[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1700]
1.
In all zoning districts, signs may be erected, altered, maintained,
used, removed or moved, only when in compliance with the provisions
of this chapter and any other applicable ordinances and regulations.
2.
Signs existing at the time of passage of this chapter, which were legally erected, and which do not conform with the requirements of this chapter, shall be considered nonconforming signs and, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs. A nonconforming sign shall be replaced with a conforming sign when the nonconforming sign requires any structural renovation or the size of the background area is altered. Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting), provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed dimensions of the existing sign; wording may also be changed. Also see the requirements of Part 22, Nonconformities.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1701; as amended by Ord. 93-2,
2/8/1993, §§ 62, 63]
The lowest horizontal line of a sloping roof.
To build, construct, attach, hang, suspend, affix, alter,
structurally repair, relocate, paint or renew on a wall or any other
background surface.
That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending
vertically from grade to the top of the parapet, wall or eaves and
horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.
A sign permanently supported by an upright or uprights which
are permanently anchored into the ground.
A sign directing attention to a business, person, commodity
or service not necessarily sold or located upon the premises where
the sign is located. Such signs are also called billboards or outdoor
advertising signs.
A sign painted on or mounted parallel to the face of a structure
or wall and projecting not more than 12 inches from the plane or facade
of the structure wall or above the roof line or eaves of the structure.
The portion of a facade or wall that extends above the roof.
A sign which displays a message referring to a candidate
in an upcoming local, state, or national governmental election.
[Added by Ord. 17-09, 9/25/2017]
A sign, with or without display or legend, which is self-supporting
without being firmly embedded in the ground, or is fixed on a movable
stand or mounted on wheels or movable vehicle or made easily movable
in some other manner.
A sign which is affixed to any building, wall or structure
and extends more than 12 inches horizontally from the facade or plane
of the structure.
The uppermost line of the roof of a building or, in the case
of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost height of said facade
or parapet.
A sign erected and maintained above the roof line, parapet
or eaves of a building.
Any letter, number, symbol, figure, character, mark, plane,
design, picture, stroke, stripe, trademark or combination of these,
including permanent window signs, erected in any manner whatsoever,
which shall be used for the attraction of the public to any place,
subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article or
merchandise and which shall be displayed in any manner whatsoever.
A portable sign which is affixed and/or painted to a vehicle
in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer
incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
An interior sign affixed to or within 12 inches of the interior
surface of a window with its message visible to the outside of said
window surface.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1702]
1.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording
and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background,
whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed (but not including
any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself).
2.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to or painted on a building, wall or window, the area shall be considered
to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape
of not more than four sides which encompasses all of the letters and
symbols.
3.
In computing the square-foot area of a double-faced sign, only one
side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical. If the
interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is
greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered
in calculating the sign area.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1703]
1.
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from
the elevation of the shoulder of the road to the highest point of
the sign structure. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the height
of the sign shall be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk.
2.
For a projecting, parallel or roof sign, the maximum height shall
be determined by its placement on the building.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1704]
1.
A light illuminating a sign shall be so arranged that the source
of light is not visible from any point on the lot and that only the
sign is illuminated thereby. Types of illumination are:
A.
Direct. Illumination of a sign designed to give forth artificial
light directly through transparent or translucent materials from a
source of light within such sign.
B.
Indirect. Illumination of a sign from an exterior source with a light
so shielded that no direct rays therefrom are visible elsewhere on
the lot where said illumination occurs.
C.
Nonilluminated. Signs that are not illuminated.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1705]
1.
In no case, except for official traffic and street signs and except for § 27-2313, shall any sign be erected so that it:
[Amended by Ord. 17-09, 9/25/2017]
A.
Lies within or projects over the existing (legal) right-of-way of
any street or is within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever
is greater.
B.
Lies within the clear sight triangle.
C.
Obscures a motorist's view of traffic signals, stop signs or other
warning devices as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established
thoroughfares.
D.
Obscures a motorist's view of roadway or intersections ahead as viewed
from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
E.
Limits a pedestrian's view of vehicular traffic to less than 500
feet while he stands inside the curbline at an intersection or other
established crossing point.
