Township of Collier, PA SIGNS

Signs in all zoning districts shall be categorized according to the types and classes described below and shall comply with the requirements for those types and classes described in this section.

2302.1.

Classes.

Freestanding. A sign supported on a foundation or by one or more uprights, poles or braces permanently affixed to the ground and not attached to any building or other structure, including:

(1)

Pole Sign. A freestanding sign which is supported by one or more poles, uprights, braces or pylons and which has a minimum clearance between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level as specified by this chapter.

(2)

Ground Sign. A freestanding sign which is affixed to the ground by means of a permanent foundation and which provides a maximum clearance of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level.

Wall. A sign attached to and erected parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building, projecting outward no more than six inches from the wall of the building.

Canopy or Awning Sign. A sign that functions as a roof-like shelter, either permanent, retractable or removable, made of canvas or other material that is affixed to a building or self-supporting and provides protection from sun, rain, snow and other elements.

Arcade Sign. A sign suspended beneath a ceiling of an arcade, roof or marquee containing only the name of a business for the purpose of assisting pedestrian traffic traveling under the arcade, roof or marquee to identify the location of establishments within a shopping center or similar building.

Bulletin. A type of changeable-copy sign constructed to allow letters or symbols to be changed periodically, such as those used by churches and schools to announce events.

Roof Sign. A sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof of any building which projects no more than six feet above the roof.

Overhanging. A sign, other than a wall sign or arcade sign, affixed to a building or wall, whose leading edge extends beyond such building or wall more than 12 inches, including signs perpendicular to the wall of a building, awnings, marquees, canopies or similar structures used for business identification.

Billboard. An off-premises sign which advertises an establishment, activity, person, product or service which is unrelated to or unavailable on the premises where the billboard is located.

Changeable-Copy. A sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual or electronic means. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a "time and temperature" portion of a sign and not a changeable-copy sign for purposes of this chapter.

Digital. A sign with a fixed or changing message composed of a series of lights, including light-emitting diode (LED), which may be changed through electronic means without altering the face or surface of the sign.

Portable Sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, a structure or the ground, which is designed to be moved from place to place, including, but not limited to, signs attached to wood or metal frames designed to be self-supporting and movable; paper, cardboard or canvas signs wrapped around supporting poles; sandwich-board signs; and trailer- or boat-mounted signs.

Attention-Getting Device. A pennant, flag, valance, banner, propeller, spinner, streamer, searchlight, balloon or other inflatable device, or similar object or representation of a product, vehicle, equipment or other advertising image or any ornamentation which is designed or used for the purpose of promoting, advertising or attracting attention.

Indirectly Illuminated. A sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices external to, and reflected on, the sign, which lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times and which is shielded so that the illumination is concentrated on the face of the sign and there is no spillover of illumination or glare beyond the face of the sign.

Internally Illuminated. A sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices internal to the sign, which lighting is either behind the face of the sign or is an integral part of the sign structure and the advertising effect.

Festoon Lighting. A group of two or more lightbulbs of more than 20 watts each, hung or strung overhead, not on a building or structure, which are exposed to view by persons on a public right-of-way, or which are not shaded or hooded to prevent the direct rays of light from being visible from the property line, but not including the temporary erection of lights as part of a holiday celebration, or small lights of less than 20 watts each.

2302.2.

Types. Signs are categorized by use, function or purpose into the following types:

Residential Identification. A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises.

Home Occupation or Home Office Identification. A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises and their occupation. No logos or other advertising shall be permitted.

Residential Plan Identification Sign. A permanent wall or freestanding ground sign containing only the name and address of a plan of subdivision or a multifamily building or development.

Real Estate. A temporary sign advertising the sale or rental of premises. The sign may also bear the words "sold," "sale pending" or "rented" across its face.

Development. A temporary sign erected during the period of construction and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or their agent.

Construction. A temporary sign announcing the name of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises.

Public Sign. A sign of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of any public duty, such as official signs and notices of any public or governmental agency, or erected by or on the order of a court or public officer, including official traffic signs, public notices, government flags and other signs warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions.

