[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Purpose of This Part.
(1)
Promote and maintain the overall scenic character and beauty
of the Township.
(2)
Establish reasonable time, place, and manner regulations on
the exercise of free speech and commercial speech without regulating
content.
(3)
Promote traffic safety by preventing distractions and sight
distance obstructions.
(4)
Protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character
of neighboring existing and planned land uses.
(6)
To prohibit or limit light and glare intrusion onto neighboring
residential uses and zoning districts.
B.
Permit and Compliance with this chapter Required. A permit under this chapter shall be required for all signs allowed in any zoning district except for signs that are listed in § 27-1710, Exempt Signs. All signs shall comply with all regulations of this chapter. Only signs specifically permitted by this chapter shall be allowed. Signs that do not comply with all of the requirements and limitations of this chapter shall be specifically prohibited.
C.
Changes on Signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming
signs) may be painted, repaired, or changed in message without a new
permit under this chapter, provided that the changes do not increase
the sign area, or otherwise result in noncompliance with this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of the Ordinance shall be considered as nonconforming signs. Any nonconforming sign that is damaged to an extent that the cost of repair is 50% or more of the cost of replacement of the sign or which is removed shall be replaced only with a conforming sign, except as set forth in Subsection B pertaining to nonconforming replacement signs immediately below.
B.
The Zoning Hearing Board may allow the voluntary replacement of existing
lawful nonconforming freestanding and wall signs by nonconforming
replacement signs with a smaller sign area and lower height as a special
exception, provided that the new signs would be of such a size, character,
and illumination that the new sign would not conflict with adjacent
uses.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
"(Temporary)" appearing after the definition of a sign indicates
that the type of sign is subject to the "Temporary Sign Requirements"
of Table 17.1 at the stated line or row.
B.
"(Exempt)" appearing after the definition of a sign indicates that the type of sign is exempt from obtaining a permit, provided that the sign complies with all the applicable restrictions under § 27-1710, Exempt Signs, for that kind of sign at the stated or referenced subsection.
C.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SIGN
BUILDING FACE
CHARITABLE EVENT SIGN
CONTRACTORS SIGN
DIGITAL SIGN
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
ELECTRONICALLY CHANGING MESSAGE SIGN/LED SIGNS
EXPRESSWAY ORIENTED SIGNS
FREESTANDING SIGN
GARAGE SALE SIGN
HEIGHT OF SIGN
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
ILLUMINATED SIGN, EXTERNALLY
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY
MOVABLE SIGN
NAMEPLATE SIGN
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
OFFICIAL SIGN
OPEN HOUSE SIGN
POLITICAL SIGN
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SIGN
PUBLIC SERVICES SIGN
REAL ESTATE SIGN
SIGN
SIGN AREA
SIGN ON MOBILE STANDS
SPECIAL SALE SIGN
TEMPORARY SIGN
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN
TRESPASSING SIGNS
VEHICULAR SIGN
WALL SIGN
WINDOW SIGN
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A sign advertising the seasonal, temporary sale of agricultural
products produced on the premises, or the seasonal sale of evergreen
trees. (Temporary, Table 17.1e)
The particular vertical side of a building, and or its area
but not including the area of any slanted roof.
A sign advertising a special event that is primarily held
to benefit a charitable nonprofit organization recognized U.S. Internal
Revenue Service. (Temporary, Table 17.1c)
A sign advertising that a contractor or other building tradesperson
is actively conducting temporary significant work on a particular
lot that is not the tradesperson's place of business. (Temporary,
Table 17.1d)
An advertising sign or billboard that uses digital, video,
light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or other electronic methods to create
a changeable display.
An informational sign indicating traffic direction, location of businesses, entry or exit, loading or service area, fire lanes, parking, or closely similar information which is incidental to the primary use and does not advertise any use. (Exempt, per § 27-1710D)
Signs or portion thereof designed to accommodate frequent
message changes that are composed of characters or letters only but
not images and that can be changed or rearranged electronically without
physically altering the face or surface of such signs.
Signs that advertise products or services that are directed to users of highways. See definitions of "billboards" and "off-premises signs" in Part 2 of this chapter.
A sign that is self-supporting upon the ground or that is
supported principally by means of poles, pylons or standards in the
ground, and which is not attached to a building, except by secondary
supports such as guy wires.
