Source: https://www.ecode360.com/27002667
Timestamp: 2020-07-05 00:49:24
Document Index: 582246637

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 211', '§ 8']

Township of Connoquenessing, PA Signs
§ 211-3 Compliance required; permit required.
§ 211-4 Permit procedures.
§ 211-5 Exemption from permit requirements.
§ 211-6 Prohibited signs.
§ 211-7 Area and height requirements.
§ 211-8 General requirements.
§ 211-9 Billboard signs.
§ 211-10 On-premises signs.
§ 211-11 Specific requirements.
§ 211-12 Temporary signs.
§ 211-13 Nonconforming signs.
§ 211-14 Enforcement.
§ 211-15 Violations and penalties; additional remedies.
§ 211-16 Interpretation.
Chapter 211 Signs
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Connoquenessing 3-6-2013 by Ord. No. 86. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Airport Ordinance — See Ch. 81.
To maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment of the Township.
To enhance and promote pedestrian and traffic safety.
To minimize the adverse effects of signage on nearby properties.
To avoid uncontrolled proliferation of signs.
To enable fair and consistent enforcement of these regulations.
Any structure or part of a structure attached; or otherwise mounted parallel, to a wall or other vertical part of the structure.
The entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of a single face enclosing the extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, ornamentation or other figures, together with any other material, design or color forming an integral part of the display, including the frame.
The members of the community as a whole or any particular part of the community.
The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, but excluding any mansards, cupolas, pylons, chimneys or any minor projections.
The upper and lower roof ridges are the horizontal lines formed by the juncture of two sloping planes formed by the surfaces of a roof.
A name, identification, description, emblem, display or device which is affixed to, printed on, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or parcel of land; which is illuminated or nonilluminated; visible or intended to be visible from any public place; and, which directs or calls attention to a person, place, product, institution, business, organization, activity or service. Signs shall also include any permanently installed or situated merchandise, including any banner, pennant, placard, statue, vehicle or temporary sign. Certain categories of signs are defined as follows:
A sign with its copy on nonrigid material such as cloth, plastic, fabric or paper with no supporting framework.
A sign for commercial, industrial, institutional, service or entertainment purposes, promoting products, or services conducted, sold or offered somewhere other than upon the same premises where the sign is located, and whose purpose is to sell or identify a product, service or activity. In the context of this definition, the word "premises" shall be interpreted as being a separate tract or parcel of land that has been or may be conveyed by deed or has otherwise been specified as a separate lot on an approved land development plan.
A sign on a rigid, multisided structure attached to a building or on any other freestanding structure that may have a roof with support but no walls.
A sign that is designed so that its characters, letters, illustrations or other content can be changed, altered or rearranged without physically altering the permanent physical face or surface of the sign. This includes manual, electrical, electronic, or other variable message signs.
A temporary sign identifying individuals or companies involved in design, construction, wrecking, financing or development work when placed upon the premises where that work is underway, but only for the duration of the work.
DIRECTIONAL/INFORMATIONAL SIGN
An on-premises sign for the convenience of the public giving directions, instructions, facility information or other assistance around a site, such as location of exits, entrances, parking lots, amenities, and housing units, to encourage proper circulation. It may contain the logo of an enterprise but no other advertising copy.
A sign which displays the names and/or addresses of the establishments, housing units, amenities, or uses of a building or group of buildings.
Any sign which has intermittent or changing lighting or illumination of a duration less than 30 seconds shall be deemed a flashing sign.
The general term for any sign which is permanently affixed to the ground and on a foundation. It is supported on a foundation by one or more upright poles or braces, and is not attached to a building or any other structure.
A sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source, whether internally or externally lit, including but not limited to neon signs and any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by artificial lighting.
Public or private directional, street or traffic signs, address numbers, names of buildings, rooms, etc. and other signs of a similar nature.
A freestanding sign with a base affixed to the ground, where the length of the base is at least two-thirds the horizontal length of the monument.
A sign that met all legal requirements when constructed but is not in compliance with current sign regulations.
Sign, graphics or a display for commercial, industrial, institutional, service or entertainment purposes, promoting products, uses or services conducted, sold or offered upon the same premises where the sign is located, and whose purpose is to sell or identify a product, service or activity. In the context of this definition, the word "premises" shall be interpreted as being a separate tract or parcel of land that has been or may be conveyed by deed or has otherwise been specified as a separate lot on an approved land development plan.
