[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
Sign definitions are included in this chapter in order to facilitate the interpretation of this article for the public, administrative purposes and the carrying out of duties by appropriate officers, the Zoning Hearing Board and the Board of Supervisors. The definitions related to the contents of this article can be found in § 370-202 of Article II, Glossary of Terms. The related definitions found in Article II include the following:
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Abandoned sign
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Above-roof sign
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Address sign
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Animated sign
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Awning
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Awning sign
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Banner
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Billboard
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Canopy
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Canopy sign
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Changeable copy sign
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Channel letter sign
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Community special event sign
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Directional sign
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Directory sign
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Electronic message sign (EMS)
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Fascia sign
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Feather flag sign
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Festoon lighting
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Flag
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Flashing sign
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Freestanding sign
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Gas station canopy
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Gas station canopy sign
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Government/regulatory sign
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Graphic
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Halo illumination
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Holiday/seasonal decorations
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Human billboard
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Illumination
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Illumination, external
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Illumination, internal
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Illuminated sign
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Incidental sign
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Incidental window sign
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Inflatable sign
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Interactive sign
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Interior sign
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Lawn sign
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Limited duration sign
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Marquee sign
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Mechanical movement sign
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Memorial sign
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Menu sign
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Message sequencing
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Monument sign
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Mural (or mural sign)
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Neon sign
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Off-premises sign
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Official traffic sign
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On-premises sign
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Outdoor advertising sign
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Pennant
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Permanent sign
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Personal expression sign
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Pole banner
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Pole sign
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Portable sign
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Private drive sign
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Projecting sign
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Public service and information signs
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Reflective sign
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Revolving sign
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Roofline
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Roof sign
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Sandwich board sign
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Security sign
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Sign
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Sign, area
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Sign, background area
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Sign, copy area
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Sign, face
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Sign, height
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Sign supporting structure
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Snipe sign
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Streamers
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Temporary sign
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Time and temperature sign
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Tri-vision boards
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Upper-level building sign
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Vehicular sign
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Vending machine sign
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Wall or fascia sign
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Wind sign
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Window sign
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A.
The purpose of this article is to preserve the right of free speech
and expression, provide an easy and pleasant communication between
people and their environment, regulate all signs within the municipality
to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective use, and
protective of the public health, safety and general welfare and avoid
the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian
safety, property values, business opportunities, and community appearance.
With these purposes in mind, it is the intent of this chapter to authorize
the use of signs which meet the following objectives:
(1)
Promote and maintain overall community beautification.
(2)
Establish reasonable time, place and manner regulations on the
exercise of free speech, without regulating content of signs.
(3)
Promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance
obstructions.
(4)
Protect property values; and ensure compatibility with the character
of existing and planned land uses.
B.
This article contains regulations governing the size, type, number,
placement, height, and width of signs and signs permitted by zoning
district in this chapter. These sign regulations pertain to graphics
in residential zoning districts and graphics in nonresidential zoning
districts that are visible from a street line providing access to
the public. In the event of any conflict between the tables and text,
the text shall govern.
A.
Exempt signs. The following signs are permitted in all districts:
(1)
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional
or other traffic signs may be erected on the public roads and highways
in the interest of public safety.
(2)
Address signs displaying the name or address of the occupant
of the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not
exceed two square feet and not more than one such sign shall be erected
for each occupant of a premises, unless such property fronts on more
than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each
street frontage.
(3)
Security signs, signs indicating the prohibition or control
of fishing, hunting, etc., or private drive signs, provided that the
area of any such sign does not exceed 1.5 square feet.
(4)
Government/regulatory signs, governmental flags or insignias.
(5)
Legal notices.
(6)
Public service and information signs.
(7)
Temporary window signs, including community special event signs
less than four square feet placed in store windows.
(8)
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building
or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved
into or enclosed on a building, provided that the letters are not
made of a reflective material or contrast in color with the building
facade material.
(9)
Holiday/seasonal decorations.
(10)
Bunting, pennants, and similar materials are permitted to announce
the opening of a new business or industry and must be removed no more
than seven days after opening.
(11)
A sign that is integrated into a coin-operated machine, vending
machine, or gasoline pump.
(12)
Human billboard.
(14)
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification
sign, including historical plaque signs.
(15)
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs. Incidental
signs shall be a maximum size of 1.5 square feet.
(16)
Art or mural sign, provided that such signs do not contain any
commercial messaging.
B.
Prohibited signs. The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
(1)
Abandoned signs.
(2)
Any banner type sign suspended between poles and lighted by
a series of lights; any sign suspended between poles, which is either
a pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the
wind.
(3)
A sign that uses any method of illumination that can cause glare
is prohibited, except in accordance with the following:
(a)
It must be so effectively shielded that alarming beams or rays
of light are not directed to any portion of any street or highway.
(b)
It must be less than 0.25 footcandle, as measured from the curbline
or shoulder, so as not to cause glare or impair the vision of any
motor vehicle driver or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation
of their motor vehicle.
(4)
No sign may use the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger," or any other
word 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 within 75 feet of a street line or
within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
(5)
Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights are
prohibited within 75 feet of a street line or 200 feet of a traffic
control device signal, whichever is greater.
(6)
Snipe sign, including signs on benches or other street furniture.
(7)
Any banner sign or any other type is prohibited across a public
street, except for such signs which are approved by the Board of Supervisors
to be of general benefit to the Township or for public convenience,
necessity, or welfare.
(8)
Any sign is prohibited which does not conform to the requirements
of this article which was in effect when the sign was erected.
(9)
Any flashing light or other flashing part of a sign, moving,
or intermittent light or lights that are visible from the street line
throughout the Township. This provision supersedes any contradictory
provision elsewhere in this chapter.
(10)
Novelty signs, including but not limited to objects (i.e., tires,
automobiles, food products, animals etc.), pennants, balloons, animated
signs, and inflatable signs.
(11)
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound,
odor, or open flames.
(12)
Signs which are flashing, moving, animated, coursing, blinking,
intermittent, rotating, spinning, moving, or revolving. Reflective
signs or signs containing mirrors and streamers are included.
(13)
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of
business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily
and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
(14)
Signs containing information on which it states or implies that
a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions
of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which
the sign relates is located.
(15)
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
(16)
Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window,
fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to
any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached
to a standpipe or fire escape.
(17)
Interactive signs.
(18)
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
(19)
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner,
with the exception of those authorized or required by local, state,
or federal government.
(20)
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene
or pornographic subjects as determined by Warrington Township.
(21)
Feather flag sign.
