[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 1]
1.
This Part regulates the number, size, placement, and physical characteristics
of signs. The regulations are not intended to, and do not, restrict,
limit, or control the content or message of signs. The regulations
of this Part apply to all zoning districts in the Township.
2.
For purposes of this Part, a sign is defined as: "any permanent or
temporary structure or part thereof inclusive of, but not limited
to, flags, banners, or whirlygigs or any device attached, painted,
or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface
that shall display or include any letter, word, insignia, flag, or
representation used as or that is in the nature of an advertisement,
announcement, visual communication, direction, or is designed to attract
the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public. Flags
of any governmental unit or branch of any charitable or religious
organization, interior signs not visible from a public right-of-way
or adjoining property, and cornerstones built into or attached to
a wall of a building shall not be construed to be "signs."
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 2]
No sign may be erected unless it conforms with the regulations
of this Part. Sign permits must be approved prior to erection of the
sign.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 3]
1.
The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this Part,
but may be subject to other Township ordinances:
A.
Signs inside a building, not visible from a right-of-way, private
or public road, or other private property.
B.
Building street address numbers.
C.
Signs carved into or part of materials that are on an integral and
permanent part of the building, noting the name of the building and
its date of erection.
D.
Garage or yard sale signs no larger than four square feet, displayed
for a maximum duration of 48 hours per year.
E.
Public and/or government signs, including traffic or similar regulatory
devices.
F.
Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection
with a commercial promotion.
G.
Non-illuminated warning, private drive, posted, or no trespassing
signs, not exceeding four square feet per face.
I.
Non-illuminated window signs and posters not exceeding 10% of the
window surface.
J.
One temporary sign for a seasonal roadside stand selling agricultural
produce grown on the premises, providing that such sign shall not
exceed four square feet in area, shall be set back a minimum of 10
feet from any property line, and shall remain on the site only for
that portion of the year that the stand is in active use.
K.
Non-illuminated, on-premises directional signs for the convenience
of the general public, such as those identifying public parking areas,
fire zones, and entrances and exits; not exceeding four square feet
per face and no more than six feet above the ground.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 4]
1.
The following signs are prohibited:
A.
Signs placed or painted on a vehicle or vehicle trailer and parked
with the primary purpose of providing a sign for a business, use,
event, or similar function.
B.
A sign that copies or imitates or in any way approximates an official
highway sign or carries the words "Stop," "Danger," "Go Slow," "Caution,"
"Warning," or similar terms.
C.
Any sign in, or projecting into, a public right-of-way.
D.
A sign or illumination that causes any direct glare into or upon
any building or street, other than the building to which the sign
may be accessory.
E.
Abandoned signs, defined as those on-premises signs that advertise
an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted or
available on the premises.
F.
Any sign advertising activities, services, products or uses not located,
made, sold, used, or served on the premises displaying such sign.
G.
Billboards.
H.
Roof signs or signs on dormers or balconies.
I.
Strobe lights and signs containing strobe lights.
J.
Animated signs, defined as having moving parts or lighting that creates
the illusion of moving parts, except those portions of a sign indicating
time and/or temperature.
K.
Signs that emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odors.
L.
Signs consisting of pennants, spinners, or streamers, or inflatable
signs, except as short-term temporary on-site commercial event signs
as permitted in this Part.
M.
Any sign that impairs, or causes confusion to, vehicular or pedestrian
traffic in its design, color, or placement, as determined by the Police
Department of Cumberland Township.
N.
Any sign mounted or attached to a tree or utility pole in the public
right-of-way.
O.
Any sign located in a rear yard.
P.
Any sign that is not included under the types of signs permitted
in specific district regulations or in this Part.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 5]
1.
Sign Face Area.
A.
The area of sign faces enclosed in frames or cabinets shall be determined
based on the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding
the sign face. Sign area shall not include foundations, supports,
and other essential structures that do not serve as a backdrop or
border to the sign. Only one side of a double-faced sign shall be
counted in the calculation of sign face area.
B.
When a sign shall be on a base material and attached without a frame,
such as a wood or plastic panel, the dimensions of the base material
shall be used unless it is clear that part of the base contains no
sign, related display, or decoration.
C.
When signs shall be constructed of individual pieces or letters attached
to a building wall, sign area shall be determined by a perimeter drawn
around all the pieces or letters.
D.
For sign structures containing multiple modules oriented in the same
direction, the modules taken together shall be counted as one sign
face.