F.
Lies within a distance of 10 feet from any side lot line.
G.
Lies within a parking space or fire lane.
H.
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on public thoroughfares.
I.
Blocks the entrances, exits, fire escapes or fire lanes to a building.
J.
The lowest edge of a projecting or freestanding sign shall not be
less than 7 1/2 feet above a sidewalk elevation.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1706; as amended by Ord. 93-2,
2/8/1993, §§ 64 — 66; by Ord. 95-8B, 11/27/1995,
§ 31; by Ord. 98-4, 4/27/1998, §§ 8, 9; by
Ord. 99-2, 6/28/1999, § 47; by Ord. 06-01, 2/13/2006; by
Ord. 07-03, 3/26/2007, § 17; and by Ord. 17-03, 3/27/2017]
1.
In the R-2, R-2M, R-25, R-15, R-5 and RV districts, the following
types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted:
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs and other
official traffic signs may be erected and maintained in the interest
of public safety or for the regulation of traffic. Such signs are
exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter.
B.
Temporary signs advertising the sale or rental of premises upon which
said sign has been erected, or signs indicating that said premises
has been sold or rented; provided, that:
(1)
Such signs shall be erected only on the premises to which they
relate.
(2)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(3)
The area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed six square
feet.
(4)
No more than one such sign shall be placed on any property held
in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon
more than one public street, in which event, one such sign may be
erected on each street frontage.
(5)
Such sign shall be removed promptly within 45 days after an
agreement of sale or rental has been entered into, whether there are
any conditions in the agreement or not or removed within 20 days from
the date of occupancy, whichever is the lesser period of time.
(6)
Such signs do not require a permit provided the applicable requirements
of this chapter have been met.
C.
Temporary signs advertising the sale or development of premises upon
which they are erected, when erected in connection with the development
or proposed development of the premises by a building contractor,
developer or other person interested in such sale or development,
may be erected and maintained, provided that:
(1)
The area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed 32 square
feet.
(2)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
(3)
Not more than one such sign shall be placed upon any property
held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts
upon more than one public street, in which event one sign may be erected
on each street frontage.
(4)
Such signs shall be removed within 45 days after an agreement
of sale, lease or rental has been entered into for the last building
or dwelling unit, or removed within 20 days from the date of occupancy,
whichever is the lesser period of time.
D.
Identification signs for schools, places of worship, hospitals, nursing
homes, life care facilities, full care facilities, libraries, museums,
cemeteries, municipal buildings, community centers and for clubs,
golf courses, golf course-residential communities, recreation facilities
(public or private), farms, estates or similar permitted uses; provided,
that:
(1)
The area of one side of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square
feet.
(2)
Such signs may be directly, indirectly or not illuminated.
(3)
Not more than one such sign is placed on any premises held in
single and separate ownership unless such property fronts upon more
than one street, in which event one such sign may be erected on each
street frontage.
(4)
Said signs may only be located on the premises that they identify.
(5)
Freestanding, parallel, projecting or window signs may be erected.
(6)
Such signs are permitted for farms, estates or similar permitted
uses on parcels of 20 acres or larger.
E.
Temporary, political signs may be erected and maintained; provided
that:
[Amended by Ord. 17-09, 9/25/2017]
(1)
The size of any such sign is not in excess of four square feet.
(2)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(3)
Such signs shall be removed promptly within three days after
the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs
are not removed at the end of the three-day period, the Township will
then have them removed. No sign shall be erected more than 30 days
prior to an election.
(4)
Temporary political signs four square feet do not require a
permit provided the applicable requirements of this chapter have been
met. However, such signs that exceed four square feet per side require
a permit from the Township Zoning Officer and require a deposit with
the Township at the time of application of a sum, to be set at a certain
amount from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors,
to insure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within 20
days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. In
any event, such signs shall not exceed eight square feet.
F.
Signs of a temporary nature, not otherwise described herein, such
as those advertising civil, social or political gatherings, and nonprofit
organizations may be erected and maintained; provided that:
[Amended by Ord. 17-09, 9/25/2017]
(1)
The size of any such sign is not in excess of four square feet.