A one- or two-sided structure displaying smaller signs, each of equal size.
A freestanding sign with a base supported from the ground by a pole or a similar support structure of narrow width.
A temporary sign larger than four square feet identifying, either singly or combined, a political candidate, slate of candidates, issue, or party. These signs are used or intended to be used for the display of any announcement, advertisement or notice of any individual candidate or slate of candidates for any public office or similar political purposes.
A temporary political sign four square feet or smaller.
Sign, graphic or display for commercial, industrial, institutional, service, entertainment or informational purposes which can be readily moved from place to place and which is not affixed to a building, to another permanent structure or to the ground.
A temporary sign which is used to offer for sale, lease or rent the premises upon which the sign is placed.
A sign displayed for a fixed, terminable length of time. Temporary signs are intended to be removed after the temporary purpose has been served. Included are for sale, lease or rent signs, political signs, service signs, special-event signs, construction signs, directional signs to special or temporary events and signs of a similar nature.
A sign painted on, or attached to, a wall or window of a building or other structure and which is mounted parallel to the surface so that only one side is visible to the public.
A sign containing no advertising material but which warns the public of the existence of danger.
Erection, alteration, maintenance, and removal. Signs may be erected, altered, maintained, used, moved or removed only when in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and any and all other applicable ordinances or regulations of the Township.
Permitting. No sign, or temporary sign, unless exempted by this chapter, shall be constructed, erected, altered, moved or removed without first receiving a permit for such activity. Repainting or changing the message on a sign shall not, in and of itself, be considered a substantial alteration.
Permit applications. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer on forms provided by the Township, completed as required; at a minimum, they shall have attached the following information, in either written or graphic form:
Location of the sign on the premises in relation to lot lines, buildings, sidewalks, streets, public rights-of-way and street intersections within 300 feet of the proposed sign.
Type of sign (e.g., freestanding, pole, monument, wall) and general description of structural design and construction materials.
Drawing(s) of the proposed sign containing specifications indicating height, perimeter, area, dimensions, type of lettering proposed, means of support, method of illumination, and any other significant characteristics.
Any other information requested by the Code Enforcement Officer to carry out the purpose and intent of this chapter.
The required sign permit fee as established by resolution of the Supervisors. Permit fees will cover the cost for administering this chapter for compliance with its purpose.
Permit review and action. The Code Enforcement Officer shall review the sign permit application and issue or deny the permit, in conformance with the following standards:
Official date. The official date of submission shall be the day the Code Enforcement Officer determines that the completed application, with all required or necessary data, has been properly prepared and submitted.
Time to decide. The Code Enforcement Officer shall determine whether the proposed sign will or will not be in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, and shall, within 30 days of the official date of submission, issue or deny the sign permit.
Photograph. When the sign has been completed, the applicant shall photograph the completed sign and forward the photograph to the Code Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement Officer shall then inspect the sign.
Inspection for compliance. The Code Enforcement Officer, or a designee, shall perform a final inspection after installation of any approved sign.
Discrepancies. Any discrepancies between any sign as approved and the sign as constructed shall be identified in writing by the Code Enforcement Officer and may result in the halt of construction and correction of the discrepancy. If the discrepancy is not corrected within 20 days after written notice, the sign may be ordered removed by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Complaints. The Code Enforcement Officer shall investigate any complaints of violations of these regulations and may revoke any permit if there is any violation of these regulations or if there was any misrepresentation of any material fact, in either the sign permit application or the plans.
Expiration of sign permit.
If the sign authorized by any sign permit has not been erected or completed within 120 days from the date of issuance of that permit, the sign permit shall be deemed expired.
An expired sign permit may be renewed within 30 days from the expiration date for good cause shown and upon payment of a permit extension fee, as established by resolution of the Supervisors.
Revocation of a sign permit. The Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke any sign permit if the sign, whether new or preexisting, is moved or otherwise altered, either intentionally or by natural forces, in a manner which causes the sign not to be in conformity with this chapter. Signs must be properly maintained, properly painted and be kept free from all hazards, including but not limited to faulty wiring, loose fastenings, being in an unsafe condition or detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare. In the event of a violation of any of the foregoing provisions, the Code Enforcement Officer shall give written notice specifying the violation to the current owner of the sign and the current owner of the land upon which the sign is erected to conform or to remove the sign. The sign shall be made to conform to the permit requirements within 30 days from the date of the notice, or, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke the sign permit and the subject sign shall be removed by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises.
