A.
Purpose.
(1)
This Article XIII is intended to promote and maintain overall aesthetic quality of the community; establish time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating content; promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B.
Permit required.
(1)
A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for:
(a)
Signs meeting the requirements of Article XIII of this chapter relating to miscellaneous signs not requiring permits; and
(b)
Nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, poster board
or similar materials that are not of a permanent nature. The only
signs that shall be allowed are the types, sizes and heights that
are specifically permitted by this article within the applicable zoning
district.
C.
Changes on signs.
(1)
Any lawfully existing sign (including legally nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without a new permit under this article, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased nonconformity with this Article XIII or Article XV of this chapter relating to nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs shall be constructed of durable material and maintained in
good condition.
B.
No sign within Paxtang Borough shall be in a state of disrepair;
have the appearance of complete neglect, rotting or falling down;
illegible or have loose parts separated from original fastenings.
C.
Signs shall be maintained in a structurally safe manner and shall
not endanger the safety of the building or premises or endanger the
public safety.
D.
Signs, excluding Borough-approved community murals, that are painted
upon or displayed upon a building or structure shall be regarded as
a flat wall (parallel) sign and the regulations pertaining thereto
shall apply.
E.
Each sign shall be removed when the circumstances leading to its erection no longer apply in accordance with Article XIII of this chapter relating to abandoned signs.
F.
Signs in the mixed use districts, commercial/industrial districts, and other districts may be illuminated by floodlights or spotlights that shall be so shielded, installed and aimed that they do not project their output into the windows of buildings on adjacent lots, past the sign being illuminated, skyward, onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way, and shall comply with Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses.
G.
Internally illuminated signs, 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, shall be permitted within the DT Zoning District and commercial/industrial districts, provided that all such lighting emitted from the sign shall not cause a glare nor emit direct light transmitted to other properties or public rights-of-way, and shall comply with Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses.
H.
Flashing, blinking, strobe, twinkling, animated, streaming or moving signs of any type shall be permitted in the commercial/industrial districts, and shall comply with Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses. Otherwise, in the MNB and DT Zoning Districts, signs may only change from one message to another message, provided that the message does not change more than once every hour, except that displays of time and temperature may change more frequently. In addition, flashing lights visible from the public right-of-way shall not be used to attract attention to a business. This restriction specifically includes window signs, but does not prohibit seasonal Christmas lighting or displays that comply with this Article XIII and with Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses.
I.
No sign shall be located so as to interfere with visibility for motorists
at street rights-of-way, access drives or driveway intersections.
J.
No sign shall be of such character, form, shape or color that it
imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device,
nor shall it have any characteristics which are likely to confuse
or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
(1)
No sign located within 300 feet of any traffic light shall be illuminated
with red, green or yellow lights.
(2)
No sign shall, by reason of size, location, content, coloring or
manner of illumination, obstruct the vision of drivers when leaving
or entering a roadway from another roadway, access drive or driveway
or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any
traffic sign or control device on public streets and roads.
(3)
No signs shall make use of words such as "stop," "look," "one-way,"
"danger," "yield" or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or
characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse
traffic.
K.
All electrically illuminated signs shall be constructed to the standards of Chapter 160 of this Code, relating to buildings.
L.
No sign shall be erected displaying words or pictorially depicting or giving a visual representation of any type of explicit sexual materials, hardcore materials, specified anatomical areas, specified sexual activities, as defined in Article II of this chapter relating to definitions.
M.
No sign shall be erected or located as to prevent free ingress or
egress from any window, door or fire escape.
N.
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will obscure light
or air from a building.
O.
No sign shall be permitted to be attached to a public utility pole.
P.
In the event that a symbol, trademark or other such figure is used
as a sign post or standard which could be construed to indicate or
identify a particular use or business, that symbol, trademark or figure
is to be computed as part of the total allowable sign area.
Q.
No sign shall contain information that states or implies that a lot
may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable provisions
of this chapter.
(1)
Only those signs referring directly to services, materials or products
made, sold or displayed on the premises shall be permitted, except
as otherwise provided in this article.
R.
No sign shall emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odors.
S.
Any sign attached to a building shall not be placed on the roof,
be higher than the wall to which it is attached, or located on a parapet
wall.
T.
