[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1400; as amended by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 1]
1.
Any sign hereafter erected in Morton Borough shall conform with the
provisions of this Part and any other ordinance or regulation of Morton
Borough relating thereto. Existing signs may be maintained as a pre-existing
nonconforming use.
2.
A sign permit is required for all signs hereinafter erected. A permit
shall be obtained from the Borough upon the filing of an application
accompanied by a plan drawn to scale, showing the sign, its size and
its location with respect to the building and to the boundaries of
the lot upon which it is situated, and upon payment of the fee as
established by resolution of Borough Council.
3.
The size of any sign shall be determined in accordance with the provisions
of this Part and the following requirements:
A.
When a sign consists of letters, numbers and/or logos and not a lettered
board and such sign is erected on or attached to a building wall or
other similar surface, the size of such sign shall be measured by
the rectangle, triangle, square, or arc as measured by the area formed
between the inside and outside radius of the arc formed by the extreme
outside edge of the largest letters, numbers or logos contained in
the sign.
B.
When a sign consists of a lettered board and such sign is erected
on or attached to a building, wall or other similar surface, the size
of such sign shall be determined by calculating the area of the lettered
board.
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1401; as amended by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 2]
1.
It is unlawful to erect or maintain the following signs:
A.
Spinning, twirling, rotating or any other animated signs or objects
used for advertising purposes, whether containing a message or not,
except for time and temperature signs.
B.
Signs that flash, blink, or emit sound, smoke or steam.
C.
Signs That Glare. A sign that can cause glare is prohibited except
in accordance with the following:
(1)
It must be so effectively shielded that glaring beams or rays
of light are not directed to any portion of a public street.
(2)
It must not be internally illuminated so as to obscure and detract
from the adjoining properties or impair the vision of any motor vehicle
driver, or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of his
motor vehicle.
D.
Signs with Prohibited Words. No sign may use the words "stop," "look,"
"danger" or any other word, symbol or character which attempts or
appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes
with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device.
E.
Signs placed on property without the permission of the owner or his
agent.
F.
Signs with obscene or prurient words, scenes or graphics.
G.
Signs painted on buildings, or painted on or attached to trees, utility
poles, fences, outdoor benches or similar natural or man-made features.
H.
Signs which obscure other signs or obstruct fire escapes, doors or
windows.
I.
Unsafe and damaged signs, including signs within the safety clearances
of electrical and utility lines.
J.
Projecting signs, roof signs or animated signs.
K.
Advertising cloth, paper or plastic banners or similar signs suspended
or hung on any property, except for temporary banners which may be
permitted through special permission of the Code Enforcement Officer
and displayed only for a duration of 14 days.
L.
Wall bulletins or any other signs painted directly on the facade
of any building or structure.
M.
Signs or mobile stands which can be moved from place to place and
thereby not permanently affixed to the ground.
N.
Swinging or hanging signs.
O.
Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located
for the primary purpose of displaying the signs. This does not apply
to lettering on buses, taxis or vehicles operating in the normal course
of business.
P.
Off-premises signs, except as specifically permitted by this chapter.
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1402; as added by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 3]
1.
The following signs to the extent indicated are exempt from the requirements
of this chapter, from the need to secure permits and from the allowable
sign area requirements, except as specified below in this section:
A.
Official signs, including but not limited to route number, street
name, traffic and parking, or other sign of the same character.
B.
Decorations for a recognized, officially designated holiday provided
they do not create a traffic or fire hazard.
C.
Directional signs not exceeding two square feet.
D.
Memorial or historic markers where approved by the Planning Commission
and when not more than six square feet in area.
E.
Non-illuminated nameplate signs not exceeding 90 square inches in
size, provided that only one such sign per lot shall be exempted.
F.
Real estate rental or sale signs not exceeding six square feet, provided
they are removed within seven days after settlement or agreement for
lease. Not more than one such sign may be erected per street frontage,
except that real estate "open house" signs may be placed off the premises
but shall be removed within 24 hours of such open house.
G.
Signs advertising the development, subdivision, major repair or renovation
of the property, provided that:
H.