(22)
Message sequencing.
(23)
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
(24)
Above-roof sign.
(25)
Signs on bollards.
[Added 4-12-2022 by Ord.
No. 2022-O-06]
A.
The overall size and number of signs permitted is subject to approval
by the Board of Supervisors as to comply with the Township Comprehensive
Plan.
B.
Location of signs. In no case, except for official traffic and street
signs, shall any sign be erected so that it:
(1)
Lies within or projects out over the street line of any street
or within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever is greater.
(3)
Obscures a motorist's view of traffic signals, stop signs, or
other warning devices as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along
established thoroughfares.
(4)
Obscures a motorist's view of roadway or intersections ahead
as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(5)
Limits a pedestrian's view of vehicular traffic to less than
500 feet while they stand inside the curbline at an intersection or
other established crossing point.
(6)
Lies within a distance of 15 feet from either side yard property
line.
(7)
Lies within a parking space or fire lane.
(8)
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on public thoroughfares.
(9)
Blocks the exit fire escape or fire lane to a building.
(10)
Uses the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger," or any other word or
character which attempts or appears to direct traffic movement, or
which interferes with or resembles an official traffic sign, signal,
or device.
(11)
Uses red, green, or yellow lights within 75 feet of a street
line or within 300 feet of a traffic control device signal, whichever
is greater.
C.
Area of signs.
(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 to
include any supporting framework, bracing or decorative trim which
is not incidental to the copy content of the display itself. The area
shall be the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters,
designs and symbols.
(2)
Multisided sign area determination.
(a)
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign
area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not
more than 18 inches apart.
(b)
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not
more than 18 inches apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the
basis for calculating sign area.
(c)
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than
45°, or the faces are greater than 18 inches apart, all sides
of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(3)
If an establishment has walls fronting on two or more streets
or if the property fronts on more than one street, the sign area for
each building wall or property frontage shall be computed separately.
(4)
A sign supported by more than one means (and therefore may be
defined as a freestanding, wall, roof, or projecting sign) shall have
its area and height calculation determined by the type of sign which
has the most restrictive standards.
(5)
Signs that consist of, or have attached to them one or more
three-dimensional or irregularly shaped objects shall have a sign
area of the sum of two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest
cube encompassing the sign or object.
(6)
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag
or banner, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended
and parallel to the plane of view.
(7)
The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by the
sign type and the zoning district in which the sign is located.
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Figure 12
Area of Signs
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D.
Height of signs.
(1)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be measured
from the elevation of the shoulder of the road to the highest point
of the sign structure. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the
height of the sign shall be measured from the mean height between
the elevation of the road and the elevation of the grade upon which
the sign base is located.
(2)
For projecting or wall signs, the maximum height shall not exceed
the height of the facade of the building.
(3)
Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured
as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest
point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.
The minimum clearance shall be eight feet.
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Figure 13
Height of Signs
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E.
Construction Code requirements. Any sign hereafter erected shall
conform to the provisions of this chapter, the Uniform Construction
Code of Pennsylvania, and any other ordinance or regulations of the
Township. All electrical signs shall be manufactured, listed, and
labeled in accordance with the National Electric Code.
F.
Signs attached to the ground must be anchored below the frost line
with a footing.
G.
Maintenance.
(1)
Every permanent sign permitted by this chapter must be constructed
of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair.
(2)
When any sign becomes insecure, is in danger of falling, or
is otherwise deemed unsafe by the Township or if any sign shall be
unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter,
the owner thereof or the person or firm maintaining same shall, upon
written notice by the Township, forthwith in the case of immediate
danger and in any case within not more than 30 days, make such sign
conform to the provisions of this chapter or shall remove it. If within
30 days the order is not complied with, the Township may remove or
cause to be removed such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee.
(3)
Should the landowner object to the Zoning Officer's determination,
said landowner shall appeal the Zoning Officer's decision to the Zoning
Hearing Board with 30 days of receipt of the notice. Failure of a
landowner to either rectify the condition of a sign within 30 days
or to appeal the decision of the Zoning Officer to the Zoning Hearing
Board within 30 days shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
A.
General standards.
(1)
The indirectly illuminated signs shall shine with white or clear
light only.
(2)
Fully shielded fixtures shall be used, and the source of illumination
shall not be visible for any adjoining property or roadway. The planting
of vegetation shall not be considered as a replacement for this requirement.
(3)
The internal light source of directly illuminated signs shall
be white or clear light only. Illuminated signs with any form of exposed
neon or other tubes are prohibited.
(4)
Illuminated signs shall not operate one-half hour after business
closing or 12:00 a.m. (midnight), whichever is later.
B.
Types of illumination. Where permitted, illumination may be one of
the following:
(1)
External. Externally illuminated signs, where permitted, are
subject to the following regulations:
(2)
Internal. Internally illuminated signs, where permitted, are
subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Internal illumination, including neon lighting, must be static
in intensity and color.
(3)
Halo illumination. Signs that are back lit in such a way to
create a halo effect are permitted.
C.
Illumination requirements. The following requirements have been set
forth to permit the illumination of signs, as defined within this
chapter:
(1)
Direct. Illumination of a sign designed to give forth artificial
light directly through transparent or translucent materials from a
source of light within such sign. The internal light source shall
be a white or clear light only.
(2)
Indirect. Illumination of a sign from an exterior source. It shall produce no direct rays that are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs. The light source shall shine with white or clear light only. The planting of vegetation, while a desirable additional means to reduce the impact of the light source, shall not be considered as a replacement for this requirement. All light shall be directed at the sign and no horizontal or vertical light trespass as defined in § 370-814, Environmental performance standards., shall be permitted.
(3)
No light shall produce light trespass off the premises by illumination
originating on the premises. Illumination from light originating on
the site shall not exceed 0.25 footcandle at the lot line or street
line.
(4)
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, illuminance
shall be no greater than 464 footcandles (464 cd/ft2).
(5)
At all other times, illuminance shall be no greater than 23
footcandles (23cd/ft2).
(6)
Each sign must have a light-sensing device that will automatically
adjust the brightness of the display as the natural light conditions
change.
(7)
Ambient conditions adjustment. All signs installed after the
adoption of this chapter that will have illumination by a means other
than natural light must be equipped with a mechanism that automatically
adjusts the brightness in response to ambient conditions.
D.
Glare. Any lighting fixture on a sign that is located within 10 feet
of a property line of a residential zoning district or an existing
residential use, or within 10 feet of a street line (except as permitted
by this chapter) shall:
(1)
Be aimed away from the property line, residential use, or zoning
district, or street line.
