Williams Township City Zoning Code
PART 17
SIGNS
§ 27-1701 Scope and Applicability.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Purpose of This Part.
(1)
Promote and maintain the overall scenic character and beauty of the Township.
(2)
Establish reasonable time, place, and manner regulations on the exercise of free speech and commercial speech without regulating content.
(3)
Promote traffic safety by preventing distractions and sight distance obstructions.
(4)
Protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring existing and planned land uses.
(5)
Assist in carrying out the goals of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Advertising Control Act, as amended.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 36 P.S. § 2718.101 et seq.
(6)
To prohibit or limit light and glare intrusion onto neighboring residential uses and zoning districts.
B.
Permit and Compliance with this chapter Required. A permit under this chapter shall be required for all signs allowed in any zoning district except for signs that are listed in § 27-1710, Exempt Signs. All signs shall comply with all regulations of this chapter. Only signs specifically permitted by this chapter shall be allowed. Signs that do not comply with all of the requirements and limitations of this chapter shall be specifically prohibited.
C.
Changes on Signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming signs) may be painted, repaired, or changed in message without a new permit under this chapter, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area, or otherwise result in noncompliance with this chapter.
§ 27-1702 Nonconforming Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of the Ordinance shall be considered as nonconforming signs. Any nonconforming sign that is damaged to an extent that the cost of repair is 50% or more of the cost of replacement of the sign or which is removed shall be replaced only with a conforming sign, except as set forth in Subsection B pertaining to nonconforming replacement signs immediately below.
B.
The Zoning Hearing Board may allow the voluntary replacement of existing lawful nonconforming freestanding and wall signs by nonconforming replacement signs with a smaller sign area and lower height as a special exception, provided that the new signs would be of such a size, character, and illumination that the new sign would not conflict with adjacent uses.
§ 27-1703 Definitions of Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
"(Temporary)" appearing after the definition of a sign indicates that the type of sign is subject to the "Temporary Sign Requirements" of Table 17.1 at the stated line or row.
B.
"(Exempt)" appearing after the definition of a sign indicates that the type of sign is exempt from obtaining a permit, provided that the sign complies with all the applicable restrictions under § 27-1710, Exempt Signs, for that kind of sign at the stated or referenced subsection.
C.
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SIGN
A sign advertising the seasonal, temporary sale of agricultural products produced on the premises, or the seasonal sale of evergreen trees. (Temporary, Table 17.1e)
BUILDING FACE
The particular vertical side of a building, and or its area but not including the area of any slanted roof.
CHARITABLE EVENT SIGN
A sign advertising a special event that is primarily held to benefit a charitable nonprofit organization recognized U.S. Internal Revenue Service. (Temporary, Table 17.1c)
CONTRACTORS SIGN
A sign advertising that a contractor or other building tradesperson is actively conducting temporary significant work on a particular lot that is not the tradesperson's place of business. (Temporary, Table 17.1d)
DIGITAL SIGN
An advertising sign or billboard that uses digital, video, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or other electronic methods to create a changeable display.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
An informational sign indicating traffic direction, location of businesses, entry or exit, loading or service area, fire lanes, parking, or closely similar information which is incidental to the primary use and does not advertise any use. (Exempt, per § 27-1710D)
ELECTRONICALLY CHANGING MESSAGE SIGN/LED SIGNS
Signs or portion thereof designed to accommodate frequent message changes that are composed of characters or letters only but not images and that can be changed or rearranged electronically without physically altering the face or surface of such signs.
EXPRESSWAY ORIENTED SIGNS
Signs that advertise products or services that are directed to users of highways. See definitions of "billboards" and "off-premises signs" in Part 2 of this chapter.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign that is self-supporting upon the ground or that is supported principally by means of poles, pylons or standards in the ground, and which is not attached to a building, except by secondary supports such as guy wires.
