The purpose of this article is to protect the safety and orderly
development of the community through the regulation of signs and sign
structures.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
article and as used elsewhere in this chapter, have the meanings shown
herein:
A sign structure that has ceased to be used for six months.
The total height times the total width and shall mean the
sign face.
A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion.
Animated signs, which are differentiated from changeable signs as
defined and regulated by this article, include the following types:
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical or electromechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below:
FLASHINGAnimated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or less than the period of nonillumination. For the purposes of this chapter, flashing will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds 15 seconds.
PATTERNED ILLUSIONARY MOVEMENTAnimated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by simulated movement through alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.
ELECTRONIC SIGNAny sign with text or graphics generated by electronic components, including, but not limited to, light-emitting diode ("LED") and plasma displays, or any other past or future technology. An electronic sign is a changeable-copy sign capable of displaying a message in pictures or other photographic images, symbols, numbers and/or text which may be changed electronically, mechanically or rearranged automatically by computer or other form of programming.
ELECTRONIC STREAMING SIGNA sign capable of bearing a continuous or streaming message, copy, symbols, picture, television image and/or other form of message which may be changed electronically, mechanically or rearranged automatically by computer or other form of programming.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNA sign with changing text or graphics generated by electronic components, including, but not limited to, light-emitting diode ("LED") and plasma displays, or any other past or future technology. Electronic message signs shall provide such information as current time, date, weather and news updates.
ENVIRONMENTALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental input; includes spinners, pinwheels, pennant strings, and/or devices or displays that respond to naturally occurring external motivation.
MECHANICALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.
Any projection that is not intended for occupancy and that
extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building, but that
does not include signs as defined herein. See also "awning," "backlit
awning," and "canopy (attached)" and "canopy (freestanding)."
An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and
supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering
of rigid or nonrigid material and/or fabric on a supporting framework
that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures
that are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface
or surfaces of an awning. See also "wall or fascia sign."
An awning with a translucent covering material and a source
of illumination contained within its framework.
A temporary sign painted or printed on a strip of cloth,
vinyl, plastic or paper designed to be hung from poles, across the
wall of a building or in a window.
See "off-premises sign" and "outdoor advertising sign."
The entire side of a building, from ground level to the roofline,
as viewed perpendicular to the walls on that side of the building.
A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection
supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either
cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional
points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be
illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See
also "marquee."
A multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but
not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and or soffit of a freestanding
canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources
of light.
A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy. For reference, see § 87-146.
A sign with the capability of content change by means of
manual or remote input, including signs which are:
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATEDChangeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices, or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also "electronic message sign or center."
MANUALLY ACTIVATEDChangeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed manually.
A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a
building structure.
The term "commercial district" shall mean a Neighborhood
Commercial (NC), Local Commercial (LC) and Regional Commercial (RC)
zoning classification.
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic
elements comprising the content or message of a sign, excluding numerals
identifying a street address only.
A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development, such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled by a single owner or landlord, approved in accordance with § 87-152 of this article.
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Temporary signs as set forth in § 87-151B and the subsections thereunder shall not be deemed directional signs.
A sign with two faces, back to back.
Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical
energy.
An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable
message capability can be electronically programmed.
Any sign placed outside a building.
See "wall or fascia sign."
See "animated sign, electrically activated."
A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the
ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported
by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground.
For visual reference, see Figure 1003.[1]
The length of an exterior building wall or structure of a
single premises orientated to the public way or other properties that
it faces.
The length of the property line(s) of any single premises
along either a public way or other properties on which it borders.
See "freestanding sign."
A sign which expresses a religious, social, political or
other philosophical message. An ideological sign is not to be classified
as a temporary sign.
A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either
projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated) or reflecting
off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).
The term "industrial classification" shall mean Light Industry
(LI) and Heavy Industry (HI) zoning classifications.
Any sign placed within a building, but not including window
signs, as defined by this chapter. Interior signs, with the exception
of window signs as defined, are not regulated by this chapter.
