Upper Providence Township Montgomery County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXXIII
Signs
[Amended 2-21-1978 by Ord. No. 197; 12-2-1985 by Ord. No. 249; 12-16-1991 by Ord. No. 307; 11-5-2001 by Ord. No. 409; 5-5-2003 by Ord. No. 426; 11-7-2005 by Ord. No. 454]
§ 300-592 Legislative intent.
In expansion of the community development objectives contained in § 300-2 of this chapter, it is hereby declared to be the intent of this article to recognize that signs provide an important function in the Township providing for the identification of businesses, residences, services and other matters of interest. This article provides standards and controls to balance the need to provide information to residents and the desire not to impair the visual character of Upper Providence Township or create potential hazards.
§ 300-593 Signs permitted for residential and agricultural uses.
A.
One of each of the following signs is permitted for residential use, provided that each sign not exceed one square foot in area:
(1)
Identification sign.
(2)
Incidental sign.
(3)
Professional, accessory use or name sign, indicating the name, profession or activity of the occupant of the residence.
(4)
Trespassing sign indicating private ownership of a driveway or property. One such sign shall be permitted for each 150 feet of frontage on each street on which a property abuts.
B.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans erected and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following regulations:
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed six square feet in area.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been erected.
(4)
One sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
C.
Agricultural uses are permitted one business sign advertising the sale of farm products on the premises, not to exceed 15 square feet in area; provided, however, that a farm which is also in the Township's Agricultural Security District may instead have one business sign not exceeding 48 square feet, as long as said farm has been permanently preserved as a result of the sale of its development rights and is recognized as a business by the Township. Such sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height. Temporary signs used for special holiday events or the sale of agricultural products shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of § 300-607C herein.
D.
Residential developments may have one sign to identify the name of the complex on each side of the entrance at each vehicular entrance to the property. The aggregate area of signs at each vehicular entrance may not exceed 25 square feet in area. A homeowner's association or, where none exists, the lot owner on whose lot such signs are located, shall be responsible for maintenance of such signs and any decorative walls, fences or landscaping associated with them.
E.
Residential developments with on-site recreation or community centers may have one identification sign for said center, which shall be no larger than 12 square feet. An additional directional sign with a maximum area of two square feet may be either added to and combined with the identification sign or be separate.
F.
Temporary signs in accordance with the provisions of § 300-607 herein.
§ 300-594 Signs permitted for institutional uses.
A.
Wall signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
On lots less than one acre: total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed 48 square feet, and no wall sign shall exceed 5% of any building face.
(2)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres: total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed 96 square feet, and no wall sign shall exceed 6% of any building face.
(3)
On lots of five acres or more: total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed 144 square feet, and no wall sign shall exceed 7% of any building face.
B.
One incidental sign not to exceed four square feet in area.
C.
One directional sign not to exceed six square feet in area.
D.
One monument entrance sign to identify the name of the complex at each vehicular entrance to the property not to exceed 25 square feet in area. The height of said sign shall not exceed five feet.
E.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area for properties less than five acres in size and 65 square feet for properties in excess of five acres.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been erected.
(4)
One sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
F.
Temporary signs in accordance with the provisions of § 300-607 herein.
§ 300-595 Signs permitted for recreational and open space uses.
A.
One entrance sign to identify the name of the complex at each vehicular entrance to the property not to exceed 25 square feet in area.
B.
One directional sign not to exceed six square feet in area for each vehicular entrance. This may be added to and combined with the sign permitted in Subsection A or be separate.
C.
Temporary signs in accordance with the provisions of § 300-607C.
D.
One identification sign per field or facility not to exceed six square feet in area.
(1)
If the field is surrounded by fencing, the sign must be flush-mounted on that fencing. In the event there is no fence, the sign must be placed in a minimum of 20 feet outside the field of play.
(2)
An identification sign on a structure or building must be flush-mounted on the wall of the facility. A rest room facility may have two signs, one identifying each gender-specific rest room.
E.
Scoreboards shall be exempt from sign provisions; provided, however, the following regulations shall be applicable:
(1)
A maximum of 25% of the total area of the scoreboard can be devoted to advertising or information not directly related to the activity on the field the scoreboard relates to.
(2)
The side of the scoreboard with the activity-related information (i.e., score, inning, quarter, etc.) and any advertising shall only be facing inward towards the field of play and not exposed to adjacent streets or highways. If the only possible position for the sign exposes any game information or advertising to the adjacent streets or highways, the planting requirements of a Type 3 buffer, in accordance with § 270-68D(5)(e), Chapter 270 of the Township Code, Subdivision and Land Development, shall be installed to screen the exposure.