No sign shall be placed on nor affixed to any vehicle or trailer:
(1)
In such a manner that the carrying of such sign is no longer incidental
to the vehicle's primary purpose of transporting persons and goods;
and
(2)
That is parked on a public right-of-way or public or private property
so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent
purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business,
organization or other activity.
U.
Unless otherwise permitted by the Borough, no sign located on public
property or a public right-of-way shall bear any business advertising
or announcement.
V.
No sign shall be painted on, attached to or supported by a tree,
stone, cliff or other natural object.
W.
Nothing in these regulations shall be construed as prohibiting signs
intended for viewing principally from within a building or signs temporarily
attached to the inside face of a display window, announcing a sale
or similar feature, provided that the latter shall not occupy more
than 33 1/3% of the total display window area for a period not
to exceed 10 days.
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, including any
border framing or decorative attachments, but not including any supporting
framework or bracing incidental to the display itself. Where the sign
consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building,
wall or window, the area of the sign shall be considered to be that
of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses
all of the letters and symbols.
B.
Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all sign faces shall
be included in determining the area of the sign; except that a sign
may have two sign faces, if they are:
|
Abbreviations:
|
|---|
|
max. = maximum
|
|
min. = minimum
|
|
hrs. = hours
|
|
Table 13-1
Miscellaneous Signs Not Requiring Permits
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type and Definition of Signs Not Requiring Permits
|
Maximum No. of Signs per Lot
|
Maximum Sign Area per Sign* on Residential Lot
|
Maximum Sign Area per Sign* on Non- residential
Lot*
|
Other Requirements
|
|
Athletic field signs - such as those commonly found
on the inside side of outfield walls/fences of baseball fields
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Signs shall only be placed facing the ball field
|
|
Christmas tree sign - advertises the seasonal sale
of Christmas trees
|
2
|
8 square feet
|
20 square feet
|
Shall only be posted during seasons when such products
are actively offered for sale at a maximum of 14 days prior to event
and removed a maximum of four days after event
|
|
Charitable event sign - advertises a special event
that primarily is held to benefit an established tax-exempt nonprofit
organization
|
2
|
four square feet
|
20 square feet
|
Shall be placed a maximum of 14 days prior to event
and removed a maximum of four days after event
|
|
Contractor's sign - advertises a building tradesperson,
engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work
on a particular lot that is not such person's regular place of business
|
1 per company working on the site
|
4 square feet
|
20 square feet
|
Shall only be permitted while such work is actively
and clearly underway and a maximum of four days afterward; shall not
be illuminated
|
|
Apartment numbers or parking courts in a development,
fire lanes, parking or similar information regarding the same lot
as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
| |
|
Flag - a banner or pennant made of fabric or materials
with a similar appearance that is hung from a pole in such a way to
flow in the wind, and that includes the words "Open" or some type
of advertising message
|
1
|
15 square feet
|
20 square feet
|
Governmental flags and flags without an advertising message are not regulated by this Article XIII; also, a corporate flag may be displayed on a flag pole
|
|
Identification sign - only identifies the name and/or
occupation of the resident/occupant and/or the name, street address
and/or use of a lot, but does not include other advertising
|
1
|
2 square feet
|
2 square feet
|
No freestanding sign permitted
|
|
Open house sign - advertises the temporary and periodic
open house of a property for sale or rent
|
2 per event
|
4 square feet
|
4 square feet
|
Shall be placed a maximum of four days before open
house begins, and removed a maximum of 24 hours after open house ends
|
|
Opinion and election signs
|
Shall comply with all general and specific sign regulations
for signs in the applicable zoning district in this article
|
Persons posting opinion and election signs shall maintain
a written list of locations of such signs, unless posting signs on
their own property; opinion and election signs shall not be placed
on a property without the prior consent of the owner
| ||
|
Public services sign - advertises the availability
of restrooms, telephone or other similar public convenience
|
No maximum
|
2 square feet
|
2 square feet
| |
|
Real estate sign - advertises the availability of property
on which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease
|
1 per street that the lot abuts
|
4 square feet
|
15 square feet
|
Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively
for sale, lease or rent, and shall be removed a maximum of seven days
after settlement or start of lease
|
|
Roadside stand sign - for the sale of agricultural
products grown and sold upon the same property, including crops and
gardening and agricultural operations
|
2 per property
|
6 square feet
|
6 square feet
| |
|
Community service organization/place of worship sign
- an off-premises sign stating name of recognized incorporated community
service organization or place of worship and that states the place
and times of meetings or services and/or an arrow directing persons
to such location
|
1
|
2 square feet
|
2 square feet
| |
|
Special sale signs - temporary banners, flags and other
signs that advertise a special sales event or grand opening at a lawful
principal business
|
2 per lot
|
Not permitted
|
Total of 30 square feet for all such banners, flags
and other temporary signs
|
Shall be displayed a maximum of seven days per event;
such signs shall not flash or obstruct safe sight distances
|
|
Trespassing sign - indicating that a road is private,
that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities
such as hunting and fishing on the lot
|
No maximum
|
2 square feet
|
2 square feet
| |
|
NOTES:
| |
|---|---|
|
*
|
A "nonresidential lot" shall be considered a lot occupied
by a lawful principal commercial, industrial, public/semipublic/institutional,
or mixed (commercial/residential) use.