Notification. Signs bearing legal and/or property notices, such as: no trespassing, private property, no turnaround, safety zone, no hunting, and similar messages, and signs posted by a governmental agency for traffic control or the safety of the general public.

On-Premises Directional. A sign which directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to parking areas, proper exits, loading areas, entrance points and similar information on the premises on which it is located.

Business Identification Sign. A sign which contains the name, address and goods, services, facilities or events available on the premises.

Temporary Special Event Display. A banner, flag, pennant or similar display constructed of durable material and affixed to the wall of a building, erected for a period of not exceeding 30 days, whose sole purpose is to advertise a special event.

Window Signs. A sign or group of signs affixed to the inside of a display window in a commercial establishment, which advertises a product or service available on the premises or which announces or promotes a special sale or special event.

§ 27-2303 General Regulations.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

The following regulations shall apply to signs in all zoning districts:

2303.1.

Permit Required.

Except as otherwise provided in § 27-2303.3, no sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or substantially altered except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with a sign permit issued by the Township Zoning Officer.

Sign permit applications and sign permits shall be governed by the same provisions of this chapter applicable to zoning permits.

Any permit issued by the Zoning Officer for the erection, alteration, replacement or relocation of any sign shall expire automatically within six months of the date of issuance if work authorized by the permit has not been initiated and diligently pursued.

2303.2.

Prohibited Signs. The following signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district:

Attention-getting devices;

Portable signs;

Festoon lighting;

Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion of a permitted sign which indicates time or temperature;

Signs on trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices or signs;

Signs which imitate traffic control devices;

Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or walls;

Overhanging signs, as defined herein;

Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, other than temporarily for overnight storage on the site of a business or for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering a service at any location, which are visible from the public right-of-way and where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.

2303.3.

Exempt Signs. The following signs are exempt from these regulations and the requirement to obtain a permit:

Residential identification signs, as defined herein, provided they do not exceed one square foot in surface area;

Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays, provided they do not interfere with traffic safety or do not, in any other way, become a public safety hazard and are removed within 15 days following the holiday;

Memorial/historical plaques, as defined herein;

Public signs, but not including on-premises directional signs regulated by § 27-2304.7.

"No trespassing" or "no hunting' signs.

2303.4.

Lots With Multiple Street Frontage. In all zoning districts, lots fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one of each type of sign which is authorized for the lot on each street frontage.

2303.5.

Temporary Signs. In all zoning districts where authorized by § 27-2303, real estate, construction and development signs shall be considered temporary signs which shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of sales or construction.

2303.6.

Notification Signs. In all zoning districts, the number, location and size of legal notification signs erected by public agencies shall be in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth. In all zoning districts, legal notification signs posted on private property by property owners, such as "no trespassing," "no hunting" and the like, shall be limited to a surface area not exceeding two square feet. The placement and maximum number of signs permitted along road frontages shall be one sign for every 30 feet of road frontage.

2303.7.

Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device. No sign, other than official traffic signs and off-premises directional signs, shall hang over or be erected within the right-of-way of any street. No sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle defined by § 27-2104.4 of this chapter.

2303.8.

Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this chapter, shall be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties or streets. Flashing or oscillating signs shall not be permitted. Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times. The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign, whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so as to not exceed a maximum of 1.0 footcandle at the property line.

2303.9.

Maintenance and Inspection. All signs shall be constructed of a durable material and maintained in good condition. Any sign found to be in an unsafe condition upon inspection shall be declared to be a public nuisance, and the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner in writing, in accordance with § 27-2601.2 of this chapter, to repair or remove the sign within 10 days. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.

2303.10.

Removal of Signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated, all signs relating to the discontinued or vacated business shall be removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinuance of the business. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township may remove the sign at the owner's expense. The Township may lien the property for the cost of removing the sign and all legal fees and costs incurred with filing and enforcing the lien.

2303.11.

Sign Location. Except for billboards, political signs and off-premises directional signs, as defined herein, where authorized by this chapter, all signs shall be located on the premises which they are intended to serve.

§ 27-2304 Signs Authorized in all Zoning Districts.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

The following signs are authorized in all zoning districts:

2304.1.