Political signs, provided they do not exceed six square feet and
are removed within seven days after the election. Not more than two
signs with an aggregate total of eight square feet shall be permitted
per street frontage.
I.
A governmental flag or insignia, provided that the area does not
exceed 32 square feet.
J.
A legal notice (to be removed when legal requirements have been met).
K.
Public service information signs advertising the availability of
rest rooms, telephones or similar public conveniences and signs advertising
meeting times and places of nonprofit service or charitable organizations.
Any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
L.
A sign which is a permanent architectural feature or is of architectural
significance to the building, such as a cornerstone or identifying
letters carved into or embossed on a building, providing the letters
are not made of a reflective material or contrast in color with the
building.
N.
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a driveway
or premises or an official sign indicating the premises is protected
by burglar alarm, provided that the size of any such sign shall not
exceed two square feet.
O.
Signs of contractors, mechanics and artisans, provided that:
P.
For sale or for lease/rent signs on vehicles, boats or trailers,
not to exceed one square foot.
Q.
One or more signs applied to a window pane, giving store hours and
credit cards, charge cards, debit cards and bank cards accepted, when
the total area of such signs together does not exceed two square feet.
R.
Barber poles, changing of prices on pricing signs; business window
signs advertising periodic sales and special events signs.
S.
Signs for street fairs and parades; school, church and periodic events
signs.
U.
Menu boards, not exceeding six square feet, relating to, and on premises
of, eating or drinking establishments.
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1403; as added by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 4]
1.
The following signs, as described under each district or group of
districts below, are permitted, provided a sign permit has been obtained.
A.
Signs in Residential Districts. (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4)
(1)
Permanent identification signs for apartment buildings with
more than four units, provided that:
(a)
The types of permanent signs permitted shall be wall signs and
freestanding signs only.
(b)
The size of such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(c)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected for each building
or groups of buildings.
(d)
No such sign shall be illuminated.
(e)
All such signs shall be placed so that all portions including
the overhang of the sign are within the lot line.
(2)
Signs identifying nonresidential uses where such uses are permitted
as valid nonconforming uses, provided that:
(a)
The types of signs permitted shall be wall signs or freestanding
signs only.
(b)
The size of such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(c)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected for each frontage.
(d)
Such sign shall be designed so as to create a minimal impact
on the residential district in which it is located. Illumination,
if provided, shall be by indirect, white light only.
B.
Signs in the NC-Neighborhood Commercial District.
(1)
Any sign permitted in a residential district which applies to
a use permitted in the NC District.
(2)
Permanent signs identifying an office or office related use.
Such signs may identify the firm, the name, occupation or profession
of practitioners, or type of business, profession or activity.
(a)
The types of signs permitted shall be limited to wall signs,
window signs and freestanding signs.
(b)
The total sign area of such signs shall not exceed an aggregate
of nine square feet and no such individual sign shall exceed six square
feet.
(c)
Not more than two such signs shall be erected for any office
use or premises, except in the case of a corner property where three
such signs may be erected.
(d)
Freestanding signs may be erected, provided they are placed
not less than six feet from the street right-of-way line.
(e)
Signs which are to be illuminated shall be by means of external
white light only, and shall be illuminated after dusk only.
C.
General Regulations for Signs in Nonresidential Districts.
(1)
Signs shall be permitted on not more than three sides of a detached
corner property.
(2)
Where there is a wall sign at the front of a building and another
wall sign at the side of a building, no freestanding sign shall be
permitted on such property.
(3)
Business establishments, or other permitted nonresidential uses
located exclusively above the ground floor, or below the ground floor,
may utilize wall or window signs. The sign area for such establishment(s)
shall be within the total allotted for the building in its zoning
district. However, where an establishment(s) on the ground floor has
fully used its allotted sign area at the time of the effective date
of this chapter, an additional 10 square feet of sign area shall be
permitted for establishments situated on an upper floor and 10 square
feet for those below the ground floor when such establishments are
initiated after the effective date of this chapter.
(4)
Requirements for freestanding signs shall be applied per deeded
property.
(5)
Requirements for wall signs shall be applied per street address.
D.
Signs in the OC District.