(2)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(3)
Such signs shall be removed promptly within three days after
the event to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed
at the end of the three-day period, the Township will then have them
removed. No sign shall be erected more than 45 days in one calendar
year.
(4)
Said signs may only be located on the premises that they identify.
(5)
Such signs four square feet do not require a permit provided
the applicable requirements of this chapter have been met. However,
such signs that exceed four square feet require a permit from the
Township Zoning Officer and require a deposit with the Township at
the time of application of a sum, to be set at a certain amount from
time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, to insure
that all such signs shall be removed promptly within three days after
the event to which such signs relate. In any event, such signs shall
not exceed eight square feet.
G.
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road,
driveway or premises, and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling
the fishing and hunting upon a particular premises may be erected
and maintained; provided, that the size of any such sign shall not
exceed two square feet per side and shall be spaced at intervals of
not less than 100 feet. Such signs do not require a permit provided
the applicable requirements of this chapter have been met.
H.
Professional, home occupation or name signs indicating the profession
and/or activity and/or the name of the occupant of the dwelling; provided,
that:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed three square feet
per side.
(2)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated except that a sign for a
physician, dentist, healer, magisterial district judge or such other
person whose services in emergency are considered essential to the
public health, safety and welfare; provided, that the direct or indirect
illumination is white light only and provided the total sign illumination
shall not exceed the equivalent of that given by a forty-watt incandescent
light source.
(3)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected for each permitted
use or dwelling unit.
(4)
Any such sign shall be erected only on the premises wherein
the professional use or home occupation is located.
(5)
Freestanding or parallel signs may be erected.
(6)
A sign is permitted only for such uses that are registered with
the Township and have obtained a zoning permit.
I.
Temporary signs of mechanics, contractors and artisans may be erected
and maintained during the period such persons are performing work
on the premises on which such signs are erected; provided, that:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed eight square feet
per side.
(2)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(3)
Not more than one sign for each such mechanic, contractor or
artisan shall be placed on any one property on which such person is
performing work unless such property fronts upon more than one street,
in which event, each mechanic, contractor or artisan may erect one
such sign on each street frontage.
(4)
Such signs shall be removed promptly upon completion of work
by the mechanic, contractor or artisan.
(5)
Freestanding or parallel signs may be erected.
(6)
Such signs do not require a permit provided the applicable requirements
of this chapter have been met.
J.
Directional, informational or public service signs such as signs
advertising the availability of rest rooms, telephones or similar
facilities of public convenience, and signs advertising meeting times
and places of nonprofit service or charitable clubs and organizations;
provided, that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment,
activity, organization, product, goods or services and any such sign
shall not exceed three square feet per side in size.
K.
One sign at one principal access drive to a residential development
or complex indicating the name of such area or complex and, in the
case of a rental complex, the name of the owner or management organization,
subject to the following requirements:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet per
side.
(2)
Such sign may be located on lands of the rental complex or on
common open lands provided all other setback or location requirements
are observed.
(3)
Such signs shall be indirectly or nonilluminated.
(4)
Freestanding signs may be erected.
L.
Temporary on-premises nonilluminated signs advertising the sale of
agricultural or horticultural products, where such sale is a permitted
use, shall not exceed eight square feet per side and shall be removed
immediately upon the end of the sales season and no more than one
such sign shall be erected on any one street frontage. One off-premises
directional sign, which shall not exceed three square feet per side
in size, may be erected.
M.
Signs advertising nonresidential uses, where such uses are permitted
as principal or valid nonconforming uses; provided, that:
(1)
Not more than a total of one sign shall be erected on any one
premises under single and separate ownership or on the premises leased
or utilized by any one business establishment.
(2)
Such signs may be indirectly or nonilluminated.
(3)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed 10 square feet
per side.
(4)
Freestanding or parallel signs may be erected.
(5)
A sign is permitted only for nonconforming uses that are registered
with the Township.
(6)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 10 feet.
N.
Signs for uses E4 Office Park and H3 Wholesale, Storage, Warehouse in the R-5 District shall meet the requirements of § 27-2308, Signs in the CB-2, TN, and CC Districts.
[Amended by Ord. No. 21-12, 12/2/2021[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This amendment was made pursuant to Section
3, Repealer, of Ord. No. 21-12, which provides for the repeal of inconsistent
provisions.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1707; as amended by Ord. 93-2,
2/8/1993, §§ 67 — 69; by Ord. 95-8B, 11/27/1995,
§ 28, 29; by Ord. 99-2, 6/28/1999, § 48; by Ord.
05-06, 8/22/2005, §§ 45 and 46; and by Ord. No. 21-12, 12/2/2021[1]]
1.
In the CB-2 and TN, CC Districts, the following types of signs, and
no others, shall be permitted.
A.
Any sign erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of § 27-2307, provided the use to which it refers is permitted in the CB-2 District.
B.
Signs advertising business, office, commercial, consumer service,
utility, service or other permitted uses shall conform to the requirements
of § 27-2303.2, except that a freestanding sign shall not
exceed a height of 20 feet. For all such signs, except office parks,
multiple commercial centers or shopping centers, a sign or signs may
be permitted in accordance with one of the following:
(1)
One parallel or window sign with an area no greater than one
square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage.
(2)
Two parallel or window signs mounted on separate walls, each
with an area no greater than 0.5 square feet for each lineal foot
of building frontage.
(3)
One freestanding sign up to 40 square feet, plus one of the
following:
(a)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols
not to exceed 40% of window area.
(b)
One projecting sign not more than five feet from the wall up
to eight square feet in size.
(c)
One parallel or window sign up to 20 square feet. If a building
fronts upon more than one street, one additional sign in conformity
with either clause (a), (b) or (c), above, may be permitted on each
street frontage.
(4)
Two freestanding signs, each up to 20 square feet on separate
poles, plus one of the following:
(a)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols
not to exceed 40% of window area.
(b)
One projecting sign not more than five feet from the wall up
to eight square feet in size.
(c)
One parallel sign up to 10 square feet. If a building fronts
upon more than one street, one additional sign in conformity with
either clause (a), (b) or (c), above, may be permitted on each street
frontage.
C.
For shopping centers, multiple commercial centers and office parks,
signs may be erected in accordance with the following:
(1)
One freestanding sign which identifies the shopping center,
industrial park or office park and may serve as a directory sign for
uses in the development may be erected. No additional directory sign
may be erected. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side
and shall only identify the name of the center or park and/or the
names of the various businesses or firms located within such center
or park. Not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property
held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts
upon more than one street, in which event one such sign may be erected
on each street frontage. The maximum height is 24 feet.
(2)
One sign, which shall be limited to the name of the firm, building
or business, may be erected on each individual use in accordance with
one of the following:
(a)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols,
not to exceed 40% of the window area, for all such signs.
(b)
One projecting sign not more than five feet from the wall up
to 10 square feet in size.
(c)
One parallel sign up to one square foot in area for each lineal
foot of building frontage.
(3)
A sign in the form of a map which lists individual establishments,
illustrates the location of individual establishments and/or provides
direction to such establishments:
(a)
Such signs may be freestanding or parallel signs.
(b)
One such sign may be erected at each entrance to a building
with multiple occupancies.
(c)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be eight square feet.
(d)
The maximum height shall be six feet.
(e)
Such sign may be nonilluminated, directly illuminated or indirectly
illuminated.
D.
Directional Signs. Directional signs of three square feet or less
are permitted for traffic control purposes, provided such signs do
not contain advertising copy.
E.
Temporary Signs. Exterior temporary signs, including all portable
or vehicular signs, such as those advertising a commercial sale, when
located on the site where such use is conducted, may be permitted
for a period not to exceed 30 days in any one calendar year for any
one premises or commercial use.
(1)
The size of such sign may not exceed 16 square feet per side.
(2)
Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the
Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and
an escrow deposit, to be set at a certain amount from time to time
by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, as a guarantee that the
temporary signs shall be promptly and completely removed at the end
of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at
the end of the authorized period, the Township will then have them
removed and keep a sum necessary to reimburse the expense incurred
in removal.
