Upper Nazareth Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 7
SIGNS
§ 27-701 Applicability.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
1.
Purposes. This Part is intended to: promote and maintain overall community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating content (excepting obscenity that is prohibited by state law or language that incites violence); promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
2.
Permit Required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for signs meeting the requirements of § 27-704 and nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, cardboard or similar materials and that are not of a permanent nature. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this chapter, as amended, within the applicable district shall be allowed.
3.
Changes on Signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without a new permit under this chapter, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased nonconformity with this chapter.
§ 27-702 Location of Signs.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
1.
The following shall regulate the location of signs:
A.
Setbacks.
(1)
All signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the existing street right-of-way and shall not be located within the existing street right-of-way. However, a "directional sign" showing entrances and exits may be located without a 10-foot setback.
(2)
A freestanding sign that is illuminated shall not be located within 10 feet from an abutting lot line of principally residential lot.
(3)
These setbacks shall not apply to official signs.
B.
Sight Clearance. No sign shall be so located that it interferes with the sight clearance requirements of § 27-803.
C.
Permission of Owner. No sign shall be posted on any property or sign pole or public utility pole unless permission has been received by the owner.
D.
Utility Poles. No sign shall be attached to a utility pole using metal fasteners, except by a utility or government agency.
§ 27-703 Nonconforming Signs.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
1.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter, as amended, and which do not conform to the requirements of this Chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
2.
An existing lawful nonconforming sign that was lawful when it was initially placed may be replaced with a new sign, provided the new sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign. A nonconforming sign shall not be expanded in a manner that does not conform to this chapter.
§ 27-704 Miscellaneous Signs Not Requiring Permits.
§ 27-705 Freestanding, Wall and Window Signs (On-Premises Signs).
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
1.
Maximum Height of Wall Signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they are attached. However, signs may be attached to a "parapet roof" that vertically extends up to 10 feet above the structural roof, provided the parapet roof appears to be an architectural extension of the building.
2.
Wiring of Signs. Signs shall be prohibited that involve electrical cords laying across parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except on a residential property for seasonal lighting.
3.
Signs on Freestanding Walls. A freestanding sign may be attached to a decorative masonry or stone wall with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum length of 12 feet, without being regulated by the wall setback regulations of this chapter, as amended, and with the wall itself not counting towards the maximum sign area.
§ 27-706 Abandoned or Outdated Signs.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than a sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within 90 days of the cessation of such use.
§ 27-707 Illumination of Signs.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
See § 27-507, "Control of Light and Glare."
§ 27-708 Vehicles Functioning as Signs.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
Any stationary vehicular sign on a lot shall be considered a freestanding sign and shall be subject to all of the requirements for freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle, trailer or structure is located.
§ 27-709 Prohibited Signs.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
1.
The following prohibitions on signs shall apply in all zoning districts:
A.
Portable signs.
B.
Any moving objects not defined as a flag or banner.
C.
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated scrolling or moving signs of any type are prohibited.
D.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor are prohibited.
E.
Signs which contain information that states that a lot may be used for a purpose not otherwise permitted by this chapter, as amended, are prohibited.
F.
Signs that are of such form, shape or color that they resemble an official traffic sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street (such as prominent use of the words "danger") are prohibited.
G.
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images that are obscene or pornographic are prohibited.
H.
Balloons of greater than 50 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure for periods of over a day and that are primarily intended for advertising purposes are prohibited.
I.
Outdoor lasers are prohibited.
J.
To avoid distractions to motorists, neon lighting of more than 10 square feet per lot shall be prohibited as part of signs and if attached to the outside of a building.
§ 27-710 Construction of Signs.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
Every permanent sign permitted in this section shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall by written notice require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of time.
§ 27-711 Measurement and Major Types of Signs.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
1.
Measurement of Sign Area.
A.
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed. One "freestanding sign" may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total "sign area" being the area of a common geometric form that could encompass all signs.
B.
The sign area shall not include any structural supports that do not include a message.
C.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols.
D.
The maximum sign area of sign shall be for each of two sides of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.
E.
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regard to signs are maximum sizes.
§ 27-712 Off-Premises Signs (Including Billboards).
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
1.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter, as amended, for the following purposes, to: ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and office parks; prevent visual pollution in the Township and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Township are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Township, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; carry out the purposes listed in § 27-701.
2.
Nonconforming Off-Premises Signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully-placed off-premises sign that is in structurally sound condition.
3.
PennDOT Sign. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted by right in all districts.
4.
Permitted Off-Premises Signs. Except for other types of signs that are specifically allowed by this section to be off-premises, an off-premises sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements:
A.
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the TD-11 District.
