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West Lebanon Township
City Zoning Code

PART 12

SIGNS AND ADVERTISING STRUCTURES

§ 27-1201 Introduction.

[Ord. 281, 1/5/1976, Art. XII, Introductory Section]
Signs may be erected and maintained only when in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any and all other ordinances and regulations relating to the erection, alteration, or maintenance of signs and similar devices.

§ 27-1202 Area of Sign.

[Ord. 281, 1/5/1976, Art. XII, § 12.1]
1. 
The "area" of a sign shall be construed to 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 is incidental to the display itself. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or printed on a surface, the area shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle which can be drawn to encompass all of the letters and symbols.
2. 
Double face signs shall be considered one sign.

§ 27-1203 General Regulations.

[Ord. 281, 1/5/1976, Art. XII, § 12.2]
1. 
All signs and/or advertising structures, where permitted in this chapter are subject to the following:
A. 
It shall not contain moving parts or use flashing or intermittent illumination. The source of light shall be steady and stationary.
B. 
It shall not cast objectionable light upon any dwelling or mixed-use dwelling on a separate lot.
C. 
It shall be no higher than 35 feet from the ground to the highest part of the sign.
D. 
It shall not be so erected as to obstruct entrance to or exit from a required door, window, fire escape, or other required exitway and shall not project over a public right-of-way.
E. 
Temporary signs of painters, mechanics, contractors, and the like are permissible in all districts, provided that such signs are removed as soon as work is completed on the premises.
F. 
Temporary signs and banners of a non-commercial nature across rights-of-way are permitted provided permission is obtained from the Township Commissioners, provided it is erected in a location in which it will not cause a traffic hazard, provided it meets safety standards and is maintained, and provided it is removed when its temporary use is completed.
G. 
Billboards and advertising signboards may be erected and maintained in commercial and industrial districts, provided that a special exception is obtained, subject to Part 15, "Zoning Hearing Board: Powers and Duties." In addition, the total display area of all such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet for each 10 feet of lot frontage, and the display area of any sign shall not exceed 250 square feet in area. In addition to the display area, necessary structural supports and structural margins not exceeding six inches in width on each border shall be permitted.

§ 27-1204 Signs in Residential District.

[Ord. 281, 1/5/1976, Art. XII, § 12.3]
1. 
The following types of signs may be permitted in the Residential District unless otherwise provided:
A. 
One nameplate and one house sign for each dwelling unit, professional office or home occupation, provided it does not exceed two square feet and it identifies only name and title of occupant. It shall not extend beyond a vertical plane two feet inside the lot from the street line. If lighted it will illuminate without objectionable glare. No displays or change in facade shall indicate from the exterior that the building is being used in whole or in part for any purpose other than that of a dwelling.
B. 
One real estate sign, provided it is unlighted and is not less than 10 feet back from the front lot line, does not exceed 10 square feet in area, and pertains either to the lease, rental, or sale of the premises on which it is maintained.
C. 
One institutional sign or business identification, provided it does not exceed 16 square feet in area and is not closer to a right-of-way than one-half the depth of the existing front yard. If lighted, it will be illuminated without objectionable glare.
D. 
Signs, including all directional signs, up to two feet square in area on each side, which are necessary for the identification, protection, and operation of public utility facilities.

§ 27-1205 Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts.

[Ord. 281, 1/5/1976, Art. XII, § 12.4; as amended by Ord. 484, 5/6/2013, §§ 1 — 4]
1. 
Wall sign(s) to a property, provided it is attached to the wall of a building and projects horizontally not more than 12 inches therefrom, is not less than 10 feet above the sidewalk, and occupies not more than 20% of the total area of the front of the principal building. It shall not project more than three feet above the roof line or parapet wall.
2. 
One projecting sign, provided it shall not project beyond a vertical plane two feet inside the right-of-way line and provided that it is not less than 10 feet above the sidewalk, and is not more than 12 square feet.
3. 
Commercial district identification signs, provided they are separate and are not attached to any building. Heights of signs shall be a maximum of 20 feet measured from the ground and the maximum size of the sign portion itself shall not exceed 130 square feet.
4. 
All signage must be submitted to the West Lebanon Township Board of Commissioners for approval at a scheduled meeting of the Board.