A temporary sign advertising a garage sale, yard sale, or
auction, or a similar temporary sale event. (Temporary, Table 17.1a)
The vertical distance as measured from the average existing
ground level surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and
its frame, if applicable.
A sign that displays only the name and the use of a property and which that has no advertising. (Exempt as per § 27-1710C)
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by artificial light from a source that is adjacent to or outside of the sign in such a manner that the source of the light is not directly visible from the street or any other intended vantage point of the sign. See § 27-1707, Illuminated Signs.
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by light from a source that is within the sign structure and not by a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. See also § 27-1707, Illuminated Signs.
A freestanding sign which is not permanently secured or attached
to a structure or to the ground, and which may be held in place only
by weights. See also definition of "sign on mobile stand" below.
A sign indicating only the name and/or address of persons or person residing on the premises. (Exempt as per § 27-1710B)
See the definition in Part 2 of this chapter.
A sign erected or authorized, or required by the state, county, Township or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by a Township ordinance or resolution which sign exists for governmental and not commercial purposes. (Exempt as per § 27-1710A, and § 27-1710 for officially required signs, § 27-1710Q, pertaining to signs within the right-of-way, and § 27-1710E, Memorial or Historic Markers.)
A temporary sign advertising an open house event at a dwelling
for sale or rent. (Temporary, Table 171a)
A sign which advertises a person or party seeking political
office, or a political cause or opinion on a referendum, and which
relates to a scheduled election.
A sign that may or may not be attached to a supporting wall
and which announces a proposed subdivision or land development for
which a plan has been submitted to the Township, and which involves
either a total of six or more dwelling units, or a total of five or
more office, commercial, industrial or institutional uses or lots.
(Temporary, Table 17.1f)
A temporary sign that advertises the availability of the
property on which the sign is located for sale, rent, or lease.
See the definition in Part 2 of this chapter.
See § 27-1713 pertaining to methods of computation of sign area.
A freestanding sign that is attached to a chassis that allows the sign to be towed from one location to another and that has no permanent foundation. See also definition of "movable sign" above, and § 27-1716B for regulations pertaining to signs on mobile stands permitted in commercial districts.
One or more temporary promotional banners, balloons, or nongovernmental
flags or banners that are used by a business to attract special attention
to its location. (Temporary, Table 17.1g)
A sign or portion of a sign whose sole purpose and display
is to indicate the time and/or temperature.
"No Trespassing" or similar signs indicating the private
nature of a road, driveway or premises and signs prohibiting or controlling
hunting and fishing upon the premises.
A sign posted on, painted on, suspended from, or otherwise
affixed to a wall or vertical surface to which it is parallel.
A sign which is readily visible and can be at least partially read from an exterior lot line, and which is attached to or can be read through a window or transparent door. (Exempt per § 27-1710N)
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
Every permanent sign permitted by this Part 17, Signs, shall
be constructed of durable materials, and shall be kept in good condition
and repair. Any sign that is allowed to become dilapidated may be
ordered by the Township to be repaired or removed and taken down by
the owner or repaired or removed by the Township (in the Township's
discretion) at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property
on which the sign is located.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
Signs advertising a use that is no longer in existence or a
product no longer available shall be removed, painted to be blank,
or changed to advertise the new use or product, within 60 days of
the cessation of the original use or the availability of the product.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following shall regulate the location of signs:
A.
Setback From Streets. No part or any portion of any sign shall be
erected within five feet of or project over any existing and/or future
street right-of-way except official signs, nameplate signs, public
service signs and directional signs.
B.
On-Premises. No signs shall be erected on a property to which the
sign does not relate except permitted off-premises, official, political
or public service signs.
C.
Setbacks. No permanent or freestanding sign shall be located within a required side or rear setback for an accessory structure, except along lot lines that abut a commercially or industrially used or zoned lot (other than a street right-of-way). A permanent or freestanding sign may be located within a required front yard, provided that the sign's location complies with "Setback From Streets" in Subsection A of this § 27-1706.
D.
