The provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to such exceptions, additions or modifications as herein provided by the following supplemental regulations.
Where one or more preexisting structures are located on adjacent lots within 150 feet in either direction of proposed structure, the setback of the proposed structure may conform to the average setback of the preexisting structures.
Any owner of camping and recreational equipment may park or store such equipment subject to the following conditions:
A. 
At no time shall such camping and recreational equipment parked or stored on the premises be occupied or used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes.
B. 
If the camping and recreational equipment is parked or stored outside of a garage, it shall be parked or stored to the rear of the front building line of the lot.
C. 
Camping and recreational equipment may be parked anywhere on the premises for loading or unloading purposes.
No living quarters shall be placed in a cellar dwelling or garage or in any other room or space having less than seven feet of ceiling clearance above the original ground level before excavation as measured from the front to the rear of the structure, with the exception of those homes which are designed to be constructed below ground level.
Notwithstanding the limitations imposed by any other provisions of this Chapter, the Zoning Officer may permit erection of a principal use on any lot with an area or a width smaller than that required for a principal use. In no case shall any principal use be permitted within the minimum building setback lines of a lot permitted in any district. It shall be the responsibility of the Zoning Officer to review all permits issued under this Section with both the Planning Commission within one month prior to the issuing of said permit and obtain signatures of both of these bodies that said permit has been reviewed.
Essential services as defined in this Chapter shall be permitted in all districts, subject to restrictions approved by the Board of Supervisors based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission with respect to use, design, yard area, setback and height.
A. 
This Chapter shall not be deemed to prohibit any otherwise lawful fence, hedge or wall in any residential district. No fence, hedge or wall in any residential district shall exceed 2 1/2 feet in height in any front yard. Fences, hedges, or other plantings, structures, or walls shall not be located at street corners so as to interfere with vision clearance across the corner lots. The height of such objects is restricted to 2 1/2 feet within in the sight triangle (area formed by extending thirty-foot lines along center lines of two streets from their intersection and joining their termini to form a triangular shape).
B. 
Barbed wire and/or electrified fences are not permitted in residential districts, with the exception of:
(1) 
Those lots qualifying, as specified in this Chapter, to maintain horses or ponies.
(2) 
Uses qualifying, as specified in this Chapter, as agricultural uses.
C. 
Chain-link, split-rail or similar fences used for containment cannot exceed a maximum height as defined herein. Chain-link or similar fences shall not exceed six feet. A split-rail type of fence shall not exceed four feet in height in a front yard so as to not cause a visual obstruction for circulation safety. Split-rail fences in other yards shall not exceed six feet. A split-rail type of fence shall not exceed three rails unless otherwise approved by the Township where the height dimensions of rail members shall not exceed the height of void space between said members.
D. 
Fences must be located on a single property as compared to being located on a property line, and provisions for maintenance of the fences and care of the property must be considered by the owner.
E. 
A building permit must be obtained from the Zoning Officer before any type of fence is erected.
F. 
Fences shall be defined to include a front and back face. The finished side of the fence shall be considered the front face and the front face shall be oriented toward the exterior of a lot so that a maximum of 80% of each structural member of the fence unless a split rail fence, shall be visible from an adjacent lot.
Measurement of height shall be the vertical height from the average elevation of finished grade at the front of the structure to:
A. 
In case of flat roof structures: highest point of coping.
B. 
In case of mansard roof structures: deckline of roof.
C. 
In case of gable or hipped roof: average height of roof. (A habitable attic shall be counted as a story.)
The height limitations of this Chapter shall not apply to flag poles, church spires, belfries, domes or similar projections not used for human occupancy or to chimneys, ventilations, skylights, water tanks, public utility facilities, bulkheads, silos, antenna and other necessary mechanical and operational apparatus usually carried above the roof level.
For purposes of measuring lot area on exceptionally deep lots, only that part of the depth which is less than six times the average width of the lot may be utilized in calculations.
A. 
Off-street parking requirements.