Sign permits shall not be required for the following:
Name and address. Up to two signs indicating address, number and/or name of occupants of the premises, that do not exceed two square feet in area per side, and do not include any commercial advertising or other identification.
Decals. Decals affixed to windows or door glass panels, such as those indicating membership in a business group or identifying credit cards accepted at the establishment.
Flags, emblems and insignia: flags, emblems and insignia of government agencies, religious, charitable, public or nonprofit organizations. These types of signs are exempt from permit requirements but are subject to the following requirements:
No single flag that is flown shall exceed 40 square feet in area and no single parcel shall fly more than three flags.
Private drive signs. On-premises private drive signs are limited to one per driveway entrance, not exceeding two square feet in area, with language limited to the words "private drive" and the addresses of any residences using the private driveway.
Public signs. Signs erected by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing and identification signs for public facilities and any signs erected by the Township under direction of the Board of Supervisors.
Security and warning signs. On-premises signs regulating the use of the premises, such as "no trespassing,, "no hunting" and "no soliciting" signs that do not exceed one sign two square feet in area for residential property and one sign five square feet in area for commercial property. These limitations shall not apply to the posting of conventional "no trespassing" signs in accordance with state law.
[Amended 9-4-2013 by Ord. No. 87-13]
Temporary real estate signs. Display of these signs shall be limited to one per property and six square feet in area for residential property and 32 square feet for commercial property. These signs shall be removed within 30 days of settlement or lease of the property.
Garage or yard sale signs. Signs advertising garage sales or yard sales are permitted, provided that no sign shall exceed four square feet in area and is not erected more than four days prior to the event. One yard sale sign shall be allowed on premises. All signs shall be removed one day after the close of the garage or yard sale.
The following signs are expressly prohibited, unless otherwise stated in these regulations:
Animated and moving signs. A sign or other display with either kinetic or illusionary motion powered by natural, manual, mechanical, electrical or other means, including but not limited to flags having commercial messages, and all pennants, banners, streamers, propellers, and discs, as well as flashing signs, signs with illuminated elements that are used to simulate the impression of motion, and searchlights.
Flashing and message signs. Any signs that include lights or messages which change flash, blink or turn on and off intermittently, but specifically excluding time and temperature signs which display no other text or images.
Glaring signs. Signs with light sources or which reflect brightness in a manner which constitutes a hazard or nuisance. This includes signs with fluorescent text, graphics or background, as well as holographic signs.
Obstructive signs. A sign or other advertising devise erected or maintained at any road intersection in a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of the intersection.
Inflatable signs and other objects. Signs and other objects which are inflated, including but not limited to, balloons. One bouquet of balloons shall be allowed on premises that sell balloons. Balloons shall also be permitted in temporary situations or on special occasions at a residence.
Posters and handbills. Any signs affixed to any structures, trees or other natural vegetation, rocks or poles.
Simulated traffic signs and obstructions. Any sign which may be confused with, or obstruct the view of, any authorized traffic sign or signal, obstruct the sight-distance triangle at any road intersection or extend into the public right-of-way.
Strings of light. Any devices including lights that outline property lines, sales areas or any portion of a structure and are intended to advertise or draw attention to a business or commercial activity, except as follows:
Lights used temporarily as holiday decorations.
Lights or other devices used on a temporary basis on parcels on which carnivals, fairs or other similar temporary activities are held.
Sign emissions. No sign which emits smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound or odor shall be permitted.
The regulations in this section specify the area and heights of signs that are allowed within the Township and which require a permit.
Determination of gross sign area. 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.
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 single smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols, including the sign background and frame.
In computing square-foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical in size; otherwise, the larger side shall be considered. If the interior angle formed by the faces of the multifaced sign is greater than 45°, then all sides of the sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
Determination of sign height. The height of all signs shall be determined as follows:
Unless otherwise specified herein, the height of a sign erected within 30 feet of a road right-of-way line shall be measured from the grade level of the nearest edge of the travel way of the adjacent road to the top of the sign or sign structure.
The height of all signs erected beyond 30 feet from a road right-of-way line shall be measured from the natural grade level immediately adjacent to where the sign is erected to the top of the sign or sign structure.
All signs erected within the Township shall conform to the applicable building codes and to the following general requirements:
Sign materials and construction. All signs shall be constructed of durable materials, designed to withstand expected wind pressures and erected so as not to sustain damage and deterioration from the elements. No sign shall contain iridescent or "day-glo" paint.