F.
If a business establishment does not have street frontage or if the
place of business is not visible to passersby on the adjacent street,
then that business may erect an additional sign not exceeding four
square feet at the street line entrance to the property, provided
all side yard setback requirements of this chapter are met.
[1]
Editor's Note: This amendment was made pursuant to Section
3, Repealer, of Ord. No. 21-12, which provides for the repeal of inconsistent
provisions.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1708; as amended by Ord. 93-2,
2/8/1993, § 70; by Ord. 01-6, 10/22/2001, § 25;
and by Ord. 09-03, 6/22/2009, § 21]
1.
In the LI and HI Districts, the following types of signs, and no
others, permitted.
A.
Any sign erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of § 27-2308, provided the use to which it refers is permitted in the LI and HI Districts.
B.
Signs advertising business, utility, service, transportation, industrial
or extraction uses shall conform to the requirements of § 27-2304.2
except that a freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 20 feet
from the ground level to the top of the sign. For all such signs,
except industrial parks, a sign or signs may be permitted in accordance
with one of the following:
(1)
One parallel or window sign up to 32 square feet.
(2)
Two parallel or window signs mounted on separate walls, each
up to 20 square feet.
(3)
One freestanding sign up to 24 square feet, plus one of the
following:
(a)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols
not to exceed 40% of window areas.
(b)
One projecting sign not more than five feet from the wall up
to 12 square feet in size.
(c)
One parallel or window sign up to 15 square feet. If a building
fronts upon more than one street, one additional sign in conformity
with either clause (a), (b) or (c), above, may be permitted on each
street frontage.
(4)
Two free standing signs, each up to 18 square feet on separate
poles, plus one of the following:
(a)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols
not to exceed 40% of window area.
(b)
One projecting sign not more than five feet from the wall up
to 12 square feet in size.
(c)
One building sign mounted flush on wall up to 15 square feet.
If a building fronts upon more than one street, one additional sign
in conformity with either clause (a), (b) or (c), above, may be permitted
on each street frontage.
C.
For industrial parks, signs may be erected in accordance with the
following:
(1)
One freestanding sign which identifies the industrial park and
may serve as a directory sign for uses in the development may be erected.
No additional directory sign may be erected. Such sign shall not exceed
40 square feet per side and shall only identify the name of the center
or park and/or the names of the various businesses or firms located
within such center or park. Not more than one such sign shall be erected
on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such
premises fronts upon more than one street, in which event one such
sign may be erected on each street frontage. The maximum height is
24 feet.
(2)
One sign, which shall be limited to the name of the firm, building
or business, may be erected on each individual use in accordance with
one of the following:
(3)
A sign in the form of a map which lists individual establishments,
illustrates the locations of individual establishments and/or provides
direction to such establishment.
(a)
Such signs may be freestanding or parallel signs.
(b)
One such sign may be erected at each entrance to a building
with multiple occupancy.
(c)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be eight square feet.
(d)
The maximum height shall be six feet.
(e)
Such sign may be nonilluminated, directly illuminated or indirectly
illuminated.
D.
Directional Signs. Directional signs of three square feet or less
are permitted for traffic control purposes, provided such signs do
not contain advertising copy.
E.
Temporary Signs. Exterior temporary signs, including all portable
or vehicular signs such as those advertising commercial sale, when
located on the site where such use is conducted, may be permitted
for a period not to exceed 30 days in any one calendar year for any
one premises or commercial use.
(1)
The size of such sign may not exceed 16 square feet per side.
(2)
Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the
Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and
an escrow deposit, to be set at a certain amount from time to time
by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, as a guarantee that the
temporary signs shall be promptly and completely removed at the end
of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at
the end of the authorized period, the Township will then have them
removed and keep a sum necessary to reimburse the expense incurred
in removal.
F.
If a business establishment does not have street frontage or if the
place of business is not visible to passersby on the adjacent street,
then that business may erect an additional sign not exceeding four
square feet at the street line entrance to the property, provided
all side yard setback requirements of this chapter are met.
G.