(1) 
All buildings and structures erected and all uses of land established after the adoption of this Chapter shall be provided with off-street parking spaces as set forth in this section. All driveways, off-street parking and loading shall have a dust-free surface approved by the Township.
(2) 
The provisions of this section, except where there is a change of use, shall not apply to any existing building or structure existing at the time of adoption of this Chapter.
(3) 
Whenever a building or structure constructed before the effective date of this Chapter is changed or enlarged, in floor area, number of employees, number of housing units, seating capacity, or otherwise to create a need for an increase in the number of parking spaces, additional parking spaces shall be provided on the basis of the enlargement or change. If a building or structure existing prior to the effective date of this Chapter is enlarged to the extent of 50% or more in floor area or number of housing units, shall then and thereafter comply with the full parking requirements set forth herein.
(4) 
Off-street parking facilities in existence on the effective date of this Chapter and located on the same lot as the building or use served shall not hereafter be reduced below the requirements for a similar new building or use under the provisions of this Chapter.
(5) 
The following regulations shall govern the location of off-street parking spaces and areas:
(a) 
Parking spaces for all detached residential uses shall be located on the same lot as the use which they are intended to serve. Each required off-street parking space shall have direct access to a public or private right-of-way.
(b) 
Parking spaces for apartments, dormitories, or similar residential uses shall be located not more than 300 feet from the principal use.
(c) 
No parking space shall be located in any manner on a public road right-of-way.
(d) 
A parking space shall have minimum rectangular dimensions of not less than nine feet in width and 23 feet in length, exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other circulating areas.
(e) 
Driveways and traffic aisles serving individual parking spaces shall be not less than 25 feet wide for ninety-degree parking, 12 feet wide for parallel parking, 17 1/2 feet for sixty-degree parking, and 13 feet for forty-five-degree parking. If parking spaces are indicated by lines with angles other than 90°, then traffic lanes shall be restricted to one-way, permitting head-in parking. No driveway or street used for interior circulation shall have traffic lanes less than 10 feet in width.
(f) 
The required off-street parking spaces for any number of separate buildings, structures or uses may be provided collectively on one lot providing the total number of such spaces shall not be less than the sum of the requirements for the various individual buildings, structures or uses computed separately in accordance with this section.
(g) 
When two or more uses are located within the same building or structure, off-street parking spaces equal in number to the sum of the separate requirements for each use shall be provided.
(h) 
All off-street parking areas required by this Chapter shall be used only for the parking of vehicles of occupants, patrons, visitors, or employees and shall not be used for any kind of loading, sales servicing, or continuous storage of a vehicles for more than 72 hours.
(i) 
For the purpose of this Chapter, the following parking space requirements shall apply. For those uses not specified, the West Deer Township Planning Commission shall maintain the discretion to determine the necessary parking requirements in keeping with the general purpose of this Chapter.
(j) 
Handicap parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of American with Disabilities Act.
