It is the purpose of this article to regulate all signs within
the Township, to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective
principal uses and in keeping with the appearance of the affected
property and surrounding environment and to protect the public health,
safety, morals and general welfare. In addition, the intent of this
article is to:
A.
Encourage good design in the context of the overall image and visual
environment of the Township.
B.
Enhance the appearance of the business community, taking into account
the nature of the use, and thus stimulate as well as protect the economic
viability of the Township.
C.
Provide for signage which is adequate, but not excessive, and which
displays a message through use of pictures, symbols, and logos for
rapid comprehension by the public.
D.
Prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs and
locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
E.
Avoid excessive competition for large multiple signs, so that permitted
signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing
clutter, unsightliness and confusion.
F.
Allow for the coordination of signs to reflect the character of the
architecture, landscape and visual themes that the Township is supporting.
G.
Promote signs which are designed utilizing clear, crisp lettering
and bold, uncomplicated symbols which will identify a business or
activity efficiently and also enhance the area where located as well
as the general appearance of the street or town.
H.
Prevent sign overload and excessively large signs that create a visually
chaotic and competitive situation within the business community.
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14]
Except as may be hereinafter specifically permitted, it shall
be unlawful after the effective date of this chapter or any amendment
thereto for any person or other legal entity to erect any of the following
signs within the Township of Easttown:
A.
Any sign by color, shape, or location which conflicts with or resembles
a traffic signal device.
B.
Signs attached to a utility pole, parking meter, traffic signpost,
traffic signal or control device street sign, historical marker, tree
or rock.
C.
Off-premises signs, except as provided for within this article.
[Amended 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 408-12]
D.
Portable signs.
E.
Any sign that advertises or publicizes an activity or business not
conducted on the premises where the business is located, except civic
event signs as defined in this chapter.
F.
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized
agent.
H.
Signs that create a hazard by obstructing the clear view of vehicles
and pedestrian traffic.
I.
Signs permitted in accordance with §§ 455-33.1D(7), 455-81, 455-82, and 455-83 that are not designed, assembled, and installed by a licensed sign company.
[Amended 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18]
J.
Projecting signs, except as may be provided for within this article.
K.
Animated signs, except as provided for within this article.
[Amended 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 408-12]
L.
Illuminated tubing, excluding temporary signs for seasonal decorations,
which outlines rooflines, doors, windows or wall edges.
[Amended 12-13-2016 by Ord. No. 427-16]
M.
Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required
door, window, fire escape or other required exitway.
N.
Banners, pennants, or balloons, except as may be otherwise provided
for within this article.
O.
Vehicular signs.
Q.
Abandoned or dilapidated signs.
R.
Internally illuminated signs, except as may be provided for within
this article.
S.
Flashing signs, other than animated signs, except time and temperature
signs.
[Amended 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 408-12]
T.
Revolving signs.
U.
Festoon signs.
V.
Beacon lights.
W.
Roof signs.
X.
Any sign inconsistent with provisions of this article.
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and
shall not be included in the determination of type, number, colors,
or area of permanent signs allowed within a zoning district:
A.
Governmental signs as herein defined. Notwithstanding any other provisions
of this article, governmental signs shall be permitted off premises,
meaning that such signage shall be permitted on off-site property
not owned or controlled by the governmental entity, where such signs
are designed to regulate, direct or inform the public.
[Amended 7-18-2011 by Ord. No. 403-11]
B.
Real estate signs, subject to height, area, and number requirements
as set forth in this article.
C.
Political signs, provided that no sign shall be displayed more than
30 calendar days prior to an election or for more than 10 days following
the election for which it is erected.
D.
Directional signs. Signs may be illuminated, but shall not blink,
flash, or be animated. Trade names and logos are permitted to the
minimum extent necessary. Signs shall not exceed two square feet.[1]
[Amended 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18]
E.
"No Trespassing" or similar on-premises signs, provided that no sign
shall exceed one square foot in sign area or be placed at intervals
of less than 150 feet, or in conformance with applicable Pennsylvania
laws.
F.
Memorial signs erected within the definition of this article.
G.