(3)
The rear of the sign shall be buffered from the adjacent fields, streets or highways, and parking. The planting requirements of a Type 2 buffer, in accordance with § 270-68D(5)(c), Chapter 270 of the Township Code, Subdivision and Land Development, shall be installed to screen the exposure.
F.
In addition to the identification signs permitted in Subsection D of this section, other signs may be affixed to fencing which surrounds playing fields, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
All signs shall face inward towards the field; none may be placed on the outside of the fence.
(2)
All such signs shall be affixed flat to the fence.
(3)
No such signs shall extend higher than the top of the fence.
G.
At a publicly owned field, one sign may be affixed to any portion of the grandstands associated with said field, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
The sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
(2)
The sign shall not be visible from any abutting road or highway.
(3)
The sign shall be set back a minimum of 200 feet from any abutting road or highway.
(4)
No such signs shall extend higher than the top of any portion of the grandstand structure.
§ 300-596 Signs permitted for office uses.
A.
The total maximum sign area shall be based upon the size of the lot on which the office use is located, distributed in any manner chosen by the applicant, and as subject further to the limitations on size of individual types of signs prescribed in the various subsections of this section.
(1)
On lots of less than one acre: total sign area of 175 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 275 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(2)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres: total sign area of 200 square feet, provided that may be increased to 300 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(3)
On lots of five acres or more: total sign area of 235 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 350 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
B.
Wall, awning, window or blade signs are permitted on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach to the building, except as noted below.
C.
Ground signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Overall height shall not exceed 12 feet.
(2)
When located within 15 feet of the curbline, said sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
(3)
The size of such signs shall be based on the size of the lot and shall be limited as follows:
(a)
On lots of less than one acre: 20 square feet in size.
(b)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres: 35 square feet in size.
(c)
On lots of five acres or more: 50 square feet in size.
D.
Wall signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
No wall sign shall be placed above the sign height line.
(2)
The sign area for the primary frontage shall be based on the gross square footage of the building and shall be limited as follows:
(a)
Buildings less than 10,000 square feet: 100 square feet.
(b)
Buildings 10,000 square feet or more and less than 20,000 square feet: 150 square feet.
(c)
Buildings 20,000 square feet or more and less than 30,000 square feet: 200 square feet.
(d)
Buildings of 30,000 square feet or more: 300 square feet.
(e)
In no case is the area of the sign(s) to exceed 20% of the building frontage on which it is placed.
(3)
When a building can be approached by vehicles from two or more directions, a sign on one additional frontage shall be permitted at up to 50% of the size permitted above for the principal approach frontage. The sign area calculated for each frontage shall be erected on that frontage only and shall not be increased by the sign area calculated for another frontage.
(4)
Tenants shall be required tohave an identification sign of four square feet on the rear or service entrance side of tenant spaces for delivery and emergency response purposes.
E.
Additional monument signage for large-scale office or office/business parks. Monument signs for those uses shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Monument signs may only be permitted in office or office/business park when the tract contains at least 25 acres (gross).
(2)
When the entrance to an office or office/business park is via a public or private road which intersects a public road that is classified as feeder or higher by the Township's Ultimate Right-of-way Map and Ordinance,[1] the development may have a maximum of two monument signs, one on either side of the entrance.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 264, Streets and Sidewalks, Art. III.
(3)
Monument signs are subject to the following dimensional requirements:
(a)
The overall height of the sign and supporting structure shall not exceed 12 feet measured from the grade of the abutting roadways.
(b)
Said sign shall be located a minimum of five feet back from the ultimate right-of-way line, and in no case impede proper sight distance.
(c)
Monument signs shall be limited to 200 square feet in size, not including the structure upon which the sign is erected.
(4)
Monument signs for an office or office/business park provided for in this section may only contain the name of the overall office user or the office/business park name.
(5)
In addition to any directory sign which may be permitted in an office or business park in accordance with Subsection H of this section, one additional directory sign may be permitted as part of the monument signage permitted herein. Said directory sign shall be of like or coordinated design and materials as the main monument sign and shall be designed as an integral part of the monument sign structure or design appurtenances thereto. The maximum overall size of said directory sign shall be as prescribed in Subsection H of this section; provided, however, it may be increased up to a maximum of 75 square feet, provided the total area of the monument sign and the directory sign together do not exceed 200 square feet.
(6)
Uses within an office/business park on less than 25 acres (gross) are entitled only to ground signs under Subsection C of this section.
[Amended 8-1-2011 by Ord. No. 517]
F.
Awning signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
A sign may be placed on the portion of the awning, canopy or marquee that is in a plane parallel to the wall of the building and visible from the public street.