Permission of Owner. No sign shall be installed or posted on any
property or sign pole, or public utility pole, unless permission for
the sign has been received from the owner of the property.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed of a size and in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer for mere identification or incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle, but becomes a primary purpose or use in itself, shall be deemed to be a freestanding sign (see definition in § 27-1703), and as such shall be subject to the specific requirements of this Part 17, Signs, for freestanding signs in the particular zoning district in which such vehicle is located.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Zoning permits are not required for the types of temporary signs, as listed in the following Table 17.1, Temporary Sign Requirements, provided that these signs shall be removed in the time specified, and conform to the size requirements of this § 27-1709, Temporary Signs, and Table 17.1, Temporary Sign Requirements:
|
Table 17.1
| ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Temporary Sign Requirements
| ||||||
|
Maximum Area Per Sign
(square feet)
| ||||||
|
Type of Sign
|
Maximum Number of Signs
|
On lots less than 2 acres in a residential zoning district
|
On all other lots
|
Earliest Period When Sign May Be Placed
|
Period With Sign Must Be Removed
| |
|
a.
|
Garage sales or open house
|
2 per event
|
4
|
4
|
7 days prior to the beginning of the event
|
24 hours after event
|
|
b.
|
Real estate sign
|
1 per lot
|
4
|
15
|
Property listed or actively marketed for sale or rent
|
10 days after sale occurs or rental agreement is executed
|
|
c.
|
Charitable event sign
|
2 per lot
|
4
|
15
|
20 days prior to the event
|
10 days after event
|
|
d.
|
Contractor's sign
|
1 per lot
|
8
|
15
|
While work is clearly and actively under way
|
10 days after work is not clearly and actively under way
|
|
e.
|
Agricultural products sign
|
2 per lot
|
4
|
15
|
While products are actively being offered for sale
|
180 days total maximum in any calendar year
|
|
f.
|
Proposed development Sign
|
1 per lot
|
4
|
15
|
After submission of a complete subdivision or land development
plan to the Township
|
Within 30 days after any occupancy is issued within develop-ment,
or after rejection or withdrawal of the plan has become final
|
|
g.
|
Special sale sign*
|
5 per lot
|
Not permitted
|
None
|
Maximum of 15 calendar days, once in any calendar year
| |
|
NOTE:
| |
|
*
|
Only permitted in the HC and LC Zoning Districts
|
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following type of signs, as defined by § 27-1703, pertaining to definition of signs, do not require a permit under this chapter, provided that such signs comply with the applicable following restrictions:
A.
Official Signs. These signs are not regulated in any form by this chapter. See definition in § 27-1703.
B.
Nameplate Signs. Not to exceed two square feet. Maximum of one per lot. See definition in § 27-1703.
C.
Identification Signs. Not to exceed two square feet. Maximum of one per lot. See definition in § 27-1703.
E.
Memorial or Historic Markers. When approved or authorized by the
Board of Supervisors or a state or federal government agency.
F.
Public Service Signs. Not to exceed two square feet. Maximum of three per lot. See definition in § 27-1703.
H.
Trespassing Signs. Not to exceed two square feet and not to be posted closer than 25 feet to each other within a lot. See definition in § 27-1703.
I.
Picketing and "Sandwich" signs. Signs physically carried by a person,
which are permitted without regulation by this chapter.
J.
Home-Based Business (No-impact) Sign. Maximum sign area of two square feet, maximum of one per lot, and not illuminated. Also see § 27-1715D, pertaining to this type of sign as permitted in residential zoning districts.
K.
Sign Not Visible. Signs that are not visible from a public street
or any exterior lot line by an individual with normal and unaided
vision are permitted without regulation by this Part.
L.
Officially Required Signs. Signs that include only such information as is specifically required to be posted exterior to a building, a government agency or the Township are permitted without regulation by this Part. See definition in § 27-1703.
M.
Very Small Sign. Signs of less than one square foot in area that
cannot be read by a person of normal eyesight from a public street
or any exterior property line are permitted without regulation by
this Part.
N.
Window Sign. Window signs that are not of a permanent nature, provided that they comply with the other requirements of this Part. See definition in § 27-1703.
O.
Decorations for Holidays.
P.
Flags. Flags of any nation or level of government. Also, up to two
additional cloth flags per lot of up to 20 square feet in each flag.
Q.
Signs Within Right-of-Way. Signs within the existing right-of-way
of a public street when officially authorized either by the Board
of Supervisors or PennDOT, as appropriate.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
B.
Flashing, electronically changing message, blinking, twinkling, animated,
or moving display signs of any type, except time and temperature signs
and except electronically changing message sign/digital/LED signs
in the Highway Commercial (HC) District. This prohibition specifically
includes window signs and signs on mobile stands.
C.
Signs that emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, or odor.
D.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a lot
may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable provisions
of this chapter.