GARAGE SALE SIGN
A temporary sign advertising a garage sale, yard sale, or auction, or a similar temporary sale event. (Temporary, Table 17.1a)
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The vertical distance as measured from the average existing ground level surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and its frame, if applicable.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign that displays only the name and the use of a property and which that has no advertising. (Exempt as per § 27-1710C)
ILLUMINATED SIGN, EXTERNALLY
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by artificial light from a source that is adjacent to or outside of the sign in such a manner that the source of the light is not directly visible from the street or any other intended vantage point of the sign. See § 27-1707, Illuminated Signs.
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by light from a source that is within the sign structure and not by a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. See also § 27-1707, Illuminated Signs.
MOVABLE SIGN
A freestanding sign which is not permanently secured or attached to a structure or to the ground, and which may be held in place only by weights. See also definition of "sign on mobile stand" below.
NAMEPLATE SIGN
A sign indicating only the name and/or address of persons or person residing on the premises. (Exempt as per § 27-1710B)
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
See the definition in Part 2 of this chapter.
OFFICIAL SIGN
A sign erected or authorized, or required by the state, county, Township or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by a Township ordinance or resolution which sign exists for governmental and not commercial purposes. (Exempt as per § 27-1710A, and § 27-1710 for officially required signs, § 27-1710Q, pertaining to signs within the right-of-way, and § 27-1710E, Memorial or Historic Markers.)
OPEN HOUSE SIGN
A temporary sign advertising an open house event at a dwelling for sale or rent. (Temporary, Table 171a)
POLITICAL SIGN
A sign which advertises a person or party seeking political office, or a political cause or opinion on a referendum, and which relates to a scheduled election.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SIGN
A sign that may or may not be attached to a supporting wall and which announces a proposed subdivision or land development for which a plan has been submitted to the Township, and which involves either a total of six or more dwelling units, or a total of five or more office, commercial, industrial or institutional uses or lots. (Temporary, Table 17.1f)
PUBLIC SERVICES SIGN
A sign that advertises availability of restrooms, telephones, meeting times of service organizations, or other similar public conveniences. Also see § 27-1719E pertaining to state signs. (Exempt per § 27-1710F)
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary sign that advertises the availability of the property on which the sign is located for sale, rent, or lease.
SIGN
See the definition in Part 2 of this chapter.
SIGN AREA
See § 27-1713 pertaining to methods of computation of sign area.
SIGN ON MOBILE STANDS
A freestanding sign that is attached to a chassis that allows the sign to be towed from one location to another and that has no permanent foundation. See also definition of "movable sign" above, and § 27-1716B for regulations pertaining to signs on mobile stands permitted in commercial districts.
SPECIAL SALE SIGN
One or more temporary promotional banners, balloons, or nongovernmental flags or banners that are used by a business to attract special attention to its location. (Temporary, Table 17.1g)
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign clearly intended to not be permanent in nature and that is displayed on any lot for a period of not more than 60 days unless a different time period is established or permitted by this chapter. (Exempt per § 27-1710G and § 27-1709, Temporary Signs)
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN
A sign or portion of a sign whose sole purpose and display is to indicate the time and/or temperature.
TRESPASSING SIGNS
"No Trespassing" or similar signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises and signs prohibiting or controlling hunting and fishing upon the premises.
VEHICULAR SIGN
A sign affixed, mounted or painted on a vehicle, trailer, or similar device. See § 27-1708, Vehicle Signs, for limitations and treatment as a freestanding sign. (Exempt per § 27-1710H)
WALL SIGN
A sign posted on, painted on, suspended from, or otherwise affixed to a wall or vertical surface to which it is parallel.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign which is readily visible and can be at least partially read from an exterior lot line, and which is attached to or can be read through a window or transparent door. (Exempt per § 27-1710N)
§ 27-1704 Construction.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
Every permanent sign permitted by this Part 17, Signs, shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign that is allowed to become dilapidated may be ordered by the Township to be repaired or removed and taken down by the owner or repaired or removed by the Township (in the Township's discretion) at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which the sign is located.
§ 27-1705 Abandoned or Outdated Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
Signs advertising a use that is no longer in existence or a product no longer available shall be removed, painted to be blank, or changed to advertise the new use or product, within 60 days of the cessation of the original use or the availability of the product.