The Township of Hempfield.
An inclined decorative roof-like projection that is attached
to an exterior building facade.
See "canopy (attached)."
See "canopy sign."
A freestanding sign orientated to the drive-through lane
for a restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the
drive-through window, and which has no more than 20% of the total
area for such a sign utilized for business identification.
A sign containing three or more faces.
Either a political sign or an ideological sign.
See "outdoor advertising sign."
A sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment
for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use
of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of the property on which
it is displayed.
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor
environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial
messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale
or lease of the property on which it is displayed.
The extension of a building facade above the line of the
structural roof.
See "freestanding sign."
Any sign which advocates a candidate for public office or
which supports a particular political party or a position on an issue
to be determined by an election. Political signs are not to be classified
as temporary or permanent. A legally permitted outdoor advertising
sign shall not be considered to be a political sign.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building
or building surface.
A sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects
more than 18 inches (457 mm) from a building face or wall or from
a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign.
For visual reference, see Figure 1003.[2]
A temporary sign placed on the property which is actively
marketed for sale, as the same may be evidenced by the property's
listing in a multiple listing service.
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12]
A sign that revolves 360° (6.28 rad) about an axis. See
also "animated sign, mechanically activated."
The top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended
facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.
A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion
of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a
building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building.
Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections
such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs.
For a visual reference and a comparison of differences between roof
and fascia signs, see Figure 1003.[3]
Any device visible from a public place that displays either
commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation
of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Noncommercial
flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be
considered to be signs.
The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of
the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprises the
sign face. The area of any double-sided or V-shaped sign shall be
the area of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall
be computed as the area of a circle. The area of all other multiple-sided
signs shall be computed as 50% of the sum of the area of all faces
of the sign.
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic
elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of
numerals identifying a street address only.
The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or border. See § 87-146 of this article.
In the case of panel or cabinet-type signs, the sign face shall
include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate
upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open
space between separate panels or cabinets.
In the case of sign structures with routed areas of sign copy,
the sign face shall include the entire area of the surface that is
routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border, or a contrasting
surface or color.
In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters
or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face
shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of
regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters
or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the
open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building
or structure.
In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated
border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the
color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the
area within the contrasting background or within the painted or illuminated
border.
Any structure supporting a sign.
Includes street, road, lane, alley, and court, either intended
for public or private use, and shall include the cartway, sidewalk,
gutter or right-of-way area, whether or not such street, or any part
thereof, is owned in fee by others within the Township.
A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial
messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any
signs not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed
to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the
ground, are considered temporary signs.
A sign attached to the underside of a canopy or marquee.
Signs containing two faces of approximately equal size erected
upon common or separate structures, positioned in a "V" shape with
an interior angle between faces of not more that 90º (1.57 rad),
with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet (1,524
mm) at their closest point.
A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building, provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed. For a visual reference and a comparison of differences between wall or fascia signs and roof signs, see§ 87-146.
A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message
intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from
adjacent property. Signs painted on the interior or the exterior of
the surface of a window shall not be considered window signs.
[1]
Editor's Note: Figure 1003 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[2]
Editor's Note: Figure 1003 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[3]
Editor's Note: Figure 1003 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
Sign types and the computation of sign area shall be as depicted
in Figures 1003.1(1) through 1003.1(4).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said figures are included as an attachment to this chapter.
A.Â
Conformance to codes. Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to
the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the Pennsylvania
Uniform Construction Code, Act 45 of 1999, as amended.
B.Â
Signs in rights-of-way. No sign other than an official traffic sign
or similar sign shall be erected within two feet (610 mm) of the right-of-way
of any street, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances
or regulations of this jurisdiction or by specific authorization of
the code official.
C.Â
Projections over streets. No signs projecting over streets shall
be permitted.
