Warwick Township Bucks County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXII
Signs
[Amended 6-18-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-1]
§ 195-91 Scope and applicability.
A.
In all zoning districts, signs shall be erected, altered, maintained, used, removed or moved in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable ordinances and regulations.
B.
Signs existing at the time of the passage of this chapter, which were legally erected, and which do not conform with the requirements of the ordinance shall be considered nonconforming signs and, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs. Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting), providing such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign; wording may also be changed.
§ 195-92 Definitions.
As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BANNER SIGN
A temporary sign made of any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLES
An area of unobstructed vision at intersections, defined by horizontal and vertical lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersection. Intersections may be comprised of two streets, two driveways or a street and a driveway.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER (EMC)
A sign, or portion thereof, that displays animated images, moving video images, graphics, or scrolling messages electronic images, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without textual information. EMCs are capable of change or alteration by electronic means on a fixed display screen composed of a series of lights including light emitting diodes (LED's), OLEDs LCDs, DLPs, plasma, fiber optics, lights bulbs, or other illumination devices within the area where the message is displayed. EMCs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays. EMCs include signs that utilize technology not listed in this definition and shall include similar technology which may be developed in the future, or the use of which may become widespread in the future.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign permanently supported by an upright or uprights which are permanently anchored into the ground. This may have two display sides.
NONRESIDENTIAL USES
All uses listed in § 195-16C, D, E, F, G, and H of this chapter.
NONRESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
The VC Village Center District, the VC2 Village Center District, C1 Local Commercial District, the C2 Highway Commercial District, the C3 Commercial/Multifamily District, the O Office District, and the L1 Limited Industrial District.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
Also known as an outdoor advertising sign or billboard. A type of sign which directs attention to a business, industry, profession, message commodity, service, or entertainment not sold or offered on the premises where the sign is located.
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC AND HIGHWAY SIGN
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional signs, and other traffic signs erected and maintained on public highways and roads by the Commonwealth, the County, the Township or, in the case of private streets, the owner of the road, in the interest of public safety or for the regulations of traffic.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign, including vehicular signs, not permanently attached to the ground or a building.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign that is dependent on a building for support and which projects more than 12 inches from the building, including an awning sign. Whenever a canopy or awning is affixed with any lettering, design, symbol, or made from any special material that is intended to be or by its nature is an identification of a business, the applicable measurable area of the awning or canopy is a projecting sign.
RESIDENTIAL USES
Those uses listed in § 195-16A and B of this chapter.
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
The RA Residential Agricultural, RG Residential Agricultural, R1 Residential District, R1a Residential-Agricultural District; R-2 Residential District, RR Residential Agricultural District, MF-1 Multifamily Residential District; and the MF-2 Multifamily Residential District.
ROOF SIGN
A sign on or above the roof or the eaves of a building.
SIGN
Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers, or letters for the purpose of communicating a message which is displayed in any manner whatsoever so that it can be seen from the right-of-way of any public or private road or from a neighboring property. Sign includes the sign faces as well as any sign supporting structure.
WALL or PARALLEL SIGN
A sign mounted parallel to the face of a structure and not projecting above the eaves of the structure nor more than 12 inches from the plane or facade of the structure.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign mounted or painted on a window or inside a structure such that it can be seen through the window.
§ 195-93 Sign height and area.
A.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a building, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, logos, and symbols. The computation of area of the sign shall include decorative trim in addition to the portion devoted to the message and lettering.
(2)
For a sign painted upon or applied to a building, structure, or natural element, the area shall be considered to include all lettering, working, accompanying designs, or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.
(3)
In computing the size of a double-faced sign where the sides are parallel to each other, only one side shall be considered, provided the size of both faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45° then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
B.
Sign height.
(1)
The height of the sign shall be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk or from grade to the highest point above grade to the top of the sign.
(2)
For projecting and parallel signs, the maximum height shall be determined by its placement on the building.
(3)
For all residential districts and all residential uses, projecting and parallel signs, or portions of such signs, shall not be located at a height greater than the ceiling/floor division of the first story of the building.
(4)
For all residential districts and all residential uses, freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height from grade to the highest point above grade to the top of the sign.
(5)
For nonresidential zoning districts and all nonresidential uses freestanding signs may not exceed 12 feet in height from grade to the highest point above grade at the top of the sign.
§ 195-94 General regulations.
The following regulations shall govern the placement, erection, and maintenance of signs:
A.