(2)
The size of the sign shall not exceed 20% of the area on that plane.
(3)
In addition, a logo or other graphic, with no written copy, is permitted on the sloped face of the awning. The size of the graphic shall not exceed 20% of the sloped area of the awning.
G.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area for properties less than five acres in size and 65 square feet for properties of five acres or more.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been erected.
(4)
One sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
H.
In addition to the aforementioned signs, when there are three or more establishments in a development, a multiple directory sign shall be permitted, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only and one such sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress to the area served by the sign and located on one of the properties serviced by this sign.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location of each industry or enterprise within the area, including the name of the area if being developed as a single unit, may be provided on such sign, provided that each such space shall not exceed three square feet in area, and further provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 36 square feet.
I.
Temporary signs in accordance with the provisions of § 300-607 herein.
§ 300-597 Signs permitted for commercial uses.
A.
The total maximum sign area shall be based upon the size of the lot on which the commercial use is located, distributed in any manner chosen by the applicant, and as subject further to the limitations on size of individual types of signs prescribed in the various subsections of this section. However, signage for shopping centers of less than 10 acres is regulated in § 300-598 herein; signage for shopping centers of 10 acres or greater is regulated in § 300-599 herein; and signage for individual tenants within any shopping center or mixed-use development is regulated in § 300-601 herein.
(1)
On lots of less than one acre: total sign area of 225 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 325 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(2)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres: total sign area of 275 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 450 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(3)
On lots of five acres or more: total sign area of 325 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 525 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(4)
A maximum of 15% of said total sign area specified in Subsection A(1), (2) and (3) above may be devoted to changeable copy signs. These signs may be ground or wall signs at the discretion of the property owner.
B.
Wall, awning, window or blade signs are permitted on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach to the building, except as noted below.
C.
Ground signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Overall height shall not exceed 15 feet.
(2)
When located within 15 feet of the curbline, said sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
(3)
The size of such signs shall be limited as follows:
(a)
On lots of less than one acre: 20 square feet in size.
(b)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres: 35 square feet in size.
(c)
On lots of five acres or more: 50 square feet in size.
D.
Wall signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Roof signs are not permitted; signs above sign height line may be permitted as long as they are mounted on a parapet wall which is designed as an integrated element of the building's architecture.
(2)
The sign area for the primary frontage shall be based on the gross square footage of the building and shall be limited as follows:
(a)
Buildings/tenant space less than 10,000 square feet: 100 square feet.
(b)
Buildings/tenant space 10,000 square feet or more and less than 20,000 square feet: 200 square feet.
(c)
Buildings/tenant space 20,000 square feet or more and less than 30,000 square feet: 300 square feet.
(d)
Buildings/tenant space of 30,000 square feet or more: 400 square feet.
(e)
In no case is the area of the sign(s) to exceed 20% of the building frontage on which it is placed.
(3)
When a building can be approached by vehicles from two or more directions, a sign on one additional frontage shall be permitted at up to 50% of the size permitted above for the principal approach frontage. The sign area calculated for each frontage shall be erected on that frontage only and shall not be increased by the sign area calculated for another frontage.
(4)
In addition to the above, window signs that contain a logo or other graphic, with no written copy, are permitted on the glassed area of the building face. The size of the graphic shall not exceed 15% of the glassed area.
E.
Awning signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
A sign may be placed on the portion of the awning, canopy or marquee that is in a plane parallel to the wall of the building and visible from the public street.
(2)
The size of the sign shall not exceed 20% of the area on that plane.
(3)
In addition, a logo or other graphic, with no written copy, is permitted on the sloped face of the awning. The size of the graphic shall not exceed 20% of the sloped area of the awning.
F.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area for properties less than five acres in size and 65 square feet for properties of five acres or more.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been erected.
G.
In addition to the aforementioned signs, when there are three or more establishments in a development, a multiple directory sign shall be permitted subject to the following regulations; provided, however, that a shopping center development entitled to signage in accordance with § 300-598 shall not also be entitled to this signage:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only, and one such sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress to the area served by the sign and located on one of the properties serviced by this sign.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location of each industry or enterprise within the area, including the name of the area if being developed as a single unit, may be provided on such sign, provided that each such space shall not exceed three square feet in area, and further provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 36 square feet.
(3)
Tenants shall be required to have an identification sign of four square feet on the rear or service entrance side of tenant spaces for delivery and emergency response purposes.
H.
Temporary signs in accordance with the provisions of § 300-607 herein.
§ 300-598 Signs permitted for small shopping centers.
In a shopping center of less than 10 acres, the following sign provisions apply in lieu of any other herein:
A.
