Wilkins Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE V
Signs
[Added 3-8-1993 by Ord. No. 834]
§ 450-28 Purpose.
This article is adopted for the following purposes:
A.
To preserve and protect the public safety, comfort and welfare of users of streets and sidewalks in the municipality by regulating signs of all types.
B.
To enhance community appearance, to reduce visual clutter and blight and to promote the recreational value of public travel and the economic development of the municipality.
C.
To limit the size, number and location of signs which may obstruct the vision of motorists, create distractions and increase traffic accidents.
D.
To maintain the right of residences and businesses to reasonably identify their location, products and services.
E.
To acknowledge the appropriate display of signs as necessary to public service and to the conduct of competitive commerce.
§ 450-29 Definitions. [1]
[Amended 9-25-2000 by Ord. No. 931; 7-11-2005 by Ord. No. 971; 9-13-2010 by Ord. No. 1007; 11-14-2016 by Ord. No. 1065; 5-11-2026 by Ord. No. 1145]
For the purposes of this article, the following words and terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:
ABANDONED OR OBSOLETE SIGN
A sign which identifies, describes, directs attention to or gives directions for locating any business or establishment no longer in operation or advertises any product or service no longer being marketed or any sign structure lacking sign face or sign copy.
ANIMATED SIGN
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting, either natural or artificial, to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
ARTERIAL
A street classification which includes highways that provide intracounty or intermunicipal traffic of substantial volumes where the average trip lengths are usually five miles or greater. Generally, these highways should accommodate operating speeds of 35 to 55 miles per hour.
ATTENTION-GETTING DEVICE
A pennant, flag, valance, banner (except when a banner is used as a temporary sign), propeller, spinner, streamer, searchlight, balloon or similar device or ornamentation which is designed or used for the purpose of promoting, advertising or attracting attention.
BILLBOARDS or OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURES
A type of sign, display or device, usually freestanding, having a minimum surface area of 35 square feet, that is affixed to the ground or to a building, the primary purpose of which is to display advertising posters. Such signs commonly referred to as "billboards" are generally designed so that the copy or poster on the sign can be changed frequently, and the advertising space is for lease. The definition applies to signs advertising both on-site and off-site products, goods and services.
CANOPY or AWNING SIGN
A sign which appears on a roof-like shelter, either permanent, retractable, or removable, which is made of canvas or other material that is affixed to a building or is self-supporting and provides protection from sun, rain, snow and other elements.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
A sign, or portion of a sign, wherein provision is made for the manual change of letters or characters in or upon the surface area of the sign. Electronic moving message board signs are not changeable copy signs.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
The triangular area formed by a diagonal line connecting two points located on intersecting right-of-way lines (or a right-of-way line and a driveway), each point being that distance from the intersection and the two intersecting right-of-way lines (or a right-of-way line and a driveway) specified in the table following the graphic below.
 |
"B" (distance in feet) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
"A" (distance in feet) | Local Street | Arterial Street | |
30 | Local street and collector street | 30 | 130 to 150 |
130 to 150 | Arterial street | 30 | 130 to 150 |
COLLECTOR
A street classification which is intended to include those highways which connect local access highways to arterial highways. They may serve intracounty and intramunicipal traffic. They may serve as traffic corridors connecting residential areas with industrial, shopping and other services. They may penetrate residential areas. Generally, these highways will accommodate operating speeds of 35 miles per hour.
ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SCREEN
A sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic image or video, which may or may not include text. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens, digital screens, flat screens, LED screens, video boards and holographic displays.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER
Any sign, or portion of a sign, that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages in text form wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. These signs do not incorporate any mechanical movement of the sign itself or any use of pulsating or undulating copy message.
FESTOON LIGHTING
A group of two or more light bulbs of more than 20 watts each hung or strung overhead, not on a building or structure, which are exposed to persons on a public right-of-way or which are not shaded or hooded to prevent the direct rays of light from being visible from the property line. This shall not include the temporary erection of lights as part of a holiday celebration or small lights of less than 20 watts each.