(1)
Any sign permitted in Residential or Neighborhood Commercial
District which applies to a use permitted or existing in the OC District.
The requirements applicable to such signs shall be those of the Residential
or Neighborhood Commercial District, whichever applies.
(2)
Signs advertising or identifying a commercial use or activity
or advertising the product or service of the establishment.
(a)
The types of signs permitted shall be limited to wall signs,
window signs, A-frame signs and awning signs. However, other types
of signs may be permitted when authorized as a special exception.
1)
At the front of a building, one square foot of sign area for
every lineal foot of building width, up to 30 square feet may be provided.
2)
In the case of a corner property, a maximum sign area of 15
square feet may be provided at the side of a building.
3)
At the rear of a building, signs
shall be wall signs only, and a maximum sign area of 15 square feet
may be provided on the rear of the building. The maximum sign area
for the rear of the building may be increased to one square foot of
sign area for each lineal foot of the rear building width for the
use by right in question, up to a maximum of 30 square feet if the
following conditions are present:
a)
The sign is for a use by right and has a rear entrance
for the use by right onto a public right-of-way or street and the
rear entrance has undergone facade enhancement.
b)
The rear of the building extends to a sidewalk directly
abutting the curbline, street, or alley, thereby forming a wall at
the street, and the rear facade has undergone facade enhancement.
(b)
Non-illuminated window signs are permitted at the front and
side of a building and shall be exempt from dimensional limitations,
except for window signs giving store hours and identifying charge
cards accepted, which signs shall be limited to an aggregate area
of two square feet.
(c)
Wall signs shall be limited in content to business name, address,
telephone number or logos of the establishment.
(d)
A-frame signs no larger than 30 inches by 48 inches may be displayed
only while establishments adjacent thereto are open for business.
(e)
Opaque window signs; text or graphics.
1)
A permanent opaque window sign shall not occupy more than 20%
of the total area of the window area in which the sign is displayed.
The entire background area of the sign shall be used in determining
allowable coverage. Internally lit or neon "open" signs will count
against the 20% limit. Unlit "open" signs will not be counted against
the 20% limit.
2)
Text or graphics that are applied as individual entities to
a windowpane that do not have the effect of obscuring sight into the
building may cover up to 10% of the total area of the window area
in which the sign is displayed.
(3)
Signs Identifying Multi-tenant Buildings.
(a)
Such signs shall be wall signs only.
(b)
The size of such signs shall not exceed one square foot of sign
area for each lineal foot of the rear building width for the use by
right in question, up to a maximum of 30 square feet at the front
of the building and up to 15 feet where there is a rear entrance.
(c)
Only one such sign per street frontage shall be permitted.
E.
Signs in the GC District.
(1)
Any sign permitted in Residential, Neighborhood Commercial or
Office Commercial Districts, which sign applies to a use permitted
or existing in the GC District.
(a)
Signs relating to residential, institutional or office uses
shall comply with the sign standards for such signs in Residential,
Neighborhood Commercial or Office Commercial Districts.
(b)
Signs relating to commercial uses shall be regulated by the
sign standards of the GC district listed in Subsection .1F(2).
(2)
Signs advertising or identifying a commercial use or activity
or advertising the product or service of the establishment.
(a)
The types of signs permitted shall be limited to wall signs,
awning (and/or canopy) signs, window signs, freestanding signs and
directory signs. Other type of signs may be permitted only when authorized
by special exception.
(b)
The size of signs for commercial uses shall not exceed the following
dimensions:
1)
At the front of a building, the area of freestanding signs shall
not exceed 50 square feet. Only one such sign shall be permitted per
deeded property.
2)
At the front of a building, the area of permitted signs, except
freestanding signs, shall not exceed one square foot of sign area
for every linear foot of building width, up to 50 square feet.
3)
In the case of a corner property, the maximum sign area of 25
square feet shall be permitted on a side of the building.
4)
At the rear of a building, a maximum sign area of 15 square
feet shall be permitted.
(3)
Signs identifying shopping centers or multi-tenant buildings
and listing or identifying all the establishments of a shopping center
or multitenant building.