Official traffic and highway signs. All official traffic and highway signs shall be of the size and construction specified in § 163-42 of Chapter 163, Subdivision and Land Development and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Regulations governing the design, location and operation of all official traffic signs, signals and markings on and along highways within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which regulations will control the erection and replacement of the same.
B.
Unless the regulations of this article specifically state that a sign may be placed off the lot or premises to which it relates, signs may be placed only on the same lot with the use or establishment to which the sign relates.
C.
No sign shall be placed in such a position that will cause danger to traffic on a street or entering a street by obscuring the view, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic control device. No sign shall be placed in a clear sight triangle.
D.
No part of any sign shall be erected or maintained within the ultimate right-of-way of any state or Township public road except for official street signs.
E.
In no case, except for official traffic and highway signs shall any sign be erected so that it:
(1)
Lies within 10 feet of or projects over a point within 10 feet of the legal right-of-way of any street or is within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever is greater;
(2)
Lies within the clear sight triangle;
(3)
Obscures a motorist's view of traffic signals, stop signs or other warning devices as viewed from any distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares;
(4)
Obscures a motorist's view of roadway or intersections ahead as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares;
(5)
Limits a pedestrian's view of vehicular traffic to less than 500 feet while he stands inside the curbline at an intersection or other established crossing point;
(6)
Lies within a distance of 10 feet from any property line;
(7)
Lies within a parking space or fire lane;
(8)
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on public thoroughfares;
(9)
Blocks the entrance, exit, fire escape, or fire lane to a building;
(10)
Projects over a sidewalk, street, driveway or pedestrian path; or contains flashing, rotating or revolving type lights with the exception of barber poles which are used for a barber shop use;
(11)
Uses the words "stop," "look," "danger," or any other word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device;
(12)
Uses red, green or yellow lights within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 300 feet of a traffic control device signal, whichever is greater.
F.
All signs shall meet the design and construction requirements of the Uniform Construction Code of Pennsylvania. All electrical signs shall be manufactured in accordance with the underwriter's laboratories' specifications and shall bear the laboratory label.
§ 195-95 Prohibited signs.
[Amended 1-20-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-01]
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
Signs of a flashing, rotating, or revolving type, with the exception of barber poles.
B.
Novelty signs, including but not limited to objects (i.e., tires, automobiles, food products, etc.) pennants, balloons, bulletin boards, animated signs, and inflatable signs.
C.
Roof signs: Any sign placed above or at the same level as the roofline of a flat roof or the lowest point of eaves of a sloping or mansard roof.
D.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, or odor.
E.
No electronic message centers shall be permitted in the area of the Township identified in Subdivision and Land Development § 163-51.3 as the Corridor Overlay District.
F.
Electronic message centers with animated, scrolling, or moving video or graphics, or flashing lights shall be prohibited in all zoning districts within the Township.
G.
Any sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights.
H.
Any sign which imitates any official traffic sign, signal or device.
I.
Any vehicle or trailer, which is not regularly and customarily used to transport persons and property for the business it advertises, 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, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the primary purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or on another property.
J.
Any sign erected on a tree, streetlight, street sign, or utility pole, or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature.
K.
Any sign suspended between poles which is either a pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind.
L.
A series of lights or lighting outlining the edges of commercial buildings or commercial building elements shall be considered a sign under the terms of this article and shall be prohibited.
M.
Any sign which does not conform to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance which were in effect when the sign was erected.
N.
Signs containing information on which it states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of the Warwick Township Zoning Ordinance in the Zoning District on which the property to which the sign relates is located.
O.
Off-premises signs unless otherwise authorized in this chapter.
§ 195-96 Sign illumination.
Any illuminated sign, whether illuminated from within or by exterior light, shall be subject to the following requirements:
A.
There shall be no illumination of any sign within 200 feet of an occupied dwelling in a residential zoning district.
B.
Indirectly illuminated signs shall shine with white or clear light only. Fully shielded fixtures shall be used, and the source of illumination shall not be visible from any adjoining property or roadway. The planting of vegetation, while a desirable additional means to reduce the impact of the light source, shall not be considered as a replacement for this requirement.
C.
The internal light source of directly illuminated signs shall be a white or clear light only.
D.
Illuminated signs with any form of exposed neon or other tubes are prohibited.
E.
No red, green or yellow illuminated sign shall be permitted within 300 feet of a traffic signal.
F.
Signs which contain, include, or are illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights are prohibited.
§ 195-97 Regulations for temporary and permanent signs in specific zoning districts.