FLASHING SIGN
A sign, the illumination of which is intermittently on and off so as to flash or blink or the intensity varies so as to appear to flash or blink.
FREESTANDING POLE SIGN or GROUND SIGN
A sign which is completely or principally supported by one or more posts or other supports which are not attached to the principal building on the property but which are anchored in or upon the ground, including pole signs (as shown on the left below) and ground signs (as shown on the right below). Signs attached to inoperative vehicles shall also be deemed "freestanding signs." Freestanding signs shall not include billboards, outdoor advertising structures or canopy or awning signs.
 |
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A.
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
A light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.B.
EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
A sign illuminated by an artificial source of light which is cast upon or intentionally falls upon the surface or face of the sign.LOCAL ACCESS
A street classification intended to include streets and roads that provide direct access to abutting land and connections to higher classes of roadways. Traffic volumes will be low and travel distances generally short. These streets and roads should be designed for operating speeds of 25 miles per hour or under.
MULTI-PRISM SIGN
A sign made with a series of triangular sections that rotate and stop, or index, to show three images or messages in the same area at different times.
MULTI-OCCUPANT LAND USE
Any combination of multifamily dwellings and/or nonresidential establishments in one or more buildings under single ownership or management with common parking facilities. This shall include but not be limited to a shopping center, multitenant office building, apartment complex or townhouse development.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
Any sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the adoption and effective date of this article and any amendments hereto, which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this article, or a sign previously deemed to be nonconforming for which a special permit has been issued.
POLITICAL SIGN
Any sign announcing political candidates seeking public office, political parties, and/or political and public issues contained on an upcoming ballot.
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, a structure or the ground or which is designed to be moved from place to place. This includes but is not limited to signs attached to wood or metal frames designed to be self-supporting and movable; paper, cardboard or canvas signs wrapped around supporting poles; sandwich signs; and trailer- or boat-mounted signs.
PROJECTING SIGN
Any sign that is attached to a wall in a perpendicular manner.
PUBLIC SIGN
A sign of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of any public duty, such as official signs and notices of any public or governmental agency, or erected by or on the order of a court or public officer, including official traffic signs, public notices, government flags and other signs warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected on or above a roof or parapet of a building.
SIGN
Any object, device, display or structure or part thereof which is used primarily to advertise, identify, display or direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, project, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, motion, illumination or projected images. This includes but is not limited to wall signs, freestanding ground signs, freestanding pole signs, window signs, canopy or awning signs, suspended signs, changeable copy signs, illuminated signs, temporary signs and any other type of sign defined herein and any other attention-getting device, flag or banner.
SIGN SURFACE AREA
The smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters, symbols and accompanying designs, together with the background on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting structures (see illustration below). In computing the area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered. If a sign is comprised of more than two sides, the area of each side shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
 |
SIGN, DOUBLE-FACED
Two sign faces of identical size and dimensions placed back to back and secured or attached to a single support structure. It shall not include signs comprised of two or more sign faces attached at an angle.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING AND REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary, nonilluminated sign made of flexible, nonreflective material, or solid metal, or wood, secured by grommets, nails, ropes, cords, stakes or other temporary means to buildings, structures or the ground, that announces a special event or sale, including real estate sales and leases, or the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises.
SUSPENDED SIGN
A sign which is suspended over a pedestrian walkway from the marquee, overhang, soffit, or similar feature of a building.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign which is erected for a limited time period, including garage sale signs, grand opening signs, celebration signs and political campaign signs.
UNICOLOR
Consisting of only one color that shall not deviate in hue, shade or tone.
VEHICLE SIGN
Signs attached to any operative vehicle that relate to the purpose or use of the vehicle, such as taxi signs and delivery vehicle signs.
WALL SIGN
A sign which is mounted on, attached to, carved or integrated into or applied to the exterior wall of a building or structure or to the lower slope of a mansard roof.