A
RESIDENTIAL USES
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1
Apartment
1.5 spaces/dwelling unit and 0.5 visitor space/dwelling unit within 300 feet of each dwelling unit
2
Boardinghouse
1 space/3 beds and 1 space/employee on peak shift
3
Duplex
2 spaces/dwelling unit
4
Mobile home park
2 spaces/dwelling unit
5
Nursing/convalescent care facility
1 space/3 beds and 1 space/employee on peak shift
6
Planned residential development (PRD)
2 spaces/dwelling unit
7
Quadplex
2 spaces/dwelling unit and 0.5 visitor space/dwelling unit within 300 feet of each dwelling unit
8
Single-family attached dwelling
2 spaces/dwelling unit
9
Single-family detached dwelling
2 spaces/dwelling unit
10
Townhouse
2 spaces/dwelling unit and 0.5 visitor space/dwelling unit within 300 feet of each dwelling unit
B
NONRESIDENTIAL USES
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1
Accessory structures/uses
N/A
2
Adult-oriented establishment
1 space/100 square feet
3
Agriculture
N/A
4
Airport
For Township review and approval
5
Animal husbandry
N/A
6
Assembly or fabrication facility
1 space/employee on peak shift
7
Automobile sales/service
For Township review and approval
8
Automotive rental
For Township review and approval
9
Bakery
1 space/200 square feet of gross floor area
10
Bed and breakfast
1 space/guest room and 1 space/permanent resident
11
Billboard
For Township review and approval
12
Bowling alley
2 spaces/lane
13
Business and technology park
For Township review and approval
14
Business services
1 space/250 square feet of gross floor area
15
Campground
1 space per 2 sleeping sites
16
Car wash
3 stacking spaces/wash bay
17
Cemetery
1 space/500 square feet of gross floor area of office/admin/chapel/mausoleum/viewing room space and 1 space/employee on peak shift
18
Cinema
1 space/3 theater seats
19
Communication antenna
N/A
20
Communications tower
1 space
21
Conference and training center
For Township review and approval
22
Contractor's yard
1 space/200 square feet of gross floor area and 1 space/employee
23
Convenience store, neighborhood
1 space/200 square feet of gross floor area and 1 space/employee (does not include vehicle refueling positions)
24
Convenience store with gasoline
1 space/500 square above the first 2,000 square feet
25
Country club/golf course
6 spaces/hole and 1 space/employee on peak shift
26
Day-care center
1 space/staff on peak shift and 1 space/5 students
27
Day-care home
2 spaces and 1 space/employee on peak shift
28
Driving range
2 spaces/tee
29
Essential services
1 space/employee on peak shift
30
Financial institution
1 space/200 square feet of gross floor area and 1 space/employee on peak shift and 5 off-street waiting spaces/drive-in window
31
Flex space
1 space/1,000 square feet + 1/employee on peak shift
32
Food packaging facility
1 space/employee on peak shift
33
Forestry
N/A
34
Funeral home
1 space/3 seats in the first viewing room parlor and 10 spaces/each additional parlor
35
Garage, automobile repair
2 spaces/service bay
36
Garage, public
N/A
37
Garage, private
N/A
38
Garden center/nursery
N/A
39
Gas and oil production
1 space/well
40
Home-based business, no-impact
1 space/dwelling unit (in addition to residential requirement)
41
Home-based business, other
1 space/dwelling unit (in addition to residential requirement)
42
Hospital
1 space/2 beds and 1 space/employee on peak shift
43
Hotel/motel
1 space/employee on peak shift and 1 space/employee unit; and additional regulations for restaurant/bar/conference room if accessory use open to general public
44
Keeping of horses, boarding
N/A
45
Keeping of horses, personal
N/A
46
Kennel, animal
1 space/employee on peak shift
47
Library
1 space/600 square feet
48
Manufacturing, heavy
1 space/2,000 square feet of net floor area
49
Manufacturing, light
greater of 1 space/750 square feet of gross floor area or 1 space/employee on peak shift
50
Massage therapy establishment
1 space/table
51
Medical clinic
5 spaces/doctor on duty
52
Military related facility
For Township review and approval
53
Municipal administration facility
1 space/employee on peak shift
54
Office, business, < 5,000 square feet
1 space/500 square above the first 2,000 square feet
55
Office, business, > 5,000 square feet and < 40,000 square feet
1 space/500 square feet above the first 2,000 square feet
56
Office, business, > 40,000 square feet
1 space/500 square feet above the first 2,000 square feet
57
Office, medical
3 spaces/exam room + 1 per employee during peak shift
58
Office, professional
1 space/200 square feet of gross floor area
59
Open space
For Township review and approval
60
Parking areas
N/A
61
Parks
For Township review and approval
62
Personal services
1 space/500 square feet above the first 2,000 square feet
63