B.
Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
C.
Maximum total sign area on each of two sides: 200 square feet. Such size may be composed of two or more sign faces provided the maximum total sign area is met.
D.
Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet from any other off-premises sign with a sign area greater than 20 square feet, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign, except as allowed in Subsection 4F below.
E.
Maximum Height. 35 feet above the elevation of the adjacent street, measured at the street center line.
F.
Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign, except that a sign may have two sign faces of 200 square feet each provided the angle between the signs does not exceed 45°.
H.
Residences. No off-premises sign greater than 20 square feet in sign area shall be located within 300 feet of an existing dwelling.
I.
Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition, particularly to avoid hazards in high winds. The area around the sign shall be kept free of debris. If the message of a sign is no longer intact, it shall be replaced with a solid color or a "for lease" sign.
§ 27-713 Sign Type Permissions.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
2.
Residential Development Sign. If a subdivision or land development is approved to include over 20 dwelling units, then a major residential development sign shall be permitted at each entrance to the project from exterior public streets. Such sign may have two sign faces on one structure, or one sign face on each structure on each side of the entrance.
A.
Each such sign shall have a maximum sign area of 30 square feet. Such signs shall have a maximum total height of six feet. The sign may be attached to a stone or decorative masonry wall or fence constructed of weather-resistant wood or materials with a similar appearance. In such case, the wall or fence shall have a maximum total height of six feet and a maximum length of 12 feet.
3.
The applicant shall prove to the Zoning Officer that the signs will be of durable construction that requires little maintenance. Such sign shall not be illuminated. Attractive low-maintenance landscaping shall surround the sign.
4.
Sign Message Changes.
A.
Signs may change their message from time to time provided that each message is visible for at least 10 seconds, except: (1) if the sign includes a sign area of more than 100 square feet, the sign message shall not change more than once per 30 seconds; and (2) time and temperature signs may change more frequently.
§ 27-714 Sign-Related Definitions.
[Ord. No. 199, 1/15/2025]
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service.
Signs that are painted on, or affixed to, an awning structure.
A sign made of any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners and that is temporary in nature.
A type of off-premises sign.
Signs that are part of, or attached to, a canopy structure.
The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic into and out of, or within a site.
Signs printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, text or symbols, and attached to a pole or staff anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners.
A sign supported by structures or supports, which may or may not be permanently affixed or anchored to the ground; and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure.
A type of permanent freestanding sign supported entirely by a base structure.
Memorializes an important historic place, event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Township or a county, state or federal agency.
Commemorates a holiday recognized by the Township, county, state or federal government and that does not include advertising.
A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination, either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source contained inside the sign or externally illuminated by a light source aimed at its surface.
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.
A sign and sign structure attached to a building. This type of sign is designed to add interest and ingenuity and must be three-dimensional in construction. It is permitted with or without wording and used for the purposes of identifying a unique feature or distinct element of business operations.
A type of sign that can be displayed on private property for greater than 60 days but are not intended to be displayed for an indefinite period. Limited duration signs require a sign permit, which is valid for up to one year, and can be renewed annually.
A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols are changed manually through placement or drawing of letters or symbols on a sign face.
Signs attached to a marquee structure. See definition for a "structure, marquee."
A type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists of electronically changing alphanumeric text often used for gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards.
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.
A sign supported by structures or supports not permanently affixed or anchored to the ground; and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure.
Not readable from any public street or any exterior lot line.
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.
Erected by the state, county, Township or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by Township Ordinance, as amended, or resolution, and which exists for public purposes and to promote public safety.
A sign supported by structures or supports that are permanently affixed or anchored to the ground; and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure.
A sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently attached to the ground, a building, or other structure.
A sign indicating a street or drive which is not publicly owned and maintained and used only for access by the occupants of the development and their guests.
Signs mounted to a building with two sign faces that are generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs located on a canopy, awning, or marquee.
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs for public facilities.
A type of permanent freestanding sign permanently supported by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground.
Only includes information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Township.
Posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the Township or PennDOT.
Building-mounted signs erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building.
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign.
A type of non-permanent sign that can be displayed on private property for not more than 60 consecutive days, up to two times per calendar year. Temporary signs do not require a permit.
A sign affixed to a vehicle in such a manner that the sign is used primarily as a stationary advertisement for the business on which the vehicle sits or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
Signs mounted to a building that are attached to or painted on an exterior wall so that the sign faces are generally parallel to the building wall. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall sign.
Signs applied, painted, or affixed to a window. Signs that are placed inside a window, within three feet of the glass, facing outside the building, and are easily seen from the outside are considered window signs as well. Customary displays of merchandise behind a store window are not considered window signs.