E.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape, or color that the
signs imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal, or device
or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract
the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
F.
Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing,
blinking, twinkling, or electronically changing messages.
G.
Signs or displays that include words or images that are obscene,
pornographic, or that an average reasonable person would find prurient
or highly offensive to public decency.
H.
Balloons of greater than five cubic feet in volume that are tethered to the ground or a structure. Any sign on a mobile stand other than as provided for by § 27-1716B.
I.
Floodlights and lasers.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
When Allowed. Signs and any supporting structure (as described in
this section) shall be permitted for subdivisions and developments
that have been approved to involve a total of 10 or more dwelling
units, or a total of five or more office, commercial, industrial or
institutional uses.
B.
Size and Number. Signs described in this section may have a maximum
sign area of 25 square feet, and a maximum height of eight feet. These
signs and/or structures may be located at up to three of the major
entrances to the subdivisions or land development from exterior streets.
C.
Durability. Such signs shall be designed and installed to be of a
durable construction, requiring little maintenance. The signs may
be attached to a masonry or wooden structure with a maximum height
of eight feet and maximum length of 10 feet.
D.
Message. Such signs may include only the name of the land development
and any logo. A telephone number may be included during the sale or
rental activities of the subdivision or land development. Such signs
shall not include any advertising.
E.
Landscaping. Such signs shall be attractively landscaped, with plants
and shrubs that require minimal maintenance.
F.
Location. Such signs and structures shall be located outside of all
future right-of-way lines, and shall comply with the sight distance
requirements of Williams Township Driveway Ordinance and the Williams
Township SALDO, as amended.[1]
G.
Maintenance. If such signs are intended to remain beyond the completion
of a developer's involvement in a project, the developer shall provide
an appropriate method to provide and ensure proper maintenance of
the sign into perpetuity and/or the future removal of the sign, including
furnishing and posting sufficient financial security for the same.
The method of maintenance and financial security shall be submitted
to the Zoning Officer, and is subject to the approval of the Zoning
Officer, before any permit or the sign is issued.
H.
Illumination. Such signs may be externally but not internally illuminated.
I.
Directional Signs Within a Major Business Development.
(1)
When Permitted. A directional sign shall be permitted at each
intersection of two or more driveways within an office, commercial
institutional or industrial subdivision or land development that involves
a total of five or more acres.
(2)
Size. Each sign may have a total square footage of 20 square
feet. The sign shall be an orderly single structure that is rectangular
in shape and may include on it the names and logos of all the businesses
located in the subdivision or land development, directional arrows
and/or a map.
(3)
Purpose. The signs permitted by this subsection are for the
primary and limited purpose of directing visitors to businesses. These
signs are not intended for routine advertising purposes, and shall
not contain any extraneous information.
(4)
Illumination. Such signs may be externally but not internally
illuminated.
J.
Directional Signs Within a Townhouse or Garden Apartment Development.
Within a land development that includes 50 or more townhouse or garden
apartment dwelling units, nonilluminated signs with a maximum sign
area of 10 square feet each may be permitted to direct visitors to
or identify different buildings or units of the development. These
signs may be either freestanding or attached to a building or structure.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following methods shall be used in computing the area of
signs:
A.
"Sign area" shall include all lettering, wording, and accompanying
designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are
displayed whether open or enclosed. One "freestanding sign" may include
several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the "sign
area" being the total of the individual area of each sign on the structure.
B.
The sign area shall not include any frame work and bracing, nor wooden
framing, if such framing is clearly principally structural support
and does not include any lettering, wording, designs or symbols, display
or sign and if such framing is clearly incidental to the sign display
itself.
C.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to or painted on a surface, building, wall, or window, the sign area
shall be considered to be the area of the smallest rectangle, or other
regular geometric shape, which encompasses all of the letters and
symbols including the sign background.
D.
In computing the sign area of a sign with only two faces, only the
sign area of one side (the larger of the two faces if they differ)
shall be considered. If the interior angle formed by the two faces
of the double-faced sign is greater than 60°, then both sides
of such sign shall be considered and added together in calculating
the sign area. No sign shall have more than two faces.
E.
