West Rockhill Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XX
Signs
§ 450-2000 Scope and applicability.
In all zoning districts, signs may be erected, altered, maintained, used, removed or moved only when in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable ordinances and regulations.
§ 450-2001 Definitions.
[Amended 4-16-2025 by Ord. No. 251]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign mounted parallel to the face of a building or wall and not projecting above the eaves of the structure and not more than 12 inches from the plane or facade of the building or wall.
Signs that have an internal light source.
A sign advertising a group of establishments occupying one property or one building, with the name of the property or building and the names of the individual establishments located within the property or building.
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, static images, static graphics, or static pictures, with or without text information, defined by a small number of matrix elements, using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDS), fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately by means of fade, repixelization or dissolve modes. Electronic graphic signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays. Electronic graphic signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics projected onto building or other objects.
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic static images, static graphics, or static pictures, with or without text information, defined by a small number of matrix elements, using different combinations of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately by means of fade, re-pixelization or dissolve modes. Electronic signs include computer-programmable, microprocessor-controlled electronic or digital displays. Electronic signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics projected onto buildings or other objects. Electronic signs do not include signs with motion or pictorial imagery or which meet the definition of "video sign."
A sign permanently supported by an upright or uprights that are permanently anchored into the ground. This may have two display sides.
Indirectly illuminated signs are those which have no internal source of light but which have lights external to the sign which shine on signs to illuminate them.
An off-premises sign is a sign which directs attention to a person, business or profession, or home occupation not conducted on the same lot.
An on-premises sign is a sign which directs attention to a person, business, profession or home occupation conducted on the same lot with the sign. A "for sale" sign or "for rent" sign relating to the lot on which it is displayed shall be deemed an on-premises sign.
Any sign used for a short period of time and which is not permanently affixed to a location on a building or on the ground, including sandwich boards, posters, signs on wheels, and buntings.
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.
Includes any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof, or any device attached, painted or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface, including windows, that shall display or include any letter, work, insignia, flag, or representation uses as, or which is in the nature of, an advertisement, announcement, visual communication, direction or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public.
Signs that have no internal or external illumination.
A sign that changes its message or background in a manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, which may or may not include text and depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames which mimic the illusion of motion, including but not limited to moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, or expanding and contracting shapes and/or fade, dissolve, travel, or scrolling features. Video signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics projected onto buildings or other objects, including electronic graphic signs.
A sign painted on a window so that it can be seen through the window, containing only the name of the establishment and the type of establishment.
§ 450-2002 Area of a sign.
A.
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. The computation of area of the sign shall include decorative trim in addition to the portion devoted to the message and lettering.
B.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other shape which encompasses all the letters and symbols.
C.
For a sign painted upon or applied to a building, the area shall be considered to include all lettering, working, accompanying designs, or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.
D.
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.
§ 450-2003 General sign regulations.
The following general regulations shall apply to signs in all districts:
A.
Unless the regulations of this chapter 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.
B.
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it 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.
C.
All parts of any sign, except for official traffic and street signs, shall observe the placement requirements established herein.
(1)
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will interfere with the line of sight on any public street and, in no case, except for official traffic signs, be located closer than 50 feet to any intersection.
(2)
In no case shall any sign be erected or maintained within 15 feet of the edge of the cartway or curb or be located within, or project over, the legal right-of-way of any existing or proposed street or road, whichever is greater. Professional, home occupation, or name signs, as described in § 450-2007G, shall be exempt from this provision.
(3)
No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of 20 feet from the side line of a lot.
(4)
No overhanging or projecting sign shall be less than seven feet six inches above any walkway.
(5)
All signs over two square feet in size, other than those permitted within the street right-of-way, shall be considered as structures and shall conform to the provisions of this chapter, the Municipal Building Code,[1] and any other ordinance regulations of the Township.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 150, Construction Codes, Uniform; Property Maintenance.
(6)
No sign shall be erected and maintained within a parking space or fire lane.
(7)
No sign shall be placed along a state road or road right-of-way that violates the regulations of PennDOT.
§ 450-2004 Prohibited signs.
[Amended 4-16-2025 by Ord. No. 251]
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, banners, balloons, bulletin boards, and animated 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.
Video signs.
F.
Any sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights.
G.