Temporary signs, to include the following:
(1)
Artisans signs, provided that such signs shall not exceed six square
feet for each sign face and are erected on the premises where the
work is being performed. Signs shall be removed upon completion of
active work and shall not exceed three in number on any one lot.
(2)
Signs advertising garage or yard sales, provided that no sign shall
exceed four square feet in sign area. One sign for each street frontage
shall be permitted on the premises where the sale is to be conducted,
and two off-premises signs of the same size shall be permitted for
a period of not to exceed two consecutive days prior to the sale.
Signs shall be removed at the close of the garage or yard sale.[2]
[Amended 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18]
[2]
Editor's Note: Original Subsection 3, pertaining to advertising
signs for special events, which immediately followed this subsection,
was repealed 6-3-2013 by Ord. No. 414-13.
(3)
Temporary
"Coming Soon" business signs, provided that such signs: (1) shall
not exceed 20 square feet; (2) cover the old business sign; (3) are
erected on the premises where the business is located; and (4) display
only the business name and logo. These signs shall be permitted for
a period of not to exceed 60 consecutive days or until the Township-approved
permanent business signs are installed, whichever is less.
[Added 12-15-2014 by Ord.
No. 424-14]
H.
Regulatory signs as required.
I.
Address signs. All buildings in all zoning districts shall be required
to display the address of the property in such a fashion as is clearly
visible from the street and which is in accord with the provisions
of this article. The area of an address sign shall be exempt from
the computation of the total permitted sign area, provided that the
sign does not contain any advertising, trade names, or logos.
J.
Instructional signs not to exceed 20 square feet in sign area or
a height of six feet above existing grade. Signs may be illuminated,
but shall not blink, flash, or be animated.
K.
Interior signs as herein defined.
L.
Logo and operating instructions for an automatic teller or money
access center when located on the machine.
M.
Signs in residential districts which contain the name and/or address
of the owner of the property and which do not exceed two square feet.
N.
Civic event signs and banners on public and private property which
clearly identify the date of the event, provided that:
[Added 1-15-2018 by Ord.
No. 433-18]
(1)
Total sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet, and the height of
any freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet above mean grade.
(2)
Not more than one sign shall be placed per street frontage, provided
a minimum of 150 feet is maintained between signs.
(3)
Signs shall not be erected more than 30 calendar days prior to the
event and shall be removed within 72 hours after the event.
[Amended 6-3-2013 by Ord. No. 414-13; 8-19-2013 by Ord. No.
417-13]
The following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted
within the AA District, the R-1 through R-5 Residential Districts
and the VR District, except as provided for otherwise within this
article:
A.
Signs for major home occupations in accordance with § 455-61D(8), provided that:
B.
Signage for schools, farms, churches, recreation areas, and other
permitted nonresidential uses, provided that:
(1)
Total sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet, and the sign height
of any freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet above mean grade.
(2)
Not more than one sign shall be placed on premises held in single
and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts on more than one
street, in which case one sign may be located along each street frontage,
provided a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained between
signs.
C.
Permanent signage identifying residential development entrances,
provided that:
(1)
The sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet and, if freestanding,
shall not exceed a sign height of eight feet above mean grade.
(2)
No more than one sign shall be placed on premises held in single
and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts on more than one
street, in which case one sign may be erected along each street frontage.
(3)
In any multiple-family developments in which a rental office is located,
one wall sign not to exceed six square feet in sign area shall be
permitted. The sign shall be nonilluminated and shall indicate only
the name of the development, the presence of a vacancy, business hours,
address, and telephone number of the office.
D.
Real estate signs, provided that:
(1)
The sign area shall not exceed four square feet for each exposed
face and, if freestanding, shall not exceed a sign height of four
feet from mean grade.
(2)
No more than one sign shall be placed on premises held in single
and separate ownership, unless such premises front on more than one
street, in which case one sign may be erected along each street frontage.
(3)
A maximum of two off-premises directional signs not to exceed a sign
area of two square feet per sign designating an open house shall be
permitted. Signs shall contain only directional information and the
name of the real estate agent or individual holding the open house.
Signs shall be erected and removed on the day of the open house and
shall not be located so as to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic
or be attached to a utility pole, off-site building, tree, or other
natural feature.
[Amended 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18]
(4)
Signs shall be nonilluminated and exempt from permit requirements.