One entrance sign identifying the shopping center at each vehicular entrance from a public street, provided that:
(1)
The overall height of all such entrance signs shall not be more than 25 feet in height.
(2)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed 150 square feet. Larger individual signs may be permitted if the total sign square footage for which the site is entitled is not increased. In no event shall a sign exceed 200 square feet.
(3)
The spacing of such signs, with reference to each other, shall not be less than 400 feet measured in single straight lines.
(4)
There may not be more than two such signs for any one shopping center.
(5)
A maximum of 15% of the area of any entrance sign as specified in Subsection A(2) above may be devoted to changeable copy.
B.
Wall, awning, window or blade signs are permitted on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach to the building, except as noted below.
C.
Roof signs are not permitted; signs above sign height line may be permitted as long as they are mounted on a parapet wall which is designed as an integrated element of the building's architecture.
D.
Pedestrian directory signs listing the names of commercial or business establishments within the vicinity shall be permitted in any area used solely by pedestrians, provided that such signs may not exceed 15 square feet in area.
E.
Vehicular directory signs shall be permitted, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only, and one such sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress to the area served by the sign and located on one of the properties serviced by this sign. A maximum of one directory sign in a shopping center shall be permitted.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location of each use within the area, including the name of the area if being developed as a single unit, may be provided on such sign, provided that each such space shall not exceed three square feet in area, and further provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 36 square feet.
F.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 65 square feet.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been erected.
G.
Temporary signs shall be in accordance with § 300-607.
H.
Signs for individual tenants shall be in accordance with § 300-601.
§ 300-599 Signs permitted for large shopping centers.
In a shopping center of 10 acres or greater, the following sign provisions apply in lieu of any other herein;
A.
One entrance sign identifying the shopping center at each vehicular entrance from a public street, provided that:
(1)
The overall height of all such entrance signs shall not be more than 35 feet in height.
(2)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed 200 square feet. Larger individual signs may be permitted if the total sign square footage for which the site is entitled is not increased. In no event shall a sign exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
The spacing of such signs, with reference to each other, shall not be less than 400 feet measured in single straight lines.
(4)
There may not be more than three such signs for any one shopping center.
(5)
A maximum of 15% of the area of any entrance sign as specified in Subsection A(2) above may be devoted to changeable copy.
B.
Tenants are permitted to have wall, awning, window or blade signs on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach to the building, except as noted below.
C.
Roof signs are not permitted; signs above sign height line may be permitted as long as they are mounted on a parapet wall which is designed as an integrated element of the building's architecture.
D.
Pedestrian directory signs listing the names of commercial or business establishments within the vicinity shall be permitted in any area used solely by pedestrians, provided that such signs may not exceed 15 square feet in area.
E.
Vehicular directory signs shall be permitted, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only, and one such sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress to the area served by the sign and located on one of the properties serviced by this sign. A maximum of one per 30 acres or fraction thereof, but in no case more than three directory signs in a shopping center, shall be permitted.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location of each use within the area, including the name of the area if being developed as a single unit, may be provided on such sign, provided that each such space shall not exceed three square feet in area, and further provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 36 square feet. As a conditional use, a total of 60 square feet of signage will be permitted, with individual spaces not to exceed five square feet, if the area for which the directory is intended is either remote from any abutting roads or does not parallel same. One vehicular directory sign of the increased size shall be permitted for each 30 acres or fraction thereof.
F.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 65 square feet.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been erected.
G.
Temporary signs shall be in accordance with § 300-607.
H.
Signs for individual tenants shall be in accordance with § 300-601.
I.
For shopping centers in the IO-3 District, the following additional requirements apply, provided that signs in addition to those specified herein, or in excess of the sizes enumerated herein, may be permitted by special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board.
[Amended 12-22-2009 by Ord. No. 505; 1-7-2013 by Ord. No. 525]
(1)
No pylon signs are permitted. Entrance signs are to be monument signs only. Maximum height is 12 feet.
(2)
A coordinated signage package must be provided. All signs must have similar sign style, lettering style, construction materials and color.
(3)
Wall signs can be transferred from another building, as long as the total permissible wall sign area for the building facade on which it is being placed is not increased.
§ 300-600 Signs permitted for industrial uses.
A.
The total maximum sign area shall be based upon the size of the lot on which the industrial use is located, distributed in any manner chosen by the applicant, and as subject further to the limitations on size of individual types of signs prescribed in the various subsections of this section.
(1)
On lots of less than one acre: total sign area of 225 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 325 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(2)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres: total sign area of 275 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 450 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(3)
On lots of five acres or more: total sign area of 325 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 525 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
B.
Ground signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Overall height of sign shall not exceed 15 feet.