Pharmacy
1 space/500 square feet above the first 2,000 square feet
64
Place of assembly
1 space/8 seats in the largest meeting room
65
Place of worship
1 space/8 seats in the largest meeting room
66
Planned nonresidential development (PNRD)
For Township review and approval
67
Post office
N/A
68
Printer/publisher
1 space/500 square feet above the first 2,000 square feet
69
Private club
1 space/500 square feet above the first 2,000 square feet
70
Public/private works
1 space/employee on peak shift and 1 space/service vehicle stored on lot
71
Research and development facility
1 space/500 square feet of gross floor area
72
Restaurant-with drive through
1 space/500 square feet open to the public and 1 space/employee on peak shift
73
Restaurant-no drive through
1 space/2 patrons during peak seating and 1 space/employee on peak shift
74
Retail/business store, <10,000 square feet
1 space/200 square feet of gross floor area
75
Retail/business store, >10,000 square feet and <40,000 square feet
1 space/500 square feet of gross floor area
76
Retail/business store >40,000 square feet
1 space/500 square feet of gross floor area
77
Roadside stand
N/A
78
School, commercial
1 space/3 seats utilized at maximum capacity or 1 space/200 square feet of gfa, whichever is greater
79
School, academic
Elementary and junior high: 1 space/staff employee on peak shift and 1 space/classroom
Secondary and post-secondary: 1 space/staff and 4 spaces/classroom
80
Self-service storage facility (mini warehouse)
1 space/2 employees, plus 1 space/10 storage units
81
Senior center
3 spaces/meeting room + 1/employee
82
Social club
1 space/200 square feet of net floor area
83
Social services agency
1 space/employee
84
Tavern/bar
1 space/50 square feet of public or net floor area and 1 space/employee on peak shift
85
Temporary structure
N/A
86
Veterinary services
1 space/employee and 2 spaces/exam room
87
Warehouse/distribution center
1 space/employee on peak shift or 0.5 space/1,000 square feet (whichever is greater)
88
Wholesale operation
1 space/employee on peak shift
89
All other uses
Determined by Township upon review of parking study
B. 
Employee parking requirements. In addition to the parking requirements, as listed in this section, unless otherwise stated, each business operation or activity employing two or more employees shall provide one off-street parking space for each two employees or fraction thereof. When specific uses are not known at the time of site plan approval, reasonable estimates for the most intensive use contemplated will be required.
C. 
Loading requirements.
(1) 
In addition to the off-street parking spaces required, any building erected, converted, or enlarged for any nonresidential use shall provide adequate off-street areas for loading and unloading of vehicles. Minimum loading requirements shall be defined by the Township.
(2) 
Loading spaces as required for each use shall be properly located to prevent the movement and turning of vehicles on state, Township and/or private streets. All loading activities must take place in specifically designated areas for turning and loading, exclusive of those area designated for parking or some other use.
(3) 
The minimum size loading space shall have 15 feet of overhead clearance, and shall be 15 feet by 35 feet long, exclusive of access and turning areas.
No building in the rear of a principal building on the same lot may be used for living purposes in a residential district.
No lot or premises shall be used as a garbage dump, or a dead animal rendering plant. No manure, rubbish, or miscellaneous refuse may be stored in the open within any district where the same may be construed as a menace to public health or safety. No exceptions shall be made except by official governmental action.
Private swimming pools, permanently fixed or portable, but not including farm ponds or open tanks, capable of containing water to a depth at any point greater than two feet, are permitted, provided:
A. 
They are located in the side and/or rear yard setback as per the minimum yard setback requirements of the zoning district in which the property is located.
B. 
They are completely enclosed by a protection barrier at least four feet in height to protect persons or animals from trespassing and to assure they are not subject to danger or harm.
C. 
All openings in the barrier are equipped with gates or doors which shall be locked when not in use.
The following may project into the required yard as established herein:
A. 
Steps or stoops not exceed 25 square feet in the front area of lot.
B. 
Eaves, cornices and belt courses not exceeding two feet.
C. 
Open fire escapes not exceeding 54 inches.
D. 
Porches, patios or decks not exceed 10 feet into front area of lot.