Bulletin Sign. One bulletin sign which is nonilluminated or indirectly or internally illuminated shall be permitted in connection with any church, school, library or similar public or semipublic building. If the bulletin sign is a wall sign, the surface area shall not exceed 12 square feet. If the bulletin sign is a freestanding ground sign, the surface area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

2304.2.

Real Estate Sign. One nonilluminated temporary real estate sign shall be permitted on each lot, provided the sign shall not exceed six feet in height. The real estate sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area when located in any residential zoning district and shall not exceed 32 square feet in any other zoning district. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the property on which it is located.

2304.3.

Development Sign. One nonilluminated temporary development sign shall be permitted on each lot, provided the surface area of the sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in surface area. The development sign shall not exceed eight feet in height. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the last lot or completion of the proposed construction in the development.

2304.4.

Construction Sign. One nonilluminated temporary construction sign announcing the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of the work.

2304.5.

Temporary Special Event Sign. One nonilluminated temporary special event display sign, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted to be erected on the face of a public building, church or building housing a nonprofit organization, provided that the area of the sign shall not exceed 40 square feet, and provided the sign is displayed for a period no longer than 30 days and is removed within five days following the event that it is erected to promote.

2304.6.

Home Occupation or Home Office Identification Sign. One nonilluminated home occupation or home office identification sign shall be permitted for an approved home office or home occupation, provided that the surface area of the sign does not exceed 1 1/2 square feet and the sign shall contain only the name, address and occupation of the resident and shall not contain any logo or other advertising. The sign shall be wall-mounted or affixed to the structure supporting the mailbox.

2304.7.

On-Premises Directional Signs.

On any lot which contains one or more nonresidential building(s), or two or more multifamily buildings, on-premises directional signs shall be permitted, provided that the surface area of any one sign shall not exceed four square feet.

[Amended by Ord. No. 717, 2/22/2021]

On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted. On lots with areas of one acre or more, a maximum of six nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted on the first acre. For each additional acre or fraction thereof over one acre, two additional on-premises directional signs shall be permitted.

§ 27-2305 Signs Authorized in Residential and S-C Zoning Districts.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

The following signs shall be permitted in all residential districts:

2305.1.

Residential Plan Identification Sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated permanent wall or freestanding ground residential plan identification sign containing only the street address and/or name of a residential subdivision plan or multifamily building or development shall be permitted, provided the sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area. A sign identifying the name of a residential subdivision may be affixed to a freestanding decorative wall, rather than to a building wall, provided that the decorative wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements and does not obstruct visibility for traffic entering or leaving the plan in compliance with the clear sight triangle required by § 27-2104.4.

2305.2.

Nonresidential Identification Sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground identification sign for any nonresidential use, other than a home occupation, which is a legal nonconforming use or which is authorized as a conditional use or use by special exception in a Residential and/or Special Conservation Zoning District shall be permitted, provided the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

§ 27-2306 Signs Authorized in the R-3-A District.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

In the R-3-A District, in addition to the signs authorized by § 27-2304 in all zoning districts, only the following signs are authorized for nonresidential development and business establishments in a mixed-use development:

2306.1.

Business Identification Signs.

Wall Signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted to have wall signs, which may be illuminated or internally nonilluminated. The aggregate surface area of all wall signs for each business shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of width of the front wall of the building or portion of the building occupied by the business.

Ground Signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

(1)

The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 40 square feet. In no case shall any one dimension of the sign be greater than eight feet.

(2)

The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street, and in no case shall the total height exceed eight feet. The height shall be measured from the adjacent grade to the highest part of the sign, frame or supporting or decorative part of the structure. The maximum height shall include any sign supports, base, planting box or any other structure constructed at the base of the sign designed to increase the height of that sign.

(3)

Ground signs may be internally illuminated with the background of the sign being opaque and the letters or symbols translucent.

(4)

All freestanding ground signs shall be located at least three feet from any property line, except where property abuts on a public right-of-way, the ground sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way or at least 15 feet from the edge of the cartway if the right-of-way is not contiguous with the front lot line.