(2)
When located within 15 feet of the curbline, said sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet.
(3)
The size of such signs shall be limited as follows:
(a)
On lots of less than one acre: 20 square feet in size.
(b)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres: 35 square feet in size.
(c)
On lots of five acres or more: 50 square feet in size.
C.
Wall, awning, window or blade signs are permitted on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach to the building, except as noted below.
D.
Wall signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
No wall sign shall be placed above the sign height line.
(2)
The sign area for the primary frontage shall be based on the gross square footage of the building and shall be limited as follows:
(a)
Buildings less than 10,000 square feet: 100 square feet.
(b)
Buildings 10,000 square feet or more and less than 20,000 square feet: 150 square feet.
(c)
Buildings 20,000 square feet or more and less than 30,000 square feet: 200 square feet.
(d)
Buildings of 30,000 square feet or more: 300 square feet.
(e)
In no case is the area of a sign to exceed 20% of the building frontage on which it is placed.
(3)
When a building can be approached by vehicles from two or more directions, a sign on one additional frontage shall be permitted at up to 50% of the size permitted above for the principal approach frontage. The sign area calculated for each frontage shall be erected on that frontage only and shall not be increased by the sign area calculated for another frontage.
E.
Additional monument signage for large-scale industrial park. Monument signs for those uses shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Monument signs may only be permitted in an industrial park when the tract contains at least 25 acres (gross).
(2)
When the entrance to an industrial park is via a public or private road which intersects a public road that is classified as feeder or higher by the Township's Ultimate Right-of-way Map and Ordinance, the development may have a maximum of two monument signs, one on either side of the entrance.
(3)
Monument signs are subject to the following dimensional requirements:
(a)
The overall height of the sign and supporting structure shall not exceed 12 feet measured from the grade of the abutting roadways.
(b)
Said sign shall be located a minimum of five feet back from the ultimate right-of-way line, and in no case impede proper site distance.
(c)
Monument signs shall be limited to 200 square feet in size, not including the structure upon which the sign is erected.
(4)
Monument signs for an industrial park provided for in this section may only contain the name of the overall industry user or the industrial park name. Uses within an industrial park on less than 25 acres (gross) are entitled only to ground signs, under Subsection B of this section.
F.
Awning signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
A sign may be placed on the portion of the awning, canopy or marquee that is in a plane parallel to the wall of the building and visible from the public street.
(2)
The size of the sign shall not exceed 20% of the area on that plane.
(3)
In addition, a logo or other graphic, with no written copy, is permitted on the sloped face of the awning. The size of the graphic shall not exceed 20% of the sloped area of the awning.
G.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area for properties less than five acres in size and 65 square feet for properties of five acres or more.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been erected.
(4)
One sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
H.
In addition to the aforementioned signs, when there are three or more establishments in a development, a multiple directory sign shall be permitted, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only and one such sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress to the area served by the sign and located on one of the properties serviced by this sign.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location of each industry or enterprise within the area, including the name of the area if being developed as a single unit, may be provided on such sign, provided that each such space shall not exceed three square feet in area, and further provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 36 square feet.
(3)
Tenants shall be required to have an identification sign of four square feet on the rear or service entrance side of tenant spaces for delivery and emergency response purposes.
I.
Temporary signs in accordance with the provisions of § 300-607 herein.
§ 300-601 Signs permitted for individual tenants in shopping centers or in mixed-use multitenant developments.
A.
Each tenant shall be permitted signage in accordance with the following:
(1)
Tenants are permitted to have wall, awning, window or blade signs on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach to the building, except as noted below.
(2)
The maximum total signage for each tenant shall be as follows:
(a)
Buildings/tenant space of less than 10,000 square feet: 100 square feet.
(b)
Buildings/tenant space of 10,000 square feet or more and less than 20,000 square feet: 200 square feet.
(c)
Buildings/tenant space of 20,000 square feet or more and less than 30,000 square feet: 300 square feet.
(d)
Buildings/tenant space of 30,000 square feet or more: 400 square feet.
(e)
In no case is the area of the sign(s) to exceed 20% of the building frontage on which it is placed.
(3)
When a building can be approached by vehicles from two or more directions, a sign on one additional frontage shall be permitted at up to 50% of the size permitted above for the principal approach frontage. The sign area calculated for each frontage shall be erected on that frontage only and shall not be increased by the sign area calculated for another frontage.
(4)
In addition to the above, window signs that contain a logo or other graphic, with no written copy, are permitted on the glassed area of the building face. The size of the graphic shall not exceed 15% of the glassed area.