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12]
D.Â
Traffic visibility. No sign or sign structure shall be erected at
the intersection of any street or driveway in such a manner as to
obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where, by its
position, shape or color, it may interfere with or obstruct the view
of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
E.Â
Computation of frontage. If a premises contains walls facing more
than one property line or encompasses property frontage bounded by
more than one street or other property usages, the sign area(s) for
each building wall or property frontage will be computed separately
for each building wall or property line facing a different frontage.
The sign area(s) thus calculated shall be permitted to then be applied
to permitted signs placed on each separate wall or property line frontage;
provided, however, notwithstanding any other provisions of this article,
that on lots of 30,000 square feet or less, only one sign shall be
permitted on said lot.
F.Â
Animation, illumination, changeable messages, electronic signs and electronic message signs. Animated signs, except as prohibited in § 87-149, are permitted in commercial and industrial zones only. Illuminated and/or animated signs shall only be permitted to function during the normal business hours of operation of the use. Changeable signs, manually activated, are permitted for nonresidential uses in all zones. Changeable signs, electrically activated, are permitted in all nonresidential zones. No animated, illuminated or electrically activated changeable signs shall be nearer than 300 feet to any Agricultural (A), Rural Residential (RR), Suburban Residential (SR), Corridor Residential (CR) and Village Residential (VR) Zoning Districts.
G.Â
Maintenance, repair and removal. Every sign permitted by this chapter
shall be kept in good condition and repair. When any sign becomes
insecure, in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the
code official, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected
or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter,
the owner thereof or the person or firm using same shall, upon written
notice by the code official, forthwith in the case within not more
than 10 days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter
or shall remove it. If within 10 days the order is not complied with,
the code official shall be permitted to remove or cause such sign
to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or the user of the sign.
H.Â
Obsolete sign copy. Any sign copy that no longer advertises or identifies
a use conducted on the property on which said sign is erected must
have the sign copy covered or removed within 30 days after written
notification from the code official; and upon failure to comply with
such notice, the code official is hereby authorized to cause removal
of such sign copy, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid
by the owner of the building, structure or ground on which the sign
is located.
I.Â
Nonconforming signs. Any sign legally 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 zone in which such sign is located
shall be considered a legal nonconforming use or structure and shall
be permitted to continue in such status until such time as it is either
abandoned or removed by its owner, subject to the following limitations:
(1)Â
Structural alterations, enlargement or re-erection are permissible
only where such alterations will not increase the degree of nonconformity
of the sign.
(2)Â
Any legal nonconforming sign shall be removed or rebuilt without
increasing the existing height or area if it is damaged, or removed
if allowed to deteriorate to the extent that the cost of repair or
restoration exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the sign as determined
by the code official.
J.Â
Special yard provisions. Notwithstanding any provisions of this article,
only one sign of any type (either wall, freestanding, directional
or temporary signs, canopy and marquee signs, awning signs, projecting
signs, under-canopy signs, roof signs and menu boards) shall be permitted
on property on which the sign will face or abut a residential zone
or use. Said sign shall be located no closer than 50 feet to the lot
line of a residentially zoned lot or residential use. None of the
above signs shall be illuminated or animated.
The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. No sign shall be exempt from § 87-151.
A.Â
Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety
official.
B.Â
Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal,
state or municipal governments.
C.Â
Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones
when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible
material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
D.Â
The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a
school.
E.Â
Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate
public holiday season.
F.Â
Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise
where the enterprise does not receive direct commercial gain.
H.Â
Noncommercial signs.
I.Â
Real estate signs as set forth in § 87-151B(2).
The following devices and locations shall be specifically prohibited:
A.Â
Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere
with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere
with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
B.Â
Banner signs, except:
(1)Â
As nonprofit banner signs advertising special events, not erected
over a street, highway or right-of-way, and only with approval of
the landowner; or, if located over a street, highway or right-of-way
owned or maintained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the County
of Westmoreland, with the approval of the appropriate governmental
unit; or
(2)Â
As special promotion, event and grand opening signs as set forth in § 87-151B(3).
C.Â
Signs which revolve, blink, flash or are animated by lighting in
any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of
traffic safety signs and lights or municipal vehicle warnings from
a distance.
D.Â
Portable signs, except as allowed for temporary signs.
E.Â
Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on
public or private property, except for signs meeting the following
conditions:
(1)Â
The primary purpose of such a vehicle or trailer is not the display
of signs.
(2)Â
The signs are magnetic, decals or painted upon an integral part of
the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer
and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle.
(3)Â
The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered
and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable, and actively
used or available for use in the daily function of the business to
which such signs relate.
F.Â
Vehicles and trailers are not used primarily as static displays,
advertising a product or service, nor utilized as storage, shelter
or distribution points for commercial products or services for the
general public.
G.Â
Balloons, dirigibles, streamers, pinwheels or an inflatable device,
except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion
or community event. For the purposes of this subsection, "temporarily"
means no more than five consecutive days.
H.Â
Any sign containing more than two faces.
A.Â
Permits required. Unless specifically exempted, a permit must be
obtained from the code official for the erection and maintenance of
all signs erected or maintained within this jurisdiction and in accordance
with other ordinances of this jurisdiction. 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 and
maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance with all
the other provisions of this chapter.
B.Â
Construction documents. Before any permit is granted for the erection
of a sign or sign structure requiring such permit, construction documents
shall be filed with the code official showing the dimensions, materials
and required details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage
and any other pertinent data. The permit application shall be accompanied
by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon
which the sign is to be erected and by engineering calculations signed
and sealed by a registered design professional where required by the
Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, Act 45 of 1999, as amended,
as may be in effect within the Township of Hempfield.
C.Â
Changes to signs. No sign shall be altered, enlarged or relocated
except in conformity to the provisions herein and only after obtaining
a proper permit. The changing of copy, business names, lettering,
signs faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter, or the content
of any sign shall require a permit. The changing or maintenance of
the movable parts or components of an approved sign that is designed
for such changes shall not be deemed an alteration of the sign.
D.Â
Permit fees. Permit fees to erect, alter, enlarge or relocate a sign
shall be in accordance with the fee schedule adopted within this jurisdiction.
A.Â
Identification signs. Identification signs shall be in accordance
with the following:
(1)Â
Wall signs. Every multiple-family residential complex, commercial
or industrial building, and every separate nonresidential building
or use facing the front, rear or side lot of a residential use may
display one wall sign subject to the limiting standards set forth
in Table 8.1.1(1). For shopping centers, planned industrial parks
or other multiple-occupancy nonresidential buildings, the building
face or wall shall be calculated separately for each separate occupancy,
but in no event will the allowed area for any separate occupancy be
less than 10 square feet.
(2)Â
Freestanding signs. In addition to any allowable wall signs, every
single-family residential subdivision, multiple-family residential
complex, commercial or industrial building shall be permitted to display
freestanding or combination signs per street frontage subject to the
limiting standards set forth in Table 8.1.2.
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12]
(3)Â
Directional signs. No more than two on-premises directional signs
shall be permitted per street entrance to any lot. There shall be
no limit to the number of directional signs providing directional
information interior to a lot. In residential zones, the maximum area
for directional signs shall be six square feet. For all other zones,
the maximum area for any directional sign visible from adjacent property
or rights-of-way shall be six square feet. Not more than 25% of the
area of any directional sign shall be permitted to be devoted to business
identification or logo, which area shall not be assessed as identification
sign area. Off-premises directional signs are prohibited, except as
permitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the County of Westmoreland
pursuant to the rules and regulations of each entity.