Any sign which imitates any official traffic sign, signal or device.
H.
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.
I.
Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole, or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature. (Except that "no trespassing" signs not exceeding two square feet may be placed on trees.)
J.
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or on any private property, except for such signs which are approved by the Township to be of general benefit to the municipality or for public convenience, necessity, or welfare.
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 chapter and shall be prohibited.
M.
Any sign which does not conform to the requirements of this chapter 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 this chapter in the zoning district on which the property to which the sign relates is located.
§ 450-2005 Sign illumination.
[Amended 4-16-2025 by Ord. No. 251]
Any illuminated sign, whether illuminated from within or by exterior light, shall be subject to the following requirements:
A.
Any sign facing an occupied dwelling unit within a residential district shall be prohibited within 200 feet of such occupied dwelling.
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 source of directly illuminated signs shall be a white or clear light only. No internally illuminated sign, including, but not limited to electronic signs, shall exceed 5,000 nits in the daytime or 250 nits in the nighttime hours. These intensity levels shall be preset by the manufacturer and protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software or other method determined appropriate by the Township. Annual recertification shall be required from the manufacturer and provided to the Township on the anniversary date of the issuance of the original sign permit to erect an electronic sign. In the event the manufacturer is no longer available for recertification, the annual recertification may be made by a person or entity deemed qualified by the Township. Illumination of all electronic signs shall be by light-emitting diode (LED) or similar style illumination 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.
Except for electronic signs, signs which contain, include, or are illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights are prohibited, provided that illumination of electronic signs may not have flashing light or meet the meet the definition of "video signs."
§ 450-2006 Exempt signs.
The following signs shall be exempt from requirements of this chapter. No exempt sign shall be illuminated, either from an interior light source or by an exterior source focused on the sign, except for official government building signs and police station signs. No exempt sign shall be placed on a tree or utility pole except for signs which meet the requirements of § 450-2006L.
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs and other official traffic signs which are in the interest of public safety or the regulation of traffic.
B.
Directional, informational, or public service signs, such as those advertising the availability of restrooms, telephone or similar public conveniences, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods, or services, except those of public utilities. Any sign covered by this paragraph shall not exceed two square feet.
C.
Governmental flag or insignia.
D.
Legal notice.
E.
Window sign. A sign applied to a window pane giving store hours or the name or names of credit or charge institutions, when the total area of any such sign or all signs together does not exceed one square foot.
F.
Cornerstone. Historical plaque or sign affixed to the surface of a building wall and not exceeding 200 square inches.
G.
Barber pole. Revolving barber pole sign provided that it does not exceed 36 inches in height and that it is erected only in a commercial district in conjunction with a barbershop.
H.
Bunting. Temporary bunting, pennants, and similar materials announcing the opening of a new business or industry, and must be removed after 14 days of the opening day or the first day of business.
I.
Official and governmental signs including safety signs, indicating points of interest, signs identifying official Township buildings and facilities. Signs identifying Township buildings, police stations, or other Township facilities may be illuminated by exterior lights focused on the sign.
J.
Temporary signs not exceeding four square feet advertising a garage or yard sale conducted in accordance with this chapter, provided that signs may be posted only on the property where such sale is taking place and only for the duration of the sale itself.
K.
Political signs advertising the candidacy of a person for elected office are permitted, provided that such signs shall be removed within 72 hours after the election and provided that the property owner on which the sign is placed has given his approval. No sign shall be erected more than 30 days prior to an election. No political signs shall be placed on trees or utility poles, Township property, state property, county property, or within the legal right-of-way of any street. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
L.
Signs announcing "no trespassing," signs indicating the private nature of the road, driveway or premises, and signs controlling fishing or hunting on the premises not exceeding an area of two square feet.
M.
Temporary signs announcing a nonpolitical campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the campaign, drive or event.
N.
Temporary "for sale" or "for rent" signs not exceeding six square feet in area.
O.
Interior signs, which are signs placed within a building and are placed more than 12 inches from the interior surface of a window.
§ 450-2006.1 Electronic signs.