§ 27-1706 Location.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following shall regulate the location of signs:
A.
Setback From Streets. No part or any portion of any sign shall be erected within five feet of or project over any existing and/or future street right-of-way except official signs, nameplate signs, public service signs and directional signs.
B.
On-Premises. No signs shall be erected on a property to which the sign does not relate except permitted off-premises, official, political or public service signs.
C.
Setbacks. No permanent or freestanding sign shall be located within a required side or rear setback for an accessory structure, except along lot lines that abut a commercially or industrially used or zoned lot (other than a street right-of-way). A permanent or freestanding sign may be located within a required front yard, provided that the sign's location complies with "Setback From Streets" in Subsection A of this § 27-1706.
D.
Permission of Owner. No sign shall be installed or posted on any property or sign pole, or public utility pole, unless permission for the sign has been received from the owner of the property.
§ 27-1707 Illuminated Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Section 1514, Light and Glare Control, shall be applied.
B.
Times of Illumination. Signs within 200 feet of a dwelling or a residential zoning district shall not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
§ 27-1708 Vehicle Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed of a size and in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer for mere identification or incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle, but becomes a primary purpose or use in itself, shall be deemed to be a freestanding sign (see definition in § 27-1703), and as such shall be subject to the specific requirements of this Part 17, Signs, for freestanding signs in the particular zoning district in which such vehicle is located.
§ 27-1709 Temporary Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Zoning permits are not required for the types of temporary signs, as listed in the following Table 17.1, Temporary Sign Requirements, provided that these signs shall be removed in the time specified, and conform to the size requirements of this § 27-1709, Temporary Signs, and Table 17.1, Temporary Sign Requirements:
Table 17.1 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temporary Sign Requirements | ||||||
Maximum Area Per Sign (square feet) | ||||||
Type of Sign | Maximum Number of Signs | On lots less than 2 acres in a residential zoning district | On all other lots | Earliest Period When Sign May Be Placed | Period With Sign Must Be Removed | |
a. | Garage sales or open house | 2 per event | 4 | 4 | 7 days prior to the beginning of the event | 24 hours after event |
b. | Real estate sign | 1 per lot | 4 | 15 | Property listed or actively marketed for sale or rent | 10 days after sale occurs or rental agreement is executed |
c. | Charitable event sign | 2 per lot | 4 | 15 | 20 days prior to the event | 10 days after event |
d. | Contractor's sign | 1 per lot | 8 | 15 | While work is clearly and actively under way | 10 days after work is not clearly and actively under way |
e. | Agricultural products sign | 2 per lot | 4 | 15 | While products are actively being offered for sale | 180 days total maximum in any calendar year |
f. | Proposed development Sign | 1 per lot | 4 | 15 | After submission of a complete subdivision or land development plan to the Township | Within 30 days after any occupancy is issued within develop-ment, or after rejection or withdrawal of the plan has become final |
g. | Special sale sign* | 5 per lot | Not permitted | None | Maximum of 15 calendar days, once in any calendar year | |
NOTE: | |
* | Only permitted in the HC and LC Zoning Districts |
B.
Signs on Mobile Stands. Section 27-1716B, pertaining to signs on mobile stands, shall be applicable.
§ 27-1710 Exempt Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following type of signs, as defined by § 27-1703, pertaining to definition of signs, do not require a permit under this chapter, provided that such signs comply with the applicable following restrictions:
A.
Official Signs. These signs are not regulated in any form by this chapter. See definition in § 27-1703.
B.
Nameplate Signs. Not to exceed two square feet. Maximum of one per lot. See definition in § 27-1703.
C.
Identification Signs. Not to exceed two square feet. Maximum of one per lot. See definition in § 27-1703.
D.
Directional Signs. Not to exceed four square feet. See definition in § 27-1703.
E.
Memorial or Historic Markers. When approved or authorized by the Board of Supervisors or a state or federal government agency.
F.
Public Service Signs. Not to exceed two square feet. Maximum of three per lot. See definition in § 27-1703.
G.
Temporary Signs. Shall comply with the requirements of § 27-1709. See definition in § 27-1703.