E.
The maximum surface area visible at one time of a round or three-dimensional
sign shall be calculated to determine total sign area.
2.
Height of Signs. The overall height of a sign or sign structure shall
be measured from the grade directly below the sign to the highest
point of the sign or sign structure.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 6]
1.
The lawful use of a sign or signs existing at the time of adoption
of this Part may be continued, even though the sign does not conform
to the regulations and limitations of this Part, until one or more
of the following occurs:
A.
The structure, size, location, advertising display matter, or accessories
of any or all signs previously granted approval and permits, are altered,
modified, changed, reconstructed, or moved.
B.
The structure, size, location, advertising display matter, lettering,
color scheme, or accessories of any or all signs on the property for
which approval and/or permits have not been granted are altered, modified,
changed, reconstructed, or moved.
C.
Buildings, structures, or site improvements on the property upon
which the sign is placed are altered in such a way as to require subdivision
or land development plan approval.
D.
Any or all signs on the property are damaged or destroyed by fire,
explosion, or act of God to the extent of more than 60% of the actual
value thereof.
E.
Any or all signs on the property are abandoned.
F.
Any or all signs on the property fall into a state of disrepair and/or
become unsafe.
2.
Ordinary maintenance and repairs may be made to any nonconforming
sign provided the structure, advertising display matter, lettering,
color scheme, or accessories are not altered, modified, changed, reconstructed,
or moved, and provided that such ordinary maintenance and repairs
do not exceed 20% of the value of the sign in any one-year period.
3.
Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to require any
change in the plans or construction of any sign upon which actual
construction was lawfully initiated prior to the effective date of
this Part. Actual construction is hereby defined as the actual placing
of the sign and/or structure materials in their permanent position
in compliance with the previously obtained approval and permits.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 7]
1.
Where more than one sign is permitted for the same activity, all
signs should be coordinated with respect to color, letter style, illumination,
and other graphic features.
2.
In multiple owner/tenant occupancies, the various signs required
for identification of different activities should be coordinated with
respect to placement on the building facade, legibility, and illumination,
and should express integration of design and a harmonious appearance.
3.
All signs should be legible and visible for the purpose and circumstances
in which they are used.
4.
Sign(s) shall be considered a site plan and architectural feature
of the proposed development, and as such, should be coordinated in
size, height, color, illumination, location, graphic design, and finish
detailing with the building(s), landscaping, area lighting, and vehicular
and pedestrian circulation, and shall be shown on drawings with and
considered in conjunction with uses where land development approval
is required.
5.
Where different uses are permitted side-by-side or on adjoining properties,
signs permitted for one property or tenancy should not adversely affect
the identification and reasonable use of the neighboring property
or tenancy.
6.
Where signs are to be placed near residential uses, sign height,
size, location, and illumination shall be adjusted to ensure minimum
impact on the residential uses.
7.
Illumination. Where illumination of signs is permitted, such illumination shall only be between sundown and 11:00 p.m. (or later as permitted under § 27-103 of the Zoning Ordinance of Cumberland Township of 2003 [Chapter 27]). Illumination shall be of an even intensity at all times. Illumination may be direct (giving forth light from the interior of the sign through translucent material) or it may be indirect (when the light source is not visible form any adjoining property or street and is directed upon the sign). Direct lighting shall illuminate the letters, characters, or graphics on the sign but not its background. In addition:
A.
Illumination should be appropriate to the character of the sign and
its surroundings, and shall not adversely illuminate or shadow surrounding
properties, uses, or streets and roads.
B.
No sign shall be illuminated in such a manner so as to diminish or
detract in any way from the effectiveness of any traffic signal or
similar safety or warning device.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 8]
1.
All non-temporary signs installed after the effective date of this
Part shall have attached to the sign a durable metal nameplate giving
the sign permit number and the name and address of the owner, person,
or corporation responsible for the general requirements and maintenance
as outlined herein.
2.
All internally illuminated signs shall be constructed in conformance
with the "Standards for Electric Signs" (U.L. 48) of Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., and bear the seal of Underwriters Laboratories,
Inc. If such a sign does not bear the Underwriters Laboratories label,
the sign shall be inspected and certified by a fire underwriting agency.
3.
All transformers, wires, and similar items shall be concealed. All
wiring to freestanding signs shall be underground.
4.
All signs, including attached wall, projecting, and suspended wall
signs, shall be securely anchored and shall not swing or move in any
manner.