[Added 4-16-2025 by Ord. No. 251]
A.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 450-2007, 450-2008, 450-2009, and 450-2111, electronic signs shall be permitted along Ridge Road, Bethlehem Pike, State Road (PA 152), on Washington Avenue, and on Lawn Avenue between Farmer's Lane and Ridge Road in the following zoning districts: SR, VC, VR, PC, PC-2, PI, and IS. Electronic signs shall only be permitted in the SR, VC, VR, PC, PC-2, and IS Zoning Districts along the above-mentioned roadways and not at other locations in those above-mentioned zoning districts nor shall electric signs be permitted along the above-mentioned roadways unless the electronic sign is also in the SR, VC, VR, PC, PC-2, or IS Zoning District.
B.
All electronic signs shall be permanent freestanding ground signs. No electronic signs shall be erected upon, applied to, or supported by a building, vehicle, or other structure.
C.
Electronic signs shall advertise only the business or use on the property on which the electronic sign is located.
D.
Copy on electronic signs shall change no more frequently than every 30 seconds.
E.
No electronic sign shall be located on or within any protected natural resource.
F.
All electronic signs shall comply with all the regulations for signs within the district in which the sign is located (see §§ 450-2007, 450-2008, 450-2009, and 450-2010). The square footage of the electronic sign shall count toward the maximum square footage allowed for signage in the applicable district. No electronic sign shall exceed the maximum square footage permitted for a freestanding signs in the zoning district in which the electronic sign is located.
G.
All lighting shall be aimed, located, designed, fitted, and maintained so as not to present a hazard to drivers or pedestrians by impairing their ability to safely traverse the community and so as not to create a nuisance by projecting or reflecting objectionable light onto a neighboring use or property.
H.
The following buffer plants shall be planted adjacent to all electronic signs. The size and species of these plants shall comply with the requirements listed in Chapter 365, Subdivision and Land Development.
(1)
Two flowering trees within a fifty-foot radius along each side (not face) of the sign, provided that if, in the determination of the Zoning Officer, the flowering trees cannot be located in a manner that would not obstruct the sign or would interfere with a driver's sight distance, four additional shrubs should be planted for each tree that cannot be planted; and
(2)
One shrub in front of each face of the sign proposed to contain advertising for every three lineal feet of sign frontage.
I.
All electronic signs shall be maintained in good condition. The structural components of the sign shall be maintained to ensure their integrity and to prevent the possible collapse of the sign. Any damage to the structural components shall be repaired within 24 hours. Signs which are not in operation or maintained in good condition for a period of 90 days shall be removed at the owner's expense.
§ 450-2007 Signs permitted in RA, RC, SR, VR, REC, and MHP Zoning Districts.
In these districts, the following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted. Signs may not be illuminated by any means except for those signs meeting the provisions of § 450-2007F.
A.
Signs displaying the street number or the name of the occupant on the premises or both, provided that they are on any one side of any such sign and shall not exceed two square feet.
B.
One identification sign for a permitted nonresidential building or use, provided that the area on any one side of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
C.
One sign in connection with a lawfully maintained nonconforming use, provided that the area on any one side of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
D.
Temporary contractors, developers, architects, or builders sign, provided that the area on any one side of such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. Such signs shall be maintained on the premises to which they relate and shall be removed upon completion of the work.
E.
Signs advertising the sale or the development of the premises when erected in connection with the development of the premises by a builder, developer, contractor or other person interested in such sales or development, provided that the size of such sign is not in excess of 24 square feet. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless the property fronts on more than one street, in which event not more than one sign may be erected on each street frontage. Sign shall be removed within 20 days after sale of the property.
F.
Identification signs for schools, churches, nursing homes, life care facility, full care facility or similar institutions, clubs, golf courses, or farms, provided that the maximum size is less than 20 square feet and the use to which it refers is permitted in the RA, RC, SR, VR, REC, and MHP district in which the use is located. Such signs may be indirectly illuminated.
G.
Professional, home occupation, or name signs indicating the profession and/or activity and/or the name of the occupant of the dwelling, provided that the maximum sign size is two square feet per side, is not illuminated by any means, and no more than one sign is erected for each permitted use or dwelling unit.
H.
A development sign designed to identify a subdivision or planned residential development or section thereof, provided that it complies with the following regulations:
(1)
The property owner or a homeowners' association will be required to maintain such permanent development signs.
(2)
Signs and entrance structures shall be for identification purposes only and shall give only the name of the subdivision or development.
(3)
One identification sign or structure may be erected at an entrance to a development or subdivision from abutting streets.