WEDGE-SHAPED SIGN
A temporary, nonilluminated "special advertising and real estate sign" which has two sign faces of identical size and dimension placed at an angle which is greater than 45° and secured or attached to more than one support structure. A wedge-shaped sign with identical copy on both sides shall be deemed to be one sign. A wedge-shaped sign with different copy on each side shall be deemed to be two signs.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign which is painted on, affixed to or placed against any window or which is placed in a display case for view from the outdoors through a window.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also § 450-7, Definitions.
§ 450-30 Sign permit application.
A.
Applications for a sign permit shall be made, in writing, to the Zoning Officer and shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to assure compliance with this article and all other appropriate ordinances and regulations of the municipality. No application shall be filed or considered unless the application fee designated by resolution of the Board of Commissioners is paid upon presentation of the application.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The current fee resolution is on file in the office of the Township Manager.
B.
Applicants for new or replacement signs shall apply for approval as part of an application for land development approval or as a separate application if no other approval is necessary.
C.
Sign permits shall be issued for the life of the sign or any shorter period as stated on the approved permit application by the Zoning Officer. However, any permit may be revoked at any time by the Zoning Officer upon finding that the sign violates any provision of this article or that the permittee made false representations in securing the sign permit.
D.
No person shall erect, construct or maintain any sign upon any property, structure or building without the prior written consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of the property, structure or building or his or her authorized representative. The written consent must accompany the sign permit application.
E.
Except as provided in § 450-31, below, it is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert any sign in the municipality or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Zoning Officer.
F.
No new sign permit is required for signs which have previously been issued valid permits and which conform with the requirements of these regulations on the date of their adoption unless the sign is hereafter altered, relocated or reinstalled.
G.
Every sign permit issued shall become null and void if installation is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit.
§ 450-31 Exemptions.
The following signs shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this article, except as they may interfere with traffic safety or in any other way become a public safety hazard:
A.
Memorial plaques or historic markers or other similar signs which are engraved or a permanent component of a building, monument, tombstone or other similar structure.
B.
Signs erected by the municipality.
C.
Street number signs indicating the address of a building or structure.
D.
Temporary signs subject to the limitations in Table 1,[1] provided that no temporary sign encroaches into any public right-of-way or obstructs the view of motorists in any required clear sight triangle.
[Amended 11-14-2016 by Ord. No. 1065]
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
E.
Pennants for model homes.
F.
"No trespassing" signs, warning signs (such as "beware of dog") and notification signs for emergency personnel, provided that the sign does not exceed two square feet in sign surface area and there are no more than two such signs on the lot.
G.
Temporary political signs. Temporary political signs announcing political candidates seeking office, political parties and/or political and public issues contained on a ballot shall be subject to the following:
[Amended 6-7-1999 by Ord. No. 921; 9-13-2010 by Ord. No. 1007]
(1)
Private property.
(a)
Area. Temporary political signs shall not exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 20 square feet.
(b)
Height. Temporary political signs shall not project higher than four feet, as measured from base of sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is higher.
(2)
Public property.
(a)
No sign shall be erected on public property which:
[1]
Obstructs the sight triangle distance at an intersection along a public right-of-way.
[2]
Tends by its location, color, shape, message or nature to be confused with or obstruct the view of traffic signs or traffic signals by motorists or pedestrians; no red, green or yellow illuminated signs shall be permitted within 300 feet of any traffic signal.
[3]
Uses admonitions such as stop, go, slow, danger, etc., which might be confused with traffic signals.
[4]
Exceeds an aggregate gross surface area of 20 square feet.
[5]
Temporary political signs shall not project higher than four feet, as measured from base of sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is higher.
[6]
No temporary political sign shall be erected in any public park or land which is part of the Township Municipal Building site.
(b)
Special conditions as to all temporary political signs on public property.
[1]
Timing. Temporary political signs may be erected or maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the date of the election to which such signs are applicable and shall be removed within seven days following such election. The candidate is responsible for all political signs of the candidate.
[2]
Permit.