For the keeping of horses, personal and keeping of horses, boarding, the following acreages shall apply:
A. 
In the R and R-1 Zoning Districts three acres shall be provided for the first horse. For each horse thereafter, an additional acre of land shall be provided.
B. 
In the R-2 Zoning District, five acres shall be provided for the first horse. For each horse thereafter, an additional acre of land shall be provided.
Signs may be erected and maintained only when in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter and any and all ordinances and regulations of the Township of West Deer, relating to the erection, alteration or maintenance of signs.
A. 
Aspect ratio. Shall be defined as a signs width divided by its height. Example, a four-foot by three-foot sign would have an AR of 4:3 or 1.33:1.
B. 
Classes of signs.
(1) 
The following are the definitions of classes of signs which may or may not be permitted in the Township.
(a) 
Bulletin sign: a type of changeable copy sign constructed to allow letters or symbols to be changed periodically such as those used by churches and schools to announce events.
(b) 
Changeable-copy sign: a sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged by computer, electronically or mechanically without altering the face or surface of the sign.
(c) 
Freestanding signs: a sign supported on a foundation or by one or more uprights, poles or braces permanently affixed to the ground and not attached to any building or other structure, including:
[1] 
Ground sign: a freestanding sign which is affixed to the ground by means of a permanent foundation and which provides a maximum clearance of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level.
[2] 
Pole sign: a freestanding sign which is supported by one or more poles, uprights or braces and which has a minimum clearance between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level, as specified by this Chapter.
(d) 
Indirectly illuminated sign: a sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices external to, and reflected on the sign, which lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times and which is shielded so that the illumination is concentrated on the face of the sign and there is no spillover of illumination or glare beyond the face of the sign.
(e) 
Internally illuminated sign: a sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices internal to the sign, which lighting is either behind the face of the sign or an integral part of the sign structure and the advertising effect.
(f) 
Nonconforming sign: a sign, properly designated as such in accordance with this Chapter, as amended.
(g) 
Off-premises directional sign: a sign erected by a governmental agency which directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to the location of a public building or use or a semipublic building or use such as a church, school, park, municipal building, or similar use and which is located in a public street right-of-way with the permission of the owner of the right-of-way or on premises other than the premises where said building or use is located with the permission of the owner. Off-premises directional signs shall not include billboards, as defined herein, or any other off-premises sign which contains information regarding any commercial or business use.
(h) 
Overhanging sign: a sign, other than a wall sign, affixed to a building or wall whose leading edge extends beyond such building or wall more than six inches.
(i) 
Roof sign: a sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof or any building which projects no more than six feet above the roof.
(j) 
Wall sign: a sign attached to and erected parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building, projecting outward no more than six inches from the wall of the building.
(2) 
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, noncommercial copy may be substituted for commercial copy on any lawful sign structure.
C. 
Types of signs. The following are definitions of types of signs which may or may not be permitted in the Township.
(1) 
A-frame or sandwich-board sign: signs typically having triangular open ends with the sides of the sign resting on the ground as the main support. These signs are considered non-permanent, which may or may not be portable.
(2) 
Agricultural sales sign: a temporary sign permitted in connection with any operating farm used only to announce the sale of seasonal products raised on the premises.
(3) 
Business identification sign: a sign which contains the name, address and goods, services, facilities or events available on the premises.
(4) 
Construction sign: a temporary sign announcing the name of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises.
(5) 
Development sign: a temporary sign erected during the period of construction and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or their agent.
(6) 
Home occupation or home office identification sign: a sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises and their occupation. No logos or other advertising shall be permitted.
(7) 
Notification sign: signs bearing legal and/or property notices, such as: no trespassing, private property, no turnaround, safety zone, no hunting and similar messages and signs posted by a governmental agency for traffic control or the safety of the general public.
(8) 
On-premises directional sign: a sign which directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to parking areas, proper exits, loading areas, entrance points and similar information on the premises on which it is located.