§ 27-2307 Signs Authorized in the R-4 District.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

In the R-4 District, in addition to the signs authorized by § 27-2304 in all zoning districts, only the following signs are authorized for nonresidential development and business establishments in a mixed-use development. If more-stringent regulations are found for specific uses in § 27-1906, Standards for Specific Uses, then those shall apply.

2307.1.

Business Identification Signs.

Wall Signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted to have wall signs which are nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated. The aggregate surface area of all wall signs shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of width of the front wall of the building facing the arterial street. Wall signs shall not be located on the roof nor extend above the height of the building.

Ground Signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

(1)

The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 40 square feet. In no case shall any one dimension of the sign be greater than eight feet.

(2)

(3)

Ground signs may be internally illuminated with the background of the sign being opaque and the letters or symbols translucent, or indirectly illuminated.

(4)

(5)

One changeable-copy sign shall be permitted per lot. The changeable-copy sign must be attached to an approved ground sign. The combined surface area of the changeable-copy sign and business identification sign shall not exceed 40 square feet.

(6)

Pole signs shall not be permitted.

(7)

The application shall include a photometric plan.

(8)

Illumination, when measured at the lot line, shall be a maximum of one footcandle.

(9)

Sign lighting shall be low intensity and generated from a concealed source and shall not spill over onto adjoining properties or roadways or in any way interfere with the vision of motorists. The maximum level of illumination in the parking areas shall be 2.0 footcandles. Site lighting shall be comprised of cutoff-style luminaires which direct and cut off light at a cutoff angle of less than 60°.

§ 27-2308 Signs Authorized in Commercial and Industrial Districts.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

The following signs shall be permitted in all B-1, B-1-A, B-2, B-3, B-4 and I-1 Districts:

2308.1.

Temporary Special Event Display. Temporary special event displays, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted, provided that:

No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted on any establishment at any one time.

The temporary special event display signs shall be securely attached to the building or to the supporting structure of a freestanding pole business identification sign.

Temporary special event display signs shall be displayed for a period not exceeding 30 days, either consecutively or cumulatively, in any twelve-month period.

The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per establishment. In the event that there is more than one establishment on a site, the maximum aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs on the site at any one time shall not exceed 100 square feet.

Portable signs shall not be used as temporary special event display signs.

Temporary special event display signs shall be nonilluminated.

2308.2.

Changeable-Copy Sign.

One nonilluminated or internally illuminated changeable-copy sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot. The changeable-copy sign shall be permanently affixed to the wall of the building or to the supporting structure of an authorized freestanding sign on the lot. The combined surface area of the changeable-copy sign and the business identification sign shall not exceed 40 square feet.

2308.3.

Business Identification Signs.

Wall Signs.

(1)

In the B-1, B-1-A, B-2, B-3, B-4 and I-1 Districts, each business establishment shall be permitted to have wall signs which may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The aggregate surface area of all wall signs for each business shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of width of the front wall of the building, or portion of the building, occupied by the business or a maximum of 300 square feet, whichever is less.

(2)

The wall sign shall not be located on the roof nor extend above the height of the building.

(3)

In the B-3 District, the aggregate area of all wall signs, regardless of the number of businesses in the building, shall not exceed 5% of the gross area of the front elevation of the building. Flashing signs shall not be permitted. Signs facing toward Route 50 shall be permitted only if attached to buildings, except that one freestanding sign facing Route 50 shall be permitted in a land development, regardless of the number of buildings or businesses on the site. The freestanding sign shall comply with Subsections B and C of this § 27-2308.3. In the B-3 District, the aggregate surface area of all wall signs for each business or occupant in a building shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of width of the front wall of the building, or portion of the building, occupied by the business or occupant, or a maximum of 300 square feet, whichever is less.

[Amended by Ord. No. 709, 9/9/2019]

Ground Signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

(1)

No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.

(2)

In planned shopping centers in the B-1 and B-1-A Districts, the ground sign may contain the name of the shopping center and the names of several individual businesses in the shopping center, provided the total surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 96 square feet.

(3)

In land developments other than planned shopping centers, the maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in the B-1, B-1-A and B-2 Districts and shall not exceed 64 square feet in the I-1 District.

(4)

(5)

Ground signs may be internally illuminated with the background of the sign being opaque and the letters or symbols translucent.

[Amended by Ord. No. 717, 2/22/2021]

(6)

All freestanding ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line, except where property abuts on a public right-of-way, the ground sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way or at least 15 feet from the edge of the cartway if the right-of-way is not contiguous with the front lot line.

Ground Signs in the B-3 District. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

(1)

No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.

(2)

In specialty retail centers, the ground sign may contain the name of the shopping center, the names of several individual businesses in the shopping center, and off-premises directional signage for public uses, provided the total surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 90 square feet.

[Amended by Ord. No. 709, 9/9/2019]

(3)

In land developments other than specialty retail centers, the maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 32 square feet. In no case shall any one dimension of the sign be greater than eight feet.

(4)

The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street.

(5)

The maximum height of a ground sign in the B-3 District shall be 11 feet. This height shall be measured from the adjacent grade to the highest part of the sign, frame or supporting or decorative part of the structure. The maximum height shall include any sign supports, base, planting box or any other structure constructed at the base of the sign designed to increase the height of that sign.

(6)

Ground signs may be internally illuminated with the background of the sign being opaque and the letters or symbols translucent.

(7)

Ground signs in a specialty retail center shall comply with § 27-1906.44H.

(8)

Pole Signs. In addition to the authorized wall signs, one freestanding pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

(1)

No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.

(2)

The pole sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated.

(3)

The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 20 feet.

(4)

The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be eight feet.

(5)

In planned shopping centers in the B-1 and B-1-A Districts, the pole sign may contain the name of the shopping center and the names of several individual businesses in the shopping center, provided the total surface area of the pole sign shall not exceed 96 square feet.

(6)

In land developments other than planned shopping centers, in the B-1, B-1-A, B-2 and I-1 Districts, the maximum surface area of the freestanding pole sign shall not exceed 40 square feet if there are fewer than three businesses on the lot and shall not exceed 64 square feet if there are three or more businesses on the lot. Neither dimension of such sign shall be less than five feet.

(7)

No portion of any sign shall project over any public right-of-way, nor shall it be located within the clear sight triangle of any street intersection as defined by § 27-2104.4 of this chapter.

(8)

All freestanding pole signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from every property line, except where property abuts on a public right-of-way, the sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way or at least 15 feet from the edge of the cartway if the right-of-way is not contiguous with the front lot line.

Roof Signs. Roof signs may be illuminated or nonilluminated. Roof signs shall be permitted only in place of a wall sign in the I-1 District. The surface area of a roof sign shall not exceed one square foot for each two linear feet of width of the front wall of the building or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less. Roof signs shall not project more than six feet above the highest point of the roof on which they are erected.

Arcade Signs. In shopping centers or office complexes which have pedestrian accessways covered by a roof, marquee or exterior arcade, one arcade sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each business in the building, provided that the maximum surface area of each sign shall not exceed eight square feet.

Canopy Signs. Canopy signs may be erected at the building entrance. Canopy signs shall not be illuminated. No more than one canopy sign shall be permitted for each building. The maximum height of the letters on a canopy sign shall be six inches.

Window Signs. The total area of all window signs on display at any one time, including temporary window promotional signs, shall not exceed 25% of the total area of the display window in which they are located. A series of windows which are separated by frames less than six inches in width shall be considered as a single window for the purpose of this computation.

Special Requirements for Multi-Tenant Land Uses.

(1)

No sign permit shall be issued for a planned shopping center or other multi-tenant land use or for any individual establishment or occupant therein unless a uniform sign plan has been submitted and approved for the entire development.

(2)

After reviewing the proposed uniform sign plan, the Zoning Officer shall submit the plan to the Planning Commission for a recommendation on the proposed plan and to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.

(3)

The uniform sign plan shall be approved only upon finding that:

(a)

The sizes of signs, location and the materials used in the signs shall be consistent throughout the property, or shall establish a hierarchy of different types of signs, with the size and materials of the signs in each category being consistent for all signs in that category;

(b)

The design of and materials used for the structural elements of the signs shall be consistent with the design of and materials used for the building or buildings which the signs serve; and

(c)

The signs shall conform to all other requirements of this Part.