H.
Trespassing Signs. Not to exceed two square feet and not to be posted closer than 25 feet to each other within a lot. See definition in § 27-1703.
I.
Picketing and "Sandwich" signs. Signs physically carried by a person, which are permitted without regulation by this chapter.
J.
Home-Based Business (No-impact) Sign. Maximum sign area of two square feet, maximum of one per lot, and not illuminated. Also see § 27-1715D, pertaining to this type of sign as permitted in residential zoning districts.
K.
Sign Not Visible. Signs that are not visible from a public street or any exterior lot line by an individual with normal and unaided vision are permitted without regulation by this Part.
L.
Officially Required Signs. Signs that include only such information as is specifically required to be posted exterior to a building, a government agency or the Township are permitted without regulation by this Part. See definition in § 27-1703.
M.
Very Small Sign. Signs of less than one square foot in area that cannot be read by a person of normal eyesight from a public street or any exterior property line are permitted without regulation by this Part.
N.
Window Sign. Window signs that are not of a permanent nature, provided that they comply with the other requirements of this Part. See definition in § 27-1703.
O.
Decorations for Holidays.
P.
Flags. Flags of any nation or level of government. Also, up to two additional cloth flags per lot of up to 20 square feet in each flag.
Q.
Signs Within Right-of-Way. Signs within the existing right-of-way of a public street when officially authorized either by the Board of Supervisors or PennDOT, as appropriate.
§ 27-1711 Signs Prohibited in All Districts.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Banners, flags, spinners, pennants inflatable, or air-supported, or air-activated or any moving object used for a commercial advertising purpose, whether containing a message or not, except as is specifically permitted by §§ 27-1709, Temporary Signs, and § 27-1710, Exempt Signs.
B.
Flashing, electronically changing message, blinking, twinkling, animated, or moving display signs of any type, except time and temperature signs and except electronically changing message sign/digital/LED signs in the Highway Commercial (HC) District. This prohibition specifically includes window signs and signs on mobile stands.
C.
Signs that emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, or odor.
D.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a lot may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable provisions of this chapter.
E.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape, or color that the signs imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal, or device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
F.
Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing, blinking, twinkling, or electronically changing messages.
G.
Signs or displays that include words or images that are obscene, pornographic, or that an average reasonable person would find prurient or highly offensive to public decency.
H.
Balloons of greater than five cubic feet in volume that are tethered to the ground or a structure. Any sign on a mobile stand other than as provided for by § 27-1716B.
I.
Floodlights and lasers.
§ 27-1712 Signs and/or Structures Identifying Major Residential or Business Developments.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
When Allowed. Signs and any supporting structure (as described in this section) shall be permitted for subdivisions and developments that have been approved to involve a total of 10 or more dwelling units, or a total of five or more office, commercial, industrial or institutional uses.
B.
Size and Number. Signs described in this section may have a maximum sign area of 25 square feet, and a maximum height of eight feet. These signs and/or structures may be located at up to three of the major entrances to the subdivisions or land development from exterior streets.
C.
Durability. Such signs shall be designed and installed to be of a durable construction, requiring little maintenance. The signs may be attached to a masonry or wooden structure with a maximum height of eight feet and maximum length of 10 feet.
D.
Message. Such signs may include only the name of the land development and any logo. A telephone number may be included during the sale or rental activities of the subdivision or land development. Such signs shall not include any advertising.
E.
Landscaping. Such signs shall be attractively landscaped, with plants and shrubs that require minimal maintenance.
F.
Location. Such signs and structures shall be located outside of all future right-of-way lines, and shall comply with the sight distance requirements of Williams Township Driveway Ordinance and the Williams Township SALDO, as amended.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 21, Part 1, and Ch. 22, respectively.
G.
Maintenance. If such signs are intended to remain beyond the completion of a developer's involvement in a project, the developer shall provide an appropriate method to provide and ensure proper maintenance of the sign into perpetuity and/or the future removal of the sign, including furnishing and posting sufficient financial security for the same. The method of maintenance and financial security shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer, and is subject to the approval of the Zoning Officer, before any permit or the sign is issued.