(5)
Awning signs shall be placed on the portion of the awning, canopy or marquee that is in a plane parallel to the entrance wall of the building. The size of the sign shall not exceed 20% of the area on that plane. In addition, a logo or other graphic, with no written copy, is permitted on the sloped face of the awning. The size of the graphic shall not exceed 20% of the sloped area of the awning.
(6)
One blade sign or under-canopy sign, not to exceed six square feet in area, may be installed at each public entrance. The bottom of the sign must be at least eight feet above the level of the sidewalk.
(7)
Tenants shall be required to have an identification sign of four square feet on the rear or service entrance side of tenant spaces for delivery and emergency response purposes.
B.
The total maximum sign area for a mixed-use development shall be based upon the use on the property which is entitled to the least allowable sign area, as prescribed in the various sections of this article.
C.
As a conditional use for a mixed-use development, the total maximum sign area may be based upon the use on the property which is entitled to the greatest allowable sign area, as prescribed in the various sections of this article, provided that: a coordinated signage package is proposed for the property, for all ground and wall signs, including similar sign style, lettering style, construction materials, and color.
§ 300-602 Supplemental signs for certain uses along Route 422 Expressway.
Office, commercial or industrial uses with frontage along Route 422 may provide additional signage along said frontage as a conditional use, beyond what would ordinarily be permitted in this article, subject to the following, provided signage is for uses on the site on which the sign is located:
A.
Adequate evidence shall be provided to enable the Board of Supervisors to determine that the additional signage is necessary to identify the use to the passing motorist and that the use would not be adequately visible without it.
B.
Any sign permitted shall meet all requirements of PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.
C.
One sign shall be permitted for every 1,000 feet of frontage, or fraction thereof.
D.
Each sign shall have a maximum area of 300 square feet and a maximum height of 40 feet unless adequate evidence of the need for greater area and/or greater height can be justified through empirical evidence to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors; however, in no case shall a sign greater than 400 square feet in area and/or 45 feet in height be approved.
E.
If more than one sign is permitted, the spacing of the signs shall be at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors.
F.
Such signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from the ultimate right-of-way.
G.
No sign permitted by this section shall be installed within 500 feet of any interchange ramp of the Route 422 Expressway, measured along the ramp from its point of intersection with the intersecting roadway.
H.
If signs under this section are approved for a property, that property shall not qualify for signage under § 300-603.
§ 300-603 Advertising signs and billboards.
Advertising signs and billboards shall be permitted as a conditional use in the industrial districts, subject to the following provisions:
A.
The overall height of such signs shall not exceed 40 feet.
B.
Such signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from the ultimate right-of-way.
C.
Such signs shall not be placed within 1,000 feet of one another.
D.
Such signs shall be permitted to front only those public roads of a controlled or semicontrolled access highway classification or greater, as delineated on the Township Ultimate Right-of-way Map, adopted as part of Article III of Chapter 264, Streets and Sidewalks, and as the map may be amended in the future.
E.
Such signs shall not exceed an area of 300 square feet, and no combination of signs at any single location shall exceed a total area of 300 square feet.
F.
No sign permitted by this section shall be installed within 500 feet of any interchange ramp of any qualifying road, measured along the ramp from its point of intersection with the intersecting roadway.
§ 300-604 Moving or illuminated signs.
Where permitted, the illumination of signs shall be subject to the National Electrical Code and to the following regulations:
A.
Signs that move, rotate, oscillate, vibrate or shimmer are only allowed in the M-2 Manufacturing Industrial District, and no other.
B.
Indirect illumination may be provided by floodlights, spotlights, ordinary incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes or mercury-vapor lamps. Internally illuminated signs shall be permitted only for commercial and industrial uses. Regardless of the type of illumination employed, all illuminated signs, and/or the light fixtures illuminating the signs, shall be properly shielded and so located as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon surrounding buildings, properties, or motor vehicle traffic so as not to cause a nuisance or hazard to building occupants, residents or travelers in the area.
C.
Neon lighting will be considered only as a part of a special sign, as defined in § 300-605, and as such will be included as part of the special exception required for such signs. In any case, neon lighting will only be permitted for a commercial or industrial use.
D.
No sign shall be permitted which is animated by means of flashing, scintillating, blinking or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination. Public service information signs shall be classified as "changing signs" and shall be permitted. A public service information sign shall be any sign intended primarily to promote items of general interest in the community, such as the time, temperature, date and atmospheric conditions, and may be located in any district except residential. Illuminated revolving barber poles shall be permitted in conjunction with the use of a barbershop.
§ 300-605 Special signs.
When the architectural design of a building is integral with the sign composition to such a degree that normal standards cannot be applied with practicality, such a sign shall be deemed a "special sign" and may be permitted when authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board, subject to the following conditions:
A.