Maintenance. Every sign, including those specifically exempt from permit and permit fees, shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, clean and attractive condition.
Design. No sign or part of a sign shall contain or consist of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices. None of these devices, nor any strings of lights, shall be used for the purpose of advertising or getting attention when not part of a sign, except as follows:
In the case of a grand opening or similar event, banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices may be used for a period of seven consecutive days upon application for a special sign permit.
All temporary (seven consecutive days) signs shall be affixed at all four corners or attached to a stable, flat, surface.
Banners spanning municipal roadways are prohibited. Banners spanning state roadways require permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and issuance of a highway occupancy permit.
Sign illumination. Illuminated signs or sign lighting devices shall employ only lights emitting a light of constant intensity, and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent rotating or moving light or lights. No sign or lighting device shall be placed or directed to permit the beams and illumination to be directed or beamed upon a public road, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises so as to cause a traffic hazard or nuisance.
Street rights-of-way. No sign or advertising device, including projecting signs, shall be located in or project over any road right-of-way nor be located within the clear sight triangle of any intersection or driveway based upon safe site distances as defined by Pa. Code Title 67, Chapter 441. Exceptions include public signs or signs erected by a governmental agency.[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 8.6, Limitation on number of signs, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 9-4-2013 by Ord. No. 87-13.
Compliance with Township ordinances. All signs shall be compliant with all applicable provisions of the Township ordinances, including but not limited to Chapter 81, Airport Ordinance, of the Code of the Township of Connoquenessing.
Compliance with county, state and federal laws. All signs shall be compliant with all applicable county, state, and federal laws and regulations. Prior to submission of an application for a sign permit, the applicant shall obtain and submit with the application, approvals from any county, state or federal agency, including PennDOT and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when applicable.
Billboard signs include signs, graphics and other displays for commercial, industrial, institutional, service or entertainment purposes, products, uses, or services conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than upon the same premises where the sign is located. Billboard signs shall be permitted, provided all of the following requirements are met:
Billboard signs shall not be erected within 1,000 feet of any existing residential dwelling, school, church or cemetery, said 1,000 feet being measured along the radius of a circle from the centermost point of the billboard structure extending in all directions.
Billboard signs shall maintain a separation distance between any existing or proposed billboard sign of 2,640 feet (1/2 mile) as measured along both sides of the same roadway frontage from the centermost point of the billboard structure along a line extending from the centermost point of the billboard sign, which is parallel to the center line of the roadway to which the billboard is oriented. Billboard signs in an adjacent municipality are subject to this separation requirement.
No billboard sign shall be located in or closer than 25 feet to any public right-of-way.
No billboard sign shall be located closer than 20 feet from any property line.
No billboard sign shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view from the road or street, of any existing business identification sign, residential or nonresidential structure or limit or reduce the light and ventilation requirements.
No billboard sign shall be constructed within the clear sight triangle of the public street or road on which it is situated and shall not in any case obstruct or impede traffic safety.
No billboard sign shall be erected over any sidewalk or public right-of-way.
A billboard sign shall not be part of a roof or wall, nor shall they be mounted on the roof, wall or other part of a building or any other structure.
A billboard sign shall have no more than two sign faces per sign, which may be placed back to back or in a V-shaped configuration having an interior angle of 90° or less.
A billboard sign shall have a maximum gross surface area of 200 square feet per sign face.
A billboard sign shall have a maximum height of 45 feet.
Construction methods. Billboard signs shall be constructed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Uniform Construction Code,[1] as now or hereafter adopted, and shall meet all of the following additional requirements:
A billboard sign shall have a maximum of one vertical support, being a maximum of three feet in diameter or width and without additional bracing or vertical supports.
A billboard sign face shall be independently supported and have vertical supports of metal that are galvanized or constructed of approved corrosive-resistant, noncombustible materials. Structures constructed with galvanized metal shall be painted or otherwise coated.
The one vertical support shall be capable of enabling the entire sign face to be able to withstand a minimum one-hundred-mile-per-hour wind load. Structural design computations shall be made and certified by a registered engineer and shall be submitted to the Township with the application for permit.
The entire base of the billboard sign shall be parallel to the sign face and shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery and/or bushes of minimum height of three feet placed in such manner as to screen the foundation of the structure.