|
A.
Historic sign. A sign that memorializes an important historic place,
event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Borough,
county or a state or federal agency.
B.
Holiday decorations. Decorations that commemorate a holiday recognized
by the Borough, county, state or federal government and that does
not include advertising.
C.
Not readable sign. A sign that is not readable from any public street
or any exterior lot line.
D.
Official sign. A sign erected by the federal, state, county, the
Borough or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically
authorized by the Borough ordinance or resolution, and which exists
for public purposes.
E.
Required sign. A sign that only includes information required to
be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Borough.
F.
Right-of-way sign. A sign posted within the existing right-of-way
of a public street and officially authorized by the Borough or PennDOT.
A.
The following signs are permitted within the specified zoning districts,
in compliance within the following regulations:
|
Table 13-2
Freestanding, Wall (Parallel), and Window Signs
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Freestanding Signs
| ||||
|
Type of Use/Zoning District
|
Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding Signs
|
Maximum Total Height of Freestanding Signs
|
Maximum Area of Wall (Parallel) Signs
|
Maximum Area of Window Signs
|
|
Home occupation sign advertises a permitted home occupation
|
1 sign per lot with a maximum area of 6 square feet;
otherwise, freestanding signs shall not be permitted in the SR, PAC
or TN Zoning Districts
|
4 feet; otherwise, freestanding signs shall not be
permitted in the SR, PAC or TN Zoning Districts
|
5 square feet per use
|
May be used in place of a wall (parallel) sign with
the same restrictions
|
|
Residential districts, with these signs limited to
allowed principal nonresidential uses
|
Freestanding signs shall not permitted in residential
districts
|
Freestanding signs shall not permitted in residential
districts
|
12 square feet per use
|
May be used in place of a wall (parallel) sign with
the same restrictions; such signs shall be on the inside of windows
or printed on the window itself
|
|
Mixed use districts*
|
Freestanding signs shall not be permitted in the PAC
and TN Zoning Districts: otherwise, only 1 freestanding sign per use
with a maximum area of 12 square feet** shall be permitted
|
Freestanding signs shall not be permitted in the PAC
and TN Zoning Districts; otherwise, when permitted the maximum height
shall be 5 feet
|
15 square feet per use
|
Temporary nonilluminated window signs are permitted per Article XIII of this chapter relating to general regulations for all signs; other window signs are regulated under wall (parallel) signs. Such signs shall be on the inside of windows or printed on the window itself
|
|
Commercial/ industrial districts*
|
1 sign per use with a maximum area of 24 square feet**,
***, ****
|
15 feet
|
5% of the vertical area of the building side on which
the signs are attached, but in no case exceeding a maximum total of
175 square feet per building
|
Temporary nonilluminated window signs are permitted per Article XIII relating to general regulations for all signs; other window signs are regulated as wall (parallel) signs
|
|
Other districts*
|
1 sign per use per street that the lot abuts, each
with a maximum area of 18 square feet**
|
5 feet
|
20 square feet per use
|
Temporary nonilluminated window signs permitted per this Article XIII relating to general regulations for all signs; other window signs are regulated as wall (parallel) signs
|
|
NOTES:
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
*
|
In the mixed use districts and commercial/industrial
districts, the following additional signs shall be allowed:
| ||
|
(1)
|
A maximum of one projecting sign shall be permitted
per business, provided that:
| ||
|
(a)
|
Such sign has a minimum clearance over the sidewalk and the grade directly below the sign of eight feet unless a differing standard is established in Chapter 160 of this Code, relating to buildings.
| ||
|
(b)
|
Has a maximum sign area of 12 square feet for one side
(but permitted to a projecting sign have two sides, with no one side
exceeding 12 square feet).
| ||
|
(c)
|
Is securely attached to the building.
| ||
|
(2)
|
A maximum of one additional wall (parallel) sign or
projecting sign shall be permitted per business, provided that:
| ||
|
(a)
|
The lot upon which the business is located is provided
with lot access at the rear of lot from an alley, and parking is provided
at the rear of the principal building in which the nonresidential
use is located.
| ||
|
(b)
|
The total maximum sign area shall be 1/2 of the total
permitted sign area for the applicable sign type in the respective
zoning district.
| ||
|
(c)
|
Such sign shall only be located on the rear of the
principal building in which the nonresidential use is located and
shall face the parking lot.
| ||
|
(d)
|
Such sign shall comply with all other sign standards provided for in this Article XIII.
| ||
|
(3)
|
A maximum of one sidewalk sign (or "a frame sign")
shall be permitted per business, provided that:
| ||
|
(a)
|
Such sign has a maximum sign area of eight square feet
on each of two sides, has a maximum separation width of three feet,
and has a maximum height of four feet.
| ||
|
(b)
|
Such sign is taken indoors during all hours when the
business is not open to the public.
| ||
|
(c)
|
Such sign is not in a location that would interfere
with pedestrian traffic, emergency access or parking spaces and does
not interfere with a four-foot-wide minimum clear path for pedestrians,
and such sign is kept as close to the building as is feasible.
| ||
|
(d)
|
Such sign is well-maintained and durably constructed.
| ||
|
**
|
If the permitted freestanding sign area is not used,
such sign area may be added to the permitted wall (parallel) sign
area. In the commercial/industrial districts, an automobile, boat,
heavy equipment, mobile/manufactured home, recreational vehicle and
similar motor vehicle rental/sales, repair/service, washing and/or
fuel/gas sales may also include an additional 24 square feet of sign
area to display fuel/gas prices.
| ||
|
***
|
If a lot includes three or more distinct nonresidential
establishments, then along a single street, the maximum freestanding
sign area may be increased to 40 square feet
| ||
|
****
|
If a lot includes 10 or more distinct nonresidential
establishments and is adjacent to two or more public street rights-of-way,
then one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on each of
the streets, each with a maximum sign area of 100 square feet
| ||
B.
Placement and maximum height of wall (parallel) signs.
(1)
A wall (parallel) sign shall not be placed upon a wall that faces
onto the residential districts or an existing residential dwelling
in the mixed use district. This shall not prevent the placement of
a wall (parallel) sign on a building side that faces onto an abutting
public right-of-way.
(2)
The maximum height of a wall (parallel) sign shall be equal to the
top of a structural wall to which the sign is attached. A sign shall
not be attached to a parapet wall or to a pitched or mansard roof
and shall not extend above a roof.
(3)
A sign may be placed on a canopy over gasoline sales; however, the
square footage of such sign shall be included as permitted wall (parallel)
sign area.
A.
Signs advertising a use that is no longer in existence shall be removed
within 90 days of the cessation of such use. If the owner of a property
does not remove such sign within 30 days after receiving a written
notice from the Zoning Officer, the sign may be removed by the Borough
at the expense of the property owner.
B.
These time limits shall not apply to a sign intended to be reused
with a new sign face serving a building that is clearly temporarily
vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase.
A.
Setbacks.
(1)
A sign shall not intrude into or project over an existing street
right-of-way, unless specifically authorized by a permit from the
Borough or PennDOT. The Police Department, Zoning Officer or the owner
of a pole or tree shall have the authority to remove and dispose of
signs attached to a utility pole or tree. The Paxtang Borough Council
or PennDOT may approve a temporary banner over a street cartway to
advertise a charitable event.