(a)
The identification of shopping centers or multi-tenant buildings
and the listing of all establishments in a shopping center or multi-tenant
building shall be one sign.
(b)
Such sign shall be a freestanding sign.
(c)
Only one such sign per street frontage shall be permitted.
(d)
The size of such signs shall not exceed 50 square feet.
(4)
Signs identifying the individual establishments in a shopping
center.
(a)
In addition to permitted signs identifying a shopping center
and directory signs listing all the establishments in a shopping center,
each establishment in such shopping center shall be permitted one
additional sign affixed to the building.
(b)
Such signs shall be wall signs only.
(c)
Such individual signs shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(d)
The design, lettering and type of sign shall be in keeping with
a single, harmonious scheme for all businesses in the shopping center.
(5)
Notwithstanding anything in the Code to the contrary, remote
change electronic digital display fuel price signs shall be permitted
at gasoline stations so long as they comply with the following requirements:
(a)
Such signs shall utilize LED digits to display price numbers.
(b)
LED digits of each price line shall be one color: red, amber
or green.
(c)
LED arrays within the digits shall be designed such that if
a group of LEDs go out, the correct numbers will continue to be legible.
(d)
LED digits shall show static display only, flashing or moving
action by digits is prohibited.
(e)
LED light intensity shall be controlled automatically to dim
or brighten in response to changing ambient light conditions.
(f)
Signs shall also be equipped with LED light intensity limit
via manual control.
(g)
LED digits shall have a maximum brightness of 4,000 nits at
maximum brightness level.
(h)
The LED digits shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1404; as added by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 5]
1.
Off-premises advertising signs, including but not limited to billboards,
shall be permitted only subject to the following regulations:
A.
ABANDONED SIGN
(a)
(b)
(c)
AREA OF A SIGN
BANNERS
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
GOVERNMENT SIGN
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
PUBLIC CONVENIENCE
SIGN
TRANSIT SHELTER OR STATION
Definitions.
Any sign that does not display a well-maintained message for
a consecutive one-hundred-eighty-day period.
Any sign the owner of which cannot be located at owner's
last address as reflected on the records of the department.
Any sign no longer fully supported by the structure designed
to support the sign.
The area of one side of a sign is calculated from the smallest
rectangle that encompasses all the exposed face that could be filled
with a message or graphics.
Sign placed without a permanent structure containing a time-bound
message and used in aggregate no more than seven days in any calendar
on any private parcel.
Sign with a message on both sides of a support structure
thus counting as two sign faces.
A sign authorized by this municipality, another governmental
agency, the State of Pennsylvania, or the federal government.
Any sign advertising activities, services, products or uses
not located, made, sold, used or served on the premises displaying
such sign.
A structure maintained by the Borough or other authorized
governmental entity which provides a service to the public such as
public bus shelters, public trash receptacles, and other similar structures.
An object, including a structure, wall, image, or movable
device displaying any message visible to the public.
A structure erected at the location of a bus or train stop
for the purposes of providing shelter to public transit riders from
weather.
B.
Permitted Locations. Off-premises signs shall only be permitted as
a special exception use in the following locations:
(1)
Off-premises signs may be located on transit shelters or stations
subject to all of the following conditions.
(a)
No more than one off-premises sign shall be permitted per transit
station or shelter.
(b)
Each off-premises sign must be permitted by the landowner of
the premises upon which it is erected.
(c)
The display face of an off-premises sign (billboard) shall not
exceed 55 square feet in area, unless the applicant can establish
before the Zoning Hearing Board that the content of the sign could
not be read from any point along the railroad frontage and that the
permitted size is not adequate for the conveyance of any advertising
messages to passing motorists. If the applicant is able to establish
the above, then the billboard shall not be permitted to exceed 100
square feet in area, but shall be no larger than is necessary to be
read and conveyed to passing motorists. If present, non-display physical
borders around the display image shall not exceed six inches on a
side.
(d)
The maximum height of such sign shall not exceed eight feet
from average grade level.
(e)
Off-premises signs shall not extend beyond the structure of
the transit shelter or station.
(f)
Transit shelter or station signs shall not be electronic variable
messaging signs.