H.
Illumination. Such signs may be externally but not internally illuminated.
I.
Directional Signs Within a Major Business Development.
(1)
When Permitted. A directional sign shall be permitted at each intersection of two or more driveways within an office, commercial institutional or industrial subdivision or land development that involves a total of five or more acres.
(2)
Size. Each sign may have a total square footage of 20 square feet. The sign shall be an orderly single structure that is rectangular in shape and may include on it the names and logos of all the businesses located in the subdivision or land development, directional arrows and/or a map.
(3)
Purpose. The signs permitted by this subsection are for the primary and limited purpose of directing visitors to businesses. These signs are not intended for routine advertising purposes, and shall not contain any extraneous information.
(4)
Illumination. Such signs may be externally but not internally illuminated.
J.
Directional Signs Within a Townhouse or Garden Apartment Development. Within a land development that includes 50 or more townhouse or garden apartment dwelling units, nonilluminated signs with a maximum sign area of 10 square feet each may be permitted to direct visitors to or identify different buildings or units of the development. These signs may be either freestanding or attached to a building or structure.
§ 27-1713 Area of Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following methods shall be used in computing the area of signs:
A.
"Sign area" shall include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed whether open or enclosed. One "freestanding sign" may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the "sign area" being the total of the individual area of each sign on the structure.
B.
The sign area shall not include any frame work and bracing, nor wooden framing, if such framing is clearly principally structural support and does not include any lettering, wording, designs or symbols, display or sign and if such framing is clearly incidental to the sign display itself.
C.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, or window, the sign area shall be considered to be the area of the smallest rectangle, or other regular geometric shape, which encompasses all of the letters and symbols including the sign background.
D.
In computing the sign area of a sign with only two faces, only the sign area of one side (the larger of the two faces if they differ) shall be considered. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 60°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered and added together in calculating the sign area. No sign shall have more than two faces.
E.
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages for signs in this chapter are maximum sizes.
§ 27-1714 Maximum Height of Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Maximum Height. No sign shall exceed the maximum height restriction for the particular type of sign structure in each zoning district as set forth below in Table. 17.2, Maximum Sign Heights:
Table 17.2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Sign Heights | |||
Maximum Sign Height (feet)* | |||
Type of Sign Structure | (A, LDR, MDR, SC) Agricultural, Residential Zoning, and Special Conservation Districts | (LC, HC, PUCD) Commercial Zoning Districts | (LI/B, GI) Industrial Zoning Districts |
Freestanding sign | 8 | 18 | 10 |
Wall | ** | ** | ** |
NOTES: | |
* | See definition in § 27-1703. |
** | Equal to or less than the total height of the principal building |
B.
Minimum Height. The bottom edge of signs shall be raised above the ground as necessary to provide and not preclude or obstruct proper sight distance along streets in conformity with § 27-1304.
C.
Bonuses. Section 27-1720, Sign Area Bonuses, shall be applicable.
§ 27-1715 Signs Permitted in Residential Districts.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
The following type of signs are permitted in all residential zoning districts, including A, LDR, MDR, and SC:
(1)
Exempt signs in compliance with § 27-1710.
(2)
Temporary signs in compliance with § 27-1709.
(3)
Signs advertising major residential or business developments in accordance with § 27-1712.
B.
The following type of signs, and no others, may be permitted in all residential zoning districts for golf courses or other uses permitted as either conditional use or by special exception, other than home-based business (no-impact) or accessory uses:
(1)
One Wall Sign: Maximum sign area of 10% of total area of the building face on which the wall sign is visible or mounted or 32 square feet, whichever is less, and attached to the front wall of the building only.
(2)
One Freestanding Sign: Maximum sign area of 15 square feet and not more than one such sign for and facing each street upon which the lot has frontage.
(3)
Approval. See § 27-1718, Approval of Signs Associated with Proposed Conditional Uses, Special Exception, and Nonconforming Uses.
C.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
D.
Home-based business (no-impact), see § 27-1710J, pertaining to certain limitations for "home-based business, no-impact, signs" to be exempt from permitting requirements.