(4)
The maximum sign area shall be 20 square feet.
I.
Temporary signs advertising the sale of agricultural or horticultural products, meeting the following requirements:
(1)
Maximum sign size: 12 square feet per side for on-premises signs and four square feet for off-premises signs;
(2)
Signs shall be removed immediately upon the end of the sales season.
(3)
Signs may be erected for no more than 90 days per year, which may be divided among more than one growing season.
(4)
No more than seven off-premises signs are permitted within West Rockhill Township for any single establishment.
(5)
On the lot where the agricultural or horticultural products are sold only one sign per street frontage shall be permitted.
J.
Sign types permitted are freestanding and building wall sign. No freestanding sign in these districts shall exceed a height of six feet.
K.
Off-premises signs shall not be permitted except for temporary signs advertising a yard or garage sale or the sale of agricultural or horticultural products.
§ 450-2008 Signs permitted in PC, PC-2, PI, and EXT Zoning Districts.
No sign or advertising device shall be permitted except as follows:
A.
All signs permitted in § 450-2007 at the standards prescribed for it in that section, provided the use to which it refers is permitted in the PC, PC-2, PI, and EXT Districts.
B.
Signs advertising permitted individual nonresidential uses on an individual lot that does not share occupancy of a lot with any other use and which does not share a common building entrance with any other use may be erected in accordance with the following:
(1)
Building or wall sign. One building or wall sign not exceeding 15% of the total front wall surface or other vertical building surface including windows and doors of the building, or a maximum size of 60 square feet, whichever is less. Signs (except for exempt signs) painted on or affixed to the inside of the windows and doors shall be included in the computation of permitted sign area. One such sign shall be permitted per establishment.
(2)
Freestanding signs. Not more than one freestanding sign shall be placed on any premises held in single or separate ownership except in cases of multiple street frontage in which case not more than one freestanding sign shall be placed on each street frontage. The area of any one side of any freestanding sign shall be determined on the basis of the following: for each five feet of lot frontage, as measured at the street line, the property shall be entitled to one square foot of freestanding sign area. Height of a freestanding sign, measured from the elevation of the proposed finished grade at the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure shall not exceed 15 feet.
(a)
Such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet per side.
(b)
Such sign shall be erected only within the limits of the front yard of the property to which it pertains.
(c)
In no case shall freestanding signs be erected less than 100 feet from an existing freestanding sign.
(d)
Only one freestanding sign shall be permitted per parcel. Where there are multiple tenants within one structure or occupying one property, there shall be no more than one freestanding sign per property.
C.
Signs for joint use of a lot. Signs for a combination of individual uses which share occupancy of a lot or combination of lots with other establishments or uses are permitted in accordance with the following.
(1)
Directory sign. One freestanding sign directory sign for uses on the lot may be erected. The maximum size shall be one square foot of sign area for every four feet of lot width along the front of the lot, up to a maximum of 60 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. The height of the freestanding sign shall not exceed 15 feet.
(2)
Two window or building signs, which shall be limited to the name of the firm, use, or business, may be erected on each individual use. The total area of all signs shall not exceed 15% of wall area to which they are affixed, or 36 square feet, whichever is less.
D.
Exterior temporary signs, including all moveable signs such as those advertising commercial sales, when located on the site where such use is conducted may be permitted for a period not to exceed 30 days in any one calendar year for any one premises or commercial use.
(1)
The size of such sign may not exceed 24 square feet per side.
(2)
Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and an escrow deposit to be set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, as a guarantee that the temporary signs shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at the end of the authorized period, the Township will then have them removed and forfeit the sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred in removal.
E.
A row or series of adjoining building signs to be placed upon a wall surface having a common roofline shall be of the same size, shape, general design, and material so as to create uniformity among the series of signs.
F.
Directional signs. A directional signs of two square feet or less is permitted for traffic control purposes at each driveway to the lot, provided such signs do not contain advertising copy.
§ 450-2009 Signs permitted in IS Zoning District.
No sign or advertising device shall be permitted except as follows:
A.
All signs permitted in § 450-2007 at the standards prescribed for it in that section, provided the use to which it refers is permitted in the IS district.
B.