5.
All signs, sign finishes, supports, and electric work shall be kept
clean, neatly painted, and free from all hazards such as, but not
limited to; faulty wiring, and loose supports, braces, guys, and anchors.
6.
All signs shall be painted and/or fabricated in accordance with generally
accepted sign industry standards.
7.
All signs and sign structures shall be erected and attached totally
within the site.
8.
Sight Triangle Area. No sign may be located within a sight triangle area as defined in the Zoning Ordinance of Cumberland Township of 2003 [Chapter 27]. No support structure(s) for a sign may be located in sight triangle area unless the combined cross-sectional area is 36 square inches or less.
9.
Vehicle Area Clearances. When a sign shall extend over an area where
vehicles travel or are parked, the bottom of the sign shall be at
least 14 feet above grade. Vehicle areas shall include, but are not
limited to, driveways, alleys, parking lots, and loading and maneuvering
areas.
10.
Pedestrian Area Clearances. When a sign shall extend over sidewalks,
walkways, or other spaces accessible to pedestrians, the bottom of
the sign shall be at least 8 1/2 feet above grade.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 9]
1.
No more than two wall, projecting, and awning signs advertising occupations,
employment, enterprise, or businesses, or products or uses made, sold,
used, or served on the premises displaying such signs, shall be permitted
for every 30 feet of building frontage. In addition, the following
regulations shall apply for all sign types other than freestanding
signs:
A.
Attached Wall Sign. Any sign posted, painted, or constructed, attached
and parallel to the plane of the building wall, facade, marquee, or
porch of any structure shall:
B.
Suspended Wall Sign. Any sign that is suspended from a building wall,
facade, marquee, or porch by means of brackets, hooks, chains, etc.,
and whose face is parallel to the plane of said building wall, facade,
marquee, or porch shall:
(1)
Not project more than 12 inches from the face of the wall to
which it is mounted.
(2)
Not extend beyond the ends or over the top of the wall to which
it is mounted.
(3)
In multi-story buildings, be located no higher than the first
floor.
(4)
Not exceed 70% of the width of the tenancy or building wall
to which it is mounted.
(5)
Be securely anchored and shall not swing or move in any manner.
C.
Projecting Sign. A sign that is attached to a building wall, facade,
marquee, or porch and that extends more than 12 inches from the face
of such building wall, facade, marquee, or porch shall:
D.
Window Sign. A non-permanent sign applied or attached to the interior
of a window, or located in such manner within a building that it can
be seen from the exterior of the structure through a window, shall
not exceed 25% of the area of the window.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 10]
1.
The maximum sign area permitted for wall, projecting, window, and
awning signs advertising occupations, employment, enterprise, or businesses,
or products or uses made, sold, used, or served on the premises displaying
such signs shall be determined by the position of the sign(s) relative
to the building setback line, but in no case shall exceed 7 1/2%
of the wall area on which the signs are attached, suspended, or projected,
including window and awning signs:
A.
Where the sign(s) are at the building setback line, the maximum sign
area shall be 30 square feet.
B.
For every additional three feet that the sign(s) are set back beyond
the building setback line, an additional one square foot of area above
the 30 square foot maximum shall be permitted, to a maximum area of
7 1/2% of the wall area on which the sign(s) are attached, suspended,
or projected, including window and awning signs.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 11]
1.
One sign standing on the ground or supported from the ground by one
or more poles, posts, or similar uprights with or without brackets,
and advertising occupations, employment, enterprise, or businesses,
or products or uses made, sold, used, or served on the premises displaying
such sign shall be permitted per existing street frontage and shall:
A.
Be located not less than 15 feet from any street ultimate right-of-way,
front or side property line, or equal to the height of said sign,
whichever is greater.
B.
Be located not more than 200 feet from any street ultimate right-of-way.
C.
Be located not less than 10 feet and not more than 50 feet from the
intersection of a signalized access driveway and external roadway.
D.
Be located no closer than 1,000 feet from any other such freestanding
sign on the tract.
E.
Not be placed so as to impair the vision of motorists.
F.
Where practicable, be located within a landscaped area or be located
within an area of pavers in a sand setting bed with permeable joints
or a similar partly-pervious surface treatment.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 12]
1.
Total tract freestanding signage area shall not exceed the lowest
of the following basic measures:
2.
The maximum area of any individual freestanding sign shall be determined
by its setback from the street ultimate right-of-way:
A.
