Any sign hereafter erected or maintained shall conform with
the provisions of this article and any other ordinance or regulations
of Sellersville Borough not inconsistent herewith.
A.
The objectives of this article are to establish requirements for
placing, installing and maintaining signs in order to preserve and
protect the health, safety, welfare and general well-being of the
community's citizens. Just as regulations for the placement, construction
and maintenance of buildings and structures through zoning is a valid
use of the law, so are regulations for the placement, installation
and maintenance of signs a valid use of the law, because signs, in
the literal sense, must be considered structures and, in a practical
sense, are capable of producing many of the same nuisances that buildings
produce.
B.
Sign regulations are further justified by the primary purpose of
a sign: to draw attention to its content. Moreover, since signs can
distract drivers or obstruct views, the very nature of a sign can
be a potential hazard to the safety of the motorist. Therefore, it
is the intent of this article to regulate the location of signs in
such a way that they can fulfill their purpose without causing unsafe
conditions for motorists.
C.
Finally, it is the objective of this article to protect and preserve
the visual character of the community by regulating the placement,
installation and maintenance of signs. Because signs are intended
to command visual contact, this gives them an important role in the
overall visual character of a community. This visual impact affects
the value and enjoyment of property; therefore, the regulation of
signs can work to enhance the value of property, encourage appropriate
land use throughout a municipality and minimize visual clutter in
the community.
D.
With this purpose in mind, it is the intention of this article to
authorize only those uses of signs which are:
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any projection, except signs, which is not intended for occupancy
and which extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building.
The entire area of a sign on which copy can be placed, including
framing and border, but not including structural supports and decorative
trim which is incidental to the copy content of the display itself.
The current building code as officially adopted by the municipality
which governs construction standards, approved materials and projection
standards unless otherwise specified herein.[1]
That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending
vertically from grade to the top of the parapet, wall or eaves and
horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.
An on-premises sign which directs attention to a business,
commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered
or conducted on the premises on which such sign is located or to which
it is affixed.
The actual area of the sign copy applied to any background;
compute copy area by straight lines drawn tangent to copy extremities
encompassing individual letters, words and graphic elements.
A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or
through transparent or translucent material) from a source of light
within such sign, including but not limited to neon and exposed lamp
signs.
The lowest horizontal line of a sloping roof.
To build, construct, attach, hang, suspend, affix, alter,
structurally repair, paint, relocate or renew on a wall or any other
background surface.
A sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct
rays therefrom are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination
occurs. If such shielding device is defective, such sign shall be
deemed to be a directly illuminated sign.
A permanent, roofed structure attached to a building and
projecting over public or private property.
The portion of a facade or wall that extends above the roof.
A separate lot or tax parcel or a single use on more than
one lot or tax parcel with individual frontage abutting the street
line. A premises may include more than one occupant, as in an office
complex or shopping center.
The uppermost line of the roof of the building or, in the
case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost height of said
facade or parapet.
Any letter, number, symbol, figure, character, mark, plane,
design, picture, stroke, stripe, trademark, or combination of these,
including permanent window signs erected in any manner whatsoever,
which shall be used for the attraction of the public to any place,
subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article or
merchandise and which shall be displayed in any manner whatsoever.
ANIMATED SIGNA type of freestanding wall, projecting or roof sign with motion, flashing light or color changes requiring electrical energy or electronic or manufactured sources of supply. For the purposes of this chapter, this definition shall not be meant to include public service signs, such as time and temperature signs; revolving or changeable copy signs; or wind-activated elements, such as flags, banners or similar items.
BENCH SIGNA sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA sign on which the message copy can be changed through the use of attachable letters, numerals or graphics or through the use of electronic switching of lamps or other illuminated devices. This includes public service information, such as time and temperature, displays or any sign which features automatic or manual switching or changing of its message content.
COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNA permanent off-premises sign erected, maintained or used for the purpose of providing copy area for advertising messages for rent or lease.
COMMUNITY SPECIAL EVENT SIGNA type of temporary sign which is intended to advertise a nonprofit community or civic event.
CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT SIGNA type of temporary sign which is intended to advertise the name of a project or development and/or the contractor, architect, engineer, financier, etc.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNAny sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or pedestrian direction and which is placed on the property to which the public is directed.
FASCIA SIGNSee "wall sign."
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign permanently supported by an upright(s) which is permanently anchored into the ground. Such signs must be anchored below the frost line with a footing.
ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign in which an internal or external source of light is used.
INTERIOR SIGNAny sign, except a window sign, placed within a building, regardless of whether its message is visible to the exterior of the building. Interior signs are not regulated by the provisions of this chapter.
KIOSKA permanent structure designed for the posting of temporary signs or messages.
MARQUEE SIGNAny sign attached to a marquee (see "wall sign").
ON-PREMISES SIGNA sign which carries only messages strictly incidental to lawful use of the premises on which it is located. Such signs may include, but not be limited to, messages indicating the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises, name of the business and name of the person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNA sign directing attention to a business, person, commodity or service not sold or located upon the premises where the sign is located.
POLE SIGNSee "freestanding sign."
POLITICAL SIGNAny temporary sign pertaining to political views, an individual seeking election or appointment to a public office or a forthcoming public election or referendum.
PORTABLE SIGNA sign, with or without display or legend, which is self-supporting without being firmly embedded in the ground or is fixed on a movable stand or mounted on wheels or movable vehicles or made easily movable in some other manner.
PROJECTING SIGNA sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and projects more than 18 inches from a wall of a building.
REAL ESTATE SIGNA sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rent of a property upon which it is located.
REVOLVING SIGNA type of freestanding sign which revolves 360° or agitates back and forth.
ROOF SIGNA sign erected or maintained upon the roof or parapet of a building, the entire face of which is situated above the eaves or highest architectural point of the building to which it is attached and which is wholly or partially supported by said building.
SNIPE SIGNA small off-premises sign attached in any way to an object or tree.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGNA display containing illuminated or reflective numerals switching alternately to show the time and temperature.
VEHICULAR SIGNA portable sign which is affixed and/or painted to a vehicle in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose. Such signs shall be subject to the regulations for portable signs as defined in this article.
WALL AND FASCIA SIGNA sign which is parallel to any exterior wall of a building or structure; also includes signs affixed to architectural projections, canopies or marquees which project from a building facade, provided that the copy area of such sign remains parallel to the building facade.
WINDOW SIGNA sign affixed to or within 12 inches of the interior surface of a window, with its message visible to the outside of said window surface.
A.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording
and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background,
whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not to
include any supporting framework, bracing or decorative trim which
is incidental to the copy content of the display itself.
B.
In the computation of square foot area of a double-faced sign or
multiple-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that
all faces are identical in size. If the interior angle formed by the
faces of a double-faced or multiple-faced sign is greater than 45°,
then all sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the
sign area. All faces of a revolving sign or a revolving sign component
shall be considered in calculating the sign area of such sign or component.
C.
If an establishment has walls fronting on two or more streets or
if the property fronts on more than one street, the sign area for
each building wall or property frontage shall be computed separately.
D.
A sign supported by more than one means (and therefore which may
be defined as a freestanding wall, roof or projecting sign) shall
have its area and height calculation determined by the type of sign
which has the most restrictive standards.
Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state
holidays shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter, except
as they may interfere with glare or traffic safety or in any other
way become a public safety hazard.
Any sign existing at the time of the passage of this chapter
that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations
of the district in which such sign is located shall be considered
nonconforming and may continue subject to the following provisions:
A.
Signs which are nonconforming by reason of their prohibition under § 160-98 shall be removed within five years following enactment of this chapter or from any other date of the establishment of their nonconformity, except for signs which have been granted a variance.
B.
A sign on a building or structure which does not conform to this
chapter shall be removed when the building or structure is demolished
or when the fair market value of the cost of the building or structure
renovation or expansion exceeds 50% of the fair market value of the
building or structure as assessed by the Bucks County Board of Tax
Assessment.
C.
A sign not conforming to this chapter shall be removed when the sign
requires any structural renovation or the background area of the sign
is to be altered.
D.
A nonconforming sign must be removed within 14 days or be made to
conform to this chapter in every respect whenever:
The following signs are permitted in all districts and do not
require a permit, provided that the applicable conditions and uses
have been met:
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional
or other traffic signs may be erected on public roads and highways
in the interest of public safety.
B.
Signs displaying the name and address of the occupant of the premises,
provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed one square
foot and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each occupant
of a premises, unless such property fronts on more than one street,
in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
C.
No-trespassing signs, signs indicating the prohibition or control
of fishing, hunting etc., or signs indicating the private nature of
a road, provided that the area of any such sign does not exceed 216
square inches.
D.
Real estate signs shall be permitted, provided that the area of any
such sign shall not exceed six square feet in all residential districts
and 12 square feet in all other districts and that not more than one
such sign shall be placed on property held in single and separate
ownership, unless the property fronts on more than one street, in
which case one such sign shall be permitted along each street. All
such signs shall be removed within 10 days after a settlement of sale,
lease or rental has been entered into.
E.
Legal notices.
F.
Public service and information signs advertising the availability
of rest rooms, telephones or similar public conveniences; also, signs
advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit service or charitable
organizations. These signs may be erected, provided that they do not
advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product,
good or service, except those of public utilities. Any such sign shall
not exceed four square feet.
G.
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of a product or the
price of such product when displayed on a vending machine selling
such product.
H.
Bulletin or announcement board signs for institutional, nonprofit
service or charitable organizations, provided that the area of any
one side of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
I.
Memorial signs or historical signs or tablets, provided that such
sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.
J.
Window signs giving store hours or the name or names of credit or
charge institutions, provided that the total area of any sign or all
signs together does not exceed two square feet.
K.
Temporary window signs, including community special event signs,
provided that such signs take up no more than 50% of the window area.
L.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or
structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into
or embossed on a building, provided that the letters are not made
of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
M.
Mechanic or artisan signs may be erected during the period such persons
are performing work on the premises on which such signs are erected,
provided that such signs shall be removed upon completion of work
by the mechanic or artisan, and the total area for all such signs
shall not exceed six square feet. Not more than one such sign shall
be placed on any given property on which such person is performing
work unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which
case one such sign shall be permitted along each street. All such
signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work.
N.
Bunting, pennants and similar materials are permitted to announce
the opening of a new business or industry and must be removed after
seven days of the opening day or the first day of business. The owner/user
of the business or industry shall inform the Borough Zoning Officer,
in writing, of the opening day or the first day of business. Such
notice shall be submitted at least 14 days prior to the opening day
or the first day of business.
O.
Revolving barbershop pole sign, provided that it does not exceed
36 inches in height and that it is erected only in a commercial district.
P.
Signs advertising a yard sale are permitted, provided that the signs
do not exceed four square feet in area and remain up only during the
sale. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any given property
on which the yard sale shall occur unless such property fronts on
more than one street, in which case one such sign shall be permitted
along each street. Not more than three such signs may be placed off-premises
to provide direction to the yard sale.
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger on a street by obscuring the view and, in no case, except official traffic and street signs, shall signs be placed within the clear sight triangle as set forth in § 160-68.
No signs, except those of a duly constituted governmental body,
including traffic signs and similar regulatory notices, shall be allowed
within street lines. This provision may be waived for parallel and
projecting signs in areas where no yard setback is required.
A.
Permits required.
(1)
A permit must be obtained from the Borough before the erecting of
all signs erected in the Borough, unless specifically exempted herein.
(2)
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall
not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility
for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all
the other provisions of this chapter.
(3)
Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure,
plans and specifications shall be filed with the Borough showing the
following:
(a)
The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions
of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached.
(b)
The dimensions of the sign's supporting members.
(c)
The maximum height of the sign.
(d)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of
the building, in front of which or above which it is to be erected.
(e)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries
of the lot upon which it is to be situated.
(f)
Where the sign is to be attached to an existing building, a
current photograph of the face of the building to which the sign is
to be attached.
(g)
The materials, finish and details of construction, including
loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent engineering data.
(h)
Plans for signs with a proposed area greater than 100 square
feet to be prepared and sealed by a structural engineer.
(i)
The application for a permit to be accompanied by the written
consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign
is to be erected for Borough officials to enter said premises to inspect
such sign.
(4)
The following changes to a sign do not require a permit:
(a)
The changing of movable parts of an approved changeable copy
sign that is designed for such changes or the repainting or reposting
of display matter shall not be deemed an alteration, provided that
the conditions of the original approval and requirements of this article
are not violated.
(b)
The changing of the advertising copy or message of a painted,
plastic face or printed sign only. Except for signs specifically designed
for the use of replaceable copy, electric signs shall not be included
in this exception.
(c)
The electrical, repainting or cleaning maintenance of a sign.
(d)
The repair of a sign.
(5)
Permit fees to erect a sign shall be in accordance with the sign
fee schedule adopted by the Borough.
B.
Construction requirements. All signs shall meet the design and construction
requirements of the BOCA National Building Code. All electrical signs
shall be manufactured in accordance with the Underwriters Laboratories
specifications and shall bear the laboratory label.[1]
C.
Maintenance requirements. Every sign permitted by this chapter must
be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and
repair.
A.
The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected
shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the
circumstances which cause its erection have ceased to exist or at
such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provisions
of this chapter. If the owner of any property upon which a sign has
been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as hereinabove required,
the Zoning Officer shall give notice to remove the sign, by certified
mail, to the owner. If this letter is returned undelivered for any
reason, he may post such notice upon the premises. If, upon the expiration
of 30 days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the
Zoning Officer shall arrange for its removal on behalf of the Borough
and shall bill the owner for the cost of such work, plus 10% for administrative
cost. If such bill remains unpaid after the expiration of 30 days,
the Borough Solicitor shall take the necessary steps to collect the
same. Failure of a property owner to remove such sign after the notice
hereinabove provided shall constitute a violation of the terms of
this chapter, and each day's continuance of such failure shall constitute
a separate violation.
B.
If the owner of any sign in violation of any of the provisions of
this chapter is not the owner of the premises on which it is situated,
the identical notices specified above may be issued to him in like
manner, and such owner of the sign shall be required to take such
steps to comply with the notice or notices issued to him as though
he were the owner of the property or premises on which the sign is
located. If such owner of the sign fails to comply, such failure shall
constitute a violation of the terms of this chapter. Such owner of
the sign shall be liable to the same extent as the owner of the property
or premises on which the sign is located.
If the Code Enforcement Officer finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give notice to remove or alter the sign to comply with this chapter, in the same manner as § 160-95 above, to the party to whom the permit was issued to erect the sign or to the owner of the sign, or to any combination of them. If the parties notified fail to remove or alter the sign to comply with the standards herein set forth within 30 days after notice, such sign may be removed or altered by the Code Enforcement Officer at the expense of each and every person notified. The expenses of the removal or alteration shall be computed and paid for by the parties notified in the same manner as in § 160-95 above, and the same sanctions shall apply. The Code Enforcement Officer may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
No person shall paint, paste, brand, stamp or in any manner
whatsoever place on or attach to any tree, telegraph, electric light
or other pole on any street in the Borough any written, printed, painted
or other advertisement, bill, notice, sign, snipe sign, card or poster.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
A sign that uses any method of illumination that can cause glare
is prohibited, except in accordance with the following:
(1)
It must be so effectively shielded that glaring beams or rays of
light are not directed to any portion of any street, highway or adjacent
property or structure.
(2)
It must be less than 1/4 footcandle, as measured from the curbline
or shoulder, so as not to cause glare or impair the vision of any
motorist or otherwise interfere with the driver's operation of his
motor vehicle.
(3)
Illumination of any sign shall be continuous during all times of
illumination. No sign shall have a blinking or flashing illumination;
provided, however, that changeable copy signs are not prohibited by
reason of any blinking or flashing resulting from the changing of
the message content or copy. It is understood that the message copy
or content shall not blink or flash.
B.
No sign may use the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger" or any word or
character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement
of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic
sign, signal or device within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or
within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
C.
Except for traffic control signals, red and green lights are prohibited
within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or 200 feet of a traffic control
device signal.
D.
Any banner, pennant or novelty sign or sign of any other type is
prohibited across a public street or on any private property, except
for such signs which are approved by the Borough Council, as a special
exception, to be of general benefit to the Borough or for public convenience,
necessity or welfare.
E.
Any sign suspended between poles which is either a banner, pennant
or novelty sign which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in
the wind is prohibited.
F.
Any banner-type sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series
of lights is prohibited.
G.
Any sign is prohibited which does not conform to the requirements
of the sign ordinance which was in effect when the sign was erected.
H.
Any on-premises sign permitted under this article shall be removed
or replaced at such times as the original subject of the sign moves
to a different location or goes out of business.
A.
On-premises signs. In residential districts, only the following on-premises
signs shall be permitted:
(1)
Nonilluminated signs displayed strictly for the direction, safety
or convenience of the public, including signs which identify rest
rooms, telephone booths, parking area entrances or exits, freight
entrances or the like, provided that the area of any such sign shall
not exceed two square feet.
(2)
Parallel, projecting and freestanding flags representing governmental,
educational or religious organizations.
(3)
One nonilluminated sign displaying the street number or name of the
occupant of the premises, or both, provided that the area on any one
side of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot. The sign may
be attached to the building or may be on a rod or post not more than
four feet high and at least three feet from the front lot line. Such
sign may include identification of permitted accessory uses, including
a customary home occupation.
(4)
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sign for home occupations
indicating only the names of persons and their occupations, provided
that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(5)
Signs or bulletin boards of schools, colleges, churches, hospitals,
sanitariums, cemeteries, nonprofit clubs and other nonprofit institutions
of a similar nature or signs indicating the name of a particular organization,
farm or estate or nonprofit organization, provided that the size of
any such sign is not in excess of 24 square feet. Not more than one
such sign may be placed on any property held in single and separate
ownership unless the property fronts on more than one street, in which
case one such sign shall be permitted along each street frontage.
(6)
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sign in connection with
a lawfully maintained nonconforming use, provided that the area of
any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(7)
One nonilluminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises
on which the sign has been erected or one sign indicating that said
premises have been sold or rented, provided that the area of any such
sign shall not exceed six square feet and shall be removed within
20 days after an agreement of rental has been entered into or legal
title has been transferred.
(8)
One temporary contractor's, developer's, architect's or builder's
sign on each public street, maintained on the premises to which they
relate and removed upon completion of the work, provided that the
area on any one side of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(9)
Construction signs which identify the name of a subdivision, development
or the developer, provided that the aggregate area of the sign shall
not exceed a maximum of 40 square feet. Not more than one such sign
shall be placed on property held in single and separate ownership
unless the property fronts on more than one street, in which case
one such sign shall be permitted along each street. Such signs shall
be removed within 20 days after the last structure has been satisfactorily
inspected for building code compliance by the Borough.[1]
(10)
Nonilluminated signs announcing no trespassing; signs indicating
the private nature of a road, driveway or premises; and signs controlling
fishing or hunting on the premises, provided that the area of any
such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(11)
Nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated memorial signs or historical
signs or tablets.
(12)
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sign at the principal
access street or access drive to a residential development or complex
indicating the name of such area or complex and, in the case of a
rental complex, the name of the owner or management organization,
subject to the following requirements:
B.
Off-premises signs. In residential, commercial and industrial districts,
off-premises signs are permitted as follows (signs permitted within
this section may also be on-premises signs):
(1)
Signs necessary for the direction, regulation and control of traffic;
street name signs; legal notices; warnings at railroad crossings;
and other official signs which are similarly authorized or erected
by a duly constituted governmental body. Such signs may be illuminated
only as necessary or customary for traffic control or safety.
(2)
Political signs are permitted, provided that:
(a)
The size of any such sign to be placed on a single lot shall
not exceed 12 square feet, with an aggregate area limitation per single
lot of 24 square feet.
(b)
When placed in a road right-of-way, political signs shall not
be located in such a way as to constitute a hazard to motorists or
pedestrians and shall be set back an appropriate distance from the
edge of pavement or curb so as not to obstruct the vision of motorists
or pedestrians. The size of any such sign to be placed within the
road right-of-way shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(c)
No such sign shall be erected on a utility pole, street identification
sign, traffic control sign or device, streetlight pole, traffic signal
pole, tree or other natural feature.