|
Table 8.1.1(1)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Identification Sign Standards - Wall Signs
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12] | ||
|
Land Use
|
Aggregate Area
(square feet)
| |
|
Single-family residential
|
Not permitted
| |
|
Multiple-family residential
|
10
| |
|
Nonresidential building or use in a residential zone
|
25 per sign; 100 aggregate
| |
|
Business and industrial
|
See Table 8.1.1(2)
| |
|
NOTES:
| |
|---|---|
|
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929m2
|
|
Table 8.1.1(2)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sign Area
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12] | ||
|
Distance of Sign from Road
(feet)
|
Percentage of Building Elevation for a Single Use or Storefront
Elevation for Multiple Tenants in Square Feet Permitted for Sign Area
| |
|
0 to 100
|
20%
| |
|
101 to 300
|
25%
| |
|
Over 301
|
30%
| |
|
NOTES:
| |
|---|---|
|
For SI: 1 square foot = 304.8 mm.
|
|
Table 8.1.2
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Identification Sign Standards — Freestanding Signsa,b,c
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12] | |||||
|
Land Use
|
Number of Signs
|
Height
(feet)
|
Area
(square feet)
|
Spacing
| |
|
Single-family Residential
|
2 per entrance
|
6 maximum
|
15 each; 30 in the aggregate
|
2 per subdivision entrancea
| |
|
Multiple-family residential
|
2 per entrance
|
6 maximum
|
15 each; 30 in the aggregate
|
1 per drivewaya
| |
|
Commercial and industrial
|
1 per entrance
|
See Figures 1008.1.2(1), (2) and (3)33
|
See Figures 1008.1.2(1),(2) and (3)
|
150b
| |
|
NOTES:
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 acre = 4,047 m2.
| ||
|
a.
|
For subdivision or apartment identification signs placed on
a decorative entry wall approved by the code official, two identification
signs shall be permitted to be placed at each entrance to the subdivision
or apartment complex, one on each side of the driveway or entry drive.
| |
|
b.
|
For shopping centers or planned industrial parks, two monument-style
freestanding signs not exceeding 50% each of the permitted height
and area, and spaced not closer than 100 feet to any other freestanding
identification sign, shall be permitted to be allowed in lieu of any
freestanding sign otherwise permitted in Table 8.1.2.
| |
|
c.
|
For any commercial or industrial development complex exceeding
1,000,000 square feet of gross leasable area or 40 acres in size,
such as regional shopping centers, auto malls or planned industrial
parks, one freestanding sign per street front shall be permitted to
be increased in sign area by up to 50%.
| |
|
d.
|
Churches shall have a maximum area with a total aggregate of
60 square feet (maximum 30 square feet per side).
| |
B.Â
Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be in accordance with § 87-151B(1) through (5).
(1)Â
Real estate signs. Real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning
districts, subject to the following limitations:
(a)Â
Real estate signs located on a single residential lot shall
be limited to one sign, not greater than six feet in height and nine
square feet in area.
(b)Â
Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots located within
a subdivision shall be limited to one sign per entrance to the subdivision,
and each sign shall be no greater than 30 square feet in area nor
six feet in height. All signs permitted under this section shall be
removed within 10 days after sale of the last original lot.
(c)Â
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of space within
commercial or industrial buildings shall be no greater than 50 square
feet in area nor 15 feet in height and shall be limited to one sign
per street front.
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12]
(d)Â
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of vacant business
or industrial buildings shall be limited to one sign per street front,
and each sign shall be no greater than 15 feet in height, and 50 square
feet. All signs permitted under this section shall be removed within
10 days after sale.
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12]
(e)Â
Real estate signs advertising an "open house" shall be permitted,
subject to the following conditions:
[1]Â
Such signs may not be displayed for more than 48 consecutive
hours and shall be removed upon the completion of the open house.
[2]Â
Such signs shall only advertise an open house located within
the corporate limits of the Township of Hempfield.
[3]Â
The total amount of off-premises signs for each open house shall
not exceed three in number.
[4]Â
Such signs shall be subject to a permit fee as established by
separate resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the Township of
Hempfield.
