs shall be so designed and located that they shall not create a hazard to vehicular traffic by any of the following:
(1)
Obscuring necessary visibility:
(2)
Confusion with official street and/or traffic signs.
(3)
Confusion with traffic control devices by reason of color, location, shape or other means.
(4)
Creation of motion, glare or excessive brightness which may interfere with drivers' vision or be unnecessarily distracting.
E.
Public right-of-way. No sign other than official street signs, shall be erected or maintained within the legal right-of-way of any public road in the Township. No sign projecting over a public walkway shall be less than eight feet above the walk level at its lower edge.
F.
Location of signs.
(1)
No sign may be located in the side or rear yard or in a required buffer area adjacent to a zoning district with more restrictive sign requirements.
(2)
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, cartways, driveways or other areas required to be unobstructed.
G.
Removal of signs. A sign shall be found to be in violation of this chapter, and may be required to be ordered removed by the Zoning Officer, under any of the following circumstances:
(1)
The sign has not been maintained in good condition and safe repair, and has deteriorated to the point of becoming a potential public safety hazard. The Zoning Officer shall specify a period of time in which the owner of the sign may repair or rehabilitate the sign, thereby effecting correction of the safety hazard.
(2)
A sign is erected without an approved use and occupancy permit and does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.
H.
Illumination.
(1)
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein, only to the extent that is necessary to allow them to be seen and read at night at a distance not to exceed 500 feet for signs of 20 square feet or more in area, and 150 feet for signs less than 20 square feet in area.
(2)
Professional sign of a health care practitioner, dentist, clergyman, justice of the peace, and such other person whose services are customarily considered essential in an emergency may be illuminated, provided that the illumination is white light not exceeding the equivalent of a 25 watt incandescent light source.
I.
Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs shall only be permitted under and subject to the following conditions:
(1)
Directional signs. Permitted with the written consent of the owner of the affected property, and as a special exception granted by the Zoning Hearing Board. Directional signs may be located at the nearest intersection with a Township road. Such sign may not exceed 10 square feet in sign area, and may display no more than the name of the subject business and its location, direction and distance.
(2)
Political signs. Temporary, nonilluminated signs advertising political parties or candidates for elections shall be permitted, provided that the sign area does not exceed four square feet. Such sign shall not be displayed more than 30 days prior to an election, and must be removed no later than seven days following the election.
(3)
Special event signs. One temporary, nonilluminated sign directing attention to temporary exhibits, shows or special events of a noncommercial nature, shall be permitted, per property, per street frontage, provided the sign does not exceed four square feet. Such signs shall not be displayed more than 30 days prior to the advertised event, and must be removed no later than seven days following the event.
(4)
Service signs. Nonilluminated signs directing patrons, members or other audience to service clubs, churches or other nonprofit organizations shall be permitted, provided the area of such signs does not exceed four square feet. Such signs shall indicate only the name of the organization, and the place, date and time of the meetings.
(5)
Official signs. Memorial or historical markers, official signs directing traffic, signs identifying communities and street names, legal notices and warnings, and other official signs authorized or erected by appropriate governmental authorities shall be permitted.
(6)
Billboards and business signs. Off-premises signs advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment which is sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at a place other than on the property on which said sign is located shall be permitted only in the CB - Commercial Business District as a conditional use, provided that:
(a)
Only one billboard or off-premises business sign is permitted per lot.
(b)
Billboards or off-premises business signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 12 feet above ground level. The height shall be measured to the highest part of the sign or supporting structure.
(c)
A billboard or off-premises business sign may be double-faced, with two advertising surfaces. Both surfaces shall be the same size and shape. The maximum sign area per side shall be 100 square feet.
(d)
Each billboard or off-premises business sign shall comply with the following minimum setbacks:
[1]
No billboard or off-premises business sign shall be erected within the ultimate right-of-way of any street, road or highway.
[2]
Other than as established under Subsection I(6)(d)[4], 50 feet from any side or rear property line.
[3]
One hundred fifty feet from any intersection on the same side of any public roadway, no billboard or off-premises business sign shall be erected or placed in any manner so as to interfere with or impede the unobstructed vision of a motor vehicle operator attempting to enter on or exit from any intersection, public or private roadway, or any driveway or parking facility.