(d)
Such signs shall not be posted earlier than 60 days prior to
the election to which such signs relate.
(e)
The erector of such signs or an authorized agent of the political
party or candidate applies for and obtains a permit from the Municipal
Zoning Officer and deposits with the Borough, at the time of his application,
the sums established by resolution of the Borough Council as a guaranty
that all such signs will be removed promptly within 10 days after
the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs
are not removed at the end of the ten-day period, the Borough may
have them removed and retain such sums from the deposit in an amount
equal to the expense incurred by the Borough for such removal. The
Borough reserves the right to collect from the applicant any such
expenses not covered by the deposit.
(3)
Temporary nonilluminated signs directing persons to temporary exhibits,
shows or community events may be erected, subject to the following
requirements:
(a)
Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(b)
Signs shall not be posted earlier than two weeks before the
occurrence of the event to which they relate and must be removed within
one week after the date of the exhibit, show or event. When related
to a proposed development, such signs must be removed immediately
on sale or rental of the final unit in such development.
(4)
Nonilluminated signs used for directing patrons, numbers or an audience
to service clubs, churches or other nonprofit organizations are permitted,
provided that such signs shall indicate only the name of the facility
and the direction to the facility and shall not exceed four square
feet in area.
C.
Restrictions on type and placement of signs.
A.
On-premises signs. In commercial and industrial districts, only the
following on-premises signs shall be permitted:
(1)
All signs permitted in § 160-99A at the standards prescribed therein are permitted, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(2)
Parallel business signs are permitted, provided that:
(a)
The total area of all parallel signs for each establishment
shall not exceed four square feet for each length of the front building
wall or length of that portion of such wall devoted to such establishment.
(b)
If such establishment does not occupy any floor area on the
ground level of the building, the maximum permitted sign area shall
not exceed one square foot of length of the front building wall (or
portion).
(c)
Signs painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of windows
shall be included in this computation if their combined area exceeds
50% of the area of the window which they occupy.
(d)
In no case, however, may the total area of parallel signs exceed
25% of the area of the wall (including windows, door area and cornices)
to which they are attached.
(3)
Freestanding business signs are permitted, provided that:
(a)
Only one such sign shall be permitted on each property, except
that if an establishment has walls fronting on two or more streets,
the sign area for each street may be computed separately.
(b)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for
each two feet of lot frontage or 50 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(c)
The maximum height of freestanding business signs shall not
exceed 20 feet.
(4)
Nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated
business signs are permitted.
(5)
Projecting business signs are permitted as either parallel or
freestanding signs, provided that such sign shall not conflict with
signs on neighboring properties, shall not visually interfere with
the view to and from adjacent properties, shall not extend above any
portion of the roof of the building to which such sign is affixed,
shall have its lower edge at least eight feet above any sidewalk or
pedestrian way, shall in most cases have a vertical alignment and
in general shall be appropriate to and in scale with the building
to which it is affixed. The projecting sign shall not project more
than three feet from the wall or surface to which it is mounted nor
in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(6)
Canopies or marquees are permitted as projecting signs in all
commercial districts, subject to the requirements of the Borough Building
Code.[1] When signs are proposed in connection with said canopy
or marquee, they shall be considered to be projecting signs and shall:
(a)
Be affixed flat to such canopy or marquee.
(b)
Be limited to announcing the name of the establishment or any
on-premises show or event.
(c)
Have an eight-foot minimum clearance above any portion of any
walk directly below.
(d)
Have the maximum permitted area of all other signs permitted
on the premises reduced in an amount equal to the area as the sign
to be located on such canopy or marquee.
(7)
Time and/or temperature signs shall be as follows:
(8)
Changeable copy sign shall be as follows:
(a)
A changeable copy sign shall be displayed only as a part of
a freestanding or wall sign, subject to all regulations applying to
those signs.
(b)
The changeable copy sign shall not exceed 1/3 of the total proposed
area of the wall or freestanding sign.
(c)
Any such device with alternating messages shall display each
message for not less than three seconds.
