All illustrations of the following sign definitions are on
file at the Borough Office.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 700]
1.
The Borough recognizes that signs perform an important function in
identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events,
and other matters of public interest. It is the intent of this Part
to:
A.
Set standards and provide controls that permit reasonable use of
signs and enhance the character of the Borough.
B.
Encourage sign design that builds on the traditional town image and
visual environment the Borough seeks to promote.
C.
Avoid excessive competition for large or multiple signs, so that
permitted signs provide identification and direction while minimizing
clutter, unsightliness, confusion, and hazardous distractions to motorists.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 701]
From the effective date of this chapter, any sign erected shall
conform to the provisions of this Part and any other ordinance or
regulations of the Borough of Pottstown that relate to it.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 702]
Words and phrases used in this Part shall have the meanings
defined in this Part. Words and phrases not defined in this Part but
defined elsewhere in this chapter shall be given the meanings set
forth in the Definitions Section.
A sign which no longer identifies or advertises an existing
business, use, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which
no legal owner can be found. Prohibited.
Decorative elements of a building facade, such as cornices,
lintels, brackets, fish-scale shingles, columns, fluting, and quoins,
that give the building its character.
The lower border of the roof where it joins with the facade.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place or suspend, which
shall also include the painting of wall signs or other graphics.
The exterior surface of a building up to the eave line.
A unit of measurement of light, where one footcandle equals
approximately the amount of light produced by a candle at a distance
of one foot. It is equivalent to one lumen per square foot. A footcandle
is measurable with an illuminance meter, a/k/a light meter.
[Added by Ord. 2085, 9/12/2011]
A parcel of real property with a separate and distinct identifying
number shown on a recorded plat, record of survey, parcel map, subdivision
map, or a parcel legally created or established in accordance with
zoning.
A sign with two identical faces of equal sign area which
are back to back.
A sign less than three square feet used in conjunction with
a municipal or civic accessory use/structure advertising sponsorship
of the municipal or civic accessory use.
[Added by Ord. No. 2067, 12/14/2009, § 2]
Any existing sign:
This term shall encompass both traditional murals and large-scale
murals.
[Added by Ord. 2168, 10/10/2017]
A name, identification, image, description, display, or illustration
that is affixed to, painted, displayed, or otherwise represented directly
or indirectly upon a building, structure, or piece of land, for the
purpose of communicating a message; or a name, identification, image,
description, display, or illustration which is otherwise made visible
from any street, right-of-way, sidewalk, alley, park, or other public
property, for the purpose of communicating a message. A sign includes
the sign faces as well as any sign structure.
[Amended by Ord. 2168, 10/10/2017]
The area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs
and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed.
"Sign area" excludes any supporting framework and bracing, provided
that it does not contain any lettering, wording, designs or symbols.
For the purpose of this Part, "sign area" shall be computed as a square
or rectangle drawn at the outer limits of the sign face (defined hereafter).
Where the sign consists of a double face, only one side shall
be considered for the purpose of calculating total sign area. Where
both sides are not identical or where the interior angle formed by
the faces of a sign is greater than 45°, all faces shall be considered
in calculating total sign area.
Any spacing between signs designating different or separate
occupants or uses of a building shall not be counted as sign area.
In the case of cylindrical signs, signs in the shape of cubes,
or other signs which are essentially three-dimensional with respect
to their display surfaces, the entire display surface or surfaces
are included in the computation of area.
The part of a sign that is or can be used to identify, advertise
and communicate information for visual representation, which attracts
the attention of the public for any purpose. This definition shall
include any background material, panel, trim and color used that differentiates
the sign from the building or structure on which it is placed. The
sign structure shall not be included, provided that no message, display
or symbol is designed and included as part of the structure.
The distance from the highest portion of the sign, including
all structural elements, to mean grade.
A supporting structure erected and used for the purpose of
physically supporting a sign, situated on any premises where a sign
may be located. This definition shall not include a building, fence,
wall or earthen berm.
A sign which advertises community or civic projects, construction
projects, real estate for sale or lease, or other special events on
a temporary basis.
Words, letters, or numbers of any typeface or number set.
[Added by Ord. 2168, 10/10/2017]
Signs are defined by form and by purpose. "Purpose" refers
to the type of message contained in the sign. "Form" refers to the
physical sign itself.
|
SIGNS AS DEFINED BY PURPOSE — The type of message
contained in the sign.
| ||
|
ADDRESS SIGN — A sign or individual lettering/numbering
that designates the street number and/or street name for identification
purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service.
| ||
|
ARTISAN SIGN — Any sign giving the name or names of principal
contractors, architects, and lending institutions responsible for
painting or construction on the site where the sign is placed.
| ||
|
CIVIC EVENT SIGN (ON-PREMISES) — A noncommercial temporary
sign, posted to promote and advertise an activity sponsored by the
Borough, school district, church, public agency, civic or charitable
association or other similar noncommercial organization on the premises
where the event is to be held.
| ||
|
CIVIC EVENT SIGN (OFF-PREMISES) — A noncommercial temporary
sign posted off premises to promote and advertise an activity sponsored
by the Borough, school district, church, public agency, civic or charitable
association or other similar noncommercial organization.
| ||
|
DEVELOPMENT SIGN — A temporary sign indicating that the
premises is in the process of subdivision or development.
| ||
|
DIRECTORY SIGN — A sign which identifies multiple uses
in a planned development on a single sign; may be used for shopping
centers, shopping streets or business campuses, and similar large
complexes which have a variety of tenants and/or uses.
| ||
|
DIRECTIONAL SIGN — An on-premises sign designed to guide
vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by using such words as "Entrance,"
"Exit," "Parking," "One-Way," or similar direction or instruction,
but not including any advertising message. The name or logo of the
business or use to which the sign is giving direction may also be
included on the sign.
| ||
|
ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SCREEN — A sign, or a portion of a
sign, that displays an electronic image or video, which may or may
not include text. "Electronic display screens" include television
screens, plasma screens, digital screens, flat screens, LED screens,
video boards, holographic displays, or other technologies of a similar
nature.[1]
[Added by Ord. 2059, 3/9/2009, § 1] | ||
|
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER — Any sign, or a portion of
a sign, that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages
in text form wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change
is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.[2]
[Added by Ord. 2059, 3/9/2009, § 1] | ||
|
GENERAL PURPOSE SIGN — A sign that directs attention to
a business, to a product sold, manufactured, or assembled, or to services
or entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is displayed.
| ||
|
GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY SIGN — Any sign to control traffic
or for identification, including street signs, warning signs, railroad-crossing
signs and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction,
which is erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee
or agent thereof in the discharge of his official duties.
| ||
|
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN — A sign which designates home occupations
as permitted in this chapter.
| ||
|
INCIDENTAL SIGN — A sign used in conjunction with equipment
or other functional elements of a use or operation. These shall include,
but not be limited to, drive-through window menu boards, signs on
automatic teller machines, gas pumps, vending machines, or newspaper
delivery boxes.
| ||
|
INSTRUCTIONAL SIGN — A sign located within the interior
of a lot, generally not visible from the street or adjoining properties,
which provides information as to the location, interior operation
and/or use of buildings or facilities.
| ||
|
MEMORIAL SIGN — A memorial plaque or tablet, to include
grave markers or other remembrances of persons or events, which is
not for commercial or advertising purposes.
| ||
|
PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGN — Any sign that expresses an
opinion, interest, or position (not including political signs).
| ||
|
POLITICAL SIGN — A temporary sign relating to the election
of a person to a public office or a political party or a matter to
be voted upon at an election by the public.
| ||
|
PUBLIC INTEREST SIGN — A sign on private property that
displays information pertinent to the safety or legal responsibilities
of the public, such as warning and "no trespassing" signs.
| ||
|
REAL ESTATE SIGN — A temporary sign indicating the sale,
rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is placed.
| ||
|
TIME/TEMPERATURE SIGN — A display containing illuminated
numerals flashing alternately to show the time and the temperature.
May be a wall sign, projecting sign, or freestanding sign.
| ||
|
YARD SALE SIGN — A temporary sign advertising a yard or
garage sale.
| ||
|
SIGNS AS DEFINED BY FORM — The physical structure
of the sign.
[Amended by Ord. 2059, 3/9/2009, § 2] | |||
|
AWNING SIGN — Any sign painted on or applied to a structure
made of cloth, canvas, metal or similar material which is affixed
to a building and projects from it
| |||
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BANNER — A sign consisting of lightweight, flexible material,
which is supported by frame, rope, wires or other anchoring devices,
which may or may not include copy, logo or graphic symbols.
| |||
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BEACON LIGHT — Any source of electric light, whether portable
or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam
of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its
location rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure
or other object. Prohibited.
| |||
|
CANOPY (FREESTANDING) — A rigid, multi-sided structure
covered with fabric, metal or other material and supported by columns
or posts embedded in the ground. May be illuminated by means of internal
or external sources.
| |||
|
ELECTRONIC SIGN — A sign capable of displaying text, graphics,
video, symbols, or images that can be electronically or mechanically
changed by remote or automatic means, and which directs attention
to a business, activity, product, commodity, service, entertainment,
or communication, which may or may not contain an electronic display
screen or an electronic message center. The following shall not be
considered to be electronic signs:
| |||
|
1.
|
Signs utilized by the Police Department, other law enforcement
personnel and/or emergency service providers.
| ||
|
2.
|
Signs that indicate only the date, time and/or temperature,
provided that the remainder of the sign remains static at all times.
| ||
|
3.
|
Scoreboards for athletic events (indoor and outdoor), provided
the use of the scoreboard is limited to only the time the athletic
event is occurring.
| ||
|
FREESTANDING SIGN — A sign and supporting structure that
is secured in the ground and independent of any building, fence or
other support. For the purpose of this definition, "freestanding signs"
may consist of the following:
| |||
|
1.
|
GROUND SIGN — A sign designed to be viewed at eye level.
The bottom of the sign is no more than three feet from the ground.
| ||
|
2.
|
POLE SIGN — A sign which is detached from a building and
supported by no more than two poles or other structural supports which
are architecturally dissimilar to the design of the sign.
| ||
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ILLUMINATED SIGN — A nonflashing or nontwinkling sign
which has letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by an
internal or external lighting source as a part of the sign.
| |||
|
INTERIOR SIGN — Any sign located fully within the interior
of any building or stadium that is intended solely for information
relating to the operation of such building or stadium.
| |||
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MARQUEE SIGN — Any sign attached to a marquee for the
purpose of identifying a movie theater or similar place of entertainment.
Permitted as a conditional use.
| |||
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MOVABLE SIGN — Any sign not permanently attached to the
ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported,
including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by
means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames. This definition
does not include sandwich board signs. Prohibited.
| |||
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MURAL, LARGE-SCALE — Also known as a "large-scale mural,"
it is a hand-produced sign which depicts artistic imagery painted
or affixed upon the exterior facade of a building, freestanding wall,
or solid fence constructed of cementitious or similar material, which
fails to conform to the definition of "traditional mural" (e.g., exceeds
the limitation on percentage of text).
[Amended by Ord. 2168, 10/10/2017] | |||
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MURAL, TRADITIONAL — Also known as a "traditional
mural," it is a hand-produced sign which depicts artistic imagery
painted or affixed upon the exterior facade of a building, freestanding
wall, or solid fence constructed of cementitious or similar material,
which contains equal to or less than 10% text. For the purpose of
this calculation, the text area shall be the aggregate of the area
of the smallest circle, square, or rectangle which can encompass any
text. A traditional mural on a building shall be less than 2,000 square
feet and shall not occupy more than 50% of the surface area of the
exterior building facade on which it is painted or affixed. A traditional
mural on a freestanding wall or solid fence shall be less than 500
square feet of the side on which it is painted or affixed.
[Amended by Ord. 2168, 10/10/2017] | |||
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NEON SIGN — Any sign composed of glass tubing containing
a large proportion of neon gas. A neon sign may be a wall sign, a
projecting sign, or a window sign.
| |||
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OFF-PREMISES SIGN — Any sign, including billboards, that
advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity not on the
same lot where the sign is located.
| |||
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ON-PREMISES SIGN — A sign which advertises or otherwise
directs attention to an activity on the same lot where the sign is
located.
| |||
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PENNANTS — Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material,
whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a
rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the
wind.
| |||
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PROJECTING SIGN — A sign which is attached directly to
any building wall and which extends more than 12 inches from the face
of the wall. A projecting sign may not extend more than four feet
from a wall and must clear the sidewalk by at least 10 feet.
| |||
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REVOLVING SIGN — A sign which revolves in a circular motion
rather than remaining stationary on its supporting structure. Prohibited.
| |||
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ROOF SIGN — Any sign erected and constructed wholly on
and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure,
and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof. Prohibited.
| |||
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SANDWICH BOARD — A movable sign consisting of two faces,
connected and hinged at the top.
| |||
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VEHICULAR SIGN — Any vehicle used as a sign or vehicle
to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of the
sign is used primarily as stationary advertisement for the business
on which the vehicle sits, or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle's
primary purpose. Prohibited.
| |||
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WALL SIGN — Any sign erected against the wall of a building
or displayed on doors or fences that does not protrude more than 12
inches from the wall, window, or door. A wall sign may not extend
beyond the eave line or parapet of the roofline.
| |||
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WINDOW SIGN — Any sign placed upon the outside or inside
of a window, not extending beyond 12 inches of the surface of the
window, facing the outside. Customary displays of merchandise or objects
and materials without lettering placed behind a store window are not
considered signs or parts of signs.
| |||
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A.
|
PERMANENT — Any sign painted or pasted on a window.
| ||
|
B.
|
TEMPORARY — Any paper or cardboard sign that is taped
or pressed against a window; any sign attached to the inside of a
window that is suspended from a string, hook, or wire.
| ||
[1]
Editor's Note: A graphic depiction of "electronic display
screen" and "electronic message center" is attached to Ord. 2059 and
on file in the office of the Borough Secretary.
[2]
Editor's Note: A graphic depiction of "electronic display
screen" and "electronic message center" is attached to Ord. 2059 and
on file in the office of the Borough Secretary.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 703]
The following restrictions and regulations shall be applicable
to all signs unless otherwise specified:
1.
Materials. All signs, excluding awning and window signs, shall be
constructed only from wood, metal, stone or other material as determined
by the Borough which has the general appearance of structures composed
primarily of wood, metal or stone with painted, engraved or raised
messages. Sign materials should complement the original construction
materials and architectural style of the building facade on which
they are to be displayed. If plywood is used, medium-density overlay
shall be used as a minimum grade. Bare plywood is prohibited.
2.
Color. In selecting the principal colors for a sign, colors that
complement the color of the building should be used.
3.
Illumination. Internally illuminated signs are not permitted in historic
districts. See Section 711. Where permitted, signs shall be illuminated
only in accordance with the following regulations as authorized in
an appropriate sign permit:
A.
Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent properties and
streets and shall not be of such intensity as to cause glare hazardous
to pedestrians or motorists.
B.
With the exception of marquee signs, signs using internal illumination
shall be designed so that when illuminated at night, only the letters
and logos of the sign are visible. Individual, solid letters with
internal lighting tubes which backlight a wall in a halo effect are
permitted.
C.
Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an approved
electrical permit. All work shall be completed in full compliance
with the Electrical Code as set forth in the most recently published
BOCA Electrical Code.
4.
Electrical Connections. The electrical supply to all exterior signs,
whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate
the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables.
Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means
of underground cables. Applications for electrical permits shall be
filed at the time of the sign permit application.
5.
Nuisance. No sign shall create a public nuisance by emitting smoke,
sound, vapor, beams or rays, particle emission or odors.
6.
Sign Removal. Any business that has closed shall remove any signs
associated with the business within 60 days after it closes. The owner
of the premises shall have the responsibility to ensure such signs
are removed within the sixty-day period.
7.
No sign or sign structure shall be erected unless it complies with
all applicable requirements of the Pottstown building code.
8.
Electronic Signs.
[Added by Ord. 2059, 3/9/2009, § 3]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to regulate the use of
electronic signs within the Borough, to minimize the impact of such
signs that may distract drivers and be detrimental to neighboring
properties, and to limit the aesthetic impact that a proliferation
of electronic signs could have on Borough properties.
B.
Where permitted, all electronic signs shall comply with the following
requirements:
[Amended by Ord. 2085, 9/12/2011]
(1)
Message Display.
(a)
Each message displayed on an electronic sign must be static
or depicted for a minimum of 30 seconds.
(b)
Where text is displayed on a background, the text shall be brighter
than the background, i.e., dark text shall not be displayed on a bright
background.
(c)
Each complete message must fit onto one screen, i.e., no scrolling
or incomplete messages permitted.
(d)
Electronic signs may not contain animation or any flashing,
scrolling, or moving lights, text or graphics, or any type of video.
(e)
The display of an electronic sign must transition by changing
instantly, with no transition graphics (i.e., no fade-out or fade-in).
(f)
One message/display may be brighter than another, but each individual
message/display must be static in intensity.
(g)
The electronic sign shall contain a default design which shall
freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(2)
Illumination.
(a)
Lighting from the sign must not exceed an intensity of 0.5 footcandle
of light at the property line, as measured with a portable hand-held
light sensor.
(b)
Each electronic sign shall be equipped with automatic day/night
dimming software (using photocell technology), to reduce the illumination
intensity of the sign as ambient lighting conditions change.
(c)
The sign may not display light of such intensity or brilliance
to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary driver, or constitute
a nuisance.
(3)
Hours of Operation. Electronic signs shall not be illuminated
more than one-half hour before which the premises is open to the public
or more than one-half hour after which the premises is closed to the
public, or 10:00 p.m., whichever is later, with the exception of public
service announcements.
(4)
Content. The display of electronic signs may only be used to
advertise good and services sold on the premises, time and temperature,
and public service announcements. The owner of the sign must register
with Amber Alert, and shall be required to display all Amber Alert
messages.
(5)
The addition of any electronic sign to any nonconforming sign
is prohibited.
(6)
No more than one electronic sign is permitted per premises,
regardless of number of signs permitted or the number of uses.
(7)
Electronic signs shall comply with other applicable sign regulations.
(8)
Sign Spacing. No electronic sign shall be closer than 500 feet
from any other electronic sign.
9.
All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and in
a presentable condition, so that all sign information is clearly legible.
Any sign found by the Zoning Officer to show deterioration, including
rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes and missing parts or informational
items, shall constitute a violation of this Part.
10.
No sign or structure shall be placed in the public right-of-way except
for permitted sandwich boards, projecting signs, and civic event signs
as provided for in this Part.
11.
Sign
Maintenance.
[Added by Ord. 2085, 9/12/2011]
A.
All
signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and in a presentable
condition, so that all sign information is clearly legible. Any sign
found by the Zoning Officer to show deterioration, including rust,
faded colors, discoloration, holes and missing parts or informational
items, shall constitute a violation of this Part.
B.
All
existing signs may be repainted, resurfaced or repaired, provided
that they are not substantially destroyed or abandoned per Section
702 of this Part, and provided such does not change the sign message,
sign form, sign area, or overall dimensions of the existing sign.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 704; as amended by Ord.
2059, 3/9/2009; and by Ord. 2085, 9/12/2011]
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to
erect any sign in the Borough unless it is specifically permitted
in this Part. Unlawful signs include, but are not limited to:
1.
Any sign which by color, shape or location conflicts with or resembles
a traffic signal device.
2.
Signs attached to rocks, utility poles, parking meters, traffic signposts,
traffic signals or control devices, street signs, or historical markers.
3.
Signs attached to trees, shrubs or any living vegetative matter.
4.
Any sign, outside of the heavy manufacturing district, which advertises
or publicizes an activity or business not conducted on the premises,
except civic event signs.
5.
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized
agent.
6.
Signs that create a hazard by obstructing the clear view of vehicles
and pedestrian traffic.
7.
Any sign
that obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window,
fire escape or other required exit.
8.
Vehicular
signs.
9.
Abandoned
signs.
10.
Signs
that exhibit statements, words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic
subject.
11.
Beacon
lights.
12.
Flashing
signs, video, animation, and scrolling messages.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 705]
Unless otherwise provided by this Part, all signs shall require
permits and payment of fees as described in Section 710. No permit
is required for the maintenance of a sign or for a change of copy
on a legally conforming painted, printed, or changeable-copy sign.
For the purposes of this section, "maintenance" shall include any
repainting of a sign that does not otherwise change its message or
appearance.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 706]
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and
shall not be included in the determination of the number or sign area
of other signs allowed within a zoning district, subject to the restrictions
in Section 712:
1.
Government/regulatory signs.
2.
Real estate signs.
3.
Political signs.
4.
Public interest signs.
5.
Memorial signs.
6.
Yard sale signs.
7.
Address signs.
8.
Interior signs.
9.
Incidental signs.
10.
Civic event signs on premises.
11.
Personal expression signs.
12.
Pennants as permitted in this article. Pennants may only be used
on a nonresidential premises.
13.
Artisan signs.
14.
Home occupation signs smaller than two square feet.
15.
Incidental
off-premises signs.
[Added by Ord. 2067, 12/14/2009, § 3]
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 707]
The following signs shall be allowed as conditional uses:
1.
Large-scale murals.
[Amended by Ord. 2168, 10/10/2017]
2.
Marquee Signs.
[Amended by Ord. 2085, 9/12/2011]
A.
Marquee
Sign Purpose. The primary purpose of a marquee sign is to identify
a theater, movie house, or performing arts center. Additionally, a
marquee sign will prominently display and promote the cultural events,
activities and services provided in the D Downtown District that support
and enhance the revitalization of the Borough of Pottstown.
B.
Conditional
Use Criteria. A marquee sign may contain changeable copy, including
an electronic message center or electronic display screen, provided
that it shall meet the following:
(1)
A marquee sign shall be erected on a lot containing not less
than 5,600 square feet and 40 feet of frontage.
(2)
Sign Area. The maximum sign area of a marquee sign shall not
exceed 120 square feet. Double-faced marquee signs are permitted per
Section 702 of this chapter.
(3)
Sign Illumination. LED (light-emitting diodes) technology or
similar energy-efficient technology shall be utilized to produce the
characters and graphics of the display.
(4)
Hours of operation: 6:30 a.m. until 12:00 midnight.
(5)
Marquee signs and their framework shall be constructed to provide
at least 10 feet of vertical clearance above the sidewalk.
(6)
A marquee sign and its framework shall not exceed the level
of the roofline of the building to which it is attached.
(7)
A marquee sign shall not project perpendicularly from the building
to which it is attached more than 50% over the sidewalk width.
(8)
A marquee sign shall be constructed and anchored so that it
can withstand wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour or sustained
winds of 65 miles per hour and shall be certified by a licensed engineer
and approved by the Borough Engineer.
(9)
Sign spacing. No marquee sign shall be less than 500 feet from
any other marquee sign.
(10)
Electronic message center and/or electronic display screen requirements.
(a)
Sign area. The maximum sign area of the electronic message center
or electronic display screen portion of the marquee sign is 50% of
the total sign area up to a maximum of 60 square feet.
(b)
Operational requirements: electronic message center.
[1]
The duration of each message shall be a minimum
of 30 seconds.
[2]
Each complete message must fit onto one screen
(i.e., no scrolling or incomplete messages permitted).
[3]
The transition time between messages shall be less
than one second.
[4]
The sign shall contain a default design which shall
freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
[5]
Where text is displayed on a background, the text
shall be brighter than the background (i.e., dark text shall not be
displayed on bright background).
[6]
The sign must be equipped with brightness controls
so that the brightness of the sign has the ability to respond to changes
in the outside light levels.
(c)
Operational requirements: electronic display screen.
[1]
The duration of each image shall be a minimum of
72 hours.
[2]
The screen must contain a static image only. Video
is not permitted.
[3]
Each image must fit onto one screen (i.e., no scrolling
or incomplete images permitted).
[4]
The transition time between images shall be less
than one second.
[5]
The sign shall contain a default design which shall
freeze the sign image in one position if a malfunction should occur.