[4]
One hundred feet from any property line abutting a residential use.
[5]
One thousand feet from any other billboard or off-premises business sign.
[6]
Forty feet from any building on the same side of the street as the proposed sign.
(e)
Each sign shall be erected on permanent footings and support structures that meet the standards of the Township Building Code, as amended.
(f)
All billboards and off-premises business signs shall be maintained in a good and safe structural condition. The painted portion of all such signs shall be kept in good condition.
(g)
The general area in the vicinity of all billboards and off-premises business signs shall be kept free and clear of sign material, debris and the area shall be maintained so as to adhere to any and all Township ordinances as now in effect or as hereinafter enacted or amended.
(h)
Billboards and off-premises business signs may only be illuminated under the following conditions:
[1]
The lighting or relighting of signs and billboards shall be based on control of illumination, glare, light pollution and light trespass. Illumination shall not exceed an average of 15 vertical maintained foot-candles based on the surface area of the sign with a maximum to minimum uniformity ratio not to exceed 6:1.
[2]
Applications for signs and billboards for which illumination is proposed, shall be accompanied by a point plot of illuminances on the sign or billboard face, catalog cuts of proposed fixtures and glare reduction devices and a description of lamps, mounting locations, aiming angles, and proposed method for automatically extinguishing the lighting by 10:00 p.m.
[3]
Lighting fixtures for signs and billboards shall be installed and aimed so as not to project their output into the windows of neighboring residences, adjacent uses, past the face of the sign or billboard, skyward or onto a public roadway.
[4]
The illumination of billboards and off-premises signs between 10:00 p.m. and dawn shall be prohibited.
[5]
Externally illuminated signs and billboards shall be lighted by fixtures mounted at the top of the sign or billboard and aimed downward unless otherwise approved by the Township Engineer. The fixtures shall be designed, shielded, fitted and aimed to limit the light pattern to the sign or billboard and not beyond.
[6]
Rotating, pulsating or oscillating light sources, lasers, beacons or strobe lighting shall not be permitted.
(i)
No billboard or off-premises business sign shall be erected, added to, altered or changed (content of copy) without the owner thereof having first obtained a zoning permit from the Township, which shall be issued by the Zoning Officer or other party designated by the Board of Supervisors. The zoning permit shall be renewable annually or upon a change to the face, information or content thereof, at a fee to be established by the Board of Supervisors from time to time by resolution of the Board. For all billboard or off-premises signs in excess of 50 square feet, the owner thereof shall also obtain a building permit which shall be issued by the Building Inspector, or other party designated by the Board of Supervisors, at a fee to be established by the Board from time to time by resolution. In addition, for all billboard and off-premises business signs, the applicant shall also provide a copy of a plan of the property or tract of land, prepared to scale, depicting dimensional limits of the sign face, the perimeter boundaries as taken from the deed for said tract, identifying the current owner of the tract, all adjacent owners, the location and dimensions of abutting streets, the proposed location of the sign area to be provided and all easements or utility installations affecting such site. The plan shall also depict the supporting structure and the specifications of the materials and methods of construction and maintenance to be employed, signed and certified by a registered licensed professional engineer. Where lighting is proposed, the plan shall be submitted to the Township Engineer for review, and owner shall pay the fee as established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors for such a lighting review.
§ 285-175 Signs in residential districts.
[Amended 12-8-2005 by Ord. No. 05-09]
The following provisions shall apply to all uses in residential districts and to residential uses in nonresidential districts.
A.
Permitted onpremises signs.
(1)
Real estate signs.
(a)
Individual properties. Nonilluminated onpremises real estate signs, provided the sign area does not exceed six square feet, and not more than two signs are placed upon any property in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event not more than two such signs may be erected on each frontage.
(b)
Small developments. Nonilluminated onpremises sign advertising sale or rental of dwelling units in a development or subdivision of up to 10 dwelling units, provided that the sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected within any such development.