[a]
To prevent the proliferation of signs and pollution within the public right-of-way; to protect automobile drivers from unnecessarily dangerous distractions; to uphold the property values of the community by prohibiting obtrusive political signs and to uphold the dignity and impartial, nonpartisan manner of public institutions, the erector of such signs or an authorized agent of the political party or candidate shall apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer and deposit with the Township at the time of the application a fee in an amount established by resolution of the Board of Commissioners as a guarantee that all such signs shall be removed promptly within seven days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the seven-day period, the Township will then have them removed and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the expense incurred by the Township. The Township Commissioners shall determine by resolution the amount of deposit which shall be returned upon the satisfactory removal of such signs with the seven-day period.
[Amended 11-14-2006 by Ord. No. 1065]
[b]
All signs erected without a permit shall be removed forthwith by the Township and, if not claimed by the owner within 10 days of removal, disposed of. If claimed by the owner, the permit fee due shall be paid.
H.
Vehicle signs.
§ 450-32 Sign height.
The height of a sign shall be measured from the ground elevation nearest to the sign to the highest elevation of the sign. Signs shall not exceed the height limits in Table 1,[1] but in no event shall any portion of any sign exceed the height limit established for structures in the applicable zoning district or the lowest point of the roofline of an existing principal building within 100 feet of the sign, whichever is lower.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-33 Sign placement.
Signs shall be subject to the placement requirements in Table 1,[1] but in no event shall any sign be placed in a position that will obstruct the view of motorists or cause any other danger to motorists or pedestrians within a public right-of-way or on adjoining lots, nor shall any sign be placed within the clear-sight triangle required to be maintained at all street intersections and driveway and accessway entrances onto public streets.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-34 Maintenance.
All signs shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good repair at all times. All parts and supports shall be painted or maintained as necessary to prevent rusting, rotting, illegibility or other determination. All broken or missing parts shall be promptly replaced. All seams between panels or other components of the sign shall be maintained in a sealed condition. If a sign is damaged, destroyed or becomes dilapidated to the extent of 50% or more of its replacement value (based on current costs), the municipality may remove the sign at the expense of the owner of the sign or the owner of the property on which it is located.
§ 450-35 Prohibited signs.
[Amended 1-27-1997 by Ord. No. 895]
Except as specifically provided otherwise in this section, the following signs shall be strictly prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Streamers, posters, ribbons, light strings, light bands, spinners, attention-getting devices that move, except for temporary signs that are subject to the regulations set forth in § 450-31D.
B.
Signs which exhibit changing natural or artificial light or color effects and signs (other than neon signs) which contain bare unshielded light or tubes which are visible from a private residence.
C.
Blinking, flashing, animated and electronic display screen signs, except for time, date and temperature signs.
[Amended 7-11-2005 by Ord. No. 971]
D.
Portable signs.
E.
Roof signs or any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.
F.
Signs attached to trees, fences, public utility poles, standpipes, gutter drains or fire escapes, other than warning signs issued by government officials or public utilities.
G.
Signs which by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination may be confused with or construed to be a traffic control sign, signal or device or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle except where such sign is accessory to a parking area and gives directions or instructions to drivers and pedestrians.
H.
Signs that move, rotate, change position, have moving parts or create the illusion of movement, whether the movement is created by the wind or mechanically, including multi-prism signs.
[Amended 7-11-2005 by Ord. No. 971]
I.
Signs in public rights-of-way which are not public signs.
J.
Abandoned or obsolete signs.
[Amended 7-11-2005 by Ord. No. 971]
(1)
Abandoned or obsolete signs or sign structures, including any nonconforming signs or sign structures, shall be removed within 90 days. The nonuse of a sign or a period of six months shall create a presumption of abandonment.
(2)
Any obsolete sign panel or sign copy which identifies, describes, directs attention to or gives directions for locating any business or establishment no longer in operation, or advertises any product or service no longer being marketed, shall be removed within 90 days after becoming obsolete. Covering obsolete sign panels or sign copy with any material is specifically prohibited.
(3)
The owner or lessee of the property upon which the sign is located shall be responsible for its removal and shall be subject to the general penalties clause of this zoning chapter for failure to comply with the provisions stated herein.