Such sign shall be limited to office, commercial, and industrial uses.
B.
Such sign shall form an integral part of the structural or decorative facade of a building wall to such an extent as to render impractical the measurement or placement of sign area as defined herein; however, such sign may not be placed on any decorative facade where the purpose appears primarily to increase the permitted height of a sign above the sign height line of the building.
C.
Such sign may be of such unique materials, shape or design as to render impractical the application of any of the regulations contained herein which are intended to apply to the customary sign and materials, shapes, designs or construction.
§ 300-606 Corporate or company flags.
Flags bearing a corporate or company name and/or insignia shall be permitted to be flown on the property where the company is located, provided the following:
A.
The flag must be flown in conjunction with the flag of the United States, provided that such corporate or company flag shall not exceed in size 75% of the United States flag with which it is displayed.
B.
In the event that a flagpole is attached to a building, such flagpole shall not extend above the sign height line of such building, except where such pole is used exclusively for the display of the United States flag.
C.
Nothing herein precludes the flying of POW/MIA or other legally sanctioned flags in recognition of nationally significant events or persons.
§ 300-607 Temporary signs.
A.
Unless more restrictive regulations are stipulated for a specific type of temporary sign, such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and shall be in place for no longer than 30 days. Funds shall be placed in escrow for removal of all temporary signs at the termination of their allotted period of display, in an amount fixed by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. Each sign left in place beyond the permitted time shall be considered a separate violation.
B.
Any candidate or group of candidates sharing sign space can erect any number of election campaign signs. Said signs may be in place no earlier than 60 days prior to said election and may stay in place no longer than 15 days after the election.
C.
For agricultural or other nonresidential uses, not more than one additional temporary sign for each street frontage of an affected property may be erected four times a year, provided that such sign shall be displayed for a period of not more than 30 consecutive days. Such signs may be used for special sales, events, openings, product introductions, anniversaries and similar occasions. Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall comply with all other regulations for the district in which they are located. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, balloons, banners and/or pennants without advertising copy thereon may be permitted for the purposes described in this section. Four off-site directional signs may be posted for the same time period as for the temporary on-site signs, provided that the maximum size of each sign shall be 12 square feet.
D.
Four signs directing prospective customers to a yard sale may be posted a maximum of five days before the sale and shall be removed within 24 hours of the conclusion of the sale. No individual sign shall exceed six square feet in size.
E.
Four signs directing prospective customers to an open house, for purposes of selling real estate, may be posted no sooner than 12:00 noon on the Friday immediately prior to the weekend during which the open house is scheduled; all said signs shall be removed by 8:00 a.m. the Monday immediately following the conclusion of the sale. No individual sign shall exceed six square feet in size. These signs shall be exempt from the requirement for a sign permit.
F.
No temporary sign may be posted on private property without the express consent of the property owner.
§ 300-608 Off-site directional signs.
A.
Not more than two outdoor signs directing traffic to a business location, hospital, community center, school, church, nonprofit or charitable organization, park, etc., or the name and place of a meeting of an official civic or service body may be permitted in any zoning district on property(ies) other than the location of said use.
(1)
All such signs shall comply with the requirements of § 200-290 and with the height requirements of the district in which they are located.
(2)
Any such sign shall not exceed six square feet in area.
B.
Not more than one outdoor sign directing traffic to two or more businesses may be permitted in any zoning district on property(ies) other than the location of said uses.
(1)
All such signs shall comply with the requirements of § 300-610 and with the height requirements of the district in which they are located.
(2)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed 72 square feet, with the identification of any individual business not exceeding six square feet.
(3)
Such sign is permitted on a road classified as collector or higher according to the Ultimate Right-of-Way Map and Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 264, Streets and Sidewalks, Art. III, Ultimate Right-of-way.
(4)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
§ 300-609 On-site traffic control signage.
A.
On-site traffic control signs which are not visible from any public right-of-way may be permitted on a property without limitation on number of such signs permitted.
B.
In no case shall any such sign exceed two square feet in area and/or have a height exceeding six feet.
§ 300-610 Placement of signs.
All signs shall be placed with regard to the public safety and shall be governed by the following regulations:
A.
No sign shall be erected or maintained as to prevent free ingress and egress to or from any door, window or fire escape.
B.
Only instructional signs shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
C.
Any business sign must maintain a setback distance from an adjacent residential district as required under this chapter for other business or commercial structures or buildings.
D.
No sign shall be erected at or near the intersection of streets or upon a curve so as to obstruct free and clear vision. No red-, amber- or green-colored discs or shapes may be permitted within 100 feet of a street intersection or any location wherein it is determined by the Zoning Officer that such colored lights or shapes might be confused with official traffic signals.