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages for signs in this
chapter are maximum sizes.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Maximum Height. No sign shall exceed the maximum height restriction
for the particular type of sign structure in each zoning district
as set forth below in Table. 17.2, Maximum Sign Heights:
|
Table 17.2
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Sign Heights
| |||
|
Maximum Sign Height
(feet)*
| |||
|
Type of Sign Structure
|
(A, LDR, MDR, SC) Agricultural, Residential Zoning, and Special
Conservation Districts
|
(LC, HC, PUCD) Commercial Zoning Districts
|
(LI/B, GI) Industrial Zoning Districts
|
|
Freestanding sign
|
8
|
18
|
10
|
|
Wall
|
**
|
**
|
**
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
*
|
See definition in § 27-1703.
|
|
**
|
Equal to or less than the total height of the principal building
|
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
The following type of signs are permitted in all residential zoning
districts, including A, LDR, MDR, and SC:
B.
The following type of signs, and no others, may be permitted in all
residential zoning districts for golf courses or other uses permitted
as either conditional use or by special exception, other than home-based
business (no-impact) or accessory uses:
(1)
One Wall Sign: Maximum sign area of 10% of total area of the
building face on which the wall sign is visible or mounted or 32 square
feet, whichever is less, and attached to the front wall of the building
only.
(2)
One Freestanding Sign: Maximum sign area of 15 square feet and
not more than one such sign for and facing each street upon which
the lot has frontage.
C.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
The following types of signs are permitted in the LC, HC, and PUCD
Zoning Districts:
(3)
Signs for only one principal use on a lot, as follows:
(a)
Wail Signs. Maximum sign wall shall not exceed 10% of total
area of the building face on which the sign is located. Such signs
shall be located on a maximum of two faces of the building.
(b)
Freestanding Sign.
[1]
Maximum of one such sign, with a maximum sign area
of 32 square feet. This sign may consist of a structure to which are
attached several signs, with the total square footage of all signs
not exceeding 32 square feet.
[2]
If a use has a lineal road frontage of more than
300 feet, then a second freestanding sign shall be permitted, with
a maximum total sign square footage of 50 square feet for either the
two signs together, or for only one such sign.
(c)
Window Sign. Maximum sign area of 20% of the total area of the
building face from which the sign is visible or on which the sign
is located.
(4)
Signs relating to more than one principal commercial use on
a lot, as follows:
(a)
Wall Sign. Maximum sign area on each building face shall not
exceed 15% of the total area of the building face on which the signs
are visible or located. Such signs shall be placed on a maximum of
two faces of the building.
(b)
Freestanding Sign.
[1]
One such sign per lot shall be permitted, with
a maximum area not to exceed 50 square feet.
[2]
If a lot has a lineal road frontage of more than
300 feet, or if the lot includes more than 10 business establishments,
then a second freestanding sign shall be permitted, with a maximum
total sign square footage of 80 square feet for either two signs combined,
or for only one such freestanding sign.
(c)
Window Sign. Maximum sign area of 20% of the total area of the
building face from which the sign is visible or on which the sign
is located.
(5)
Subsection C below shall apply to any second freestanding on-premises
signs that are located within the Interstate Highway Interchange Overlay
of the HC Zoning District.
B.
Signs on Mobile Stands.
(1)
Intent. The intent of this subsection is that signs on mobile stands shall comply with the regulations and standards set forth below. See definition in § 27-1703.
(2)
Standards for Signs on Mobile Stands.
(a)
Signs on mobile stands shall be permitted only in the HC and
LC Zoning Districts.
(b)
Signs on mobile stands shall have a maximum sign area of 40
square feet.
(c)
Only one mobile sign shall be permitted per use or per lot,
whichever is less.
(d)
A sign permit shall be required.
(e)
Time Limit. A permit for a sign on a mobile stand shall be limited
to 20 calendar days, shall be issued only once per quarter, and for
only one per lot or one per use, whichever is less.
(f)
Deposit. To ensure that a sign on a mobile stand is removed
within the above twenty-calendar-day time limit, the applicant shall
pay a deposit of $150 to the Township. This deposit shall be refunded
only if the sign is removed within the twenty-calendar-day time limit.
If the sign is not removed within the calendar-day time limit the
deposit shall be forfeited to the Township. Failure or refusal to
remove the sign after the twenty-calendar-day time limit shall constitute
a zoning violation that may be prosecuted in accordance with the procedures
of this chapter. Alternately, as an additional and nonexclusive remedy,
the Township may, but need not, in the Township's sole discretion,
act to remove the sign with Township personnel and equipment.
(g)
No sign on a mobile stand shall include a flashing or blinking
light.
(h)
No sign on a mobile stand shall be placed so that the sign is
a hazard to traffic, such as within a sight distance triangle or otherwise
impeding visibility of motorists or pedestrians, nor shall it be placed
within the existing road or street right-of-way.
(3)
Applicability. The standards of this subsection shall apply
to all existing and future signs on mobile stands, except that these
standards shall not be applicable to any sign on a mobile stand for
which a permit from the Township was previously granted for use as
a permanent sign, until such use is terminated or abandoned, or the
sign is removed.
C.
Interchange Overlay. This subsection shall apply only to the Highway
Commercial (HC) Zoning District.
(1)
Intent. To acknowledge the need for the advance and additional
recognition of the Township's only interchange with Interstate I-78.
(2)
Applicability. The subsection applies to one of the two freestanding on-premises signs that would otherwise meet the requirements of this § 27-1716 and is located in the Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District adjacent to I-78.
(3)
Specific Provisions.
(a)
One of the two signs as allowed under § 27-1716A(3)(b)[2]
and (4)(b)[2] shall be permitted to have a maximum height of 80 feet
measured from natural ground elevation to the top of the proposed
sign.
(b)
A maximum sign area of 180 square feet for the initial, 140
square for the second sign, and for the two signs together a maximum
total sign area of 320 square feet shall be permitted. All such signs
shall be located only along the side(s) of the property, lot, or use
that is closest to Interstate I-78. Only one sign in the Highway Commercial
(HC) Interchange Overlay District can be 30 feet in height.
D.
Electronically Changing Message Sign/Digital/LED Signs in HC District.
(1)
Electronically changing message sign/digital/LED signs are permitted
by special exception in Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District subject
to the following conditions:
(a)
All messages, images, or displays on a digital/LED sign or electronically
changing message sign shall not change and shall remain unchanged
for a minimum of 90 seconds.
(b)
There shall be no sequencing of messages.
(c)
The time interval used to change from one complete message,
image, or display shall be a maximum of one second.
(d)
There shall be no appearance of a visual dissolve or fading,
in which any part of one message, image, or display disappears simultaneously
with the appearance of any part of a second message, image, or display.
(e)
There shall be no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of
light, and no appearance of video motion, animation, movement, or
flow of message, image, or display within the sign.
(f)
The intensity and contrast of light levels for each message
shall remain constant throughout the sign face.
(g)
Each digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign
shall be equipped with an automatic day/night dimming software, to
reduce the nighttime illumination intensity of the sign from one hour
after sunset to one hour prior to sunrise to a maximum not to exceed
of 150 nits.
(h)
Proof of approval of the digital/LED or electronically changing
message sign by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, if
required, must be submitted to the Zoning Officer prior to the installation
of any digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign. Such
approval may be conditioned upon or pending the issuance of a Township
permit for the same sign.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
The following types of signs are permitted in the following
industrial and business zoning districts, including LI/B and GI:
D.
Wall Signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted for each establishment.
The signs shall have a total sign area of no greater than 10% of the
total area of each building face on which the signs are visible, or
located, or a maximum of 200 square feet, whichever is less.
E.
Freestanding Signs. Maximum of one such structure per street frontage
of the lot or use. The total area of each freestanding sign shall
not exceed 50 square feet.
F.
On-Premises Digital or Electronic Changing Message Signs. These signs are permitted only in the Highway Commercial Zoning District that is within the Interchange Overlay District, subject to the requirements of § 27-1719B(7), regarding off-premises signs.
G.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
Any new or expanded sign that is subject to a permit requirement
or other Township review and approval procedure, which sign is associated
with a proposed conditional or special exception, or an expansion
or change of a nonconforming use, may be reviewed and either be approved
or denied at the same time that the associated conditional use or
special exception or nonconforming use is being reviewed and decided.
The Board of Supervisors or the Zoning Hearing Board shall consider,
as the case may be, compatibility with adjacent land uses at that
time.
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
(Billboards) along I-78 in Commercial and Industrial Zoning
Districts.
A.
Intent. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter to serve
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 the Township and protect property
values, especially considering that most commercial areas of the Township
are within close proximity to existing residences.
(3)
To prevent glare on adjacent property and streets.
(4)
To protect the open space and natural character of the areas
of the Township that are planned to remain agricultural or as conservation
areas.