K.
Signs which do not meet the standards of or which otherwise violate the Pennsylvania Outdoor Advertising Control Act.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 36 P.S. § 2718.101 et seq.
L.
Sign which the Zoning Officer determines to be unsafe or insecure or that is erected in violation of the provisions of this article.
M.
Signs which indicate a location in a municipality other than Wilkins Township or which could reasonably confuse the public into believing that the business is located in a municipality other than Wilkins Township.
§ 450-36 Signs permitted in individual zoning districts.
[Amended 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 986; 7-11-2005 by Ord. No. 971; 9-13-2010 by Ord. No. 1007; 11-14-2016 by Ord. No. 1065; 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 1091]
The signs listed in Table 1 shall be permitted in individual zoning districts, subject to any requirements listed in the table and in each subsection.
NOTE: E = Exempt, subject to § 450-31.
Table 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type of Sign | Zoning District | Type of Zoning | |||
Attention-getting device | Residential/Residential -Commercial-1 | Commercial | Manufacturing | GPTOZ | |
Permitted | No | No | No | No | |
Billboard | |||||
Permitted | No | See § 450-37 | No | ||
Maximum number | — | See § 450-37 | |||
Maximum surface area | — | See § 450-37 | |||
Maximum height | — | See § 450-37 | |||
Maximum length | — | See § 450-37 | |||
Minimum setback | See § 450-37 | ||||
Canopy or awning sign | |||||
Permitted | No | Yes | Yes | No | |
Maximum letter size (inches) | — | 6 | 6 | ||
Changeable copy sign | |||||
Permitted | No | Yes | Gas stations only | No | |
Electronic message center sign | |||||
Permitted | No | Yes | Gas stations only | No | |
Festoon lighting | |||||
Permitted | No | No | No | ||
Freestanding sign | |||||
Permitted | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Maximum number | 1 per lot or parcel, all districts | 1 per lot or parcel | |||
Maximum surface area (square feet) | 15 | 72 | 72 | 15 | |
Maximum height (feet) | See § 450-39 | 4 | |||
Maximum length (feet) | 4 | 10 | 10 | 4 | |
Minimum setback from property line (feet) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Historic markers | E | E | E | Exempt | |
Illuminated sign | See § 450-40 | ||||
External permitted | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Internal permitted | No | Yes | Yes | No | |
Memorial plaques | E | E | E | Exempt | |
Official government sign | E | E | E | Exempt | |
Portable sign | |||||
Permitted | No | No | No | No | |
Roof sign | |||||
Permitted | No | No | No | No | |
Street number sign | E | E | E | Exempt | |
Suspended/projecting sign | |||||
Permitted | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Maximum surface area (square feet) | — | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
Minimum clearance above ground or sidewalk (feet) | — | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
Maximum height of sign surface (feet) | — | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
Maximum number | — | 1 per establishment | 1 per lot | ||
Minimum spacing between signs (feet) | — | 20 | 20 | ||
Setback | — | Building setback minus 4 feet | |||
Temporary signs | |||||
Permitted | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Maximum number | 2 per lot | 2 per public street front | 2 per lot | ||
Maximum surface area (square feet) | 6 | Building mounted, see § 450-42C Ground mounted, see "NOTES" | Same as Wall sign in GPTOZ | ||
Maximum height | 4 feet | Building mounted, see § 450-42E Ground mounted, 8 feet | Same as Wall sign in GPTOZ | ||
Maximum length | — | Building mounted, see § 450-42C Ground mounted, see "NOTES" | Same as Wall sign in GPTOZ | ||
Maximum spacing between signs | — | None | None | — | |
Illumination | No | No | No | No | |
Setback | — | Building mounted, same as building setback Ground mounted, see "NOTES" | |||
Placement | See § 450-31D | — | — | ||
Time limit | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | ||
Vehicle sign | E | E | E | Exempt | |
Wall sign | |||||
Permitted | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Maximum number | — | 1 per lot or establishment | 1 | ||
Maximum surface area | — | See § 450-42C | 6 square feet | ||
Maximum height | — | See § 450-42E | 3 | ||
Maximum length | — | See § 450-42 | 2 | ||
Minimum spacing between signs | — | None | None | ||
Setback | — | Same as building setback | |||
Window sign | |||||
Permitted | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Maximum surface area | — | See § 450-43 | See 173-42 | ||
NOTES: Ground-mounted temporary signs shall have a maximum allowable sign surface area as follows: | |||||
Minimum distance of sign from road right-of-way line (feet) | Maximum sign size (square feet) | |
|---|---|---|
20 to 75 | 32 | |
75 to 250 | 90 | |
250 or more | 140 | |
§ 450-37 Billboards and outdoor advertising.