(c)
Large developments. Nonilluminated onpremises sign advertising sale or rental of dwelling units in a development or subdivision of more than 10 dwelling units, provided that the sign area shall not exceed 30 square feet, and provided that not more than two such signs shall be erected within any such subdivision.
(2)
Directional signs. Onpremises directional signs, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed three square feet.
(3)
Private property signs. Nonilluminated, onpremises "No Trespassing" signs, "No Hunting" signs, and other similar signs indicating private ownership of roadways or other property, provided that the sign area shall not exceed two square feet and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 100 feet.
(4)
Construction signs. Temporary, nonilluminated, onpremises construction signs, provided:
(5)
Business signs.
(a)
Home occupations. Nonilluminated, onpremises signs identifying and advertising bed-and-breakfasts, rooming houses and home occupations, provided that the sign are shall not exceed six square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership.
(b)
Businesses in residential districts. Onpremises business signs for commercial, industrial, professional and office uses in residential zoning districts, provided that the sign are shall not exceed 20 square feet and no more than one such sign is erected on any one property in single and separate ownership.
(c)
Roadside stand sign. Nonilluminated onpremises sign advertising the sale of agricultural products at a roadside stand, provided that the sign are shall not exceed eight square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be placed on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership.
(6)
Signs for residential complexes and institutional uses.
(a)
Onpremises sign for a school, camp, church, health care facility, health care service, private club or other institution of a similar nature, displaying the name of the institution and its activities or services, provided that the sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected on any street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership. Said sign shall be setback at least 1/3 the distance of any required yard from any property line or street line.
(b)
Permanent signs which identify the name of a subdivision or land development shall be permitted in compliance with the following:
[1]
One freestanding sign may be located at each intersection of the development's streets with primary or secondary streets, the area of each sign not to exceed six square feet in area.
[2]
One freestanding sign may be located at one main entrance to the development, not to exceed 30 square feet in area, or two signs not exceeding 15 square feet each.
(7)
Monument signs. A permanent monument sign which identifies the name of a subdivision or land development is permitted, provided:
(a)
One freestanding sign may be located at each intersection of the development's streets with primary or secondary streets, the area of each sign not to exceed six square feet in area.
(b)
One freestanding sign may be located at one main entrance to the development, not to exceed 25 square feet in area, or two signs not exceeding 15 square feet each, provided both signs display the same content, are identical in size and are a part of a landscaping feature.
B.
Height. The maximum height limit of any sign permitted in residential districts shall be six feet.
§ 285-176 Sign regulations for nonresidential districts.
The following provisions shall apply to all nonresidential uses in nonresidential districts:
A.
Permitted onpremises signs.
(1)
Single occupancy business signs. Properties in single and separate ownership, with a single business premises, may have a sign or signs within the following limits on sign area:
(a)
Twenty square feet of sign area for a business where the road frontage of the property (in single and separate ownership) upon which it is located is up to 40 feet.
(b)
The sign area may be increased by one-square-foot every three additional feet of building frontage in excess of 40 feet.
(c)
The total maximum sign area shall be exceed 40 square feet.
(d)
In order to encourage users to provide the community with an attractive, unified outdoor advertising scheme, it is further provided that if the user chooses to mount a parallel sign(s) or awning sign(s), rather than freestanding or projecting sign, the maximum allowable sign area (calculated above) may be increased by 20%.
(2)
Multiple-occupancy business signs. Properties in single and separate ownership, with multiple businesses, tenants or franchise center as whole, and/or which is a directory sign for the establishments on the property, with a maximum sign area of 40 square feet.
(a)
Each multiple-occupancy property may have a single freestanding sign which identifies the business or commercial center as a whole, and/or which is a directory sign for the establishments on the property, with a maximum sign area of 40 square feet.
(b)
In addition, each individual business on the property may have a parallel or awning sign of no more than 20 square feet in area.
(3)
Real estate signs. Nonilluminated onpremises sign no larger than 10 square feet in sign area. One such sign per road frontage is permitted.
(4)
Construction signs. Temporary, nonilluminated construction signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in sign area, and shall be removed upon completion of the work. No more than one sign per contractor performing work on a property shall be permitted.
B.
Height. The maximum height of signs in nonresidential districts shall be: