A.
Purposes. This article is intended to promote and
maintain overall community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable
time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech,
without regulating content; promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions
and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure
compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B.
Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for signs meeting the requirements of § 280-44 and nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, posterboard or similar materials and that are not of a permanent nature. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this article within the applicable district shall be allowed.
C.
Changes on signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including
nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo
or message without a new permit under this article provided that the
changes do not increase the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance
or an increased nonconformity with this article.
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of
this article and which do not conform to the requirements of the chapter
shall be considered nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign shall
not be expanded or extended in any manner that would make it more
nonconforming.
B.
After a permit has been issued, an existing lawful
nonconforming sign may be replaced with a new sign, provided the new
sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign.
A.
The following signs shall be permitted by right within
all zoning districts within the following regulations, and shall not
be required to have a permit under this article:
|
Type and Definition of Signs Not Requiring
Permits
|
Maximum Number of Signs per Lot
|
Maximum Sign Area per Sign1 Other than a Nonresidential Lot
(square feet)
|
Maximum Sign Area per Sign1 on a Nonresidential Lot2
(square feet)
|
Other Requirements
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Christmas tree sign (advertises the seasonal
sale of Christmas trees)
|
2
|
8
|
20
|
Shall only be posted during seasons when such
products are actively offered for sale.
|
|
Charitable event sign (advertises a special
event held a maximum of 9 days in any calendar year that primarily
is held to benefit an established tax-exempt nonprofit organization)
|
2
|
4
|
30
|
Shall be placed a maximum of 14 days prior to
event and removed a maximum of 4 days after event.
|
|
Contractor's sign (advertises a building tradesperson,
engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work
on a particular lot that is not such person's place of business)
|
1 per company working on the site
|
8
|
20
|
Shall only be permitted while such work is actively
and clearly underway and a maximum of 4 days afterward. Such signs
shall not be placed on the lot for more than one year. Shall not be
illuminated.
|
|
Directional sign (provides information indicating
traffic direction, entry or exit, loading or service area, directions
to apartment numbers or parking courts in a development, fire lanes,
parking or closely similar information regarding the same lot as the
sign is on, and that does not include advertising)
|
No maximum
|
2, in addition to signs painted on pavement
|
2, in addition to signs painted on pavement
|
Directional signs within a residential development
shall not be illuminated.
|
|
Flag (a banner or pennant made of fabric or
materials with a similar appearance that is hung from a pole in such
a way to flow in the wind and that includes the word "Open" or some
type of advertising message)
|
1
|
Not permitted
|
20
|
Governmental flags and flags without an advertising
message are not regulated by this article. Also, a corporate flag
may be displayed on a flag pole.
|
|
Garage sale sign (advertises an occasional garage
sale/porch sale or auction)
|
2 per event
|
4 per sign
|
4 per sign
|
Shall be placed a maximum of 24 hours before
permitted garage sale or auction begins, and be removed maximum of
24 hours after event ends.
|
|
Home occupation sign (advertises a permitted
home occupation)
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
Shall not be illuminated if within a residential
district. May be freestanding, attached flat on a building wall or
within a window. Maximum total height of 6 feet.
|
|
Identification sign (only identifies the name
and/or occupation of the resident and/or the name, street address
and/or use of a lot, but that does not include other advertising)
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
Maximum height of 6 feet if freestanding.
|
|
Open house sign (advertises the temporary and
periodic open house of a property for sale or rent)
|
2 per event
|
4
|
4
|
Shall be placed maximum of 3 days before open
house begins, and be removed maximum of 24 hours after open house
ends.
|
|
Political sign (advertises a person or party
seeking political office or a political cause or opinion on a referendum
or matter of political concern)
|
Maximum of 2 signs per candidate or issue
|
6 per sign
|
Maximum total of 60
|
Shall be placed a maximum of 45 days prior to
any election or scheduled vote or referendum to which the sign may
relate, and removed a maximum of 7 days after such election, vote
or referendum. Persons posting political signs shall maintain a written
list of locations of such signs, unless posting signs on their own
property. Political signs shall not be placed on property without
the prior consent of the owner. If a political sign does not meet
these requirements, then it shall be regulated as an off-premises
sign.
|
|
Public services sign (advertises the availability
of restrooms, telephone or other similar public convenience)
|
No maximum
|
2
|
2
| |
|
Real estate sign (advertises the availability
of property on which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease)
|
1 per street that the lot abuts
|
6
|
20
|
Shall only be placed on the property while it
is actively for sale, lease or rent, and shall be removed a maximum
of 7 days after settlement or start of lease.
|
|
Service organization/place of worship sign (an
off-premises sign stating name of a recognized incorporated service
organization or place of worship and that states the place and times
of meetings or services and/or an arrow directing persons to such
location)
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
Maximum of four such signs within the Borough
for each such organization or place of worship.
|
|
Special sale signs (temporary banners, flags
and other signs that advertise a special sales event or grand opening
at a lawful principal commercial business)
|
2 per lot
|
Not permitted
|
Total of 40 square feet for all such banners,
flags and other temporary signs
|
Shall be displayed a maximum of 7 days per event,
with a maximum of 2 events per lot per year. Such signs shall not
flash, be internally illuminated, or obstruct safe sight distances.
|
|
Time and temperature sign (with a sole purpose
to announce the current time and temperature and any nonprofit public
service messages)
|
1
|
Not permitted
|
30
| |
|
Trespassing sign (indicating that a road is
private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain
activities such as hunting and fishing on the lot)
|
No maximum
|
2
|
2
|
|
NOTES:
|
|---|
|
1 Maximum sign areas
are for each of two sides of each permitted sign, measured in square
feet.
|
|
2 A "nonresidential
lot" shall be considered a lot occupied by a lawful principal commercial,
industrial or institutional use.
|
B.
In addition, the following types of signs are not
regulated by this article:
(1)
Historic sign: A sign that memorializes an important
historic place, event or person and that is specifically authorized
by the Borough or a county, state or federal agency.
(2)
Holiday decorations: Decorations that commemorate
a holiday recognized by the Borough, county, state or federal government
and that does not include advertising.
(3)
Not-readable sign: A sign that is not readable from
any public street or any exterior lot line.
(4)
Official sign: A sign erected by the state, county,
Borough or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically
authorized by Borough ordinance or resolution, and which exists for
public purposes.
(5)
Required sign: A sign that only includes information
required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Borough.
(6)
Right-of-way sign: A sign posted within the existing
right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the Borough
or PennDOT.
A.
The following signs are permitted within the specified zoning districts, in compliance within the following regulations. In addition, exempt signs and temporary signs are permitted in all districts by other provisions of this article. See definitions of the types of signs in § 280-52.
|
Zoning District or Type of Use
|
Maximum Total Height of Freestanding Signs
|
Maximum Area of Wall Signs - Limited to
a Maximum of 2 Building Sides
|
Maximum Area of Window Signs
|
Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding
Signs4
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Residential or CN Districts, with these signs
limited to allowed principal nonresidential uses.
Other types of signs are addressed in § 280-44, including home occupation signs.
New signs in these districts shall not be internally
illuminated.
|
6 feet
|
20 square feet on each side of two sides of
a principal building
|
May be used in place of a wall sign with the
same restrictions
|
One sign on each street the lot abuts, each
with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet
|
|
DC District1
|
15 feet
|
50 square feet on each of 2 sides of a principal
building1
|
Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not
regulated. Other window signs are regulated under wall signs.
|
One sign per street that the lot abuts, each
with a maximum area of 15 square feet2, 3
|
|
All districts other than Residential or DC Districts
|
15 feet
|
10% of the vertical area of the building side
on which the signs are attached, up to a maximum total of 200 square
feet
|
Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not
regulated. Other window signs are regulated as wall signs.
|
One sign per street that the lot abuts, each
with a maximum area of 24 square feet2, 3
|
|
NOTES:
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
1 In the DC and TC
Districts, the following additional signs shall be allowed:
| ||
|
1.