(g)
Any off-premises sign of greater than 60 square feet shall be
located a minimum radius of 1,000 feet from another such off-premises
sign.
(2)
Off-premises signs may be located on properties abutting the
SEPTA railroad tracks subject to the following conditions:
(a)
Signs must be oriented to only face the railroad tracks.
(b)
Signs may be located no further than 50 feet from the railroad
tracks.
(c)
Signs must be shielded to prevent any light from intruding on
adjacent residences.
(d)
No sign may be located within 200 feet of Route 420 (aka Woodland
Avenue), Church Road or Amosland Road.
(e)
The display face of an off-premises sign (billboard) shall not
exceed 55 square feet in area, unless the applicant can establish
before the Zoning Hearing Board that the content of the billboard
could not be read from any point along the railroad frontage and that
the permitted size is not adequate for the conveyance of any advertising
messages to railroad passengers. If the applicant is able to establish
the above, then the billboard shall not be permitted to exceed 100
square feet in area, but shall be no larger than is necessary to be
read and conveyed to railroad passengers. If present, non-display
physical borders around the display image shall not exceed six inches
on a side.
(f)
The maximum height of such sign shall not exceed 10 feet from
average grade level and shall be no higher than necessary to be visible
to passing railroad passengers.
(g)
Setback from Residential Dwelling Unit. Except as governed by
a greater setback required herein, all off-premises signs (billboards)
must be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the boundary of any property
on which a residential dwelling unit is situated.
(h)
Any lighting shall be extinguished during hours that train service
is not running.
C.
Off premises signs shall be permitted in the locations identified
supra, provided that such signs meet the following criteria:
(1)
Each sign allowed under this section of the Part shall be located
not less than 500 feet (measured by radial spacing) from any other
sign allowed pursuant to this section of the Part. Distance measurement
shall be made horizontally in all directions from the nearest edge
of the sign face.
(2)
Only one sign may be permitted on any one lot.
(3)
The sign shall conform with all other sections of this Part
including but not limited to limitations on illumination and construction
of signs.
(4)
Applicants shall prohibit the display of obscene materials on
sign faces.
(5)
Adequate screening must be provided to screen the view of the
sign from any and all adjacent residential properties.
(6)
Subject to the landowner's consent, a noncommercial message
of any type may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed commercial
message; provided, that the sign structure or mounting device is legal
without consideration of message content.
D.
Construction Methods. Off-premises signs shall be constructed in
accordance with the applicable provisions of all Borough codes. In
addition:
(1)
Applicability of Uniform Construction Code (ICC) Standards.
All sign standards herein shall exist in full force and effect in
conjunction with all sign standards existing in the most recent edition
of the ICC, as amended. Whenever any conflict exists between this
chapter and the UCC Code, the more restrictive provisions shall have
precedence.
(2)
A billboard sign face shall be independently supported and have
vertical supports of metal which are galvanized or otherwise treated
to prevent rust and corrosion. All billboards shall be painted in
PMS Color 279.
(3)
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.
(4)
The entire base of a freestanding sign structure shall be permanently
landscaped with suitable shrubbery and/or bushes. Said landscaping
shall be maintained by the owner in an attractive and healthy manner
in accordance with accepted conservation practices. Landscaping shall
form a base and backdrop to the sign when practical.
(5)
No bare cuts are permitted on a hillside, and all cuts or fills
are to be permanently seeded or planted.
(6)
No off-premises sign structure, sign face or display shall emit
noise, cause distraction, confusion, nuisance or hazard to traffic
safety, aircraft or other properties.
(7)
No off-premises 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 manner obstruct or impede traffic safety, including
ingress or egress.
(8)
Off-premises signs may not be mounted on a roof, wall or face
or other part of a building or any other structure, including trees.
(9)
Illumination of any and all sign faces shall be shielded to
prevent the light source from being seen from any direction.
(10)
No illumination of any sign shall occur between 11:00 p.m. and
6:00 a.m.
(11)
Multiple message signs are prohibited.
(12)
Signs which contain, include or are illuminated by any flashing,
pulsing, oscillating, intermittent, scrolling or moving light or lights
are prohibited.