[6]
Where text is displayed on a background, the text
shall be brighter than the background (i.e., dark text shall not be
displayed on bright background).
[7]
The sign must be equipped with brightness controls
so that the brightness of the sign has the ability to respond to changes
in the outside light levels.
3.
Electronic Signs, Gateway District.
[Added by Ord. 2085, 9/12/2011]
A.
Purpose of Electronic Signs in Gateway East and Gateway West Districts.
Gateways establish the initial impression of the Borough and electronic
signs in these Districts should respect that important role.
B.
Conditional Use Criteria. An electronic message sign may be located
in the Gateway East or Gateway West Districts only, provided that
it shall meet the following criteria:
(1)
Electronic signs shall conform to the general regulations for
electronic signs as stated in Section 703.8B, unless otherwise regulated
herein.
(2)
Sign Types. Electronic signs are permitted only as a freestanding
sign (ground sign) or freestanding sign (pole sign).
(3)
Sign Location. Electronic signs shall be located only on a lot
containing nonresidential land use. Property must have at least 150
feet of frontage.
(5)
Sign Area. Up to 25% or 15 square feet of the total sign area
(whichever is less) of a new or conforming existing sign may be an
electronic message center or an electronic display screen.
(6)
A minimum setback of 15 feet from the right-of-way is required.
(7)
Where an electronic message sign is established in these districts,
the applicant may not establish on the same property without the approval
of Borough Council:
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 708]
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses, such as
an office in a residential area, may remain until the existing use
of the premises is discontinued. If a sign wears out or is damaged,
or is changed for any other reason, the number, size and area of all
signs relating to the premises shall not be increased beyond the size
they were at the time this Part was adopted.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 709]
1.
If a legally nonconforming sign lists more than one business, new
businesses may be added without affecting the nonconforming status
of the sign. However, the sign may not be altered in any way that
extends the sign's nonconformity in any manner.
2.
Nothing in this Part shall relieve the owners or users of legally
nonconforming signs, or the owners of the property on which legally
nonconforming signs are located, from any provisions of this Part
regarding the safety, maintenance, and repair of signs.
3.
Should 50% or more of any legally nonconforming sign be damaged by
any means, it shall be removed and not reconstructed except in conformity
with the provisions of this Part.
4.
Any business that has closed shall remove any signs associated with
the business within 60 days after it closes. The owner of the premises
shall have the responsibility to ensure such signs are removed within
the sixty-day period.
5.
The existence of a legally nonconforming sign on a single or multiple
occupancy premises shall not prevent the erection or placement of
another sign on the premises, if the new sign meets the requirements
of this Part. However, the total number of signs and the size and
area of the signs shall not exceed the requirements of this Part.
6.
A legally nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legally nonconforming
designation if the sign is altered in any way. At that point, the
sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this Part and
a new permit secured, or the sign shall be removed.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 710]
1.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect,
alter, repair or relocate any sign within the Borough of Pottstown
without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically
exempt from the permit requirements.
2.
Applications for sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by
the Zoning Officer and shall contain and/or have attached the following
information where relevant:
A.
Names, address, telephone number and signature of the owner or duly
authorized agent for the property owner.
B.
Name, address, telephone number and signature of the owner of the
sign.
C.
Name, address and telephone number of the sign contractor.
D.
Property address and applicable zoning district.
E.
If the sign is located in a Historic District, confirmation that
an application has been submitted to the Historic Architectural Review
Board.
F.
Two copies of a plan drawn to scale depicting:
1.
Lot dimensions, building frontage, and existing cartways, rights-of-way
and driveways.
2.
The design of each sign face and sign structure, including dimensions,
total area, sign height, depth, color scheme, structural details,
materials, lighting scheme and proposed location.
3.
Sign Message.
4.
Building elevations, existing and proposed facades, parapet walls,
cornices and the location and size of all proposed and existing permanent
signage.
5.
Current photographs showing existing signs on the premises and certifying
the date on which photographs were taken.
G.
A permit fee, to be established from time to time by resolution of
Borough Council, shall be paid.
H.
A $500 deposit shall be posted for off-premises civic event signs
to ensure their removal within 72 hours after the event. A list of
locations of the signs shall be provided with the deposit. The deposit
will be returned after the Zoning Officer has certified the signs
have been removed.