[Amended 5-20-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1; 1-20-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-01]
In addition to the regulations set forth in §§ 195-93, 195-94 and 195-96 the following regulations shall govern the erection and maintenance of temporary and permanent signs, depending on their classification:
A.
Temporary signs. All temporary signs, except those described in §§ 195-97.1B and § 195-97A(2)(i), may be erected only after receipt of a permit from the Township. Permit fees are established by the Township Board of Supervisors. The permit will be issued only after the regulations outlined in Article XXII are met to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer.
(1)
Temporary signs in residential zoning districts or on properties with residential uses in nonresidential zoning districts.
(a)
No temporary sign shall be displayed for a period exceeding 30 days or more than five days after the cessation of the event or occurrence being advertised, whichever is less.
(b)
There shall be no more than two temporary signs in any calendar year.
(c)
Except as otherwise provided in this § 195-97A(1), temporary signs in residential districts shall not exceed six square feet in size.
(d)
Signs indicating the location and direction of premises available for or in process of development and having inscribed thereon the name of the owner, developer, builder, or agent may be erected and maintained, provided that:
[1]
The area of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet for more than 10 dwelling units, and six square feet for projects with less than 10 dwelling units.
[2]
Not more than two such signs shall be erected on premises.
[3]
Such signs shall be removed within 20 days after the last structure has been occupied.
(2)
Temporary signs in nonresidential zoning districts with nonresidential uses.
(a)
No temporary sign may be displayed for a period exceeding 30 days.
(b)
No property shall have more than two temporary signs in any calendar year. No temporary sign may use flashing or revolving lights.
(c)
Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(d)
Signs may not be displayed earlier than 30 days before the function for which they are erected. The signs must be removed within five days after the function for which they were displayed, but in no case later than 30 days from the day they were displayed.
(e)
No more than one sign shall be displayed for each 1,000 feet of road frontage.
(f)
Banners shall not exceed eight feet in length and three feet in width.
(g)
Bunting and banner signs are permitted to announce the opening of a new business or industry provided that such signs do not extend into, or over, a public right-of-way. All such signs must be removed after seven days of the opening day of the first day of business.
(h)
Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
B.
Permanent signs.
(1)
In residential zoning districts, on properties with residential uses, and on properties with agricultural uses, signs may be erected and maintained provided that:
(a)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(b)
Except as otherwise permitted in this chapter, there shall only be one sign per property.
(c)
Freestanding signs for residential developments or apartment buildings containing more than 10 units shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Number: One sign per street frontage.
[2]
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet per sign face.
[3]
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
[4]
Illumination: The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 195-96.
(2)
Signs for nonresidential uses on individual lots in nonresidential districts, signs for C — Institutional uses on individual lots in residential zoning districts, signs advertising nonresidential uses on individual lots in nonresidential districts and signs for C — Institutional uses on individual lots in residential zoning districts (except the VC and VC2 zoning districts), may be permitted in accordance with one of the options listed below in subsections B(2)(a) through (e). Signs for nonresidential uses on individual lots in VC and VC2 Zoning Districts are regulated in §§ 195-97B(2) and 195-97B(4), respectively.
(a)
One wall or window sign up to 24 square feet.
(b)
Two wall or window signs mounted on separate walls, one up to 20 square feet and one up to 16 square feet.
(c)
One freestanding sign up to 24 square feet, plus one of the following:
[1]
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of window area; or
[2]
One projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to eight square feet in size; or
[3]
One wall or window sign up to 10 square feet.
[4]
If the building fronts upon more than one street, one additional sign in conformity with either Subsection B(2)(c)[1], [2] or [3] above may be permitted on each street frontage from which access is taken.
(d)
Two freestanding signs, one up to 12 square feet, and one up to eight square feet on separate poles, plus one of the following:
[1]
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of window area; or
[2]
One projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to eight square feet in size; or
[3]
One wall sign up to 10 square feet.
(e)
If the building fronts on more than one street, one additional sign in conformity with either Subsection B(2)(d)[1], [2], or [3] above may be permitted on each street frontage from which access is taken.
(f)
For multioccupant uses, such uses shall comply with Subsection B(3) below.