The following types of signs shall be permitted within the PBO
Zoning District:
A.
Any sign permitted in residential districts which relates to a use
permitted in the district.
B.
Real estate and development signs advertising the sale, rental, or
development of premises, provided that:
(1)
The sign area shall not exceed eight square feet and, if freestanding,
shall not exceed a sign height of eight feet above mean grade.
(2)
No more than one sign shall be erected for each 500 feet of street
frontage.
(3)
Signs shall be nonilluminated.
(4)
Off-premises signs advertising the sale, rental or development of
premises shall be prohibited within these districts.
C.
Business or related signs in accordance with the following regulations:
[Amended 6-3-2013 by Ord. No. 414-13]
(1)
Sign area. The total sign area of all signs placed on a lot or on
any one premises shall not exceed 1.5 square feet for each one linear
foot of the front building facade. Where a building fronts on more
than one street, only one street frontage may be used to calculate
the total allowable sign area. The total sign area for any one sign
in the PBO District shall not exceed 60 square feet, unless otherwise
specified in this section. Permanent window signs shall not be included
in the computation of total permitted sign area. The total area of
all window signs, including both temporary and permanent window signs,
shall be limited to 25% of the glass area and shall not obscure views
from the outside to the interior of retail establishments.
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14]
(2)
Wall signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted per use in a
building per street frontage. The total sign area for any one wall
sign shall not exceed 60 square feet. No wall sign shall project above
the highest story, excluding any cornice or parapet wall.
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14; 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18]
(3)
Awning signs.
(a)
Awning signs shall be permitted and shall be included in the
computation of permitted sign area and shall be permitted to display
only the business name, logo, street address, proprietor, or property
address. Letters, logo, and numerals shall not exceed a height of
eight inches and shall be located only on the front and side vertical
faces of the awning, except as provided for in this section. The minimum
clearance between the vertical face and the walkway shall not be less
than seven feet. Awnings shall not project more than five feet from
the face of the building, except where located above an entrance to
a building, in which case the maximum projection shall not exceed
10 feet. All awnings must be a minimum of three feet from the curbline.
(b)
Letters, numerals, and logos shall be permitted on the sloped
surface of an awning, provided that the business served by the awning
sign does not use a wall sign(s), and provided further that the letters,
numerals and logos on the sloped surface of an awning shall not exceed
a height of 40 inches and shall not exceed more than 25% of the area
of the sloped surface.
(c)
Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be illuminated by lights installed above the awning, in conformance with the illumination standards of § 455-84D of this article.
(d)
Awning signs may be fixed or equipped with a mechanism for raising
and holding an awning sign in a retracted position against the building.
[Added 1-15-2018 by Ord.
No. 433-18]
(4)
Marquee signs. Theater or movie marquee signs containing changeable copy shall be permitted in addition to the otherwise permitted sign area for the use, provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet. Such signs shall be required at all times to maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet. Marquee signs shall be exempt from the lighting requirements as set forth in § 455-39.
(5)
Freestanding signs. For each commercial building, office building,
mixed-use development, or group of contiguous buildings under one
ownership or control, one freestanding sign shall be permitted. Where
the premises has more than one street frontage, one freestanding sign
shall be permitted for each street frontage, provided both are ground
signs and that a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained
between signs.
(a)
Area and height regulation.
[1]
Pole signs. Pole signs shall not exceed a sign area of either
25 square feet or a sign height of 15 feet above mean grade.
[2]
Ground signs. Ground signs shall not exceed a sign area of either
30 square feet or a sign height of eight feet above mean grade. Ground
signs shall be constructed so that the maximum height from mean grade
to the lowest area of the sign face does not exceed four feet.
[Amended 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18]
(b)
Sign contents. A freestanding sign shall contain only the name,
address, logo, and/or telephone number of the permitted use.
(c)
Location. Freestanding signs shall not be located within the
right-of-way and shall be set back a minimum distance of 10 feet from
the street cartway. No sign shall be so located as to present a hazard
to motorists or pedestrians.