(2)
Be shielded on the side closest to the property line, residential
use, zoning district, or street line.
(3)
Not produce a strong light or a reflection of a strong light
greater than 0.25 footcandle beyond the lot lines.
A.
Except for feather flag, vehicular signs, and inflatable signs, any
sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this chapter that
does not conform in use, illumination, location, height, or size with
the regulations of the district in which such sign is located shall
be considered a nonconforming sign and shall be bound by the regulations
of this chapter regarding nonconforming signs. All feather flags,
vehicular signs, and inflatable signs shall be considered as illegal
signs and are zoning violations subject to enforcement actions as
authorized by the article.
B.
A sign on a building or structure which does not conform to this
chapter shall be removed when the building or structure is demolished
or when its renovation or expansion amounts to over 50% of the market
value of the structure assessed by the Bucks County Board of Tax Assessment.
C.
A sign not conforming to this chapter shall be removed when the sign
requires any structural renovation, or the background area of the
sign is to be altered.
D.
A nonconforming sign must be removed within 14 days or be made to
conform to this chapter in every respect whenever:
(1)
It is not firmly attached to the ground or some other object
and can be easily moved.
(2)
It becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful
purpose of communication and is a nuisance as determined by the Township.
(3)
If the copy of a sign is changed for a change of business or
ownership, the sign must comply with this chapter.
[Amended 4-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-O-06]
E.
A sign in violation of § 370-703, Exempt and prohibited signs, shall be removed within 14 days of notice from the Township that such sign shall be removed.
F.
Nonconforming signs in shopping centers where sign sizes are determined
and uniform shall be permitted to be replaced with signs that are
similar to the size and style of other existing signs within the shopping
center.
[Added 4-12-2022 by Ord.
No. 2022-O-06]
A.
Permit required. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter
any sign not included as an exempt sign under this chapter without
first filing with the Zoning Officer an application in writing and
obtaining a formal permit. Normal sign maintenance, which only includes
cleaning and repairs, shall not require a permit.
(1)
Application form. An application for a permit for the erection,
construction, or alteration of a sign shall be submitted on a form
prescribed by the Township. The application shall contain the full
names and addresses of the applicant, the owner of the premises where
a sign is to be erected, constructed, or altered, and the person or
firm engaged to erect, construct, or alter the sign. The application
shall contain the affidavits of the owner of the premises authorizing
the application and a description of the work to be completed. A site
plan, drawn at a scale deemed suitable by the Zoning Officer must
accompany the application. The site plan must accurately depict all
property lines with bearings and distances, street lines, easements,
and sight triangles. The proposed location of the corners of the signs
and/or foundation must be dimensioned from the property lines in a
manner satisfactory to the Zoning Officer.
(2)
Fees. All applicants for permits for the erection, construction,
or alteration of signs shall, at the time of making such application,
pay a fee to the Township in accordance with the effective fee schedule
adopted by annual resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The current
fee schedule is on file in the office of the Township Manager.
B.
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall
not be construed to relieve the applicant for the sign from obtaining
other permits as needed, including but not limited to building and
electrical permits from Warrington Township.
C.
Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure,
plans and specifications shall be filed with the Township showing
the dimensions, materials, illumination, and details of construction,
including loads, stresses, anchorage, and any other pertinent engineering
data. Plans for signs with a proposed area greater than 100 square
feet shall be prepared and sealed by a structural engineer. The application
for permit shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner
or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected for
the Township to enter said premises to inspect such sign.
D.
No new sign shall hereafter be erected except as herein provided
and until a permit has been issued by the Township.
E.
The changing of movable parts of an approved changeable copy sign
that is designed for such changes or the repainting or reposting of
display matter shall not be deemed an alteration, provided that the
conditions of the original approval and the requirements of this section
are not violated.
A.
Governing provisions. If there is a contradiction in general standards or area and dimensional requirements between the provisions in this section and the provisions in § 370-709. Signs by district, the smaller or more restrictive standard shall apply.
B.
On-premises.
(1)
Canopy or awning signs.
(a)
General standards.
[1]
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall
not be regulated as a sign.
[2]
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural
elements such as windows or doors.
[3]
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall
or tenant space it identifies.
[4]
Sign placement. Letters or numerals shall be located only on
the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
[5]
Sign height. The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall
be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
[6]
Multitenant buildings. If awning or canopy signs are mounted
on a multitenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar
in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the
building.
[7]
Graphics allowed. One sign may be displayed on each awning or
canopy. It shall not exceed 40% of the area of the principal face
of the awning or canopy, and it shall not exceed and shall be subtracted
from the total sign area allowed for wall signs in the applicable
zoning district. It:
[a]
Shall not project above, below, or beyond the edges
of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which
it is located, or beyond the edges of the awning on which it is displayed.
[b]
Shall not extend horizontally a distance greater
than 60% of the width of the awning on which it is displayed.
(b)
Awning signs.
[1]
Location. An establishment and each occupant of a shopping center
or multi-use building may display an awning on each street or highway
frontage.
[2]
Height and width. Awnings shall clear sidewalks by at least
eight feet (and may extend up to one foot from the vertical plane
formed by the curb or the street line).
[3]
Awnings may be nonilluminated or externally illuminated only
by down directed and shielded light fixtures.
[4]
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided that they
do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
[5]
Only one wall sign or awning sign is permitted per frontage.
(2)
(3)
Projecting sign.
(a)
Projecting signs are permitted, provided that the area of such
sign does not exceed one square foot for each two linear feet of building
frontage which is perpendicular to the sign. No projecting sign may
be larger than 50 square feet nor may any projecting sign extend in
a vertical dimension above the roofline or highest architectural point
of a building.
(b)
Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet between
the bottom of the sign and the ground and, if projecting over a public
sidewalk, may project not more than two-thirds the width of the sidewalk.
(c)
Projecting signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to,
freestanding signs on a given premises. Where a premises is allowed
two or more freestanding signs, a projecting sign may be used to substitute
for one or more of the freestanding signs.
[1]
Projecting signs may not overhang any place for vehicular traffic
(streets, loading docks, parking lots).
[2]
Projecting signs under canopies.
[a]
Signs attached to the underside of a canopy shall
have a copy area no greater than eight square feet per side and a
minimum clearance of 10 feet from the sidewalk. Such signs shall be
mounted as perpendicular as possible to the building face, except
that on individual buildings with a gross floor area of 10,000 square
feet or greater, the area of the sign may be increased to 20 square
feet per side.
[b]
One under-canopy sign shall be permitted for each
entrance to a facility served by a canopy or other pedestrian walkway.