(9) 
Overhead banner sign: a sign which is temporary erected overhead spanning the length of a roadway or open space, providing a minimum of 15 feet of clearance above the ground.
(10) 
Political sign: a temporary sign which indicates the name, cause or affiliation of anyone seeking public office or which refers to an issue concerning which a public election is scheduled to be held. Temporary political signs shall not be considered billboards.
(11) 
Portable or wheeled sign: a sign which is temporary and capable of being carried or moved about without a permanent base attached to the ground. This shall also include all symbols, logos, balloons or other portable signs.
(12) 
Real estate sign: a temporary sign advertising the sale or rental of premises. The signs may also bear the words sold, sale pending or rented across its face.
(13) 
Residential identification sign: a sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises.
(14) 
Residential plan identification sign: a permanent wall or free standing ground sign containing only the name and address of a plan or subdivision or a multifamily building or development.
(15) 
Temporary special event display sign: a banner, flag, pennant, or similar display constructed of durable material and affixed to the wall of a building or portable or wheeled signs erected for a period of less than 30 days whose sole purpose is to advertise a grand opening or other special event.
D. 
General regulations. The following regulations shall apply to signs in all zoning districts.
(1) 
Restricted signs. The following signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district:
(a) 
Portable or wheeled signs, other than temporary special event display signs authorized by this Chapter.
(b) 
Banners and pennants, other than temporary special event display signs authorized by this Chapter.
(c) 
Moving, rotating, swinging, animated or flashing signs, except for that portion of a permitted sign which indicates time, temperature and those changeable signs referenced here within.
(d) 
Signs on trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices or signs.
(e) 
Signs which imitate traffic control devices.
(f) 
Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or free standing walls.
(g) 
Roof signs, as defined herein.
(h) 
Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, other than temporarily for overnight storage on the site of a business or for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering a service at any location, which are visible from the public right-of-way and where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.
E. 
Lots with multiple street frontage. In all zoning districts, lots fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one sign which is authorized per lot on each street frontage.
F. 
Temporary signs. In all zoning districts where authorized, real estate, construction and development signs shall be considered temporary signs which shall be removed upon completion of sale, rental or construction.
G. 
Notification signs. In all zoning districts, the number, location and size of legal notification signs erected by public agencies shall be in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth. In all zoning districts, legal notification signs posted on private property by property owners such as no trespassing, no hunting and the like shall be limited to a surface area not exceeding two square feet. The placement and maximum number of signs permitted along road frontages shall be one for every 100 feet of road frontage.
H. 
Location. All signs shall be located on the premises of the establishment, person, activity, product or service to which they refer, unless approved as a billboard or off-premises directional sign in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter. In addition, signs not attached to a building shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from a lot line, street or right-of-way line, or any other required buffer area.
I. 
Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device. No sign, other than official traffic signs, shall hang over or be erected within 10 feet of the right-of-way of any street.
J. 
Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this Chapter, shall be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties or streets. Flashing signs shall not be permitted. Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times. The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign, whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so as to not create glare and to be compatible with the intensity of ambient light and illumination on surrounding properties.
K. 
Maintenance and inspection. All signs must be constructed of a durable material and maintained in good condition. If any sign becomes dilapidated to the point that it constitutes an unsightly or hazardous condition it shall be declared to be a public nuisance and the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner in writing to repair or remove the sign within 10 days. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense for time, equipment and disposal fees.
L. 
Removal of signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated, all signs relating to the discontinued or vacated business shall be removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinuance of the business. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.
M. 
Permits required. No permit shall be required for the following type of signs as described above:
(1) 
Notification and construction signs. Permits for all other authorized signs shall be required. The Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission of an application which complies with all applicable provisions of this Chapter and payment of the required fee established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the Township of West Deer.
N. 
Sign area. The area of a sign shall be computed based on the following:
(1) 
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself.
(2) 
The area of a sign painted upon or applied to a building shall be considered to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.
(3) 
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 total area within the outer most perimeters of the sign.