(6)
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground-floor
use, plus one for any building entrance for access by the public not
serving a ground-floor establishment. Projecting signs shall not project
more than four feet from the face of the building. The total sign
area for any one projecting sign in the PBO District shall not exceed
16 square feet. No part of the sign shall be less than eight nor more
than 12 feet above ground or walkway level. Not more than one projecting
sign per establishment per street frontage shall be permitted, and
no projecting signs shall be permitted within 25 feet of another.
Projecting signs may not be internally illuminated, but may be indirectly
illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(7)
Sidewalk signs. A limit of one portable sidewalk sign per business
shall be permitted and may be placed within the sidewalk, so long
as each portable sign shall not exceed nine square feet, and a minimum
clear walking width of four feet shall be maintained on the sidewalk.
Sidewalk signs shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials,
such as wood, plastic or metal. No sidewalk sign shall contain foil,
mirrors, bare metal, or other materials that could create hazardous
conditions to motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. No sidewalk sign
may contain lights of any kind. Sidewalk signs must be sufficiently
weighted or constructed to keep the sign in the approved location.
All sidewalk signs shall be taken indoors at the close of each business
day. The area of sidewalk signs shall not be included in the computation
of total permitted sign area.
(8)
Permanent banner signs. Permanent banner signs shall be subject to
the following standards:
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14]
(a)
Only one banner sign is permitted per use in a building.
(b)
The maximum area of a banner shall be 25 square feet.
(c)
Mounting height. Bottom of banners shall be mounted at least
14 feet above grade or sidewalk to avoid intrusion into a projecting
sign or awning sign zone and shall not extend beyond the third story
of the structure.
(d)
Projection. Banners shall not project more than three feet into
the public right-of-way.
(e)
Banner signs shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart.
(9)
Temporary advertising signs for special events, including banners
or displays on private property within the PBO District constructed
of cloth, light fabric, or similar materials when approved by the
Zoning Officer for a period of not more than 30 cumulative days in
any one calendar year. Such signs, when added to the sign area of
any other signs on the premises, shall not accumulate in size to exceed
30% of the sign area permitted for permanent signs within the district
where located or be in a position, or of a color, that presents a
hazard to pedestrians or motorists.
D.
Automobile dealership signs. Automobile dealership signs shall be
subject to the following:
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
Number. There shall be no more than two wall signs for each
principal building.
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14]
(b)
Area. The gross surface area of a wall sign shall not exceed
10% of the area of the building wall, including doors and windows,
to which the sign is to be affixed or 64 square feet, whichever is
smaller, if such wall sign source is visible or exposed on the face
or sides of the characters.
(c)
Location. A wall sign may be located on the outermost wall of
any principal building, but shall not project more than 16 inches
from the wall to which the sign is to be affixed. The location and
arrangement of all wall signs shall be subject to the reviews and
approval of the Zoning Officer.
(d)
Height. A wall sign shall not project higher than the parapet
line of the wall to which the sign is affixed or 20 feet, as measured
from the base of the building wall to which the sign is to be affixed,
whichever is lower.
(2)
Ground signs.
(a)
Number.
[1]
Primary ground signs. There shall not be more than one principal
ground sign for each automobile dealership.
[2]
Secondary ground signs. Secondary ground signs shall be permitted
only if used for preowned automobiles and/or if two or more automotive
product lines (automobile makes) are offered for sale on the premises.
No more than two secondary ground signs shall be permitted, one denoting
the sale of used or preowned automobiles and one denoting the sale
of the second and additional automotive product lines (automotive
makes).
(b)
Area.
[1]
Primary ground signs. The gross surface area of a primary ground
sign shall not exceed 32 square feet for each exposed face, nor exceed
an aggregate gross surface area of 64 square feet.
[2]
Secondary ground signs. The gross surface area of a secondary
ground sign shall not exceed 24 square feet for each exposed face,
nor exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 48 square feet.
(c)
Location. Primary and secondary ground signs may be located
in any required yard, but shall not extend over any lot line or within
15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a zoning lot to a public
roadway.
(d)
Height.
[1]
Primary ground signs. A primary ground sign shall not project
higher than 20 feet as measured from the base of the sign or grade
of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is lower.
[2]
Secondary ground signs. A secondary ground sign shall not project
higher than 15 feet as measured from the base of the sign or grade
of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is lower.
[3]
Ground signs shall be constructed so that the maximum height
from mean grade to the lowest area of the sign face does not exceed
four feet.
[Added 1-15-2018 by Ord.
No. 433-18]
(3)
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs.
(a)
Number. There shall not be more than one awning, canopy, or
marquee sign exceeding an aggregate gross surface area of four square
feet for each principal building.
(b)
Area. The gross surface area of an awning, canopy, or marquee
sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, but is limited to not more than
50% of the gross surface area of the smallest face of the awning,
canopy, or marquee to which such sign is to be affixed.
(c)
Height. An awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall not project
higher than the top of the awning, canopy, or marquee to which such
sign is to be affixed.
(4)
Service bay identification signs. Service bay identification signs
providing direction or instruction to persons using the facility and
containing no advertising material of any kind shall be subject to
the following:
(a)
Type. All service bay identification signs shall be wall signs.
(b)
Number. There shall be not more than one service bay identification
sign for each service bay located on the premises.
(c)
Area. The gross surface area of a service bay identification
sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.
(d)
Location. A service bay identification sign may be located on
the outermost wall of any principal building adjacent to a service
bay entrance, but shall not project more than 16 inches from the wall
to which the sign is to be affixed.
(e)
Height. A service bay identification sign shall not project
higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is to be
affixed or 20 feet, as measured from the base of the building to which
the sign is to be affixed, whichever is lower.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 1105.D.4.f, Special conditions,
which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 6-22-2014
by Ord. No. 422-14.
E.
Off-premises signs shall be permitted when authorized as a conditional
use, subject to the following provisions:
[Added 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 408-12]
(1)
Signage shall be not more than 25 feet in height.
(2)
Sign area.
(a)
On a lot fronting on a street with a speed limit of 40 miles
per hour or less, no off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed
a maximum area of 50 square feet, including the border and trim of
the sign, but excluding supports.
(b)
On a lot fronting on a street with a speed limit of more than
40 miles per hour, no outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted
to exceed a maximum area of 75 square feet, including border and trim,
but excluding supports.
(c)
A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with
a horizontal angle not greater than 90° is permitted one per side
for a total maximum combined area of twice that permitted in this
section, except that no sign shall exceed a maximum combined sign
area in excess of 150 square feet.
(3)
No more than one off-premises sign shall be placed on a lot.
(4)
No off-premises sign shall be erected within 200 feet of any other
freestanding or off-premises sign.
(5)
Off-premises signs shall be set back not more than 35 feet nor less
than 10 feet from the property's boundary with the public right-of-way
or street, whichever is closer to the center point of the property,
and not less than 15 feet from any neighboring property boundary.
(6)
If the sign is to have exterior lighting, a lighting plan must be
submitted and shall include the following information:
(a)
A site plan containing a layout of the proposed fixture locations
and type.
(b)
Catalog cuts and photometrics for each light fixture, the method
of energizing each light fixture, a listing of the hours of operation
and a plan showing the photometrics for the entire site, based upon
the proposed placement of the light fixtures. A description of glare-reduction
devices, lamps, wattage, control devices, mounting heights, pole and
mounting methods, as appropriate for each fixture, should also be
included.
(c)
Setting forth of the production of glare that is perceptual
beyond the property line of the lot on which the sign lighting is
located will be minimized with the use of shielding, luminaire reflectors
or other suitable measures, minimizing the intensity of lighting so
that no more than 0.5 footcandle of light from signs shall fall upon
any residential lot between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.,
prevailing time.
F.
Animated signs shall be permitted when authorized as a conditional
use, subject to the following provisions:
[Added 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 408-12]
(1)
Signs shall be no more than eight feet in height.
(2)
Sign area shall not be permitted to exceed 10 square feet.
(3)
No more than one animated sign shall be placed on an individual lot.
(4)
No animated sign shall be erected within 200 feet of any other animated
sign.
(5)
Animated signs shall be set back not more than 35 feet nor less than
10 feet from the property's boundary with the public right-of-way
or street, whichever is closer to the center point of the property,
and not less than 15 feet from any neighboring property boundary.
(6)
Operational limits.
(a)
The duration of each message shall be a minimum of five seconds.
(b)
The transition time between changes in the sign face or messages
shall be less than one second.
(c)
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.
(d)
Except for traffic control signals, animated signs are prohibited
within 100 feet of a traffic control device.
G.
Automobile gasoline/service stations. Automobile gasoline/service
stations shall be permitted signage, subject to the following regulations:
[Added 6-3-2013 by Ord. No. 414-13]
(1)
Wall signs. There shall be no more than two wall signs for each principal
building. A wall sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in sign area.
Where a building fronts on more than one street, one additional wall
sign may be erected along each side street frontage. Additional wall
signs identifying service provided on the premises shall be permitted,
provided such signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in sign area and
are located directly above the area where service is performed. In
no case shall a wall sign be higher than 15 feet above existing grade
or project above any cornice, roofline, parapet wall, or building
facade.
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14]
(2)
Freestanding signs. Gasoline service stations shall be permitted
a maximum of one freestanding ground sign for each location.
(a)
Area and height regulations. Freestanding signs shall not exceed
a sign height of 10 feet above mean grade or a sign area of 30 square
feet, except that, where gasoline is offered for sale, an additional
20 square feet of sign area shall be permitted for pricing information.
(b)
Sign contents. A freestanding sign shall contain only the name,
address, and logo, pricing information and/or telephone number of
the permitted use. Such sign may also contain an LED fuel price sign.
(3)
Gasoline pump island canopies. Gasoline pump island canopies may
be painted with colors that are consistent with brand recognition.
No signs, logos, or text of any kind shall be permitted on gasoline
pump island canopy structures.
(4)
Exempt signs. The following signs shall be allowed without a sign
permit and shall not be included in the determination of type, number
or area of permanent signs permitted for gasoline and motor vehicle
service stations:
(a)
Signs on pump islands, to include company logo, and signs to
identify self-service or full-service locations, price information,
fuel availability, octane levels, and similar signs. Individual signs
shall not exceed three square feet in size.
(b)
Any sign required by fire and safety regulations.
[Amended 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 408-12; 6-3-2013 by Ord. No.
414-13; 8-19-2013 by Ord. No. 417-13]
The following types of signs shall be permitted within the VB
and VT Zoning Districts:
A.
Any sign permitted in residential districts which relates to a use
permitted in the district.
B.
Real estate and development signs advertising the sale, rental, or
development of premises, provided that:
(1)
The sign area shall not exceed eight square feet and, if freestanding,
shall not exceed a sign height of eight feet above mean grade.
(2)
No more than one sign shall be erected for each 500 feet of street
frontage.
(3)
Signs shall be nonilluminated and exempt from permit requirements.
(4)
Off-premises signs advertising the sale, rental, or development of
premises shall be prohibited within these districts.
C.
Business (commercial), retail, or related signs in accordance with
the following regulations:
(1)
Sign area. The total sign area of all signs placed on a lot or on
any one premises shall not exceed one square foot for each one linear
foot of the front building facade. Where a building fronts on more
than one street, only one street frontage may be used to calculate
the total allowable sign area. The total sign area for any one sign
in the VB District shall not exceed 40 square feet, unless otherwise
specified in this section. Permanent window signs shall not be included
in the computation of total permitted sign area. The total area of
all window signs, including both temporary and permanent window signs,
shall be limited to 25% of the glass area and shall not obscure views
from the outside to the interior of retail establishments.
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14]
(2)
Wall signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted per use in a
building per street frontage. The total sign area for any one wall
sign shall not exceed 40 square feet. No wall sign shall project above
any cornice or parapet wall.
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14; 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18]
(3)
Awning signs.
(a)
Awning signs shall be permitted and shall be included in the
computation of permitted sign area and shall be permitted to display
only the business name, logo, street address, proprietor, or property
address. Letters, logos, and numerals shall not exceed a height of
eight inches and shall be located only on the front and side vertical
faces of the awning, except as provided for in this section. The minimum
clearance between the vertical face and the walkway shall not be less
than seven feet. Awnings shall not project more than five feet from
the face of the building, except where located above an entrance to
a building, in which case the maximum projection shall not exceed
10 feet. All awnings must be a minimum of three feet from the curbline.
(b)
Letters, numerals, and logos shall be permitted on the sloped
surface of an awning, provided that the business served by the awning
sign does not use a wall sign(s), and provided further that the letters,
numerals, and logos on the sloped surface of an awning shall not exceed
a height of 40 inches and shall not exceed more than 25% of the area
of the sloped surface.
(c)
Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be illuminated by lights installed above the awning, in conformance with the illumination standards of § 455-84D of this article.
(d)
Awning signs may be fixed or equipped with a mechanism for raising
and holding an awning sign in a retracted position against the building.
[Added 1-15-2018 by Ord.
No. 433-18]
(4)
Marquee signs. Theater or movie marquee signs containing changeable copy shall be permitted in addition to the otherwise permitted sign area for the use, provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet. Such signs shall be required at all times to maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet. Marquee signs shall be exempt from the lighting requirements as set forth in § 455-39.
(5)
Freestanding signs. For each commercial building, shopping center,
office building, mixed-use development, or group of contiguous buildings
under one ownership or control, one freestanding sign shall be permitted.
Where the premises has more than one street frontage, one freestanding
sign shall be permitted for each street frontage, provided both are
ground signs and that a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained
between signs.
(a)
Area and height regulation.
[1]
Pole signs. Pole signs shall not exceed a sign area of either
25 square feet or a sign height of 15 feet above mean grade.
[2]
Ground signs. Ground signs shall not exceed a sign area of either
30 square feet or a sign height of eight feet above mean grade. Ground
signs shall be constructed so that the maximum height from mean grade
to the lowest area of the sign face does not exceed four feet.
[Amended 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18]
(b)
Sign contents. A freestanding sign shall contain only the name,
address, logo, and/or telephone number of the permitted use.
(c)
Location. Freestanding signs shall not be located within the
right-of-way and shall be set back a minimum distance of 10 feet from
the street cartway. No sign shall be so located as to present a hazard
to motorists or pedestrians.
(6)
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground-floor
use, plus one for any building entrance for access by the public not
serving a ground-floor establishment. Projecting signs shall not project
more than four feet from the face of the building. The total sign
area for any one projecting sign in the VB District shall not exceed
nine square feet. No part of the sign shall be less than eight nor
more than 12 feet above ground or walkway level. No more than one
projecting sign per establishment per street frontage shall be permitted,
and no projecting signs shall be permitted within 25 feet of another.
Projecting signs may not be internally illuminated, but may be indirectly
illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(7)
Sidewalk signs. A limit of one portable sidewalk sign per business
shall be permitted and may be placed within the sidewalk, so long
as each portable sign shall not exceed nine square feet and a minimum
clear walking width of four feet shall be maintained on the sidewalk.
Sidewalk signs shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials,
such as wood, plastic or metal. No sidewalk sign shall contain foil,
mirrors, bare metal, or other materials that could create hazardous
conditions to motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. No sidewalk sign
may contain lights of any kind. Sidewalk signs must be sufficiently
weighted or constructed to keep the sign in the approved location.
All sidewalk signs shall be taken indoors at the close of each business
day. The area of sidewalk signs shall not be included in the computation
of total permitted sign area.
(8)
Permanent banner signs. Permanent banner signs shall be subject to
the following standards:
[Amended 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14]
(a)
Only one banner sign is permitted per use in a building.
(b)
The maximum area of a banner shall be 25 square feet.
(c)
Mounting height. Bottom of banners shall be mounted at least
14 feet above grade or sidewalk to avoid intrusion into a projecting
sign or awning sign zone and shall not extend beyond the third story
of the structure.
(d)
Projection. Banners shall not project more than three feet from
the face of the building.
(e)
Banner signs shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart.
(9)
Temporary advertising signs for special events, including banners
or displays on private property within the VB District constructed
of cloth, light fabric, or similar materials when approved by the
Zoning Officer for a period of not more than 30 cumulative days in
any one calendar year. Such signs, when added to the sign area of
any other signs on the premises, shall not accumulate in size to exceed
30% of the sign area permitted for permanent signs within the district
where located or be in a position, or of a color, that presents a
hazard to pedestrians or motorists.
The following restrictions and regulations shall be applicable
to all permanent signs as permitted by this article, unless otherwise
specified:
A.