Signs advertising permitted individual nonresidential uses on an individual lot that does not share occupancy of a lot with any other use and which does not share a common building entrance with any other use may be erected in accordance with the following:
(1)
Building or wall signs. One building or wall sign not exceeding 15% of the total front wall surface or other vertical building surface including windows and doors of the building, or a maximum size of 60 square feet, whichever is less. Signs (except for exempt signs) painted on or affixed to the inside of the windows and doors shall be included in the computation of permitted sign area. One such sign shall be permitted per establishment.
(2)
Freestanding signs. Not more than one freestanding sign shall be placed on any premises held in single or separate ownership except in cases of multiple street frontage in which case not more than one freestanding sign shall be placed on each street frontage. The area of any one side of any freestanding sign shall be determined on the basis of the following: for each five feet of lot frontage, as measured at the street line, the property shall be entitled to one square foot of freestanding sign area. Height of a freestanding sign, measured from the elevation of the proposed finished grade at the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure shall not exceed 12 feet.
(a)
Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet per side.
(b)
Such sign shall be erected only within the limits of the front yard of the property to which it pertains.
(c)
In no case shall freestanding signs be erected less than 100 feet from an existing freestanding sign.
(d)
Only one freestanding sign shall be permitted per parcel. Where there are multiple tenants within one structure or occupying one property, there shall be no more than one freestanding sign per property.
C.
Signs for joint use of a lot. Signs for a combination of individual uses which share occupancy of a lot or combination of lots with other establishments or uses are permitted in accordance with the following.
(1)
Directory sign. One freestanding sign directory sign for uses on the lot may be erected. The maximum size shall be one square foot of sign area for every four feet of lot width along the front of the lot, up to a maximum of 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. The height of the freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet.
(2)
One window or building sign, which shall be limited to the name of the firm, use, or business, may be erected on each individual use. The area of the sign shall not exceed 12% of wall area to which they are affixed, or 12 square feet, whichever is less.
D.
Directional signs. A directional signs of two square feet or less is permitted for traffic control purposes at each driveway to the lot, provided such signs do not contain advertising copy.
§ 450-2010 Signs permitted in VC Zoning District.
[Amended 4-16-2025 by Ord. No. 251]
No sign or advertising device shall be permitted except as follows:
B.
Signs in the VC District may be unilluminated or illuminated in accordance with the regulations set forth in § 450-2005.
C.
Signs advertising a permitted nonresidential use, such as a business, office or other permitted use, may erect one freestanding and one building sign, in accordance with the following regulations.
(2)
Building signs. One of the following types of building sign is permitted:
(a)
Signs which are part of the architectural design of a building shall be restricted to an area not more than 12% of the wall area, or 12 square feet, whichever is less, including windows and doors, of the wall upon which such sign is affixed or attached and such signs shall not protrude beyond the wall of which it is a part; or
(b)
A projecting sign mounted to a wall or other vertical building surface and which projects at right angles from the façade shall not project more than five feet from the wall or surface to which it is mounted, shall not exceed eight square feet in size, and shall not be less than seven feet six inches above any walkway.
D.
Signs for joint use of a lot. Signs for a combination of individual uses which share occupancy of a lot or combination of lots with other establishments or uses are permitted in accordance with the following.
(1)
Directory sign. One freestanding sign directory sign for uses on the lot may be erected. The maximum size shall be one square foot of sign area for every four feet of lot width along the front of the lot, up to a maximum of 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. The height of the freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet.
(2)
Building signs for individual establishments. For each separate establishment, one building sign may be erected which shall be mounted on the wall of the building and which shall not exceed 10% of wall area to which it is affixed, or a maximum of 10 square feet, whichever is less.
E.
Directional signs. A directional sign of two square feet or less is permitted for traffic control purposes at each driveway to the lot, provided such signs do not contain advertising copy.
F.
Exterior temporary signs, including all moveable signs such as those advertising commercial sales, when located on the site where such use is conducted may be permitted for a period not to exceed 30 days in any one calendar year for any one premises or commercial use.
(1)
The size of such sign may not exceed eight square feet per side.
(2)
Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and an escrow deposit to be set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, as a guarantee that the temporary signs shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at the end of the authorized period, the Township will then have them removed and forfeit the sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred in removal.
G.
Decorative flags. Flags which are decorative and contain designs marking seasons, holidays, or the general nature of a business are permitted in addition to permitted signs. If the flag contains advertising, company or business logos, or names of businesses, then the area of the flag shall be considered a sign and shall be counted toward the total area of signage permitted on a property.