(13)
Signs containing video and/or animated graphics are prohibited.
(14)
All freestanding off-premises signs (billboards) shall be approved
by the Borough Engineer. Applicants must submit a plan, sealed by
a structural engineer, showing the proposed construction.
(15)
All sign structures shall comply with all other applicable Borough
codes and ordinances.
E.
Maintenance.
(1)
The billboard structure shall be entirely repainted at a minimum
every five years.
(2)
Every three years the owner of the billboard shall have a structural
inspection made of the billboard by a qualified Pennsylvania registered
structural engineer and shall provide to the Borough a certificate
from the engineer or architect certifying that the billboard is structurally
sound.
(3)
Annual inspections of the billboard shall be conducted by the
Borough Code Enforcement Officer to determine compliance, and billboards
found to be in violation of this section shall be brought into compliance
within 30 days of notice or ordered removed upon written notification
by the Borough.
(4)
Any abandoned sign must be removed within 30 days after notice.
If the owner fails to remove an abandoned sign within 30 days, the
Borough may remove the sign at the owner's expense.
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1405; as added by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 6]
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1406; as added by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 7]
1.
Any sign existing and lawful at the time this chapter becomes effective
that does not conform to use, location, height or size regulations
of this Part shall be considered a nonconforming sign and may continue
in its present location, except as modified in this section.
2.
Where the name of an establishment is changed, any nonconforming
sign at such establishment must be removed and any new sign must conform
to the provisions of this Part.
3.
No nonconforming sign which has been damaged to more than 50% of
its value or has been removed or discontinued for 60 days or longer
shall be repaired, rebuilt or replaced, except as a conforming sign
or when authorized as a special exception.
4.
If a nonconforming use of a building ceases or is discontinued for
a continuous period of one year or more and such nonconforming use
is deemed to be abandoned, any nonconforming sign on the premises
shall also be considered to be abandoned and any subsequent signs
erected or maintained on the premises shall be in conformity with
the provisions of this chapter.
5.
Temporary movable freestanding signs, banners, streamers and similar
types of prohibited signs shall be abated or removed within 90 days
after the effective date of this chapter.
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1407; as added by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 8]
1.
Where temporary signs are not exempt from the requirements of this chapter in § 27-1403, they shall be permitted, provided that:
A.
They are placed so as not to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
C.
Such signs shall only be used to promote special events such as sales,
holiday sales events, etc. Any other use is specifically prohibited.
D.
The duration of such permit may not exceed 14 days.
E.
The size of such sign shall not exceed 65% of the largest single sign allowed for a property or establishment as set forth in § 27-1405 of this chapter.
F.
Only one such sign shall be permitted during any fourteen-day permit
period.
G.
No more than three permits within a one-year period shall be issued
for any one property or establishment. Said permits will not be issued
for consecutive fourteen-day periods. Furthermore, a period of at
least 30 days must elapse between the issuance of permits to any one
property or establishment.
H.
Sign shall be removed immediately upon the expiration of the permit.
Failure to remove a sign immediately upon the expiration of the permit
shall result in the forfeiture of the establishment's ability
to apply for and receive such a permit under this section for a period
of one year from the expiration of the permit. The forfeiture imposed
by this section shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed
by any other section of this Part.
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1408; as added by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 9; as amended by Ord. 731, 2/11/2015]
1.
A permit shall be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer for
the erection, repair or replacement of any awning or canopy, following
a review by the Planning Commission.
2.
Awning and canopies shall be designed and constructed to withstand
wind or other lateral loads, and live loads as required by the Uniform
Construction Code, with due allowance for shape, open construction,
and similar features that receive the pressure and loads.
3.
Canopies shall be constructed of a metal framework with an approved
covering that complies with the requirements of the Uniform Construction
Code.
4.
All awnings shall have a minimum clearance of seven feet from the
sidewalk to the lowest part of the framework or any awning, except
that the bottom of the valance of canvas awnings shall have a minimum
clearance of six feet nine inches above the sidewalk.
5.