Where the sign is 15 feet away from the ultimate right-of-way line,
the maximum area shall be 12 square feet.
B.
For every additional foot that the sign is set back beyond 15 feet
from the street ultimate right-of-way line, an additional one square
foot of area above the 12 square foot maximum shall be permitted,
to a maximum area of 50 square feet.
3.
The maximum height of any freestanding sign shall be determined by
its setback from the street ultimate right-of-way:
A.
Where the sign is 15 feet away from the ultimate right-of-way line,
the maximum height shall be 15 feet.
B.
For every two feet that the sign is set back beyond 15 feet from
the street ultimate right-of-way line, an additional one foot of height
above the fifteen foot maximum shall be permitted, to a maximum height
of 25 feet.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 13]
1.
The following signs shall be permitted within any zoning district
in the Township:
A.
Development/Neighborhood Identification Sign. In conjunction with
an existing development or neighborhood, on-site development or neighborhood
identification signs may be placed subject to the following conditions:
(1)
A maximum of two single-faced freestanding signs shall be permitted
per development or neighborhood.
(2)
The maximum area per sign shall be 16 square feet.
(3)
Such signs shall only be indirectly illuminated.
(4)
If such signs are freestanding, the maximum height shall be
48 inches above the finished grade.
B.
Multiple-family Development Identification Signs. In conjunction
with an existing multiple-family development having 20 units or more,
on-site multiple-family identification signs may be placed subject
to the following conditions:
(1)
One freestanding, attached wall or suspended wall sign, single
or double-faced, shall be allowed per street frontage from which vehicles
gain access to the development.
(2)
The maximum area per sign shall be 16 square feet.
(3)
If such signs are freestanding, the maximum height shall be
48 inches above the finished grade.
(4)
If freestanding, such signs shall only be indirectly illuminated.
(5)
A maximum of 30% of the area of the sign may include information
pertaining to the availability or size of the dwelling units.
C.
Religious and Quasi-public Institutions. In conjunction with religious
institutions, libraries, colleges, other educational institutions,
and hospitals, signs may be placed subject to the following regulations:
(1)
One on-site, freestanding, attached wall, or suspended wall
sign bulletin board may be placed that shall not exceed 20 square
feet in area and eight feet in height.
(2)
One on-site attached wall, suspended wall, or projecting sign
identifying the name of the institution may be placed that shall not
exceed 20 square feet in area.
(3)
On-site attached wall, suspended wall, or projecting signs identifying
permitted accessory uses may be placed whose aggregate areas shall
not exceed 20 square feet in area.
D.
Long-term Temporary Signs.
(1)
Off-site Directional Signs. In conjunction with an approved
subdivision or use off-site directional signs may be placed subject
to the following regulations:
(a)
Maximum duration of such signs shall be 48 hours in any calendar
week, except that real estate signs may remain for the duration of
the project construction.
(b)
One such sign may be placed per intersection.
(c)
Such signs shall be located within 50 feet of the intersection,
no further than two vehicular miles from the advertised site, and
not less than five feet from a property line.
(d)
Such signs shall be freestanding, with a maximum height of five
feet.
(e)
The maximum sign area per directional sign shall be three square
feet.
(f)
Directional signs shall have no commercial messages or copy
and shall not be illuminated.
(2)
On-site Real Estate Signs. Signs advertising the sale, lease,
or rent of the premises upon which such sign is located may be placed
subject to the following regulations:
(a)
One attached wall or freestanding sign per street frontage is
permitted.
(b)
For residential properties, the maximum area per sign shall
be six square feet with a maximum height of five feet. For non-residential
properties, the maximum area per sign shall be 20 square feet and
the maximum height of the sign shall be eight feet.
(c)
Signage shall not be illuminated.
(d)
All such signs shall be removed within three days following
the sale of the premises.
(e)
No sign shall be permitted within the right-of-way adjacent
to any property.
(f)
Open house and associated directional language shall be permitted,
provided such signs comply with the following:
1)
Open house signs shall be permitted on the subject property
and shall not exceed the sign area permitted for primary real estate
signs. Directional signs shall not exceed three square feet in area.
2)
Such signs shall not be erected more than 48 hours prior to
the open house and must be removed no later than one hour following
the open house.
3)
No sign is permitted within the right-of-way of any public street,
alley, or way. Signage erected on private property must have the permission
of the property owner.