A billboard sign with display lighting shall be constructed so that it does not produce glare upon adjoining properties and shall not exceed a maximum of 1.5 footcandles of illumination at the property boundary line. Lighting shall utilize down lighting that is directed to the billboard sign.
No display or lighting shall cause distraction, confusion, nuisance, or hazard to traffic, aircraft or other properties.
Permits and approval.
Prior to submission of an application for a sign permit, the applicant for a billboard sign shall obtain and submit with the application, approvals from any county, state or federal agency or the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when applicable.
The issuance of a sign permit for a billboard sign which has been granted approval shall be conditioned upon the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for billboard signs along state and federal highways. If the applicant fails to submit evidence of the required approval by PennDOT within 30 days of the issuance of the sign permit, the sign permit shall be revoked by the Township Code Enforcement Officer, who shall provide written notice to the applicant and PennDOT. The applicant may reapply for the required sign permit, upon submission of evidence of PennDOT approval, without payment of any additional sign permit fee, provided the application is re-filed within six months.
Liability insurance. The applicant for a sign permit to erect a billboard sign shall provide a certificate of insurance for public liability and property damage which indemnifies and holds the Township harmless. The amount of insurance to be maintained shall be determined and adjusted from time to time by the Township. The insurance certificate shall contain a clause stating that the insurance shall not be canceled or reduced without first giving 10 days' notice to the Township.
A billboard sign shall be entirely painted every three years, unless constructed of an approved corrosive-resistant material.
Every five years, the owner of the billboard sign which was erected following the adoption of this chapter shall have a structural inspection made of the billboard sign by a qualified Pennsylvania Registered Engineer and shall provide to the Township a certificate from the engineer certifying that the billboard sign is structurally sound.
Billboard signs found to be in violation of this chapter shall be brought into compliance or removed within 30 days upon proper notification by the Township.
Billboard signs using removable paper or other materials shall be maintained in such condition as to eliminate loose or frayed material protruding or hanging from the sign. All paper and other waste materials shall be removed from the site and disposed of properly whenever any sign face is changed.
Landscaping shall be regularly maintained through the growing season.
On-premises signs include signs, graphics and displays for commercial, industrial, institutional, service or entertainment purposes, products, uses or services conducted, sold or offered on the same premises where the sign is located. These signs are permitted, subject to the following:
Number of signs allowed per lot. The number of freestanding signs or displays allowed per lot or parcel of commercial property shall be as follows:
For lots having up to 100 linear feet of frontage on any public or private street, one sign not exceeding one square foot in area for every two linear feet of lot frontage, up to a maximum of 25 square feet in area.
For lots having 100 to 250 linear feet of frontage on any public or private street, one sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area.
For lots having 250 to 500 linear feet of frontage on any public or private street:
Two signs not exceeding 50 square feet in area each and having at least 250 feet between signs; or
One sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area.
Limitation on number of signs. Any business shall be limited to two on-premises freestanding signs advertising that business.
Sign location. All freestanding signs or displays shall be erected at least 10 feet from any property line or right-of-way, and shall be located outside all clear sight triangles or a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of the travel way, whichever is the greater distance.
Sign separation. No freestanding on-premises sign shall be erected within 250 feet of any other freestanding on-premises sign.
Sign location on premises. No freestanding on-premises sign shall be erected within 50 feet of any residences.
Sign height. No portion of any freestanding on-premises sign or display shall be more than 20 feet above the highest elevation of the natural grade immediately adjacent to the sign.
Sight hindrance. No freestanding sign or display shall be erected so as to block or obstruct the sight line of automobiles exiting from the premises.
Signs erected within the Township shall conform to the following individual requirements, as well as the general requirements stated in this chapter.
Pole signs. Pole signs shall be allowed as freestanding signs subject to the following, except as provided in Subsection H(2) for gasoline stations:
The permitted area of a pole sign shall be one square foot per five linear feet of lot frontage on which the sign or signs are to be erected, up to a maximum of five square feet in area.
The top of a pole sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height and the base of the sign face shall be at least seven feet above the ground.
Monument signs. Monument signs shall be allowed as freestanding signs, subject to the following:
The permitted area of a monument sign shall be one square foot per five linear feet of lot frontage on which the sign or signs are to be erected, up to a maximum of 32 square feet in area.
The height of a monument sign shall not exceed 16 feet.
Portable signs. Portable signs will be allowed as freestanding on-premises signs only under the following circumstances:
When a standard freestanding sign cannot be erected without creating a hazard to traffic.