§ 27-1716 Signs Permitted in Commercial Districts.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
The following types of signs are permitted in the LC, HC, and PUCD Zoning Districts:
(1)
Exempt signs in compliance with § 27-1710.
(2)
Temporary signs in compliance with § 27-1709.
(3)
Signs for only one principal use on a lot, as follows:
(a)
Wail Signs. Maximum sign wall shall not exceed 10% of total area of the building face on which the sign is located. Such signs shall be located on a maximum of two faces of the building.
(b)
Freestanding Sign.
[1]
Maximum of one such sign, with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet. This sign may consist of a structure to which are attached several signs, with the total square footage of all signs not exceeding 32 square feet.
[2]
If a use has a lineal road frontage of more than 300 feet, then a second freestanding sign shall be permitted, with a maximum total sign square footage of 50 square feet for either the two signs together, or for only one such sign.
(c)
Window Sign. Maximum sign area of 20% of the total area of the building face from which the sign is visible or on which the sign is located.
(d)
Bonuses. Section 27-1720, Sign Area Bonuses, shall be applicable.
(4)
Signs relating to more than one principal commercial use on a lot, as follows:
(a)
Wall Sign. Maximum sign area on each building face shall not exceed 15% of the total area of the building face on which the signs are visible or located. Such signs shall be placed on a maximum of two faces of the building.
(b)
Freestanding Sign.
[1]
One such sign per lot shall be permitted, with a maximum area not to exceed 50 square feet.
[2]
If a lot has a lineal road frontage of more than 300 feet, or if the lot includes more than 10 business establishments, then a second freestanding sign shall be permitted, with a maximum total sign square footage of 80 square feet for either two signs combined, or for only one such freestanding sign.
(c)
Window Sign. Maximum sign area of 20% of the total area of the building face from which the sign is visible or on which the sign is located.
(d)
Bonuses. Section 27-1720, Sign Area Bonuses, shall be applicable.
(5)
Subsection C below shall apply to any second freestanding on-premises signs that are located within the Interstate Highway Interchange Overlay of the HC Zoning District.
B.
Signs on Mobile Stands.
(1)
Intent. The intent of this subsection is that signs on mobile stands shall comply with the regulations and standards set forth below. See definition in § 27-1703.
(2)
Standards for Signs on Mobile Stands.
(a)
Signs on mobile stands shall be permitted only in the HC and LC Zoning Districts.
(b)
Signs on mobile stands shall have a maximum sign area of 40 square feet.
(c)
Only one mobile sign shall be permitted per use or per lot, whichever is less.
(d)
A sign permit shall be required.
(e)
Time Limit. A permit for a sign on a mobile stand shall be limited to 20 calendar days, shall be issued only once per quarter, and for only one per lot or one per use, whichever is less.
(f)
Deposit. To ensure that a sign on a mobile stand is removed within the above twenty-calendar-day time limit, the applicant shall pay a deposit of $150 to the Township. This deposit shall be refunded only if the sign is removed within the twenty-calendar-day time limit. If the sign is not removed within the calendar-day time limit the deposit shall be forfeited to the Township. Failure or refusal to remove the sign after the twenty-calendar-day time limit shall constitute a zoning violation that may be prosecuted in accordance with the procedures of this chapter. Alternately, as an additional and nonexclusive remedy, the Township may, but need not, in the Township's sole discretion, act to remove the sign with Township personnel and equipment.
(g)
No sign on a mobile stand shall include a flashing or blinking light.
(h)
No sign on a mobile stand shall be placed so that the sign is a hazard to traffic, such as within a sight distance triangle or otherwise impeding visibility of motorists or pedestrians, nor shall it be placed within the existing road or street right-of-way.
(3)
Applicability. The standards of this subsection shall apply to all existing and future signs on mobile stands, except that these standards shall not be applicable to any sign on a mobile stand for which a permit from the Township was previously granted for use as a permanent sign, until such use is terminated or abandoned, or the sign is removed.
C.
Interchange Overlay. This subsection shall apply only to the Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District.