§ 300-611 Advertising vehicles.
Any vehicle or trailer which is parked on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way and which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises is hereby deemed to be an advertising vehicle and shall be prohibited. This section shall not prohibit any form of vehicular signage, such as a sign attached to a bus or lettered on a motor vehicle, where the vehicle is not used for the basic purpose of providing advertisement or direction as set forth above.
§ 300-612 Sign permits.
A.
A sign permit shall be required for all signs exceeding two square feet in area unless otherwise provided. Applications for sign permits shall be filed on forms furnished by the Zoning Officer and shall be accompanied by detailed plans and specifications and any other such information deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer to determine the location and details of construction of such signs.
B.
All signs for which a permit has been issued must be completely constructed within six months after the date of issuance of the permit. Upon written request, the Zoning Officer may grant one extension for an additional three-month period, provided that the applicant presents reasonable grounds for the extension request.
C.
No permit to erect a sign shall be issued until a fee has been paid to the Zoning Officer in an amount fixed by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
D.
A nonrenewable permit may be granted to any person or organization in the Township to permit the erection of temporary signs, as permitted in § 300-607. All such nonrenewable permits may be issued only upon payment into an escrow account an amount of money to guarantee the removal of such signs. The payment amount is determined by a fee schedule adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. In the event that such signs are removed within the time periods stated herein, the escrow deposit shall be returned. If such signs have not been removed in the time period stated, the escrow deposit shall be forfeited and such signs shall be removed at the direction of the Township Zoning Officer.
§ 300-613 Exemptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to official federal, state or municipal signs erected within the Township. In addition, the trade names, emblems or directions on service facilities or product dispensers, including but not limited to gasoline pumps, telephone booths and vending machines, shall not be considered to be a sign when such trade name, emblem or single group of words or symbols are not more than three square feet in area. Further, window signs shall not be considered in computing total sign area, but in no event shall window signs cover more than 20% of the area of any window opening.
§ 300-614 Nonconforming signs.
Any lawful sign existing on the effective date of this chapter that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be considered a lawful nonconforming sign and may be continued. Nonconforming signs may be repaired or repainted but shall not be altered or changed in overall dimensions except to conform with the provisions of this chapter.
A.
A nonconforming office use in a residential district shall be entitled to one ground and one wall sign. The maximum size for the ground sign shall be 20 square feet; the maximum size for the wall sign shall be based upon the formula provided in § 300-596D(2) herein.
B.
A nonconforming commercial or industrial use in a residential district shall be entitled to one ground and one wall sign. The maximum size for the ground sign shall be 20 square feet; the maximum size for the wall sign shall be based upon the formula provided in § 300-596D(2) herein.
§ 300-615 Artwork.
[Added 8-15-2022 by Ord. No. 595]
A.
Whether the primary purpose of artwork painted on a building is commercial or noncommercial is a fact-based inquiry and the initial determination is to be made by the Township Zoning Officer. The determination to be made is whether the expression depicted in the artwork is primarily intended to advance the economic interests of a business. Factors in making this determination include:
(1)
Whether the wall is part of a business;
(2)
Whether the artwork includes the name or advertising slogans of a business;
(3)
Whether the artwork depicts specific elements of a transaction or business activity associated with a particular business or trade;
(4)
Whether the artwork includes depictions of the owner or employees of a particular business;
(5)
If volunteered by the building owner or artist, the stated noncommercial expression sought to be expressed in the artwork;
(6)
Whether the artwork, in consideration of these and any other relevant factors, is intended to call attention to a business or commercial activity.
B.
If the Zoning Officer determines the artwork to be a sign, then it shall be prohibited unless it complies with the signage criteria for wall signs in that zoning district, if any. If it is determined to be a mural, then it is subject only to the requirements set forth in this part. Specifically:
(1)
It may not be larger than the wall on which it is painted;
(2)
It may not cover doors or windows;
(3)
It may not contain electronic elements and may not be internally illuminated;
(4)
It may not include words or graphic depictions of violence or sexuality that would be considered obscene applying contemporary community standards;
(5)
It may not project into any public right of way;
(6)
It must be created using materials durable enough to last approximately as long as ordinary exterior paint applied to the same wall in a single, uniform color.
C.
Persons intending to create a mural within the Township may apply to the Zoning Officer free of charge for a determination that the artwork does not constitute a regulated sign. A mural that is painted without Zoning Officer approval is subject to removal if it is in violation of this section.
D.
The perceived cultural, artistic, historical, or societal significance of any depiction in any artwork is unrelated to a determination made by the Zoning Officer pursuant to this section.