§ 450-2011 Off-premises signs.
A.
Off-premises signs (Use E28) shall be located only along the Bethlehem Pike in the PC-2 Zoning District and the Route 309 Bypass in all zoning districts, excluding the SR, VR, and VC districts. Such signs may be only permitted as a special exception. Off-premises signs for temporary advertising of the sale of agricultural or horticultural products must meet the requirements of § 450-2007I and are exempted from the requirements of § 450-2011.
B.
All off-premises signs shall be erected upon land which is leased or purchased for the exclusive business purpose of advertising by sign. Only one such sign may be erected per parcel. Off-premises signs shall not be erected upon or within any protected natural resource.
C.
All off-premises signs shall be permanent freestanding signs erected upon the ground. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon, painted on, applied to, attached to, and/or supported by a building, vehicle, or other structure.
D.
Setbacks.
(1)
Right-of-way. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained closer than 50 feet from the ultimate right-of-way of a public street. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained farther away than 150 feet from the ultimate right-of-way of the Route 309 Bypass and Bethlehem Pike.
(2)
Side or rear yards. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
(3)
Driveways and private lanes. No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any driveway or private lane, except for any portion of driveway or private lane providing access to the off-premises sign.
(4)
Other signs. No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 2,000 feet to any other off-premises outdoor advertising sign, such measurement to be made between the two nearest points located on any portion of the signs.
(5)
Residential dwellings. No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 500 feet to any residential dwelling located within any zoning district, such measurement to be made between the two nearest points located on any portion of the sign and the residence.
(6)
Public and civic places. No off-premises sign shall be placed so as to face a lot located within 300 feet of the sign and occupied by a church, school, park, playground, open space, historic building, or cemetery.
(7)
Other structures. No off-premises sign shall be located within 30 feet of any other structure.
E.
No off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 160 square feet, including border and trim but excluding supports. A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 45° is permitted to have 100 square feet on each side for a total maximum area of 200 square feet.
F.
No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be taller than 20 feet in height measured from the nearest shoulder of the road to the highest point of the proposed sign or taller than 25 feet in height measured from lowest point of the undisturbed surface of the ground underneath the sign. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon a berm or other artificial/man-made structure designed to increase the height of the sign.
G.
An off-premises sign structure may contain only one sign or advertisement per face.
H.
Off-premises signs shall not be artificially lit in any fashion. No revolving or electronic off-premises signs including, but not limited to, flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination, or signs with mechanically or electronically changing messages, shall be permitted. No mobile off-premises signs shall be permitted.
I.
J.
All off-premises signs and required landscaping shall be maintained in good condition. The structural components of the sign shall be maintained to ensure their integrity and to prevent the possible collapse of the sign. Any damage to the structural components shall be repaired within 24 hours. The face of the sign shall be blank or shall show the full advertisement. Signs having ripped, defaced (including graffiti), or partial advertisements shall be immediately repaired by having the advertisement restored to its original condition, removed, or covered. Damaged, diseased, or dead landscaping vegetation shall be immediately replaced.
§ 450-2012 Sign permits.
A.
Permit required. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter any sign not included as an "exempt" sign under § 450-2006 without first filing with the Zoning Officer an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit. Normal sign maintenance shall not require a permit.
B.
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.
C.
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 and other details the Zoning Officer may require.
D.
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.
§ 450-2013 Removal or abandonment.
The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the circumstances which caused its erection have ceased to exist, or at such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provision of this chapter. If a sign remains abandoned for a period of 12 consecutive months, the owner shall dismantle and remove the sign within six months of the expiration of such twelve-month period.
§ 450-2014 Nonconforming signs.
Any sign existing and lawful at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height, or size with the regulations of the district in which such sign is located, shall be considered a nonconforming use and may continue in such use in its present location until replacement or rebuilding becomes necessary, at which time a zoning permit shall be required and the sign must be bought into conformity with this chapter. If the sign is a part of a greater nonconforming use of the property, such sign may be maintained, modernized or replaced without increasing its size, provided that such sign was legally erected prior to the adoption of this chapter. If the nonconforming use of the property is changed to another nonconforming use or to a permitted use, such sign shall be brought into conformity with the requirements of this chapter.