(2)Â
Development and construction signs. Signs temporarily erected during
construction to inform the public of the developer, contractors, architects,
engineers, the nature of the project or anticipated completion dates
shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following
limitations:
(a)Â
Such signs on a single residential lot shall be limited to one
sign, not greater than nine feet in height and six square feet in
area.
(b)Â
Such signs for a residential subdivision or multiple residential
lots shall be limited to one sign, at each entrance to the subdivision
or on one of the lots to be built upon, and shall be no greater than
15 feet in height and six square feet in area.
(c)Â
Such signs for nonresidential uses in residential districts
shall be limited to one sign and shall be no greater than six feet
in height and 15 square feet in area.
(d)Â
Such signs for commercial or industrial projects shall be limited
to one sign per street front, not to exceed 20 feet in height and
75 square feet for projects on parcels five acres (20,235 m2) or less in size, and not to exceed 20 feet in height
and 100 square feet for projects on parcels larger than five acres
(20,235 m2).
(e)Â
Development and construction signs may not be displayed until
after the issuance of construction permits by the building official
and must be removed not later than 24 hours following issuance of
an occupancy permit for any or all portions or the project.
(3)Â
Special promotion, event and grand opening signs. Signs, except as provided in § 87-149A, temporarily displayed to advertise special promotions, events and grand openings shall be permitted for nonresidential uses in a residential district, and for all commercial and industrial districts, subject to the following limitations:
(a)Â
Such signs shall be limited to one sign per street front.
(b)Â
Such signs may be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive
days and shall be removed not more than three days after the special
event, promotion or grand opening.
(c)Â
The total area of all such signs shall not exceed 32 square
feet in any single-family residential district, 32 square feet in
any multiple-family residential district and 32 square feet in any
commercial or industrial district.
(5)Â
Portable signs. Portable signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts,
as designated in this chapter, subject to the following limitations:
(a)Â
No more than one such sign may be displayed on any property,
and it shall not exceed a height of six feet or an area of 32 square
feet.
(b)Â
Such signs shall be displayed not more than 30 days in any calendar
year.
(c)Â
Any electrical portable signs shall comply with the ICC Pennsylvania
Uniform Construction Code, Act 45 of 1999, as amended.
(d)Â
No portable sign shall be displayed prior to obtaining a sign
permit.
C.Â
Requirements for specific sign types. Signs of a specific type shall
be in accordance with the following:
(1)Â
Canopy and marquee signs.
(a)Â
The permanently affixed copy area of canopy or marquee signs
shall not exceed an area equal to 25% of the face area of the canopy,
marquee or architectural projection upon which such sign is affixed
or applied.
(b)Â
Graphic striping, patterns or color bands on the face of a building,
canopy, marquee or architectural projection shall not be included
in the computation of sign copy area.
(2)Â
Awning signs.
(a)Â
The copy area of awning signs shall not exceed an area equal
to 25% of the background area of the awning or awning surface to which
such a sign is affixed or applied, or the permitted area for wall
or fascia signs, whichever is less.
(b)Â
Neither the background color of an awning, nor any graphic treatment
or embellishment thereto such as striping, patterns or valances, shall
be included in the computation of sign copy area.
(3)Â
Projecting signs.
(a)Â
Projecting signs shall be permitted in lieu of freestanding
signage on any street frontage, limited to one sign per occupancy
along any street frontage with public entrance to such an occupancy,
and shall be limited in height and area to one square foot per each
one linear foot of building frontage, except that no such sign shall
exceed an area of 150 square feet.
(b)Â
No such sign shall extend vertically above the highest point
of the building facade upon which it is mounted by more than 50% of
the height of the building facade.
(c)Â
Such signs shall not extend over a public sidewalk in excess
of 50% of the width of the sidewalk.
(d)Â
Such signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any
street a minimum of 17 feet.
(4)Â
Under-canopy signs.
(5)Â
Roof signs.
(a)Â
Roof signs shall be permitted in industrial districts only.
(b)Â
Such signs shall be limited to a height above the roofline of
the elevation parallel to the sign face of no more 20% of the height
of the roofline in industrial districts.