(3)
On-site Construction Signs. In conjunction with an approved
subdivision or land development, construction signs may be placed
subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Such sign may only identify persons or companies involved with
the construction, architecture, engineering, and development of the
premises.
(b)
Such sign shall be no larger than 20 square feet in total area,
and no more than eight feet in height.
(c)
Construction signs shall not be illuminated.
(d)
Construction signs may be erected and maintained for a period
not to exceed 14 days prior to the commencement of construction and
shall be removed within 14 days of the termination of construction
of the project or development.
E.
Short-term Temporary Signs.
(1)
Political Signs. Signs announcing political candidates seeking
public office, political parties, and/or political and public issues
contained on a ballot may be placed subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Such signs may be freestanding or attached wall signs.
(b)
Such signs shall not be illuminated, shall not exceed eight
square feet in total area per property and, if freestanding, each
sign shall be no more than six feet in height and no more than six
square feet in area.
(c)
All political signs shall be erected no earlier than 30 days
prior to the election in question, and shall be removed within two
days after election day.
(d)
Any political sign erected in violation of these regulations
shall be removed and impounded by the Township if such violation(s)
is not corrected within 48 hours after issuing a notice to correct
such signs. A reasonable service charge, as established by the Township,
shall be levied to cover the cost of removing and impounding such
signs.
(2)
Civic Event Signs. Signs announcing a campaign, drive, activity,
or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization
for non-commercial purposes may be placed subject to the following
regulations:
(a)
There shall not be more than one such sign for each lot. If
the sign is not to be placed on property owned by the organization
requesting the permit, then the permittee shall present written consents
from all the property owners on whose property the sign is to be located.
(b)
Such signs may be freestanding or attached wall signs.
(c)
Such signs shall not be illuminated, shall not exceed 16 square
feet in total area and, if freestanding, shall be no more than six
feet in height.
(d)
Civic event signs may be erected and maintained for a period
not to exceed 30 days prior to the date of which the campaign, drive,
activity, or event advertised is scheduled to occur and shall be removed
within five days of the termination of such campaign, drive, activity,
or event.
(3)
On-site Commercial Event Signs. Signs, banners, posters, and
other similar promotional devices announcing a special, unique, or
limited activity, service, product, or sale of limited duration may
be placed subject to the following regulations:
(a)
One temporary event sign shall be permitted for every 200 linear
feet of street frontage for the subject property. The primary event
sign shall not exceed 40 square feet in sign area. Secondary signs
shall not exceed 50% of the primary sign area. There shall be no more
than three signs for any event or events on the subject property.
(b)
If freestanding, no sign shall exceed six feet in height.
(c)
Approval must be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer
prior to the erection of any commercial event sign(s). In addition
to legal United States holidays, commercial event signs shall be limited
to no more than four additional times on the parcel in any calendar
year.
(d)
All such signs shall be erected and maintained for a period
not to exceed 21 days, and shall be removed within three days of the
termination of the activity, service, project, or sale.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 14]
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 15]
1.
Permit Required. Except for the following, no person may erect, alter,
or relocate within the Township any sign without first obtaining a
sign permit:
2.
Permit Applications. Each sign being applied for shall require the
filing of a separate permit application. Applications for sign permits
shall be submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer on forms prescribed
and provided by the Township and shall contain or have attached thereto
the following information:
A.
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant, the
owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed,
and the person or company to be erecting or affixing the sign.
B.
The location of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign
is to be erected or affixed.
C.
A site plan of the parcel involved, showing all structures and the
exact location of the proposed sign.
D.
Two sets of plans and specifications of the sign to be erected or
affixed and its method of construction and attachment to the building
or in the ground. Such plans and specifications shall include details
of dimensions, materials, color, and weight.
E.
If necessary, a certification from a professional engineer or architect,
indicating the sign is designed to withstand winds of at least 100
miles per hour.
F.
The written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or property
on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.
G.
The method of illumination, if any, and the position of lighting
or other extraneous devices, and a copy of the electrical permit related
to the electrical connection.
H.
Such other information as the Code Enforcement Officer may require
to determine full compliance with this and other applicable ordinances
and regulations of the Township.
3.