(4)
Wall signs.
(a)
Wall signs shall not exceed 40% of the wall area of the building,
including the second floor of the building or higher. If a building
contains multiple tenants, each tenant's sign shall not exceed six
square feet of wall area.
(5)
Window signs.
(a)
Permanent window signs shall not exceed 40% of the window. If
a building contains multiple tenants, each tenant's sign shall not
exceed 40% of the window area.
(6)
Marquee signs.
(a)
Such signs shall be located only above the principal public
entrance of a building facing a public street or parking lot.
(b)
No marquee shall be wider than the entrance it serves, plus
two feet on each side thereof.
(c)
No marquee shall extend closer to the curb than three feet.
(e)
One marquee structure per building.
(f)
Area. The total area of all signs on a single marquee structure
shall not exceed 150 square feet in area.
(7)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
One freestanding directory sign is permitted for each street
frontage, provided that the total sign area on any one street frontage
of any property in single and separate ownership shall not exceed
175 square feet. Where any street frontage on property held in single
and separate ownership exceeds 1,000 feet in length, one additional
freestanding sign shall be permitted.
(b)
The clearance or lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall
be either less than four feet or greater than eight feet above the
ground.
(c)
Freestanding monument signs shall be supported and permanently
placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner
as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(d)
Sign placement.
[1]
All freestanding signs shall be set back 10 feet from the street
line or height of the sign, whichever is greater, except for official
traffic signs and government/regulatory signs.
[2]
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking,
loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway or the
street line or other areas required to remain obstructed.
(e)
Freestanding signs may have changeable copy signs.
(f)
If the freestanding sign has electronic messaging, the regulations
for electronic messaging sign apply.
(g)
Freestanding signs shall include the street number and/or address
of the property for which it advertises, at a minimum lettering height
of four inches.
(8)
Changeable copy sign.
(a)
A changeable copy sign shall be displayed only as part of a
freestanding or wall sign, subject to all regulations applying to
those signs.
(b)
The changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed one-third
of the total area of the wall or freestanding sign.
(c)
Any such device with alternating messages shall display each
message for not less than five seconds.
(9)
Electronic message center signs.
(a)
Electronic message center signs are permitted in the form of freestanding, monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises, in accordance with the regulations established in § 370-705.
(b)
Height. A digital display shall have the same height limits
as for other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(d)
Maximum number per property. Where permitted, one digital display
sign is permitted per property.
(e)
Message display.
[1]
Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or
text or images which flash, pulsate, move, or scroll is prohibited.
Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[2]
One message/display may be brighter than another, but each individual
message/display must be static in intensity.
[3]
The content of a digital display must transition by changing
instantly, with no transition graphics (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[4]
Duration. The length of time each message may be displayed on
a message center sign, digital display, or tri-vision board sign is
a minimum 15 seconds for message center signs, digital displays, or
tri-vision board signs.
[5]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which
shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should
occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted nondigital sign to a digital sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 370-707, Sign permits.
(g)
The addition of any digital display to a nonconforming sign
is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements. The owner of every digital sign
may be asked to coordinate with the local authorities to display,
when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling
public, including, but not limited to, Amber Alerts or alerts concerning
terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages
shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols
of the agency that issues the information.
(10)
Time and temperature signs.
(13)
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification
sign erected by the Township or commonwealth, including plaque signs
up to seven square feet in area.
(14)
Pole banner.
(a)
General provisions. Pole banner signs that comply with the requirements
in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the
type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
[1]
Illumination. Illumination of any pole banner sign
is prohibited.
[2]
Area. Each pole banner shall have a maximum area
of 12.5 square feet and a maximum width of three feet. Up to two pole
banners are permitted per pole or opposite side of pole.
[3]
Height.
[a]
When the street pole banner's edge is less than
18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the pole banner shall
be at least 14 feet above the finished grade.
[b]
When the pole banner's edge is greater than 18
inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the pole banner shall be
at least eight feet above the finished grade.
[4]
Location.
[a]
No pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
[b]
Pole banners shall maintain a minimum three-foot
vertical clearance below any luminaires located on the pole measured
from where the ballasts connect to the poles.
[c]
Pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility
of traffic signals or signs.
[d]
No pole banner shall be located on a pole that
has traffic or pedestrian control signals.
[6]
Pole banners may only be erected on private property.
(b)
Permit requirements.
[1]
An application for a pole banner permit must include
the following:
[a]
A diagram or map of the specific poles to be used
for pole banner installation and the streets on which the poles are
located.
[b]
A proof of the pole banner design, including the
banner's dimensions.
[c]
If brackets are to be installed, submit specifications
for the bracket installation system.
(15)
Upper-level building identification signs.
(a)
Number: two signs per building.
(b)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(c)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet and shall
not extend vertically beyond the eave line.
(d)
Signs shall be limited to buildings at least three stories in
height and shall be located only on the top floor of such buildings.
(e)
Address sign shall be no larger than two square feet and be located
on the front of any building.
C.
Off-premises. Off-premises signs shall be in accordance with the
regulations stated in the Interstate Outdoor Advertising, L.P. v.
Zoning Hearing Bd. Of Warrington Twp. State Supreme Court case. Off-premises
signs are only permitted in the PI-1 Planned Industrial 1 and PI-2
Planned Industrial 2 Zoning Districts. These regulations are specified
below:
(1)
General regulations.
(a)
Off-premises signs shall be permitted along arterial roadways
with a minimum side yard setback of 50 feet.
(b)
Off-premises signs are not permitted on any lot smaller than
three acres, unless otherwise specified within this chapter.
(c)
Off-premises signs may exist instead of, but not in addition
to, freestanding signs on a given premises. Where a premises is allowed
two or more freestanding signs, an off-premises sign may be used to
substitute for one of the freestanding signs.
(d)
One off-premises sign may be erected on a property.
(e)
Off-premises signs shall be nonilluminated, freestanding signs.
(f)
Placement of off-premises signs.
[1]
Street line. No such sign or any part thereof shall be erected
or maintained within 50 feet of the street line.
[2]
Side or rear yard. No such sign or part thereof shall be erected
or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
[3]
No such sign shall be erected within 500 feet of any other such
sign or freestanding sign or residential dwelling.
(g)
Area of off-premises sign. No outdoor adverting sign shall be
permitted to exceed the maximum size based on adjacent roadway permitted
speed [miles per hour (mph)]:
[1]
More than 36 mph: 60 square feet maximum sign area.
(h)
Off-premises signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 20 feet.