(c)Â
The sign area for roof signs shall be assessed against the aggregate
permitted area for wall signs on the elevation of the building most
closely parallel to the face of the sign.
(6)Â
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for any nonresidential
use in a residential district, and for all commercial and industrial
districts, subject to the following limitations:
(a)Â
The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed 25% of
the window area on which such signs are displayed. Window panels separated
by muntins or mullions shall be considered as one continuous window
area. Said sign shall be either on the inside surface of the glass
or affixed on the exterior side of the glass.
(b)Â
Window signs shall not be assessed against the sign area permitted
for other sign types.
(7)Â
Menu boards. Menu board signs shall not be permitted to exceed 50
square feet (4.6 m2).
A.Â
Master sign plan required. All landlord- or single-owner-controlled
multiple-occupancy development complexes on parcels exceeding eight
acres (32,376 m2) in size, such as shopping
centers or planned industrial parks, shall submit to the code official
a master sign plan prior to issuance of new sign permits. The master
sign plan shall establish standards and criteria for all signs in
the complex that require permits and shall address, at a minimum,
the following:
B.Â
Development complex sign. In addition to the freestanding business
identification signs otherwise allowed by this chapter, every multiple-occupancy
development complex shall be entitled to one freestanding sign per
street front, at the maximum size permitted for business identification
freestanding signs, to identify the development complex. No business
identification shall be permitted on a development complex sign. Any
freestanding sign otherwise permitted under this chapter may identify
the name of the development complex.
C.Â
Compliance with master sign plan. All applications for sign permits
for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex shall
comply with the master sign plan.
D.Â
Amendments. Any amendments to a master sign plan must be signed and
approved by the owner(s) within the development complex before such
amendment will become effective.
A.Â
Additional requirements for outdoor advertising structures. Outdoor
advertising structures shall be subject to all of the following requirements:
(1)Â
Location. Outdoor advertising structures may be authorized as a conditional
use only in the Light Industry (LI) or Heavy Industry (HI) Zoning
District, provided that all of the following requirements are met.:
(a)Â
Outdoor advertising structures shall not be erected with 500
feet of the boundary line of any Suburban Residential (SR), Corridor
Residential (CR) or Village Residential (VR) Zoned District or within
500 feet of any public or private school, church or cemetery, said
500 feet being measured along the radius of a circle from the center-most
point of the outdoor advertising structure extending in all directions.
(b)Â
On interstate and limited access highways, outdoor advertising
structures shall not be erected within 500 feet of an interchange
or safety rest area, measured along the interstate or limited access
highway from the beginning or ending of the pavement widening at the
exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.
(c)Â
Outdoor advertising structures shall maintain a lateral minimum
spacing between any existing or proposed outdoor advertising structure
of 1,000 feet. Required spacing shall be measured along both sides
of the same roadway frontage from the center-most point of the billboard
structure along a line extending from the center-most point of the
outdoor advertising structure which is parallel to the center line
of the roadway to which the outdoor advertising structure is oriented.
(d)Â
No outdoor advertising structure shall be located closer than
10 feet to any public street right-of-way.
(e)Â
The minimum side and rear yard requirements applying to a principal
structure as set forth within the zoning district in which the outdoor
advertising structure is to be located shall apply to each outdoor
advertising structure.
(f)Â
No outdoor advertising structure shall be erected in such a
manner as to block the view from the road or street of any existing
business identification sign or residential or nonresidential structure
or limit or reduce the light and ventilation requirements.
(g)Â
No outdoor advertising structure shall be constructed within
the clear sight triangle of the public street or road on which it
is situated, and it shall not, in any case, obstruct or impede traffic
safety.
(h)Â
No outdoor advertising structure shall be erected over any sidewalk
or public right-of-way.
(i)Â
Outdoor advertising structures shall not be part of a roof or
wall, nor shall they be mounted on the roof, wall or other part of
a building or any other structure.