Issuance of Permits. Upon the filing of an application for a sign
permit, the Code Enforcement Officer shall examine the plans, specifications,
and other submitted data, and the premises upon which the sign is
proposed to be erected or affixed. If it appears that the proposed
sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this Part and other
applicable ordinances of the Township, and if the appropriate permit
fee has been paid, the Township shall, within 30 days, issue a permit
for the proposed sign. The issuance of a permit shall not excuse the
applicant from conforming to the other laws, ordinances, or regulations
of the Township. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not
been completed within 90 days after the date of issuance, the permit
shall become null and void, but may be renewed within 15 days prior
to the expiration, for good cause shown, for an additional 90 days,
upon payment of 1/2 of the original permit fee.
4.
Permit Fees. At the time of filing a sign permit application, it
shall be accompanied by an appropriate application fee. Application
fees shall be in accordance with the Fee Schedule established by the
Board of Supervisors.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 16]
1.
Non-requested Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer, or his authorized
representative, shall have the authority, without a formal request,
to inspect any sign for the purpose of identifying those signs that
are not in compliance with the provisions of this Part.
2.
Requests for Inspections. Any person may file a written request with
the Code Enforcement Officer requesting an inspection of one or more
existing signs as identified in the request. In each such instance,
the Code Enforcement Officer shall promptly inspect such sign(s) to
determine compliance with the provisions of this Part. Following the
inspection, the Code Enforcement Officer shall make a written report
indicating the findings of the inspections to both the owner of the
inspected sign and to the person filing the request for inspection.
3.
Notice of Violation. The Code Enforcement Officer shall notify in writing each owner of an existing sign found to be in violation of any provision of this Part pursuant to inspections made under Subsections 1 and 2 above. The notice shall specifically refer to each section of this Part under which a violation has been found to exist and thereupon describe the features of the inspected sign found to be deficient.
4.
Effect of Notice. Upon receipt of a notice of violation for an existing
sign, the owner of said sign shall have 15 days to correct the violation(s).
If the violation(s) is not corrected after the conclusion of such
fifteen-day period, the Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized
to cause the sign to be removed or repaired forthwith at the expense
of the owner of the building or premises on which such sign is located.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 17]
1.
Nonconforming Signs. If the Code Enforcement Officer shall find that any nonconforming sign, except for those nonconforming signs as specified in § 19-106, is displayed, he shall give written notice to the owner of the premises on which such sign is located. Removal of the sign shall be effected within 15 days after receipt of the notice. If such sign is not removed after the conclusion of such fifteen-day period, the Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith at the expense of the owner of the building or premises on which such sign is located.
2.
Obsolete Signs. A sign, whether existing on or erected after the
effective date of this Part, that advertises a business no longer
being conducted or a product no longer being offered for sale in or
from the premises on which the sign is located, shall be removed within
120 days upon cessation of such business or sale of such product by
the owner of the building or premises on which such sign is located.
The sign in this case shall include the sign face or message area
but may exclude the standard, frame, or cabinet, which may remain
provided they are in good repair. Any electrical components, including
but not limited to ballasts, sockets, and lamps that may become exposed
as a result of removal of the message area, shall be concealed by
means of an opaque insert installed in the frame or cabinet.
A.
If the Code Enforcement Officer shall find that any such obsolete
sign has not been removed within 120 days upon cessation of such business
or sale of such product, he shall give written notice to the owner
of the building or premises on which such sign is located. Removal
of the sign shall be effected within 15 days after receipt of the
notice. If such sign is not removed after the conclusion of such fifteen-day
period, the Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized to cause
the sign to be removed forthwith at the expense of owner of the building
or premises on which such sign is located.
3.
Unsafe Signs. If the Code Enforcement Officer shall find that any
sign is unsafe, insecure, or is a menace to the public, he shall give
written notice to the owner of the building or premises on which such
sign is located. Correction of the condition that caused the Code
Enforcement Officer to give such notice shall be effected within 15
days after receipt of the notice. If such condition is not corrected
after the conclusion of such fifteen-day period, the Code Enforcement
Officer is hereby authorized to cause the sign to be removed forthwith
at the expense of the owner of the building or premises on which such
sign is located.
A.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, the Code Enforcement Officer
is authorized to cause any sign to be removed summarily and without
notice, at the expense of the owner of the building or premises on
which such sign is located, whenever he determines that such sign
is an immediate peril to persons or property.
[Ord. 04-108, 2/10/2004, § 18; as amended by Ord.
05-112, 7/26/2005]
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision
of the Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a
District Justice in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary
offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall
be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and,
in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment
not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues
or each section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated
shall constitute a separate offense.