(i)
The minimum distance between signs is 750 feet.
(2)
Outdoor advertising sign (billboards).
A.
For the purposes of this chapter, the tables and corresponding text within this section will dictate the type of signs, and the area and dimensional requirements of said signs, that are permitted within each zoning district. If there is a contradiction in general standards or area and dimensional requirements between the provisions in this section and the provisions in § 370-708, Regulations by sign type for permanent signs, the smaller or more restrictive standard shall apply.
B.
General provisions applicable to all zoning districts.
(1)
All building-mounted signs shall be consistent and compatible
with the style, composition, materials, colors and details of the
building and the purposes of this section.
(2)
The applicant shall comply with all applicable sign regulations
of the underlying zoning district except as modified or supplemented
by these regulations.
(3)
Rotating or revolving signs, pennants, flags, banners, balloons,
and objects, such as tires, automobiles, food products or other items
designed to draw attention to the product or business must be approved
by the Board of Supervisors prior to installation. This does not apply
to registered trademarks, service marks and similar corporate logos.
C.
Residential, agricultural, and open space signs. In the RA Residential
Agricultural, O/SP Open Space/Parkland, and CE Cemetery Districts,
the following standards shall govern.
(1)
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a)
Athletic field sign.
(b)
Directional sign.
(c)
Freestanding sign.
(d)
Freestanding sign for residential developments containing more
than 10 units.
[1]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet
per sign face.
(e)
Home occupation sign, excluding no-impact.
(f)
Limited duration sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(g)
Monument sign. A maximum of one sign per frontage is permitted
in the CE Cemetery District.
(h)
Portable sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(i)
Scoreboard sign.
(j)
Temporary sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(k)
Wall and projecting sign for nonresidential uses.
(l)
Window sign for nonresidential uses.
(m)
Community special event sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(2)
Off-premises signs (none).
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
|
Table 10
RA Residential Agricultural, OS/P Open Space, and CE Cemetery
District Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RA, OS/P, and CE
|
Area and Dimensional Requirements
| |||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted1
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Additional Regulations
|
|
Athletic field
|
1
|
24
|
10
|
—
|
|
Community special event
|
See § 370-710D
|
16 per side
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Directional
|
—
|
4
|
5
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding
|
1
|
10
|
8
|
—
|
|
Freestanding (over 10 dwelling units)
|
1 per street frontage
|
15
|
8
|
Yes
|
|
Home occupation, excluding no-impact
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
—
|
|
Limited duration, nonresidential
|
1
|
10 per side
|
8
|
—
|
|
Limited duration, residential
|
1
|
7
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Monument
|
1
|
—
|
6
|
Yes
|
|
Portable
|
See § 370-710C
|
6
|
3.5
|
Yes
|
|
Scoreboard
|
1
|
200
|
20
|
—
|
|
Temporary, nonresidential
|
1
|
6
|
8
|
—
|
|
Temporary, residential
|
1
|
4
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Wall and projecting sign, nonresidential
|
—
|
1
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Window signs, nonresidential
|
1
|
1
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs
per property.
|
|
2
|
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building
or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
|
D.
Residential district signs. In the R1 Low-Density Residential, R1-C
Residential Single-Family Cluster, R2 Medium-Density Residential,
R2-I Residential Infill, R3 Residential Single-Family, MR Mixed Residential,
CR Commercial Residential, and IU Institutional Districts, the following
standards shall govern.
(1)
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a)
Athletic field sign.
(b)
Awning sign.
(c)
Changeable copy sign. A changeable copy sign is only permitted
as part of another permitted sign.
(d)
Directional sign.
(e)
Freestanding sign.
(f)
Freestanding sign for residential developments or apartment
buildings containing more than 10 units.
[1]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet
per sign face.
(g)
Home occupation sign, excluding no-impact.
(h)
Limited duration sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(i)
Monument sign.
(j)
Portable sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(k)
Scoreboard sign.
(l)
Temporary sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(m)
Wall and projecting sign for nonresidential uses.
(n)
Window sign for nonresidential use.
(o)
Community special event sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
|
Table 11
R1 Low-Density Residential, R2 Medium-Density Residential,
R2-I Residential Infill, R1-C Residential Single-Family Cluster, R3
Residential Single-Family, CR Commercial Residential, MR Mixed Residential,
and IU Institutional District Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
R1, R1-C, R2, R2-I, R3, CR, MR, and IU
|
Area and Dimensional Requirements
| |||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted1
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Additional Regulations
|
|
Athletic field
|
1
|
48
|
10
|
—
|
|
Awning
|
1
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
height
|
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
|
—
|
|
Changeable copy
|
1
|
1/3 of the total area of wall or freestanding sign
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Community special event
|
See § 370-710D
|
16 per side
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Directional
|
—
|
4
|
5
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding
|
1
|
10
|
8
|
—
|
|
Freestanding (over 10 dwelling units)
|
1 per street frontage
|
15
|
8
|
Yes
|
|
Home occupation, excluding no-impact
|
1
|
1
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Limited duration, nonresidential
|
1
|
10 per side
|
8
|
—
|
|
Limited duration, residential
|
1
|
4
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Monument
|
1
|
—
|
6
|
—
|
|
Portable
|
See § 370-710C
|
6
|
3.5
|
Yes
|
|
Scoreboard
|
1
|
200
|
20
|
—
|
|
Temporary, nonresidential
|
1
|
6
|
6
|
—
|
|
Temporary, residential
|
1
|
4
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Wall and projecting signs, nonresidential uses
|
—
|
1
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Window signs, nonresidential uses
|
1
|
1
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs
per property.
|
|
2
|
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building
or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
|
E.
Eureka Village District signs. In the EV Eureka Village District
the following standards shall govern.
(1)
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a)
If the building fronts on two or more streets, a maximum of one additional sign in conformity with § 370-709E shall be permitted.
(b)
For properties in the EV Eureka Village Zoning District with
more than one principal use in separate structures or in a single
building on one property, the following regulations shall apply:
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
[1]
Awning sign.
[2]
Directional sign.
[3]
Freestanding sign.
[a]
One freestanding sign which identifies the development
and may serve as a directory sign for uses in the development. No
additional directory signs may be erected regardless of number of
street frontages. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side
and shall only identify the name of the center or development and/or
names of the various businesses or firms located within such center
or development.
[b]
One freestanding sign up to 12 square feet may
be erected for each principal use which exceeds 20,000 square feet
in leasable space.
[4]
Home occupation sign, excluding no-impact.
[5]
Limited duration sign, nonresidential and residential use.
[6]
Marquee sign.
[7]
Menu sign.