Portable signs must conform to the general standards and size requirements of this chapter for on-premises signs.
Wall/window or marquee signs. Wall/window or marquee signs and displays attached to individual buildings or units shall be allowed in addition to the permitted freestanding signs and displays, and are subject to the following:
The permitted area of wall/window or marquee signs shall be one square foot for each five linear feet of building or unit front facade to which it is attached, not to exceed 32 square feet in area.
The top of all wall/window or marquee signs shall be below the roof line and at a height no greater than 20 feet above the ground immediately adjacent to the sign.
All wall signs shall be installed flat against the wall of a building and shall not extend from the wall more than 12 inches.
Theaters may erect one of the permitted wall or marquee signs with changeable copy board to display the name(s) and time(s) of the current motion picture or theatrical production.
Projecting signs. Projecting signs and displays attached to individual buildings or units shall be allowed in addition to the permitted freestanding signs and displays, subject to the following:
The permitted area of projecting signs shall be one square foot for each five linear feet of building or unit front facade to which it is attached, not to exceed 32 square feet.
The base of all projecting signs shall be no less than eight feet above the ground.
Projecting signs shall not be located or erected on the roof area of any building, shall be located only on the building walls, and may not project above the building roof line or roof ridge.
Projecting signs shall not project from the exterior wall of a building more than four feet.
Projecting signs shall not project into any public or private street right-of-way.
Awning or canopy signs. Awning or canopy signs and displays attached to individual buildings or units shall be allowed in addition to the permitted freestanding signs and displays, subject to the following:
The permitted area of awning or canopy signs shall be one square foot for each two linear feet of awning or canopy, up to a maximum of 16 square feet.
No awning or canopy sign shall extend above the top of the awning or canopy.
Multiple logos or insignias on an awning or canopy are prohibited.
Directional signs. Directional signs giving directional assistance for the convenience of the public, not exceeding four square feet per side in area or located closer than five feet to any property line, are permitted. Directional signs may be internally lit or illuminated by white light only.
If erected along the right-of-way and directing traffic to a facility or activity not located on the property on which the sign is erected, the sign shall:
Be limited in content to the name of the event, distance to the event in miles, and a directional arrow.
Under no circumstances reference any enterprise or activity which is more than eight miles from the sign location.
If clustered, have maximum dimensions of 36 inches by 48 inches.
If erected on the same private property on which the facility is located, the sign shall:
Be limited in content to the name of the business or enterprise, directional information and a directional arrow.
Not reference any additional enterprise which is not located on the same premises.
Not exceed eight square feet in area.
Gasoline station signs. Automobile service and gasoline stations shall comply with all applicable regulations within this subsection, including the regulations for shopping centers (if applicable), and the following additional regulations:
Changeable fuel price signs. Freestanding signs identifying the name of the business may include changeable copy indicating the current price of fuel dispensed on the premises.
Company pole signs. One pole sign may be erected on the lot of a gasoline service station for the purpose of advertising the brand of gasoline sold at such station.
Sign shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
Sign shall have a maximum area of 24 square feet per side.
Sign plazas. Where large numbers of either temporary or permanent directional or commercial advertising signs are justified, a sign plaza may be established. In these cases, allowable sign area may be consolidated and confined within a single frame or as a combination of sign panels within a sign plaza. Sign plazas are subject to the following:
Approval. Sign plazas shall be allowed only upon the approval of the Board of Supervisors as part of a land development application and shall be submitted to the Township Planning Commission for recommendations prior to submission to the Board of Supervisors for action.
A site plan shall accompany an application for a sign-plaza permit depicting adequate access, parking, drainage, size, shape, color, lighting, landscaping and manner of display.
The plan should include the total allowable sign area for the property, and the substituted area to be consolidated within the proposed sign plaza.
Home-occupation signs. On-premises identification signs for home occupations shall not exceed two signs, 32 square feet in area per side. Home-occupation signs shall contain only the name of the business and/or business owner.
Individual sign limitation. The number of marquee, wall/window, projecting, or awning or canopy signs permitted on an individual building is determined by the total exposed exterior wall surface square footage of the building as follows:
Less than 1,600 square feet: one sign.
Not more than 3,400 square feet: two signs.
More than 3,400 square feet: three signs.
Temporary signs may be erected in all districts only after obtaining a temporary sign permit, which shall cite the length of time the sign may be displayed.
The permit application shall be submitted along with a deposit fee as established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
Temporary signs must be removed within the time period specified herein.