(1)
Intent. To acknowledge the need for the advance and additional recognition of the Township's only interchange with Interstate I-78.
(2)
Applicability. The subsection applies to one of the two freestanding on-premises signs that would otherwise meet the requirements of this § 27-1716 and is located in the Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District adjacent to I-78.
(3)
Specific Provisions.
(a)
One of the two signs as allowed under § 27-1716A(3)(b)[2] and (4)(b)[2] shall be permitted to have a maximum height of 80 feet measured from natural ground elevation to the top of the proposed sign.
(b)
A maximum sign area of 180 square feet for the initial, 140 square for the second sign, and for the two signs together a maximum total sign area of 320 square feet shall be permitted. All such signs shall be located only along the side(s) of the property, lot, or use that is closest to Interstate I-78. Only one sign in the Highway Commercial (HC) Interchange Overlay District can be 30 feet in height.
D.
Electronically Changing Message Sign/Digital/LED Signs in HC District.
(1)
Electronically changing message sign/digital/LED signs are permitted by special exception in Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District subject to the following conditions:
(a)
All messages, images, or displays on a digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign shall not change and shall remain unchanged for a minimum of 90 seconds.
(b)
There shall be no sequencing of messages.
(c)
The time interval used to change from one complete message, image, or display shall be a maximum of one second.
(d)
There shall be no appearance of a visual dissolve or fading, in which any part of one message, image, or display disappears simultaneously with the appearance of any part of a second message, image, or display.
(e)
There shall be no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of light, and no appearance of video motion, animation, movement, or flow of message, image, or display within the sign.
(f)
The intensity and contrast of light levels for each message shall remain constant throughout the sign face.
(g)
Each digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign shall be equipped with an automatic day/night dimming software, to reduce the nighttime illumination intensity of the sign from one hour after sunset to one hour prior to sunrise to a maximum not to exceed of 150 nits.
(h)
Proof of approval of the digital/LED or electronically changing message sign by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, if required, must be submitted to the Zoning Officer prior to the installation of any digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign. Such approval may be conditioned upon or pending the issuance of a Township permit for the same sign.
§ 27-1717 Signs Permitted in Industrial and Business Districts.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following types of signs are permitted in the following industrial and business zoning districts, including LI/B and GI:
A.
Exempt signs in compliance with § 27-1710.
B.
Temporary signs in compliance with § 27-1709.
C.
Signs identifying major or business developments in compliance with § 27-1712.
D.
Wall Signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted for each establishment. The signs shall have a total sign area of no greater than 10% of the total area of each building face on which the signs are visible, or located, or a maximum of 200 square feet, whichever is less.
E.
Freestanding Signs. Maximum of one such structure per street frontage of the lot or use. The total area of each freestanding sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
F.
On-Premises Digital or Electronic Changing Message Signs. These signs are permitted only in the Highway Commercial Zoning District that is within the Interchange Overlay District, subject to the requirements of § 27-1719B(7), regarding off-premises signs.
G.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
§ 27-1718 Approval of Signs Associated with Proposed Conditional Uses, Special Exception, and Nonconforming Uses.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
Any new or expanded sign that is subject to a permit requirement or other Township review and approval procedure, which sign is associated with a proposed conditional or special exception, or an expansion or change of a nonconforming use, may be reviewed and either be approved or denied at the same time that the associated conditional use or special exception or nonconforming use is being reviewed and decided. The Board of Supervisors or the Zoning Hearing Board shall consider, as the case may be, compatibility with adjacent land uses at that time.
§ 27-1719 Off-Premises Advertising Signs.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
(Billboards) along I-78 in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts.
A.
Intent. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter to serve the following purposes:
(1)
To ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and office parks.
(2)
To prevent visual pollution in the Township and protect property values, especially considering that most commercial areas of the Township are within close proximity to existing residences.
(3)
To prevent glare on adjacent property and streets.
(4)
To protect the open space and natural character of the areas of the Township that are planned to remain agricultural or as conservation areas.
(5)
To avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along the high-speed Interstate Highway I-78 and along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements, congestion, and numerous traffic hazards.