(2)Â
Size and height. An outdoor advertising structure shall have a maximum
allowable gross surface area of 450 square feet per sign face. This
gross surface shall be permitted, provided that all of the following
additional requirements are met:
(a)Â
An outdoor advertising structure shall have no more than two
sign faces per outdoor advertising structure, which may be placed
back-to-back or in a V-shaped configuration having an interior angle
of 90° or less.
(b)Â
The dimensions of the gross surface area of the outdoor advertising
structure sign face shall not exceed 20 feet in total height or 25
feet in total length, provided that the total allowable gross surface
area for the sign face is not exceeded.
(c)Â
An outdoor advertising structure shall have a maximum height
above the surface of the roadway from which it is intended to be viewed
of 40 feet.
(3)Â
Construction methods. Outdoor advertising structures shall be constructed
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform
Construction Code, Act 45 of 1999, as amended, and shall meet all
of the following additional requirements:
(a)Â
An outdoor advertising structure shall have a maximum of one
vertical support, being a maximum of three feet in diameter or width
and without additional bracing or vertical supports.
(b)Â
An outdoor advertising structure sign face shall be independently
supported and shall have vertical supports of metal which are galvanized
or constructed of approved corrosive-resistant, noncombustible materials.
Outdoor advertising structures constructed with galvanized metal shall
not be painted.
(c)Â
The one vertical support shall be capable of enabling the entire
sign face to be able to withstand a minimum one-hundred-mile-per-hour
wind load. Structural design computations shall be made and certified
by a registered engineer and shall be submitted to the Township with
the application for conditional use.
(d)Â
The base shall be installed using a foundation and footings
approved by the Township Engineer for the type of construction proposed.
(e)Â
The entire base of the outdoor advertising structure parallel
to the sign face shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery
and/or bushes of a minimum height of three feet, placed in such a
manner as to screen the foundation of the structure.
(f)Â
Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner in an attractive
and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation practices.
(g)Â
No bare cuts shall be permitted on a hillside.
(h)Â
All cuts or fills shall be permanently seeded or planted.
(i)Â
An outdoor advertising structure with display lighting shall
be constructed so that it does not glare upon adjoining property and
shall not exceed a maximum footcandle of 1.5 upon the adjoining property.
(j)Â
Display lighting shall not operate between 12:00 midnight and
5:00 a.m., prevailing local time.
(k)Â
No outdoor advertising structure, sign face or display lighting
shall move, flash or emit noise. No display lighting shall cause distractions,
confusion, nuisance or hazards to traffic, aircraft or other properties.
(l)Â
The use of colored lighting shall not be permitted.
(4)Â
Maintenance.
(a)Â
An outdoor advertising structure shall be entirely painted every
three years, unless constructed of an approved corrosive-resistant
material.
(b)Â
Every 10 years, the owner of the outdoor advertising structure
shall have a structural inspection made of the outdoor advertising
structure by a qualified Pennsylvania registered engineer and shall
provide to the Township a certificate from the engineer certifying
that the outdoor advertising structure is structurally sound.
(c)Â
Annual inspections of the outdoor advertising structure shall
be conducted by the Township to determine compliance with this chapter.
(d)Â
Outdoor advertising structures found to be in violation of this
chapter shall be brought into compliance or removed within 30 days,
upon proper notification by the Township.
(e)Â
Outdoor advertising structures using removable paper or other
materials shall be maintained in such condition as to eliminate loose
or frayed material protruding or hanging from the structure. All paper
and other waste materials shall be removed from the site and disposed
of properly whenever any sign face is changed.
(5)Â
Liability insurance. The applicant for a sign permit to erect an
outdoor advertising structure shall provide a certificate of insurance
for public liability and property damage which holds the Township
harmless. The amount of insurance to be maintained shall be determined
and adjusted from time to time by resolution of the Township Supervisors.
The insurance certificate shall contain a clause stating that the
insurance shall not be cancelled or reduced without first giving 30
days' notice to the Township.