|
A maximum of one projecting sign shall be permitted
per lot, provided:
| |
|
a)
|
Such sign has a minimum clearance over the sidewalk
of nine feet (unless a differing standard is established by the Building
Code);
| |
|
b)
|
The sign face is constructed from materials
with an appearance similar to wood, in addition to any metal fasteners;
| |
|
c)
|
Such sign has a maximum sign area on each of
two sides of eight square feet;
| |
|
d)
|
Such sign is securely attached to the building;
| |
|
e)
|
The sign may project a maximum of four feet
from the wall of the building. If the building is setback less than
four feet from the right-of-way, then the sign may project into the
right-of-way, provided the four-foot projection is still met; and
| |
|
f)
|
If the sign projects over the public right-of-way,
the Borough may require a hold harmless agreement that protects the
Borough from liability.
| |
|
2.
|
A maximum of one sidewalk sign (or "sandwich
board sign") shall be permitted per lot, provided:
| |
|
a)
|
Such sign has a maximum sign area of eight square
feet on each of two sides and a maximum width of three feet, and has
a maximum height of four feet;
| |
|
b)
|
Such sign is taken indoors during all hours
when the business is not open to the public;
| |
|
c)
|
Such sign is not in a location that would interfere
with pedestrian traffic, emergency access or parking spaces and retains
a four-foot-wide minimum clear path for pedestrians, and such sign
is kept as close to the building as is feasible;
| |
|
d)
|
Such sign is attractive, well-maintained and
durably constructed; and
| |
|
e)
|
Such sign may be placed within the right-of-way
if there is no location available that would be outside of the right-of-way.
| |
|
2 If the permitted
freestanding sign area is not used, such sign area may be added to
the permitted wall sign area. An auto service station may also include
an additional 24 square feet of sign area to display fuel prices.
| ||
|
3 If a lot includes
three or more distinct business establishments or has more than 100
feet of frontage along a street, then along a single street, the maximum
freestanding sign area may be increased to 50 square feet.
| ||
B.
Height of wall signs. The maximum height of wall signs
shall be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they
are attached. If a nonstructural extension is added to a roof, the
maximum height of the wall sign shall be the top of the structural
roof.
C.
Portable signs (including "signs on mobile stands")
and other temporary signs.
(1)
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs
as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary
sign but that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This
section is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly
display a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent
sign within all of the requirements of this article.
(2)
Definition of a "portable sign": a freestanding sign
that is attached to a chassis or legs that allows it to be towed or
carried from one location to another and that is not permanently attached
to the ground.
D.
Signs on freestanding walls. A freestanding sign may
be attached to a decorative masonry or stone wall with a maximum height
of five feet and a maximum length of 10 feet, without being regulated
by the wall setback regulations of this chapter and with the wall
itself not counting towards the maximum sign area. Sight distance
requirements shall still be met.
E.
Sign area bonus. In a commercial district, the maximum
sign area for a freestanding sign may be increased by 25% beyond the
size that would otherwise be allowed if the sign is not internally
illuminated, and if the base of the sign is surrounded by landscaping.
A.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence shall
be removed within 90 days of the cessation of such use. If the owner
of a property does not remove such sign within 30 days after receiving
a written notice from the Zoning Officer, the sign may be removed
by the Borough at the expense of the property owner.
B.
These time limits shall not apply to a sign intended
to be reused with a new sign face serving a building that is clearly
temporarily vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase.
The following shall regulate the location of
signs:
A.
Setbacks. A sign shall not intrude into or project
over an existing street right-of-way, unless specifically authorized
by a permit from the Borough or PennDOT. Projecting signs meeting
the requirements for such signs and official signs shall be allowed
within the right-of-way. The Borough Police Department, Zoning Officer
or his/her designee or any other person shall have the authority to
remove and dispose of unauthorized signs within the street right-of-way
or that are attached to a utility pole or tree. Borough Council may
approve a temporary banner over a street cartway to advertise a charitable
or Borough-sponsored event.
B.
Sight clearance. No sign shall be so located that it interferes with the sight clearance requirements of § 280-56C.
C.
Off-premises. No signs except permitted off-premises,
official, political or public service signs shall be erected on a
property to which it does not relate.
D.
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any
property or sign pole or public utility pole, unless permission has
been received from the owner.