Roof Signs.
(1)
Roof signs shall be permitted only in the LI and HI Districts.
(2)
The maximum area of a roof sign shall not exceed 5% of the total
area of the building facade upon which the roof sign sits.
(3)
The maximum height that a roof sign may project above a parapet
or eaves of a building shall be equivalent to 20% of the height of
the building facade.
(4)
Roof signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to, freestanding
signs on a given premises. Where a premises is allowed two or more
freestanding signs, a roof sign may be used to substitute for one
of the freestanding signs.
H.
Off-Premises Signs.
(1)
Off-premises signs shall be permitted only in the LI District
where immediately adjoining Routes 73 and 663 and for an area within
150 feet of cartway of said roads.
(2)
Off-premises signs may exist instead of, but not in addition
to, freestanding signs on a given premises. Where a premises is allowed
two or more freestanding signs, an off-premises sign may be used to
substitute for one of the freestanding signs.
(3)
One off-premises sign may be erected on a property.
(4)
Off-premises signs may have a maximum display area of 100 square
feet inclusive of any border but excluding supports.
(5)
Two sign faces may be utilized only in the back-to-back arrangement
in which case they shall be parallel and directly opposite sign faces
oriented in opposite directions located not more than 15 feet apart.
(6)
Off-premises signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 24 feet.
The height shall be measured from the bed of the street, road or highway
to the highest part of the sign or supporting structure.
(7)
No off-premises sign shall be erected within 1,000 feet of any
other off-premises sign on the same side of the street, road or highway.
(8)
No off-premises sign shall be erected within 20 feet of the
shoulder or curb, whichever is the greater distance.
(9)
All off-premises signs shall be constructed on a steel unipole
support meeting the industry-wide standards and shall be designed
and certified as accurate and of sound construction quality by a registered
and certified professional engineer whose signature and seal shall
appear on the face of said plan along with said certification.
(10)
All off-premises signs shall be maintained in good and safe
structural condition. The painted portion of all such signs shall
be kept in good condition.
(11)
The general area in the vicinity of all off-premises signs shall
be kept free and clear of sign material, debris and adhere to any
and all Township ordinances, including the Weed Control Ordinance
now in effect or as hereinafter enacted or amended.
(12)
All newly erected off-premises signs shall conform to all applicable
federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
(13)
Off-premises signs may be illuminated; provided, that the lighting
shall be arranged in a manner which shall protect neighboring properties
and streets or roadways from direct glare, beams or rays and shall
not be of such intensity or brilliance to cause impairment of the
vision of any driver or operator of any vehicle nor create hazardous
interferences of any kind.
(14)
No off-premises signs shall be erected within 150 feet of any
intersection of any public roadway, and no off-premises sign shall
be erected or placed in any manner so as to interfere with or impede
the unobstructed vision of a motor vehicle operator attempting to
enter on or exit from any intersection public or private roadway,
or any driveway or parking facility.
(15)
No off-premises sign shall be erected or maintained without
the owner thereof having first obtained a permit from the Township,
which shall be issued by the Zoning Officer or other party designated
by the Board of Supervisors, only upon receipt of a written application
completed in duplicate, signed by the applicant and accompanied by
five copies of a plan of the property or tract of land, prepared to
scale, depicting dimensional limits of the sign face, the perimeter
boundaries as taken from the deed for said tract, identifying the
current owner of the tract, all adjacent owners, the location and
dimensions of Routes 73 or 663 in relation to the tract, the next
closest intersecting public roadways and any driveways or parking
areas within 150 feet of the site, the proposed location of the sign
area to be transferred in fee or controlled by lease and any and all
easements or utility installations affecting such site and accompanied
by five copies of a plan of the sign prepared to scale depicting the
supporting structure and the specifications of the materials and methods
of construction and maintenance to be employed, signed and certified
by a registered licensed professional engineer.
(a)
Permit applications shall be reviewed by the Zoning Officer
and the Township Engineer for compliance with this chapter and upon
approval by both, a permit shall be issued to remain in effect for
a period of three years from the date of issuance of the permit, subject
to renewal for additional three-year intervals upon written reapplication
and presentation of documentation establishing applicant's continued
compliance with the terms and conditions of this chapter concerning
weed control, maintenance, illumination and other terms, not to include
the location of the site itself, but to include any terms or conditions
appearing on the face of the permit.