In addition to the regulations in Table 1,[1] all new billboards or outdoor advertising structures shall comply with the following limitations and requirements:
A.
Billboards or other outdoor advertising structures may be allowed within commercial or industrial districts only, except they shall be prohibited within the following portions of such districts:
(1)
Within 660 feet of the right-of-way of an interstate, primary or federal-aid highway or within 20 feet of the right-of-way of any other highway.
(2)
On any property occupied by or located immediately adjacent to a public or private school, playground or recreation center or community center or within 500 feet of the property line of any public or private school property.
(3)
No billboard or advertising structure may be placed within 1,500 feet of any other billboard or advertising structure located within the municipality or within 200 feet of any residential district zone line. If a billboard faces a residential district, the minimum distance shall be increased to 300 feet. Official government signs, owned and maintained by a governmental entity, shall not be counted nor shall measurements be made from them for purposes of determining spacing requirements. The distance between sign structures shall be measured along the pavement between points directly opposite the signs along both sides of the roadway.
(4)
References to residential lines and school property lines shall include properties in abutting municipalities.
(5)
Advertising signs may not be mounted on the roof, wall or other part of a building or any other structure.
B.
The following standards shall apply to billboards or outdoor advertising:
(1)
Size. A billboard shall have a maximum allowable sign surface area as follows:
Minimum Distance of Sign From Road Right-of-Way Line (feet) | Maximum Sign Size (square feet) |
|---|---|
20 to 250 | 150 |
250 to 350 | 250 |
350 or more | 350 |
(2)
A billboard structure may have sign faces placed back to back or in a V-shaped configuration on a single billboard structure.
(3)
The dimensions of the sign face of a billboard shall not exceed 15 feet in total height or 25 feet in total length.
(4)
An advertising sign structure shall have a maximum height above the curb of the roadway from which it is intended to be viewed of 35 feet.
(5)
The minimum front, side and rear yard requirements applying to a principal use as set forth within a zoning district in which the billboard is to be located shall apply to each billboard structure.
(6)
The maximum lot coverage as specified in the zoning district in which the billboard is to be located shall apply to any lot upon which a billboard structure is located and shall be cumulative, including any other structures and buildings on the same lot therewith.
(7)
No billboard shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view from the road or street of any existing business sign, logo sign, residential or nonresidential structure or limit or reduce the light and ventilation requirements under the Municipal Building Code.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 160, Construction Codes, Uniform.
C.
Lighting of signs shall be subject to the general standards for illuminated signs in § 450-40 below.
D.
The Municipal Zoning Officer shall issue a license tag for each billboard containing a license number readable from the ground. The Zoning Officer shall inspect each billboard annually and, if it complies with requirements of this section and Table 1,[3] shall issue a renewal sticker to be affixed to the license tag. Renewal sticker colors shall be changed each year to simplify visual inspection.
[3]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
E.
When approval for placement of a billboard is required by any agency of the federal, commonwealth or county government and approval is granted by the municipality for a billboard, a temporary building permit may be granted, conditioned upon approval of the other government agency. If the holder of the temporary building permit fails to submit evidence of the required approval by such agency within 30 days, the temporary building permit shall be revoked by the Zoning Officer, who shall provide written notice to the applicant.
F.