The horizontal position of a canopy framework shall not be less than
eight feet, not more than 12 feet above the walking surface, and the
clearance between the covering or valance and the walking surface
shall not be less than seven feet.
6.
Retractable or fixed awnings are permitted to project up to four
feet into a public right-of-way, provided they meet clearance requirements
and are no closer than one foot to a curbline.
7.
No post of any canopy is permitted within the public right-of-way.
8.
All awnings and canopies shall have totally opaque covering material.
It shall be required that down lighting be provided to illuminate
any walking surface below an awning or canopy to a minimum light level
of one footcandle, but the canopy or awning must have sufficient opacity
to prevent this light from shining through the material.
9.
Lettering delineating the name of the establishment only, and logos
shall be permitted only on the face of the awning or canopy that is
parallel to the building facade. Such lettering, and/or logos, shall
be counted against the total allowable building signage for the district.
[Ord. 588, 4/12/1995, § 1409; as added by Ord.
728, 12/10/2014, § 10]
1.
Permits, Procedure and Review by the Code Enforcement Officer. Except
for exempt signs or unless otherwise specified in this Part, no sign
shall be erected, repaired or replaced in the Borough until a permit
for such sign has been obtained in the following manner.
A.
An application in writing shall be made to the Code Enforcement Officer
by the sign maker or installer.
B.
The application submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer shall give
the full particulars regarding size, shape, material and supports
of the sign as well as a plan showing the location of the sign on
the building or lot, the distance from the curbline and the height
of the sign. The application shall be sufficiently specific to enable
the Code Enforcement Officer to determine if the sign complies with
this Part as well as other local regulation relating to signs.
C.
If the person submitting the application is not the owner of the
property, the written consent of the owner of the property on which
the sign is located shall accompany the application.
D.
In the case of multi-tenant buildings applications for signs shall
be submitted by the owner.
E.
All permanent signs must be designed by a recognized sign company.
2.
Except for exempt signs, whenever any sign is replaced by another
sign, enlarged in any manner or altered, dismantled or damaged or
otherwise destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of its value, a
permit shall be required as provided in this section before the sign
is replaced, enlarged, altered or replaced. However, no permit shall
be required for additions, deletions or other changes in the names
of practitioners on signs relating to professional or office uses.
3.
Permit Fees. All applications for permits filed with the Code Enforcement
Officer shall be accompanied by a permit fee according to a schedule
of fees as established by Borough Council. The permit fees may be
amended as need, from time to time, by resolution.
4.
Inspections. Any person installing, altering or relocating a sign
for which a permit has been issued shall notify the Code Enforcement
Officer upon completion of the work. The Code Enforcement Officer
may require a final inspection, including an electrical inspection
and inspection of the footings of freestanding signs.
5.
Violations.
A.
When, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer, there exists
a violation of this Part, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue
a written order to the alleged violator. Such order shall specify
those sections of this Part of which the individual may be in violation
and shall indicate that the violator shall correct such violation
within 30 days from the date of the order.
B.
If, upon inspection, the Code Enforcement Officer finds that the
sign is abandoned or structurally, materially or electronically defective,
or in any way endangers the public, he shall issue a written order
to the owner of the sign and the occupant of the premises stating
the nature of the violation and require the owner and occupant to
repair or remove the sign within seven days of the date of the order.
C.
In cases of emergency the Code Enforcement Officer may, without notice,
cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign. Signs
removed in this manner must present a hazard to the public health,
welfare and safety.
6.
Appeal from Sign Permit Denial. An applicant whose application for
a sign permit has been denied by the Code Enforcement Officer may
appeal such decision to the Zoning Hearing Board for a variance. Such
appeal must be filed with the Borough not later than 30 days after
notice of denial.
7.
Penalties for violations of the Part may be imposed in accordance with § 27-1603 of this chapter.
8.
Liability for Damages. The provisions of this chapter shall not be
construed to relieve or to limit in any way the responsibility or
liability of any person, firm or corporation which erects or owns
a sign for personal injury or property damage caused by the sign,
and the provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to impose
upon the Borough, its officers or its employees any responsibility
or liability by reason of the approval of any sign under the provisions
of this chapter.