Special Requirements in the B-3 District.

(1)

In the B-3 District, flashing signs shall not be permitted. Signs facing toward Route 50 shall be permitted only if attached to buildings, except that one freestanding sign facing Route 50 shall be permitted in a land development, regardless of the number of buildings or businesses on the site, and such freestanding sign shall comply with § 27-2308.3B and C.

[Amended by Ord. No. 709, 9/9/2019]

§ 27-2309 Signs Authorized in the Planned Economic Development District.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

The following signs shall be permitted in the Planned Economic Development (PEDD) District:

2309.1.

Business Identification Signs.

Wall Signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted one sign, which may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The maximum surface area of the wall sign shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of width of the front wall of the building, or portion of the building, occupied by the business or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less. The wall sign shall not be located on the roof nor extend above the height of the building.

Ground Signs.

(1)

In addition to the wall sign, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

(a)

No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.

(b)

The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

(c)

The maximum height of the ground sign shall be six feet.

(d)

The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street.

(e)

Ground signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be permitted.

2309.2.

Directional Signs.

On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted.

Planned office parks and planned research parks shall be further subject to the requirements of § 27-2308.3I for multi-tenant land uses.

§ 27-2310 Billboards.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

2310.1.

Location. Billboards may be authorized as a conditional use only in the B-2 District, provided all of the following requirements are met:

Billboards shall not be erected within 500 feet of the boundary line of any R 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 centermost point of the billboard structure extending in all directions.

On interstate and limited access highways, billboards 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.

Billboards shall maintain a lateral minimum spacing between any existing or proposed billboard structures of 750 feet. Required spacing shall be measured along both sides of the same roadway frontage from the centermost point of the billboard structure along a line extending from the centermost point of the billboard which is parallel to the center line of the roadway to which the billboard is oriented.

No billboard shall be located closer than 10 feet to any public street right-of-way.

The minimum side and rear yard requirements applying to a principal structure as set forth within the zoning district in which the billboard is to be located shall apply to each billboard structure.

No billboard 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.

No billboard shall be constructed within the clear sight triangle of the public street or road on which it is situated, as defined by § 27-2104.4 of this chapter, and it shall not in any case obstruct or impede traffic safety.

No sign shall be erected over any sidewalk or public right-of-way.

Billboards 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.

No digital sign or display shall be permitted as part of any billboard.

2310.2.

Size and Height. A billboard shall have a maximum allowable gross surface area of 250 square feet per sign face. This gross surface area shall be permitted, provided all of the following additional requirements are met:

A billboard shall have no more than two sign faces per billboard structure, which may be placed back to back or in a V-shaped configuration having an interior angle of 90° or less.

The dimensions of the gross surface area of the billboard's sign face shall not exceed 10 feet in total height or 25 feet in total length, provided the total allowable gross surface area for the sign face is not exceeded.

A billboard structure shall have a maximum height above the curb of the roadway from which it is intended to be viewed of 40 feet.

2310.3.

Construction Methods. Billboards shall be constructed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Township Building Code, as now or hereafter adopted, and shall meet all of the following additional requirements:

A billboard 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.

A billboard sign face shall be independently supported and have vertical supports of metal which are galvanized or constructed of approved corrosive-resistant, noncombustible materials. Structures constructed with galvanized metal shall be painted.

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.

The base shall be installed using a foundation and footings approved by the Township Engineer for the type of construction proposed.

The entire base of the billboard 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 manner as to screen the foundation of the structure.

Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner in an attractive and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation practices.

No bare cuts shall be permitted on a hillside.

All cuts or fills shall be permanently seeded or planted.

A billboard with display lighting shall be constructed so that it does not glare upon adjoining property and shall not exceed a maximum of 1.0 footcandle upon the adjoining property.

Display lighting shall not operate between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., prevailing local time.

No billboard structure, sign face or display lighting shall move, flash or emit noise. No display lighting shall cause distractions, confusion, nuisance or hazard to traffic, aircraft or other properties.

The use of colored lighting shall not be permitted.

2310.4.

Maintenance.

A billboard structure shall be entirely painted every three years, unless constructed of an approved corrosive-resistant material.