I.
Such other information which may be required by the Zoning Officer
to show full compliance with this and all other ordinances of the
Borough.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 711]
In addition to all other requirements of this Part, the following
regulations shall be applicable to any sign placed in an historic
district:
1.
No sign shall be erected or altered until an application for a certificate
of appropriateness has been reviewed and approved by the Pottstown
Historic Architectural Review Board and after Borough Council has
issued a certificate of appropriateness. The Review Board shall ensure
the proposed sign is appropriate:
2.
In addition to all other applicable requirements of this Part, the
following regulations shall apply to any sign placed in an historic
district: (Sample illustrations are on file at the Borough Office.)
A.
All applications for a certificate of appropriateness must contain
the following information:
1.
A current color photograph of the property.
2.
An illustration of the building facade showing the proposed sign.
3.
A scaled drawing showing the sign itself and including the size,
materials, colors, lighting, lettering and method of attachment. Material
samples may be required.
4.
For ground signs, a site plan indicating the location of the sign.
5.
The type of illumination.
[Ord. 1968, 9/8/2003, § 712; as amended by Ord.
2059, 3/9/2009; and by Ord. 2085, 9/12/2011]
The Sign Uses and Restrictions Charts are included at the end
of this chapter. See 27 Attachment A14.
[Added by Ord. 2168, 10/10/2017]
1.
Composition. Murals shall only be created using paint and/or mosaic
tiles.
2.
Painted Murals. The following regulations are to serve as the minimum
acceptable standards for mural created in whole or in part with paint:
A.
The mural may be painted either directly on the exterior surface
of the building, freestanding wall, or fence, or on super-flex material
stretched over a space on the exterior surface.
B.
Painting of the mural shall incorporate, but not be limited to, the
following steps:
(1)
Power-washing and/or an appropriate chemical cleaning of the
wall area and all affected surfaces;
(2)
Use of an exterior-grade primer, allowing an appropriate drying
time in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations;
(3)
Use of exterior-grade paint; and
(4)
Application of an exterior-grade, anti-graffiti sealer (after
an appropriate curing time, as recommended by manufacturer).
3.
Mosaic Tiled Murals. The following regulations are to serve as the
minimum acceptable standards for murals created in whole or in part
with mosaic tiles:
A.
Mosaic tile may be installed only over masonry, stone, concrete or
cement backer board surfaces in areas devoid of standing water. Installation
over wood or metal surfaces shall require one-fourth-inch-thick cementitious
backer board affixed to the structure in accordance with the manufacturers'
recommendations.
B.
Installing mosaic tile on the structure shall incorporate, but not
be limited to, the following steps:
(1)
Scouring of the wall area and all affected surfaces with a wire
brush to remove any loose material, paint, contaminates or concrete
sealers that may otherwise interfere with bonding of the thinset;
(2)
Application of exterior-grade thinset to appropriate depth and
texture in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations;
(3)
Use of glass, glazed ceramic or similar exterior-grade mosaic
tile;
(4)
Use of exterior-grade thinset or epoxy-based mortar for grout
in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations (after an appropriate
curing time, as recommended by the manufacturer); and
(5)
Application of exterior-grade clear penetrating pore sealer
(after an appropriate curing time as recommended by the manufacturer).
4.
Maintenance Agreement. The property owner and Borough of Pottstown
shall enter into and record an agreement wherein the property owner
will provide for the maintenance of the mural, either personally or
through a third party, and may include the escrow of a reasonable
amount to be determined by the Borough sufficient to provide for such
care. The agreement shall provide the Borough with certain rights
to assure that the mural is properly maintained, including, but not
limited to, enforcement rights as provided for in this chapter, and
the right for the Borough to seek reimbursement from the property
owner for necessary remediation or removal performed by the Borough
if the mural is not properly maintained. The agreement shall also
address the property owner's right to remove or cover the mural or
otherwise restore the affected facade.
5.
Distance Between Murals. New murals shall not be located within 300
feet of any two or more existing murals, a distance to be measured
from each existing mural.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2203, 4/12/2021]