Upon applicant certification that the signs have been removed, the deposit shall be returned.
Special-event signs. On-premises signs announcing special events including, but not limited to, auctions, grand openings, new management, going-out-of-business sales and events by religious, charitable or public service groups.
Any business, individual or organization may display a special event sign. A maximum of two special-event signs may be displayed for up to seven days prior to a special event.
Signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area each and shall be removed immediately following the event.
A special-event sign shall not be used to continuously advertise the same event.
Seasonal farm-products signs. Seasonal on-premises signs announcing the availability of seasonal farm products.
The number of signs shall not exceed two and the total area of all signs shall not exceed 32 square feet per side, nor shall any sign exceed six feet in height from ground level.
Seasonal farm-product signs shall not be erected more than 15 days in advance of the harvest of the produce in question, and shall be removed within 30 days from the end of harvest.
Construction signs. Construction signs announcing new buildings or projects, erected after the commencement of construction. Each construction site shall be limited to three construction signs not exceeding 20 square feet in area and feet in height from ground level which shall be removed by the time the permanent, on-premises sign is erected or a certificate of occupancy for the building is issued.
Political signs. Political signs larger than four square feet announcing political candidates seeking office, slates of candidates, political parties, and/or political and public issues appearing on a ballot shall be subject to the following requirements:
No person shall post any sign of any kind whatsoever upon public or private property without permission of the property owner.
Signs shall not be permitted on any utility poles, lighting poles or other similar structures.
Political signs shall not be posted more than 30 days in advance of the election to which they pertain and shall be removed within five calendar days following the election for which they were posted.
Political signs shall not exceed 16 square feet per side in area and shall not project higher than 10 feet from the base of the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is higher.
Signs advertising an individual candidate shall be placed at least 100 feet apart.
Political yard signs. Political signs four square feet or smaller than and announcing political candidates seeking office, slates of candidates, political parties, and/or political and public issues appearing on a ballot shall be subject to the following requirements:
No person shall post any sign of any kind whatsoever upon private property without permission of the property owner.
Signs shall not be permitted on utility poles, light poles or similar structures.
Political yard signs shall not be posted more than 30 days in advance of the election to which they pertain and shall be removed within five calendar days following the election for which they were posted.
Political yard signs shall not exceed four square feet per side in area and shall not project higher than five feet from the base of the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is higher.
Any sign lawfully existing or under construction before the date of enactment of these sign regulations or upon any date on which these regulations are amended, and any sign which is accessory to a nonconforming use, shall be deemed a nonconforming sign.
Modifications. Nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged, extended, structurally reconstructed or altered in any manner, except that the sign face (gross surface area portion of the sign) may be changed as long as the new sign face is equal to or reduced in height, sign area, and/or projection. A sign permit is not needed for a new sign face, or a change in the advertising content appearing on the sign face.
Removal. Nonconforming signs may remain, provided they are maintained in good repair, except for the following:
A nonconforming sign or the structure supporting the sign which is damaged or destroyed to the extent of 50% or more shall not be altered, replaced or reinstalled unless it is in conformance with these regulations. If the damage or destruction is less than 50%, the sign must be under repair within 60 days and all repairs must be completed within six months. The sign shall not be enlarged in any manner.
A nonconforming sign or the structure supporting the sign shall be removed according to the provisions of Subsection B of these section. Removal is required if the sign and/or the structure supporting the sign is damaged or destroyed to the extent of 50% or more.
Any sign, display or device allowed in this chapter may contain (in lieu of any other copy) lawful noncommercial messages that do not direct attention to a business operated for profit or to a commodity or service for sale. The sign, display or device must comply with all other requirements of this chapter.
All standards and provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Violations and penalties. Any person who violates or permits a violation of this chapter shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding brought before a Magisterial District Judge under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, be guilty of a summary offense and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs of prosecution. In default of payment thereof, the defendant may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days. Each day or portion thereof that such violation continues or is permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense, and each section of this chapter that is violated shall also constitute a separate offense.[1]
Equitable and other remedies. In addition to fines and penalties prescribed in Subsection A above, the Township may enforce this chapter by equitable, injunctive or other remedies of law, and shall recover from the violator(s) reasonable attorney's fees, court costs and other costs incurred by the Township in enforcing this chapter.
Unless otherwise specifically provided, references to "sign area" or "sign size" shall be deemed to be per sign side.