(b)
Permit applications shall be accompanied by a check or cash
in full satisfaction of an initial application fee to be established
by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1709; as amended by Ord. 07-03,
3/26/2007, § 16]
1.
In addition to the signs that do not require a permit as previously
noted, the following signs do not require a permit; provided, the
applicable requirements of this chapter have been met:
A.
Signs displaying the name and address of the occupancy of the premises;
provided, that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 120 square
inches and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each occupant
of a premises, unless such property fronts on more than one street,
in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
B.
Governmental flags or insignias.
C.
Legal notices.
D.
Crop identification signs.
E.
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of a product or the
price of such product when displayed on a vending machine selling
such product.
F.
Memorial signs or historical signs or tablets.
G.
Window signs giving store hours or the name or names of credit or
charge institutions, provided the total area of any such sign or all
signs together does not exceed two square feet.
H.
Temporary window signs, including community special event signs,
shall take up not more than 50% of the window area.
I.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or
structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into
or embossed on a building, provided the letters are not made of a
reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
J.
Bunting, pennants and similar materials are permitted to announce
the opening of a new business or industry and must be removed after
seven days of the opening day or the first day of business. The owner/user
of the business or industry shall inform the Township Zoning Officer
in writing of the opening day or the first day of business. Such notice
shall be submitted at least 14 days prior to the opening day or the
first day of business.
K.
Revolving barber shop pole sign, provided that it does not exceed
36 inches in height.
L.
Temporary construction traffic control signs.
M.
Temporary sale or rental advertising signs. See § 27-2307.B.
N.
Temporary mechanics', contractors' and artisans' signs. See § 27-2307.I.
O.
Direction, informational or public service signs. See § 27-2307.J.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1710]
1.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
No signs shall be of a flashing, rotating or revolving type, with
the exception of barber poles which are used for a barbershop use
and traffic control signs and signals.
B.
Any sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights
is prohibited.
C.
Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole, or painted or drawn on
a rock or other natural feature is prohibited.
D.
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street
or on any private property is prohibited, except for such signs which
are approved by Board of Supervisors, as a conditional use, to be
of general benefit to the Township or for public convenience, necessity
or welfare.
E.
Any sign suspended between poles which is either a pennant which
blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind is prohibited.
F.
Any sign is prohibited which does not conform to the requirements
of the sign ordinance which was in effect when the sign was erected.
G.
No sign shall be erected containing information on which is stated
or implied that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted
under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district on which
the property to which the sign relates is located.
H.
No sign may use the words, "stop," "look," "danger," or any other
word, or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct
the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any
official traffic sign, signal or device within 75 feet of a public
right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever
is greater.
I.
Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights are prohibited
within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic
control device signal, whichever is greater.
J.
A sign that uses any method of illumination that can cause glare
is prohibited, except in accordance with the following:
(1)
It must be so effectively shielded that glaring beams or rays
of light are not directed to any portion of any street, highway or
adjacent property or structure.
(2)
It must be less than 1/4 footcandle, as measured from the property
line, so as not to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist
or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of his motor vehicle.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A, § 1711; as amended by Ord. 93-2,
2/8/1993, § 71; by Ord. 05-06, 8/22/2005, § 47;
and by Ord. 17-03, 3/27/2017]
1.
Permits Required.
A.
A permit must be obtained from the Township before the erection of
any signs erected in the Township, unless specifically exempted herein.
B.
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall
not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility
for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all
the other provisions of this chapter.
C.
Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure,
plans and specifications shall be filed with the Township showing:
(1)
The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions
of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached.
(2)
The dimensions of the sign's supporting members.
(3)
The maximum height of the sign.
(4)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of
the building, in front of which or above which it is to be erected.
(5)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries
of the lot upon which it is to be situated.
(6)
Where the sign is to be attached to an existing building, a
current photograph of the face of the building to which the sign is
to be attached.