(3)
Signs for multiple nonresidential uses as a single approved land development in a nonresidential zoning district (other than the VC or VC2 Zoning Districts), either on one lot or multiple lots making the land development. Signs advertising multiple nonresidential uses as a single approved land development, either on one lot or multiple lots making one land development other than the VC or VC2 Zoning Districts, including but not limited to those uses in shopping centers, industrial parks and office parks, may be erected in accordance with the following:
(a)
One freestanding sign which identifies the multiple occupancy, including but not limited to, shopping center, industrial park or office park and may serve as a directory sign for uses in the development in which it may be erected. No additional directory sign may be erected. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side and shall only identify the name of the center or park and/or the names of the various businesses or firms located within such center or park. Not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts upon more than one street, in which event one such sign may be erected on each street frontage from which access is taken.
(b)
One sign which shall be limited to the name of the firm, building, or business may be erected on each individual use in accordance with one of the following:
[1]
Either one window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of the window area, for all such signs; or
[2]
One projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to 10 square feet in size; or
[3]
One wall sign up to 12 square feet.
[4]
Individual uses in industrial parks (use H-13) may have signage in accordance with § 195-97(B)(2).
(4)
Signs in VC or VC2 Zoning Districts.
(a)
For properties with one use on an individual property, signs shall be permitted in accordance with § 195-97(B)(2).
(b)
For properties in the VC or VC2 Zoning Districts with more than one principal use in separate structures on one property, the following regulations shall apply:
[1]
One freestanding sign which identifies the development and may serve as a directory sign for uses in the development. No additional directory signs may be erected regardless of number of street frontages. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side and shall only identify the name of the center or development and/or names of the various businesses or firms located within such center or development.
[2]
One freestanding sign up to 12 square feet may be erected for each principal use which exceeds 20,000 square feet in leasable space.
[3]
One wall sign up to 16 square feet, or one projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to 10 square feet, or one window sign consisting of letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of the window area for all such signs may be erected for each principal use.
[4]
If the building fronts on two or more streets, a maximum of one additional sign in conformity with Subsection B(4)(b)[3] shall be permitted.
(5)
Off-premises advertising signs. Off-premises advertising signs shall be erected in compliance with use G-20 [§ 195.16G(20)].
§ 195-97.1 Permits required.
A.
Permit required. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter any sign not included as an "exempt" sign under in this chapter without first filing with the Zoning Officer an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit. Normal sign maintenance, which only includes cleaning and repairs, shall not require a permit.
(1)
Application form. An application for a permit for the erection, construction, or alteration of a sign shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the Township. The application shall contain the full names and addresses of the applicant, the owner of the premises where a sign is to be erected, constructed or altered, and the person or firm engaged to erect, construct, or alter the sign. The application shall contain the affidavits of the owner of the premises authorizing the application and a description of the work to be completed.
(2)
Plans to accompany application. Applications for permits for the erection, construction, or alteration of signs shall be accompanied by drawings of the proposed work showing the structural details of the sign, plot plans depicting the location of proposed signs, and other details the Zoning Officer may require.
(3)
Fees. All applicants for permits for the erection, construction, or alteration of signs shall, at the time of making such application, pay a fee to the Township in accordance with the effective fee schedule adopted by annual resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
B.
Exempted signs. The following signs do not require a permit, provided the applicable requirements of this chapter have been met:
(1)
Governmental flags or insignias.
(2)
Legal notices.
(3)
TODS sign along a state highway. All TODS signs shall comply with Section 1.7 of PennDOT's Traffic Engineering & Operations Manual - Tourist Oriented Directional Signing (TODS) Policy. A TODS sign installed along a state highway shall not require a sign permit. The Township shall not be responsible for the cost, installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of any TODS sign. Any TODS sign that becomes noncompliant with the PennDOT Manual shall be immediately brought into compliance or removed.
(4)
Internal traffic directional signs. All internal traffic directional signs must comply with all of the following regulations:
(a)
Each sign shall not exceed four square feet in area.
(b)
Must not interfere with state or local road traffic signs.
(c)
Must not be erected in the right-of-way of any street or road.
(5)
Official traffic signs installed or authorized by a government unit.
(6)
Temporary signs not exceeding six square feet offering the sale or lease of an individual lot.
§ 195-97.2 Maintenance.
All signs permitted in this article must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. If any sign is allowed to become dilapidated, then the owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be notified by the Zoning Officer to restore said sign to good and proper condition within 30 days. The Zoning Officer shall make the determination as to whether the sign has become dilapidated and, also, whether said sign has been restored to good and proper condition. Should the landowner object to the Zoning Officer's determination, then said landowner shall appeal the Zoning Officer's decision to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days after receiving notice from the Zoning Officer. Failure of a landowner to either rectify the condition of the sign within 30 days or to appeal the decision of the Zoning Officer to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