Any vehicle or trailer displaying a sign area
greater than 20 square feet that is being used in such a manner that
the carrying of sign(s) no longer is incidental to the primary purpose
of the vehicle or trailer but becomes a primary purpose in itself
shall be considered a freestanding sign and shall be subject to all
of the requirements for freestanding signs. This shall include, but
not be limited to, a vehicle that is parked in the front yard of a
business within clear view of a street and that is not moved to another
lot at least once a week.
A.
Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial
use shall be prohibited. Any banner or flag that does not meet the
requirements of this article shall be prohibited.
B.
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type shall be prohibited. A sign may electronically change from one message to another message provided the message does not flash. In addition, flashing lights visible from a street shall not be used to attract attention to a business. This restriction specifically includes window signs, but does not prohibit seasonal Christmas lighting or displays that comply with § 280-44.
C.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles,
sound or odor shall be prohibited.
D.
Signs are prohibited which contain information that
states that a lot may be used for any purpose not permitted under
the applicable provisions of this chapter.
E.
Signs shall be prohibited that are of such character,
form, shape or color that they imitate or resemble any official traffic
sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics which are
likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a
public street (such as prominent use of the words "Danger").
F.
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include
words or images that are obscene or pornographic shall be prohibited.
G.
Balloons of greater than 40 cubic feet that are tethered
to the ground or a structure for periods of 12 hours shall be prohibited.
H.
Floodlights and outdoor lasers used for advertising
purposes shall be prohibited.
Every sign (except allowed temporary signs)
shall be constructed of durable materials. Every sign shall be kept
in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall by written
notice require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a damaged,
dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of time. If such
order is not complied with, the Borough may repair or remove such
sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
A.
BUILDING FACE
FREESTANDING SIGN
HEIGHT OF SIGN
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
SIGN
WALL SIGN
WINDOW SIGN
Sign definitions. The following definitions shall
be used in determining whether signs meet the measurement and type
requirements of this article:
The vertical area of a particular side of a building, but
not including the area of any slanted roof.
See Article II.
The vertical distance measured from the average ground level
surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting
structure. Religious symbols shall not be restricted by the sign heights
of this article when extending above the roofline or attached to a
tower or spire of a place of worship.
A sign illuminated by light from within the sign rather than
a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. A sign within a display
case with lights only shining onto the front of the sign shall be
considered to be externally illuminated.
See Article II.
See Article II.
A sign primarily supported by or painted on a wall of a building
and which does not project more than two feet from such wall. A wall
sign may project up to three feet if it is attached to an awning.
A sign which is readily visible and can be at least partially
read from an exterior lot line and which is attached to a window or
transparent door or that can be read through a window or transparent
door.
B.
Measurement of sign area.
(1)
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and
accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background
areas on which they are displayed. One freestanding sign may include
several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total
sign area being the area of a common geometric form that could encompass
all signs.
(2)
The sign area shall not include any structurally supporting
framework, bracing, or supports if such area does not include any
display, lettering or sign and if such area is clearly incidental
to the sign area itself.
(3)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols
attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than
an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area
shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and
symbols.
(4)
The maximum sign area shall be for each of two sides
of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from
any location.
(5)
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in
regards to signs are maximum sizes.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this article for the following purposes: to ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development; to prevent visual pollution in the Borough and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Borough are within close proximity to existing residences; to prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; to avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; to recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs and on-premises signs; to carry out the purposes listed in § 280-42.
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is
not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully placed
off-premises sign that is in structurally sound condition.
C.
PennDOT sign. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT
are permitted by right in all districts.
D.
Permitted off-premises signs. Except for signs allowed by § 280-44, an off-premises sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements:
(1)
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in
the A District.
(2)
Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a
minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
(3)
Maximum sign area: 300 square feet.
(4)
Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated
by a minimum of 1,000 feet from any other off-premises sign, including
signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other
municipalities. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign.
(5)
Maximum height: 35 feet above the elevation of the
adjacent street or highway, measured at the street or highway center
line.
(6)
Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall
be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign, except that
a sign may have two sign faces of 300 square feet each if they are
placed approximately back-to-back.
(8)
Residences. No off-premises sign greater than 30 square
feet in sign area shall be located within 200 feet from a lot line
of an existing dwelling.
(9)
Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good
and safe condition. The area around the sign shall be kept free of
debris.