(7)
The materials, finish and details or construction including
loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent engineering data.
(8)
The application for permit shall be accompanied by the written
consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign
is to be erected for Township officials to enter said premises to
inspect such sign.
D.
The following changes to a sign do not require a permit:
(1)
The changing of the advertising copy or message of a painted,
plastic face or printed sign only. Except for signs specifically designed
for the use of replaceable copy, electric signs shall not be included
in this exception.
(2)
Maintenance of a sign, including cleaning, repainting or electrical
provided the sign would meet the provisions of this part.
(3)
The repair of a sign.
E.
Permit fees to erection a sign shall be in accordance with the sign
fee schedule adopted by the Township.
2.
Construction Requirements. All signs shall meet the design and construction
requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.[1] All electrical signs shall be manufactured in accordance
with the Underwriters Laboratories specifications and shall bear the
laboratory label.
3.
Maintenance Requirements. Every sign permitted by this chapter must
be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and
repair.
4.
Removal or Abandonment of Signs.
A.
The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected
shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the
circumstances which cause its erection have ceased to exist, or at
such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provision
of this chapter. If the owner of any property upon which a sign has
been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as hereinabove required,
the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner by certified mail
to remove the sign. If this letter is returned undelivered, for any
reason, he may post such notice upon the premises. If, upon the expiration
of 30 days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the
Zoning Officer shall arrange for its removal on behalf of the Township
and shall bill the owner for the cost of such work plus 10% for administrative
cost. If such bill remains unpaid after the expiration of 30 days,
the Township Solicitor shall take the necessary steps to collect the
same. Failure of a property owner to remove such sign after the notice
hereinabove provided shall constitute a violation of the terms of
this chapter and each day's continuance of such failure shall constitute
a separate violation.
B.
If the owner of any sign in violation of any of the provisions of
this chapter is not the owner of the premises on which it is situated,
the identical notices specified above may be issued to him in like
manner, and such owner of the sign shall be required to take such
steps to comply with the notice or notices issued to him as though
he were the owner of the property or premises on which the sign is
located; if such owner of the sign fails to comply, such failure shall
constitute a violation of the terms of this chapter. Such owner of
the sign shall be liable to the same extent as the owner of the property
or premises on which the sign is located.
5.
Unsafe and Unlawful Signs. If the Zoning Officer finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give notice to remove or alter the sign to comply with this chapter, in the same manner as in Subsection 4A above, to the party to whom the permit was issued to erect the sign or to any owner of the sign or to any combination of them. If the parties notified fail to remove or alter the sign to comply with the standards herein set forth within 14 days after notice, such sign may be removed or altered by the Building Inspector at the expense of each and every person notified. The expenses of removal or alteration shall be computed and paid for by the parties notified in the same manner as in Subsection 4A above, and the same sanctions shall apply. The Building Inspector may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
[Ord. 3/29/1990A; as added by Ord. 99-2, 6/28/1999, § 63;
as amended by Ord. 17-09, 9/25/2017]
1.
No political signs shall be erected on property owned by the Township.
Political signs may be erected on rights-of-way of the Township. Political
signs which are not removable such as, but not limited to, permanent
bumper stickers, may not be erected or posted on rights-of-way controlled
by the Township.
2.
The person or persons who erect political signs on a right-of-way
of the Township shall remove the signs within three days after a primary
election if the signs were erected for a primary election, and within
three days after a general election if the signs were erected for
a general election. Any person who erects a political sign or any
candidate advertised on a political sign that does not remove the
sign within three days of either a primary or general election, whichever
is applicable, shall have violated the terms of this section and shall,
upon conviction, be subject to the penalties prescribed for violation
of this chapter. No such political sign may be displayed 30 days prior
to the election to which the sign relates.
[Added by Ord. 17-09, 9/25/2017]
1.
In case of a violation of this Part, the Township and its officers may, in addition to any other remedies specifically conferred by law or ordinance, institute any appropriate proceeding to prevent unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or use of any sign not in compliance with this Part. The Township's enforcement procedure is provided in § 27-2802.