(4) 
In computing the square foot area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered provided both faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(5) 
In computing the sign area for figurines or logos, the square foot area shall be computed as two times the height times the average width.
O. 
Signs authorized in all zoning districts. The following signs are authorized in all zoning districts:
(1) 
One bulletin sign which is nonilluminated or indirectly or internally illuminated and which does not exceed 12 square feet in surface area shall be permitted in connection with any church, school, library or similar public or semipublic building.
(2) 
One nonilluminated temporary real estate sign or development sign advertising the sale or lease of the property on which the sign is located shall be permitted provided the surface area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet in any residential zoning district or 32 square feet in any other zoning district. Such signs shall be removed upon the sale, lease, or completion of the development of the property.
(3) 
One nonilluminated temporary construction sign announcing the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work.
(4) 
One nonilluminated temporary special event display sign, as defined by this Chapter, shall be permitted to be erected over a public right-of-way or on the face of a public building, church or building housing a nonprofit organization, provided that the area of the signs shall not exceed 40 square feet and provided the sign is displayed for a period no longer than 15 days and is removed within five days following the event that it is erected to promote. No such temporary special event display sign shall be permitted to be erected over a public right-of-way without permission of the Zoning Officer.
(5) 
One nonilluminated home occupation or home office identification sign shall be permitted for an approved home occupation, provided that the surface area of the sign does not exceed two square feet and the sign shall contain only the name and occupation of the resident and shall not contain any logo or other advertising.
(6) 
Nonilluminated temporary political signs erected during a political campaign shall be permitted, provided that they are not of a type restricted by this Chapter and provided that the surface area of such signs shall not exceed six square feet. Temporary political signs are permitted to be displayed for a period of 30 days prior to an election date and shall be removed within five days after the election for which they were erected. Signs not promptly or completely removed within the specified time period shall be removed by the Township at the expense of the candidate.
(7) 
Changeable signs shall be permitted in all districts for municipal and public buildings and grounds provided setbacks and all other regulations are met within the designated zoning district.
P. 
Signs authorized in R, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 zoning districts. The following signs shall be permitted in all residential zoning districts:
(1) 
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated permanent wall or freestanding ground residential plan identification sign containing only the street address and/or name of a residential subdivision plan or multifamily building or development which shall not exceed six square feet in area. A sign identifying the name of a residential subdivision may be affixed to a freestanding decorative wall, rather than to a building wall, provided that the decorative wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements and does not obstruct visibility for traffic entering or leaving the plan.
(2) 
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground business identification sign for any nonresidential use, other than a home occupation, authorized as a conditional use or use by special exception in residential zoning districts shall not exceed six square feet in area.
(3) 
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground business identification sign for a lawfully maintained nonconforming use in residential zoning districts which shall not exceed six square feet in area.
(4) 
One nonilluminated free standing ground agricultural sales sign shall be permitted in conjunction with on-site sale of farm products, provided the sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall not be located within 10 feet of any public street right-of-way.
Q. 
Signs authorized in commercial zoning districts. The following signs shall be permitted in all C-1 and C-2 Commercial Zoning Districts:
(1) 
Temporary special event display, temporary special event displays, as defined by this Chapter, shall be permitted, provided that:
(a) 
No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted on any establishment at any one time.
(b) 
The temporary special event display signs shall be securely attached to the building or to the supporting structure of a freestanding pole business identification sign.
(c) 
Temporary special event display signs shall be displayed for a period not exceeding 30 days, either consecutively or cumulatively, in any twelve-month period.
(d) 
The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs shall not exceed 32 square feet per establishment. In the event that there is more than one establishment on a site, the maximum aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs on the site at any one time shall not exceed 64 square feet.
(e) 
Temporary special event display signs shall be nonilluminated.
(f) 
Directional signs. On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted. On lots with areas of one acre or more, a maximum of six nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted on the first acre. For each additional acre or fraction thereof over one acre, two additional directional signs shall be permitted per acre on the additional acreage.