Construction methods. Billboards shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Municipal Building Code. In addition:
(1)
An advertising sign structure shall have a maximum of one vertical support being a maximum of four feet in diameter or width and without bracing or vertical supports.
(2)
An advertising sign face shall be independently supported and have vertical supports of metal which are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust and corrosion.
(3)
The one vertical support shall be capable of enabling the entire sign face to be able to withstand a minimum 80 miles per hour wind load. The applicant shall provide a certificate by a registered engineer or architect certifying to the compliance with this subsection.
(4)
The entire base of the advertising sign structure shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery and/or bushes of a minimum height of three feet, placed in such a manner as to screen the foundation of the structure.
(5)
Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner in an attractive and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation practices.
(6)
Permanent landscaping shall form a base and/or backdrop to the billboard sign when practical in the opinion of the Zoning Officer.
(7)
All curbs and grading shall be in accordance with municipal ordinances.
(8)
No bare cuts are permitted on a hillside.
(9)
All cuts or fills are to be permanently seeded or planted.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-38 Canopy and awning signs.
In addition to the regulations in Table 1,[1] letters or characters of the sign shall appear only on the apron of the canopy or awning.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-39 Freestanding signs.
In addition to the regulations in Table 1,[1] all freestanding signs except for temporary signs shall comply with the following limitations and requirements:
A.
A freestanding sign shall have no more than two sign faces.
B.
The area immediately surrounding the base and support structure of the sign shall be landscaped with evergreen vegetation.
C.
Freestanding ground signs are preferred and shall be used instead of pole signs to the maximum extent practicable or feasible.
D.
Freestanding sign height.
[Added 9-13-2010 by Ord. No. 1007]
(1)
The maximum permitted height of a freestanding sign in Residential Zoning Districts (R-1 through R-4) is five feet.
(2)
The maximum permitted height of a freestanding sign in Residential-Commercial (R-C-1), Commercial (C-1) and Manufacturing (M-1) shall be determined based upon street classification, as follows:
Street Classification | Maximum Height of Freestanding Sign (feet) |
|---|---|
Arterial | 16 |
Collector | 8 |
Local | 6 |
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-40 Illuminated and electronic message center signs.
[Amended 7-11-2005 by Ord. No. 971; 5-11-2026 by Ord. No. 1145]
In addition to the regulations in Table 1,[1] all internally or externally illuminated signs and electronic message center signs shall meet the following requirements:
A.
Limits on degree of internal illumination. Any sign located adjacent to a dwelling unit or lot zoned for residential use shall be located, shielded and screened to prevent direct light or glare onto a dwelling unit or residential lot.
B.
External illumination. Whenever external illumination is used for a sign, the source of light shall be located, shielded, screened and directed in such a manner that the light source is not visible.
C.
Hours of illumination. No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless the establishment displaying the sign is open for business during those hours.
D.
Illuminated signs shall be subject to and comply with Chapter 160, Construction Codes, Uniform.
E.
An electronic message center shall have a black background/face with unicolor changeable copy.
F.
Character height shall not exceed eight inches in height, with no more than three lines of copy per electronic message center sign.
G.
Each message displayed on an electronic message center must be static or depicted for a minimum of 24 hours. Scrolling, flashing, fading, dissolving or fluttering of messages or images is strictly prohibited.
H.
Time, date and temperature signs are exempt from this requirement.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-41 Suspended signs.
In addition to the regulations in Table 1,[1] all suspended signs shall comply with the following limitations and requirements:
A.
The sign shall be located in front of the establishment it serves and shall be of a similar size, color and design as other suspended signs.
B.
There shall be no more than one such sign per establishment fronting on the marquee, overhang or other building feature from which the sign is suspended.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-42 Wall signs.
In addition to the regulations in Table 1,[1] all wall signs shall comply with the following limitations and requirements:
A.
The sign shall extend no further than 12 inches from the wall to which it is attached.
B.
The sign shall be attached to the wall so that the face of the sign is substantially parallel to the wall.
C.