(6)
To recognize and encourage the use of the numerous alternative forms of free and commercial speech available in the Township, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs, temporary signs, and printed and electronic media.
(7)
To recognize that this chapter allows every landowner a reasonable use for their land.
(8)
To carry out the purposes listed in § 27-1701.
(9)
To provide a reasonable number of practical locations for off-premises signs (billboards) to preclude an exclusionary challenge in that regard.
B.
Size and Location. Off-premises advertising signs (billboards) shall:
(1)
Not exceed 300 square feet (12 feet by 25 feet) for billboards used primarily in commercial and industrial areas along secondary arterial and collector roads.
(2)
Not exceed 672 square feet maximum (14 feet by 48 feet) billboards used exclusively along primary arterial roads and expressways.
(3)
For double-sided billboards, the above size requirements apply to each face separately.
(4)
Be located only along Interstate Highway 178 in commercial or industrial zoning districts.
(5)
The height of the sign shall not exceed 30 feet. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon a berm or other artificial/man-made structure designed to increase the height of the sign or the average ground level surrounding a sign (see § 27-1703).
(6)
Have all supporting structures of poster panels and painted bulletins be of the "unipole" or "monopole" type.
(7)
Digital and Electronically Changing Message Signs. A permitted off-premises sign, including a preexisting nonconforming off-premises sign located in the Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District that is within the Interchange Overlay District, may be a digital sign or electronic message sign subject to the following conditions:
(a)
All messages, images, or displays on a digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign shall not change and shall remain unchanged for a minimum of 90 seconds
(b)
There shall be no sequencing of messages.
(c)
The time interval used to change from one complete message, image, or display shall be a maximum of one second.
(d)
There shall be no appearance of a visual dissolve or fading, in which any part of one message, image, or display disappears simultaneously with the appearance of any part of a second message, image, or display.
(e)
There shall be no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of light, and no appearance of video motion, animation, movement, or flow of message, image, or display within the sign.
(f)
The intensity and contrast of light levels shall remain constant throughout the sign face.
(g)
Each digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign shall be equipped with an automatic day/night dimming software, to reduce the nighttime illumination intensity of the sign from one hour after sunset to one hour prior to sunrise to a maximum not to exceed 150 nits.
(h)
Proof of approval of the digital or electronically changing message sign by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must be submitted to the Zoning Officer prior to the installation of any digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign. Such approval may be conditioned upon or pending the issuance of a Township permit for the same sign.
C.
Setbacks and Spacing. Off-premises advertising signs (billboards) shall be:
(1)
Set back at least 20 feet from the street right-of-way, including the ultimate right-of-way.
(2)
Spaced no closer than 1,000 feet from another billboard, or in compliance with the spacing requirements of the Outdoor Advertising Control Act of 1971, as amended, whichever is greater.
(3)
Located no closer than 300 feet from a LDR or MDR Zoning District as measured along same side of street.
(4)
Located no closer than 500 feet from a state or federal registered historic place site, or structure, as referenced in the Williams Township Comprehensive Plan, as revised and updated from time to time.
D.
Building Requirements. All off-premises signs must comply with the applicable state and Township building codes, the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), as amended, as to structural and electrical standards, and all other applicable laws, ordinances, codes, and standards.
E.
State Sign. Signs erected and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are permitted by right in all zoning districts. Directional signs that identify business services available at an interchange are specifically permitted and encouraged as an appropriate and orderly means of providing sufficient and necessary information without causing the visual pollution or traffic hazards of off-premises signs (billboards).
§ 27-1720 Sign Area Bonus.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Intent. To encourage designs and materials of signs that will be highly compatible with nearby residences and other attractive natural features and areas.
B.
Applicability. This bonus may apply to any freestanding on-premises sign in a LC, HC, PUCD, LI/B or GI Zoning District.
C.
Wood. The total area of a sign that would otherwise be permitted under this section may be increased by 25% sign area bonus when a sign area is constructed completely of natural wood (other than necessary fasteners), and all freestanding signs on the lot have a maximum height of 10 feet.