Every 10 years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural inspection made of the billboard by a qualified Pennsylvania registered engineer and shall provide to the Township a certificate from the engineer certifying that the billboard is structurally sound.

Annual inspections of the billboard shall be conducted by the Township to determine compliance with this chapter. The owner shall pay an annual inspection fee as established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

Billboards found to be in violation of this chapter shall be brought into compliance or removed within 30 days upon proper notification by the Township issued in accordance with § 27-2602.2 of this chapter.

Billboards 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.

2310.5.

Liability Insurance. The applicant for a sign permit to erect a billboard 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 Board of Commissioners. The insurance certificate shall contain a clause stating that the insurance shall not be canceled or reduced without first giving 10 days' notice to the Township.

2310.6.

Permits.

Prior to submission of an application for a sign permit, the applicant for a billboard shall obtain and submit with the application approvals from the Allegheny County Department of Aviation or the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when applicable.

Approval of the conditional use shall be valid for six months from the date of action by the Board of Commissioners granting the conditional use. If the applicant fails to obtain a sign permit for the approved billboard within the six-month period, approval of the conditional use shall expire automatically, without written notice to the applicant.

The issuance of a sign permit for a billboard which has been granted approval of a conditional use shall be conditioned upon the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for billboards along state highways. If the applicant fails to submit evidence of the required approval by PennDOT within 30 days of the issuance of the conditional sign permit, the sign permit shall be revoked by the Township Zoning Officer, who shall provide written notice to the applicant.

The applicant may reapply for the required sign permit, upon submission of evidence of PennDOT approval, without payment of any additional sign permit fee, provided the application is filed within the six-month period during which the conditional use approval is valid.

2310.7.

Application Fees. Said application shall be accompanied by an application fee in an amount equal to that set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

2310.8.

Nonconforming Billboards.

Any billboard which does not conform to the requirements of this section shall not be enlarged or moved unless the billboard complies with all provisions of this section.

Any billboard which is damaged or destroyed by more than 51% of its replacement value at the time of damage or destruction shall be reconstructed only in compliance with all provisions of this § 27-2310.

§ 27-2311 Digital Signs and Electronically Changing Message Signs.

[Ord. 687, 8/12/2015]

All digital signs and electronically changing message signs shall meet the following requirements:

2311.1.

Location.

Shall be permitted by right in any district for public education facilities, city government uses, and/or places of worship and shall be constructed as part of a ground sign only.

Shall be permitted by right in the R-4 District, all commercial zoning districts (B-1, B-1-A, B-2, B-3, B-4), the Planned Economic Development District (PEDD), and the Industrial (I-1) District and shall be constructed as part of a ground sign only.

Only one digital or electronic sign shall be permitted on any one property, and no digital or electronic sign shall be permitted on a property that already has an existing or proposed manual or mechanical changeable-copy sign.

All digital/electronic signs shall have a minimum thirty-foot setback from residential property lines.

2311.2.

Messages.

All messages, images, or displays on a digital sign or electronically changing message sign shall remain unchanged for a minimum of 10 seconds; except signs with a changeable sign area of less than 30 square feet in a commercial district may change a minimum interval of every six seconds.

The time interval used to change from one complete message, image or display to the next complete message, image or display shall be a maximum of one second.

There shall be no appearance of a visual dissolve or fading, in which any part of one message, image or display appears simultaneously with any part of a second message, image or display.

There shall be no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of light and no appearance of video motion, animation, movement or flow of the message, image or display.

The intensity and contrast of light levels shall remain constant throughout the sign face.

Each digital sign or electronically changing message sign shall be equipped with automatic day/night dimming software, to reduce the illumination intensity of the sign from one hour after sunset to one hour prior to sunrise. In any residential zoning district, digital/electronically changing signs shall be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

In residential districts, no sign may exceed a maximum illumination of 0.5 footcandle above ambient light level as measured at the property line. In all other districts, no sign may exceed a maximum illumination of 1.0 footcandle above ambient light level as measured at the property line.

Public Service Announcements: The owner of every message center sign shall coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public, including, but not limited to AMBER Alerts™ or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.