The maximum sign area shall be 7.5% of the area of the first two stories of building elevation on which it is placed, or, in the case of a multitenant retail commercial building or multi-owner office condominium, each tenant or owner may have a sign area not to exceed 7.5% of the area of its leased exterior storefront.
D.
No message shall appear on that part of the sign which extends the sign from the wall, except for the electrical permit information that may be required under the Municipal Building Code.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 160, Construction Codes, Uniform.
E.
Wall signs shall be no higher than the height of the building and if the sign projects further than three inches from the wall, no lower than 10 feet above the ground level.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-43 Window signs.
In addition to the regulations in Table 1,[1] all window signs shall comply with the following limitations and requirements. The total area of all window signs on display at any one time, including temporary window promotional signs, shall not exceed 33% of the total area of the window in which they are located. A series of windows which are separated by frames less than six inches in width shall be considered as a single window for the purposes of this computation.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 450-36.
§ 450-44 Shopping centers and multioccupant land uses.
A.
No sign permit shall be issued for a shopping center or other multioccupant land use or for any individual establishment or occupant therein unless a uniform sign plan has been submitted and approved for the entire development.
B.
The Zoning Officer shall approve the uniform sign plan only upon finding that:
(1)
The sizes of signs and the materials used in the signs shall be consistent throughout the property or shall establish a hierarchy of different types of signs, with the size and materials of the signs in each category being consistent for all signs in that category.
(2)
The design of and materials used for the structural elements of the signs shall be consistent with the design of and materials used for the building or buildings which the signs serve.
(3)
The signs shall conform to all other requirements of this article.
(4)
The sign plan has been reviewed by a qualified municipal consultant.
§ 450-45 Gas stations.
[Amended 5-11-2026 by Ord. No. 1145]
In addition to other signs permitted under this article, automobile service stations may erect changeable copy signs advertising the prices of different grades of gasoline or other fuels, provided that:
A.
Such signs are permanently mounted either to the fuel pumps or to the supports of a canopy covering the fuel pumps.
B.
Such signs shall not be erected higher than 12 feet above the ground.
C.
There shall be no more than four sign faces per pump island.
D.
The combined surface area of all such signs at each pump island shall not exceed 24 square feet.
E.
Electronic fuel price signs shall be permitted to use red, green and amber digits to differentiate the types and grades of fuel being offered.
§ 450-46 Nonconforming signs.
Any nonconforming sign may be continued only as provided in this section.
A.
Normal maintenance of a nonconforming sign may occur, including any necessary repairs and alterations which do not enlarge, extend or intensify the nonconformity.
B.
No structural alteration, enlargement or extension shall be made of a nonconforming sign, except when the alteration is required by law or will eliminate the nonconforming condition.
C.
No conforming sign shall be erected on the same premises as an existing nonconforming sign until the nonconforming sign has been removed or changed to a conforming sign. However, for multioccupant land uses, the fact that one particular establishment therein has a nonconforming sign will not prohibit a different establishment therein from erecting a conforming sign on the same premises.
D.
A nonconforming sign shall be made to conform with the requirements of this article whenever there is a change in the use or occupancy of the building which the sign serves or whenever the building or structure which the sign serves is externally expanded or remodeled.
E.
Whenever the use of a nonconforming sign or the use which the sign serves has been abandoned for a period of six consecutive months, the sign thereafter shall be made to conform with the provisions of this article. Non-use for a period of six months shall create a presumption of abandonment.
F.
If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent of 50% or more of its replacement value at the time of the damage or destruction (based on prevailing costs), then the sign thereafter shall be made to conform to the provisions of this article. However, if the damage or destruction is less than 50% of the replacement value, then the sign may thereafter be restored to its original condition. In either event, restoration or repair of the sign must begin within six months after the date of damage or destruction and diligently pursued to completion, and the repaired or reconstructed sign shall be made to conform to the Municipal Building Code and Municipal Electrical Code in force at the time of the repair or reconstruction.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 160, Construction Codes, Uniform.
G.
Any sign that was not previously approved by the municipality and that does not conform to these regulations (illegal signs) shall be immediately removed at the expense of the owner.