[8]
Monument sign. A monument sign is only permitted as part of
a building with a minimum of 20,000 square feet.
[9]
Portable sign.
[10]
Temporary sign, nonresidential and residential
use.
[11]
Window and projecting signs shall be permitted
in accordance with the following limitations:
[a]
One sign which shall be limited to the name of
the firm, building, establishment or business may be erected on each
individual use in accordance with one of the following:
[12]
Wall signs. One per street
elevation or elevation facing a parking lot, size of each such sign
not to exceed 16 square feet. Copy on such signs is restricted to
the name, address, and/or suitable graphic element designed to identify
the premises. In addition, the name and specialty of each professional
occupant may be displayed, provided the copy area of each such name
and specialty does not exceed two square feet.
|
Table 12
EV Eureka Village District Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EV
|
Area and Dimensional Requirements
| |||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted1
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Additional Regulations
|
|
Awning
|
1
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
height
|
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
|
—
|
|
Directional
|
—
|
4
|
5
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding
|
1 per frontage
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
Yes
|
|
Home occupation, excluding no-impact
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
—
|
|
Limited duration, nonresidential
|
1
|
10 per side
|
—
|
—
|
|
Limited duration, residential
|
1
|
4
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Marquee
|
1
|
50 per side
|
—
|
—
|
|
Menu
|
1 per use
|
2
|
4.5
|
Yes
|
|
Monument
|
1 per use
|
25
|
6
|
Yes
|
|
Portable
|
See § 370-710C
|
6
|
3.5
|
Yes
|
|
Projecting
|
1 per use
|
10
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Temporary, nonresidential
|
1 per 1,000 square feet of frontage
|
12
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Temporary,- residential
|
1
|
4
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Wall
|
1 per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot
|
16
|
Eave line2
|
Yes
|
|
Window
|
1
|
40% of window area
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs
per property.
|
|
2
|
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building
or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
|
F.
BZ Business Zone District signs. In the BZ Business District the
following standards shall govern.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(1)
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a)
The sign area may be comprised of any of the following sign
types provided that the total sign area is subject to the maximum
size limitations based on individual sign type.
(b)
The following signs shall be permitted to only display the name
of a firm, building, establishment, or business and may only be erected
for each individual use in accordance with the following standards:
(c)
Directional sign.
(d)
Freestanding signs: The allowable sign area calculation is provided in § 370-709K(1). The allowable sign height calculation is provided in § 370-709K(2). No more than one such sign shall be erected on a premises held in single and separate ownership unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(e)
Freestanding sign for a shopping center with multiple businesses: The allowable sign area calculation is provided in § 370-709K(1). The maximum sign area may be increased, provided that:
[1]
There shall be only one such sign per frontage.
[2]
The area and height of any freestanding sign(s) shall not exceed 100% of the amounts specified in § 370-709K(2).
(f)
Electronic message sign: must be part of a freestanding sign.
(g)
Awning sign.
(h)
Directory signs, including a directory of tenants of an apartment
building or development, office building, or other permitted use,
shall be permitted only when such premises fronts onto State Route
0611 or State Route 0132, which are four lanes.
(i)
Marquee sign.
(j)
Menu sign.
(k)
Monument sign: shall be displayed only on a frontage of 100
feet or more or shall not be closer than 100 feet to any other monument
sign.
(l)
Upper-level building sign.
(m)
Wall signs. One per street elevation or elevation facing a parking
lot, size of each such sign not to exceed two square feet per linear
foot of wall frontage. Copy on such signs is restricted to the name,
address, and/or suitable graphic element designed to identify the
premises. In addition, the name and specialty of each professional
occupant may be displayed, provided the copy area of each such name
and specialty does not exceed two square feet.
(n)
Community special event sign.
(2)
Off-premises (none).
|
Table 13
BZ Business Zone District Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BZ
|
Area and Dimensional Requirements
| |||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted1
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Additional Regulations
|
|
Awning
|
1
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
height
|
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
|
—
|
|
Community special event
|
See § 370-710D
|
16 per side
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Directional
|
—
|
6
|
6
|
Yes
|
|
Electronic message
|
1
|
1/3 of the total area of freestanding sign
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding
|
1
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding, shopping center
|
1 per frontage
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
Yes
|
|
Marquee
|
1
|
50 per side
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Menu
|
—
|
2
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Monument
|
1
|
1.5 per 1 foot of linear frontage
|
6
|
Yes
|
|
Projecting
|
1
|
10
|
Eave line2
|
Yes
|
|
Upper-level building
|
1
|
1.5 per 1 foot of linear frontage
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Wall
|
1 per street elevation facing a parking lot
|
2 square feet per linear foot of wall frontage
|
Eave line2
|
Yes
|
|
Window
|
1 per use
|
40% of window area
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs
per property.
|
|
2
|
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building
or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
|
G.
WV Warrington Village District signs. In the WV Warrington Village
District, the following standards shall govern.
(1)
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a)
Awning sign.
(b)
Banner sign.
(c)
Directional sign.
(d)
Freestanding signs shall be permitted in accordance with the
following limitations:
[1]
Such signs shall be limited to one, except for a premises which fronts on two or more streets, in which case a sign may be permitted in each yard fronting on a street; and except for a use which contains more than 500 linear feet of front footage, in which case one freestanding sign will be permitted for each additional 500 feet of front footage or portion thereof, provided that the maximum allowable sign area has not been exceeded as specified in § 370-709K(1). A single freestanding sign may advertise any number of businesses, provided that the maximum sign area per business and the total maximum sign are not exceeded.
[2]
For a shopping center with multiple businesses, the allowable sign area calculation is provided in § 370-709K(1). The maximum sign area may be increased, provided that:
[a]
There shall be only one such sign per frontage.
[b]
The area and height of any freestanding sign(s) shall not exceed 100% of the amounts specified in § 370-709K(2).
(e)
Limited duration sign.
(f)
Menu sign.
(g)
Portable signs.
(h)
Projecting signs located under canopies.
[1]
Such signs shall have a copy no greater than eight square feet
per side and a minimum clearance of 10 feet from the sidewalk and
shall be mounted as nearly as possible perpendicular to the building
face.
[2]
One such sign may be permitted for each entrance to a facility
served by a canopy or other pedestrian walkway, provided that they
do not exceed eight square feet in area.
(i)
Temporary sign.
(j)
Time and temperature signs.
(k)
The following signs shall be permitted to only display the name
of the firm, building, establishment, or business and may only be
erected for each individual use in accordance with the following standards:
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(l)
Wall signs. One per street elevation or elevation facing a parking
lot, size of each sign not to exceed two square feet per linear foot
of wall frontage. Copy on such signs is restricted to the name, address,
and/or suitable graphic element designed to identify the premises.