Materials. Signs shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone,
or other appropriate material, including plastic, which has the general
appearance of structures composed primarily of wood, metal, or stone,
with painted, engraved, or raised messages. Sign materials should
be consistent with and complement the original construction materials
and architectural style of the building facade on which they are to
be displayed. For this reason, natural materials such as wood, stone,
and metal are most appropriate. If plywood is used, medium-density
overlay (MDO) shall be used as a minimum grade.
(1)
To encourage design excellence, when approved by the Planning Commission
at a public meeting following presentation by the applicant, the maximum
sign areas may be increased by the percentages as provided herein.
A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each of the criteria,
and the area is cumulative, but the percentage increase is based upon
the original sign area limitation.
(2)
Freestanding signs may be increased as follows:
(a)
Twenty percent when the sign is constructed of natural wood,
in natural finish with only the lettering in other than natural finish.
(b)
Ten percent when a directory sign utilizes uniform coloring
and lettering for all establishments listed in the directory.
(c)
Ten percent when the sign is installed in a landscaped planter
having an area four times the area of the resultant sign.
(d)
Ten percent if the sign is designated to contain only the identification
of the establishment without advertisement of any products sold on
the premises.
B.
Lettering. Lettering styles should complement the style and architecture
of the building on which they appear. Traditional block and curvilinear
styles, which are easy to read, are preferred.
C.
Color. Each sign so erected shall contain a maximum of four colors,
including black and white. In selecting the principal colors for a
sign, colors which complement the general tone of the building should
be used. Business logos shall not be included in determining the maximum
number of colors.
D.
Illumination. Where permitted, signs shall be illuminated only as
authorized in an appropriate sign permit by a steady, stationary light
of reasonably minimal intensity. 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. Signs using
internal illumination shall be designed so that when illuminated at
night, only the letters and logos of the sign are visible. No light
shall emanate through the background, the borders, sides, or any other
surface of the sign or its supporting structure. Individual, solid
letters with internal lighting tubes, which backlight a wall in a
halo effect, shall be permitted.
E.
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. All signs shall include an inspection certificate
from an electrical underwriter.
F.
Nuisance. No sign shall create a public nuisance by emitting smoke,
sound, vapor, particle emission or odors.
G.
Sign removal. Any sign which no longer advertises an existing business
conducted on the premises shall be removed by the owner of the property
within 30 days. The Zoning Officer, upon determining that such business
operations have ceased while a sign remains, shall notify the owner
of the premises in writing to remove said sign within 30 days from
the date of such notice. Upon failure to comply with such notice within
the prescribed period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to
remove or cause removal of such sign and to collect the cost of such
removal, together with any penalties, from the owner in a manner provided
by law.
A.
A sign, which is nonconforming at the effective date of this chapter,
may be continued although such sign does not conform to the provisions
of this article, but the size of any such nonconforming sign shall
not be enlarged.
B.
A nonconforming sign shall not be changed to or replaced by another
nonconforming sign. Nonconforming signs, once removed, shall be replaced
only with conforming signs.
C.
No nonconforming sign which has been involuntarily damaged or otherwise
destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of its value shall be repaired
or rebuilt, except as a conforming sign.
D.
Signs which are conforming at the effective date of this chapter
and which identify and advertise nonconforming uses shall be maintained
as conforming in accordance with this article.
E.
Whenever any nonconforming use of a building, structure, or land, or of a combination of buildings, structures, and land, ceases as prescribed in § 455-122D, all signs accessory to such use and all of its support hardware shall be deemed to become nonconforming and shall be removed within 30 days from the date such use terminates.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign with the Township of Easttown without first obtaining a sign permit in accordance with Article XIII, unless such sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements.
A.
No sign or sign structure shall be erected unless it complies with
all applicable requirements of the current Building Code used by the
Township.
B.
All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and in
a presentable condition, such that all sign information is clearly
legible. Any sign found to show deterioration, including rust, faded
colors, discoloration, holes, and missing parts or information items
shall constitute a violation of this article.
C.
Permits are not required for changeable copy, repainting, cleaning,
and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign, unless the sign
structure, design, color, or lighting is altered.