(2)
Unless specifically stated otherwise, a freestanding sign shall be
set back a minimum of two feet from sidewalk and outside of any street
right-of-way or lot line. Unless specifically stated otherwise, a
freestanding sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from a lot
in the residential districts or an abutting lot with an existing residential
dwelling in the mixed use districts.
(3)
These setbacks shall not apply to official signs, identification
signs on mailboxes, public service signs, directional signs, service
organization/place of worship signs, and rights-of-way signs.
B.
Sight distance and clearance.
(1)
No sign shall be so located that it interferes with any clear-sight triangle and site distance requirements set forth in Article XIV of this chapter relating to driveways and access drives; Chapter 366 of this Code, relating to streets and sidewalks; and/or Chapter 370 of this Code, relating to subdivision and land development.
C.
Off-premises.
(1)
Except as provided in this article relating to off-premises signs
(including billboards), no signs except permitted off-premises, official,
opinion/election signs, public service signs, directional signs, service
organization/place of worship signs, and rights-of-way signs shall
be erected on a property to which they do not relate.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this article for the
following purposes:
(1)
To ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive
to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and
office parks.
(2)
To prevent visual pollution in Paxtang and protect property values,
especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas
of Paxtang are within close proximity to existing residences.
(3)
To prevent glare on adjacent property and streets.
(4)
To avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists,
especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning
movements and numerous traffic hazards.
B.
Municipal signs. Signs erected and maintained by the Borough are
permitted by right in all zoning districts.
C.
PennDOT signs. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted
by right in all zoning districts.
D.
Permitted off-premises signs and billboards. Off-premises signs and
billboards are permitted, subject to the following criteria:
(1)
Off-premises signs and billboards are only permitted in the GB Zoning
District.
(2)
Off-premises signs and billboards shall comply with the setback requirements
of the applicable zoning district, except that:
(a)
Off-premises signs and billboards shall be set back a minimum
of 100 feet from property in the residential districts or existing
residential use in the mixed use districts.
(b)
Off-premises signs and billboards shall be separated by a minimum
of 300 feet from any other off-premises signs and billboards on either
side of a street and including existing billboards in other municipalities.
(3)
The maximum number of sign support structures for off-premises signs
and billboards per property shall be one.
(4)
The maximum number of off-premises signs and billboards per sign
structure shall be two.
(5)
The maximum permitted off-premises sign and billboard sign area shall
be 300 square feet.
(6)
Off-premises signs and billboards constructed in a "side by side"
or "over and under" manner shall not be permitted.
(7)
The maximum height of off-premises signs and billboards shall be
whichever is the lesser of the following:
(a)
Twenty feet above the ground level upon which the off-premise
sign or billboard is located; or
(b)
Twenty feet above the elevation of the center line of pavement
of the adjacent street at the point nearest the off-premises sign
or billboard.
|
In addition, if off-premises signs and billboards include a
solar-energy system, no portion of said system may extend 10 feet
above the maximum permitted off-premises sign height or billboard
height.
|
(8)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be permitted wherever a residential
or mixed use district would be between the off-premises sign or billboard
and the street toward which the off-premises sign or billboard is
oriented.
(9)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be placed on, in or over
any private property without notarized, written consent of the property
owner in the form of a recorded easement.
(10)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be attached to, upon
or above any building.
(11)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be erected in such a
manner as to block the view from the public street right-of-way of
any existing business identification sign, occupied residential or
nonresidential structure, or limit or reduce the light and ventilation
requirements relating to buildings.
(12)
No off-premises sign or billboard shall be erected in such a
manner as to interfere with or otherwise obstruct pedestrian and vehicular
traffic:
(13)
Off-premises signs and billboards may be illuminated, provided that such lighting complies with this article and Article XII of this chapter relating to performance standards for all uses and shall be designed to prevent glare to adjoining properties by employing full-cutoff hooded, shielded or screened fixtures that confine glare to the site. Lighting fixtures shall be placed above the off-premises sign and billboard and aimed downward, rather than at the bottom of the off-premises sign and billboard and aimed upward toward the sky.
(14)
The base of the off-premises sign or billboard support structure shall be screened in accordance with Article XII of this chapter relating to buffer and screening regulations.
(15)
The rear side of any single-sided (sign face on one side) off-premises
sign or billboard shall be one color.