In addition, the name and specialty of each professional occupant
may be displayed, provided the copy area of each such name and specialty
does not exceed two square feet.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(m)
Community special event sign.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
|
Table 14
WV Warrington Village District Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WV
|
Area and Dimensional Requirements
| |||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted1
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Additional Regulations
|
|
Awning
|
1
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
height
|
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
|
—
|
|
Banner
|
1 per use
|
24
|
—
|
—
|
|
Community special event
|
See § 370-710D
|
16 per side
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Directional
|
See § 370-710D
|
4
|
5
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding
|
1 per frontage
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding, shopping center
|
1 per frontage
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
Yes
|
|
Limited duration
|
1
|
10 per side
|
6
|
—
|
|
Menu
|
1
|
2
|
4.5
|
Yes
|
|
Portable
|
1 per use
|
7
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Projecting
|
1 per use
|
10
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Projecting, under canopy
|
1 per entrance
|
8 per side
|
Eave line2
|
Yes
|
|
Temporary
|
1 per 1,000 feet
|
12
|
6
|
—
|
|
Time and temperature
|
1 per freestanding or wall sign
|
1/3 of freestanding or wall sign
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Wall
|
1 per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot
|
2 square feet per linear foot of wall frontage
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Window
|
1 per use
|
40% of window area
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs
per property.
|
|
2
|
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building
or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
|
H.
CBD Central Business District signs. In the CBD District the following
standards shall govern.
(1)
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a)
Awning sign.
(b)
Banner sign.
(c)
[1]Directory sign. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet
per side and shall only identify the name of the center and/or the
names of the various businesses or firms located within such center
or park. Not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property
held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts
upon more than one street, in which event one such sign may be erected
on each street frontage from which access is taken.
[1]
Editor's Note; Former Subsection H(1)(c), regarding directional
signs, was repealed 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2. This ordinance also
renumbered former Subsection H(1)(d) through (m) as Subsection H(1)(c)
through (l) respectively.
(d)
Electronic message center sign in accordance with the following
standards:
[1]
Shall be displayed only as a part of a freestanding or a wall
sign, subject to all regulations applying to those signs.
[2]
Shall not exceed one-third of the total proposed area of the
wall or freestanding sign.
[3]
Any such device with alternating messages shall display each
message for not less than five seconds.
(e)
Freestanding sign.
[1]
For a shopping center with multiple businesses, the allowable sign area calculation is provided in § 370-709K(1). The maximum sign area may be increased, provided that:
[a]
There shall be only one such sign per frontage.
[b]
The area and height of any freestanding sign(s) shall not exceed 100% of the amounts specified in § 370-709K(2).
(f)
Limited duration sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(g)
Marquee sign.
(h)
Menu sign.
(i)
Portable sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(j)
Time and temperature signs. Time and temperature signs must
be part of a freestanding or wall sign.
(k)
Upper-level building sign. A maximum of two upper-level building
signs are permitted per building.
(l)
The following signs shall be permitted to only display the name
of a firm, building, establishment, or business and may only be erected
for each individual use in accordance with the following standards:
[Amended 4-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-O-06; 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(m)
Wall signs. One per street elevation or elevation facing a parking
lot, size of each such shall not exceed two square feet per linear
foot of wall frontage. Copy on such signs is restricted to the name,
address, and/or suitable graphic element designed to identify the
premises. In addition, the name and specialty of each professional
occupant may be displayed, provided the copy area of each such name
and specialty does not exceed two square feet.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(n)
Community special event sign.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(2)
Off-premises signs (none).
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
|
Table 15
CBD Central Business District Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CBD
|
Area and Dimensional Requirements
| |||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted1
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Additional Regulations
|
|
Awning
|
1
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
height
|
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
|
—
|
|
Banner
|
1 per use
|
24
|
4
|
—
|
|
Community special event
|
See § 370-710D
|
16 per side
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Directional
|
—
|
4
|
5
|
Yes
|
|
Directory
|
1
|
40
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Electronic message sign
|
1 per use
|
1/3 of the total area of wall or freestanding sign
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding
|
1 per frontage
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
—
|
|
Freestanding, shopping center
|
1 per frontage
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
Yes
|
|
Limited duration, nonresidential
|
1 per use
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|
Limited duration, residential
|
1
|
4
|
3.5
|
—
|
|
Marquee
|
1 per use
|
50 per side
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Menu
|
1 per use
|
—
|
Eave line2
|
Yes
|
|
Portable
|
See § 370-710C
|
6
|
3.5
|
Yes
|
|
Projecting
|
1 per use
|
50
|
—
|
—
|
|
Time and temperature
|
1 per use
|
—
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Upper-level building
|
1 per use
|
—
|
Eave line2
|
Yes
|
|
Wall
|
1 per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot
|
2 square feet per linear foot of wall frontage
|
—
|
Yes
|
|
Window
|
1 per use
|
40% of window area
|
—
|
—
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs
per property.
|
|
2
|
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building
or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
|
I.
Industrial District signs. For signs permitted in the PI-1 Planned
Industrial 1, PI-1A Planned Industrial 1A, PI-2 Planned Industrial
2, J Junkyard, and Q Quarry Districts the following standards shall
govern.
(2)
Permitted off-premises signs.
(a)
An off-premises outdoor advertising sign is permitted only in
the PI-1 and PI-2 Districts.
(b)
Area and heights.
[1]
No sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum copy area of
50 square feet, including border and trim, but excluding supports.
A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal
angle not greater than 90° is permitted one on each side or a
total maximum area of 100 square feet.
[2]
No sign shall exceed 25 feet in height.
(c)
Setbacks.
[1]
Street line. No sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained
within 50 feet of the street line of a public street.
[2]
Side or rear yards. No sign or any part thereof shall be erected
or maintained within 100 feet of any side or rear property line nor
within 100 feet of a residence.
[3]
No such sign shall be erected within 50 feet of any other such sign
or freestanding sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
|
Table 16
PI-1 Planned Industrial 1, PI-1A Planned Industrial 1A,
PI-2 Planned Industrial 2, J Junkyard and Q Quarry District Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PI-1, PI-1A, PI-2, J, and Q
|
Area and Dimensional Requirements
| |||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted1
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Additional Regulations
|
|
Awning
|
1
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
height
|
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
|
—
|
|
Directional
|
—
|
4
|
5
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding
|
1 per use
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
—
|
|
Monument
|
1 per use
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
—
|
|
Outdoor advertisement
|
1
|
50
|
25
|
Yes
|
|
Upper-level building
|
1 per use
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
—
|
|
Wall
|
—
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
—
|
|
NOTE:
| |
|
1
|
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs
per property.
|
J.