(g) 
Changeable-copy signs. One nonilluminated or internally illuminated changeable-copy sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, and shall be permanently affixed to the wall of the building or to the supporting structure of an authorized freestanding sign on the lot, provided that:
[1] 
No authorized business identification sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.
[2] 
The maximum surface area of the changeable-copy sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(2) 
Business identification signs.
(a) 
Wall signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted to have one wall sign which may be illuminated or nonilluminated, provided that:
[1] 
The maximum surface area does not exceed 32 square feet.
(b) 
Ground signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
[1] 
No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.
[2] 
The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
[3] 
The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street.
[4] 
Ground signs shall be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be permitted.
(c) 
Pole signs. In additional to the authorized wall signs, one freestanding pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
[1] 
No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.
[2] 
The pole sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated.
[3] 
The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 20 feet.
[4] 
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be eight feet.
[5] 
The maximum size of the freestanding pole sign shall not exceed 32 square feet and dimensionally shall have an aspect ratio of not greater than two.
[6] 
No portion of any sign shall project over any public right-of-way.
(d) 
Overhanging signs. Overhanging signs shall be permitted only in place of a wall sign in the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts. Overhanging signs shall include: marquees, awnings or similar structures, if they are used for business identification. The maximum surface area of an overhanging sign shall be 32 square feet.
(e) 
Total aggregated sign area. The total aggregated sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet for one business or 64 square feet for a group of two or more businesses on one parcel, tract or lot.
R. 
Industrial zoning districts. The following signs are permitted in all industrial zoning districts.
(1) 
Temporary special event display, temporary special event displays, as defined by this Chapter, shall be permitted, provided that:
(a) 
No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted on any establishment at any one time.
(b) 
The temporary special event display signs shall be securely attached to the building or to the supporting structure of a freestanding pole business identification sign.
(c) 
Temporary special event display signs shall be displayed for a period not exceeding 30 days, either consecutively or cumulatively, in any twelve-month period.
(d) 
The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs shall not exceed 32 square feet per establishment. In the event that there is more than one establishment on a site, the maximum aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs on the site at any one time shall not exceed 64 square feet.
(2) 
Temporary special event display signs shall be nonilluminated.
(3) 
Directional signs. On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted. On lots with areas of one acre or more, a maximum of six nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted on the first acre. For each additional acre or fraction thereof over one acre, two additional directional signs shall be permitted per acre on the additional acreage.
(4) 
Changeable-copy signs. In addition to the authorized business identification signs, one nonilluminated or internally illuminated changeable-copy sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, which shall not exceed 30 square feet in area and which shall be permanently affixed to the wall of the building or to the supporting structure of an authorized freestanding sign on the lot.
(5) 
Wall signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted to have wall signs which may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The aggregate area of all wall signs shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of width of the front wall of the building, or portion of the building, occupied by the business with a maximum aggregated are of 64 square feet.
(6) 
Ground signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a) 
No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.
(b) 
The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
(c) 
The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street.
(d) 
Ground signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be permitted.
(7) 
Pole signs. In addition to the authorized wall signs, one free standing pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a) 
No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.
(b) 
The pole sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated. The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 20 feet.
(c) 
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be eight feet.
(d) 
The maximum size of the free standing pole sign shall not exceed 64 square feet and dimensionally shall have an aspect ratio of not greater than two.
(e) 
No portion of any sign shall project over any public right-of-way.
(8) 
Overhanging signs. Overhanging signs shall be permitted only in place of a wall sign in the industrial zoning districts. Overhanging signs shall include: marquees, awnings or similar structures, if they are used for business identification. The maximum surface area of an overhanging sign shall be 24 square feet.
(9) 
Total aggregated sign area. The total aggregated sign area shall not exceed 64 square feet for one business or 128 square feet for a group of two or more businesses on one parcel, tract or lot.
S. 
The maximum square footage for a business sign in the Village District shall be 10 square feet.