Signs permitted in the OI Office Industrial and IST Industrial Science
Technology Districts. For signs permitted in the OI and IST Districts
the following standards shall govern:
(1)
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a)
Awning sign.
(b)
Directional sign.
(c)
Freestanding sign.
[1]
One freestanding sign which identifies the multiple occupancy, including,
but not limited to, industrial park or office park and may serve as
a directory sign for uses in the development in which it may be erected.
[2]
Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side and shall
only identify the name of the center or park and/or the names of the
various businesses or firms located within such center or park. Not
more than one such sign shall be erected on any property held in single
and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts upon more than
one street, in which event one such sign may be erected on each street
frontage from which access is taken.
(d)
Monument sign.
(e)
Upper-level building sign.
(f)
Wall, projecting, and permanent window signs shall be permitted
in accordance with the following limitations:
[1]
One sign which shall be limited to the name of the firm, building,
or business may be erected on each individual use in accordance with
one of the following:
[a]
Either one window sign consisting of individual
letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of the window area, for all such
signs; or
[b]
One projecting sign extending not more than five
feet from the wall up to 10 square feet in size; or
[c]
One wall sign up to 12 square feet.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
|
Table 17
OI Office Industrial and IST Industrial Science Technology
District Sign Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
OI and IST
|
Area and Dimensional Requirements
| |||
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Number Permitted1
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Additional Regulations
|
|
Awning
|
1
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
height
|
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
|
—
|
|
Directional
|
—
|
4
|
5
|
Yes
|
|
Freestanding
|
1
|
40
|
20
|
Yes
|
|
Monument
|
1
|
1.5 per 1 foot of linear frontage
|
6
|
—
|
|
Projecting
|
1
|
10
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
Upper-level building
|
2 per building
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
—
|
|
Wall
|
—
|
See § 370-709K(1).
|
See § 370-709K(2).
|
—
|
|
Window
|
1
|
40% of window area
|
Eave line2
|
—
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
1
|
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs
per property.
|
|
2
|
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building
or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
|
K.
Sign calculations. The calculations for sign area and sign height in §§ 370-709K(1) and 370-709K(2) shall be applied in addition to the general standards and area and dimensional requirements herein.
(1)
Calculation for sign area.
(a)
The maximum square area for a sign is calculated through the
following equation:
(b)
The maximum square area for a sign on a property that has frontage
on State Route 0611 or State Route 0132, and is located in the WV
Warrington Village, BZ Business Zone, or CBD Central Business District
zoning districts, is calculated through the following equation:
[1]
Area = 25 square feet + [0.09375 x length of frontage (100 square
feet maximum)].
(2)
Calculation for sign height.
(a)
The maximum height for a sign is calculated through the following
equation:
(b)
The maximum height for a sign on a property that has frontage
on State Route 0611 or State Route 0132, and is located in the WV
Warrington Village, BZ Business Zone, or CBD Central Business District
zoning districts, is calculated through the following equation:
[1]
Height = 12 feet + [0.01 x length of frontage (20 feet maximum)].
A.
Limited duration signs.
(1)
Limited duration signs may be permitted for a period not to
exceed 30 days per year unless an extended period of authorized by
the Township. Only one limited duration sign is permitted per tenant.
The applicant may receive no more than one permit a year.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(2)
The size of any limited duration sign may not exceed the size
permitted for any permanent sign of similar type in the district,
but in any event shall be no larger than 10 square feet on one side.
(3)
Any limited duration sign which is illuminated, or which contains
any digital display must conform to the same requirements and standards
which address illumination and electronic messaging center.
(4)
Limited duration signs may not revolve, be animated or have
flashing lights, or be affixed to or painted on a vehicle.
B.
Temporary signs.
(1)
In residential zoning districts or on properties with residential
uses in nonresidential zoning districts the following standards apply:
(a)
No temporary sign shall be displayed for a period exceeding
20 days or more than five days after the cessation of the event or
occurrence being advertised, whichever is less. A temporary sign for
an event or occurrence may only be displayed once in a twelve-month
period.
(b)
There shall be no more than two temporary signs in any calendar
year.
(2)
In nonresidential zoning districts with nonresidential uses
the following standards apply:
(a)
No temporary sign may be displayed for a period exceeding 30
days.
(b)
No temporary sign may use flashing or revolving lights.
(c)
No property shall have more than two temporary signs in any
calendar year.
(d)
Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(e)
Signs may not be displayed earlier than 30 days before the function
for which they are erected. The signs must be removed within five
days after the function for which they were displayed, but in no case
later than 30 days from the day they were displayed.
(f)
No more than one sign shall be displayed for each 1,000 feet
of road frontage.
(g)
Banners shall not exceed eight feet in length and three feet
in width.
(h)
Bunting and banner signs are permitted to announce the opening
of a new business or industry, provided that such signs do not extend
into, or over, a street line. All such signs must be removed after
seven days of the opening day of the first day of business.
(i)
Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any property
held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts
upon more than one public street, in which event, one such sign may
be erected on each street frontage.
C.
Portable signs.
(1)
General provisions.
(2)
Portable signs. Sandwich board signs that comply with the requirements
in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the
type, number, or area of signs allowed on the property.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(a)
Number: One portable sign is permitted per establishment. One
portable sign shall be permitted for any parking garage or parking
lot that is a principal use.
(b)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet
per sign face. Only sandwich board, wind, and signs affixed to an
a-frame or tripod shall be considered portable signs.
(c)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.
(d)
Sign placement.
[1]
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum
of three feet of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained
between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
[2]
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 12 feet
of the primary public entrance, of the establishment it advertises.
For the purposes of this subsection, a public entrance includes a
vehicular entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
[3]
Portable signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically
placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
D.
Community
special event signs.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(1)
No such signs shall exceed 16 square feet in area per side.
(2)
Signs shall not be posted earlier than four weeks before the
occurrence of the exhibit, show, or event and shall be removed within
five days after the termination of the exhibit, show, or event.
(3)
A maximum of 10 such signs may be permitted within the Township
for any one exhibit, show, or event.
(4)
No permit shall be issued for the erection of such signs until
a deposit in an amount to be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors
shall be made with the Township. If such signs are not removed at
the end of the ten-day permit period, the Township may have them removed
and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the expense incurred
by it and for general purposes.