(5)
To avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists,
especially along the high-speed Interstate Highway I-78 and along
busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements, congestion,
and numerous traffic hazards.
(6)
To recognize and encourage the use of the numerous alternative
forms of free and commercial speech available in the Township, including
existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs, temporary
signs, and printed and electronic media.
(7)
To recognize that this chapter allows every landowner a reasonable
use for their land.
(9)
To provide a reasonable number of practical locations for off-premises
signs (billboards) to preclude an exclusionary challenge in that regard.
B.
Size and Location. Off-premises advertising signs (billboards) shall:
(1)
Not exceed 300 square feet (12 feet by 25 feet) for billboards
used primarily in commercial and industrial areas along secondary
arterial and collector roads.
(2)
Not exceed 672 square feet maximum (14 feet by 48 feet) billboards
used exclusively along primary arterial roads and expressways.
(3)
For double-sided billboards, the above size requirements apply
to each face separately.
(4)
Be located only along Interstate Highway 178 in commercial or
industrial zoning districts.
(5)
The height of the sign shall not exceed 30 feet. No off-premises sign shall be erected upon a berm or other artificial/man-made structure designed to increase the height of the sign or the average ground level surrounding a sign (see § 27-1703).
(6)
Have all supporting structures of poster panels and painted
bulletins be of the "unipole" or "monopole" type.
(7)
Digital and Electronically Changing Message Signs. A permitted
off-premises sign, including a preexisting nonconforming off-premises
sign located in the Highway Commercial (HC) Zoning District that is
within the Interchange Overlay District, may be a digital sign or
electronic message sign subject to the following conditions:
(a)
All messages, images, or displays on a digital/LED sign or electronically
changing message sign shall not change and shall remain unchanged
for a minimum of 90 seconds
(b)
There shall be no sequencing of messages.
(c)
The time interval used to change from one complete message,
image, or display shall be a maximum of one second.
(d)
There shall be no appearance of a visual dissolve or fading,
in which any part of one message, image, or display disappears simultaneously
with the appearance of any part of a second message, image, or display.
(e)
There shall be no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of
light, and no appearance of video motion, animation, movement, or
flow of message, image, or display within the sign.
(f)
The intensity and contrast of light levels shall remain constant
throughout the sign face.
(g)
Each digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign
shall be equipped with an automatic day/night dimming software, to
reduce the nighttime illumination intensity of the sign from one hour
after sunset to one hour prior to sunrise to a maximum not to exceed
150 nits.
(h)
Proof of approval of the digital or electronically changing
message sign by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must
be submitted to the Zoning Officer prior to the installation of any
digital/LED sign or electronically changing message sign. Such approval
may be conditioned upon or pending the issuance of a Township permit
for the same sign.
C.
Setbacks and Spacing. Off-premises advertising signs (billboards)
shall be:
(1)
Set back at least 20 feet from the street right-of-way, including
the ultimate right-of-way.
(2)
Spaced no closer than 1,000 feet from another billboard, or
in compliance with the spacing requirements of the Outdoor Advertising
Control Act of 1971, as amended, whichever is greater.
(3)
Located no closer than 300 feet from a LDR or MDR Zoning District
as measured along same side of street.
(4)
Located no closer than 500 feet from a state or federal registered
historic place site, or structure, as referenced in the Williams Township
Comprehensive Plan, as revised and updated from time to time.
D.
Building Requirements. All off-premises signs must comply with the
applicable state and Township building codes, the Uniform Construction
Code (UCC), as amended, as to structural and electrical standards,
and all other applicable laws, ordinances, codes, and standards.
E.
State Sign. Signs erected and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department
of Transportation are permitted by right in all zoning districts.
Directional signs that identify business services available at an
interchange are specifically permitted and encouraged as an appropriate
and orderly means of providing sufficient and necessary information
without causing the visual pollution or traffic hazards of off-premises
signs (billboards).
[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.
Intent. To encourage designs and materials of signs that will be
highly compatible with nearby residences and other attractive natural
features and areas.
B.
Applicability. This bonus may apply to any freestanding on-premises
sign in a LC, HC, PUCD, LI/B or GI Zoning District.
C.
Wood. The total area of a sign that would otherwise be permitted
under this section may be increased by 25% sign area bonus when a
sign area is constructed completely of natural wood (other than necessary
fasteners), and all freestanding signs on the lot have a maximum height
of 10 feet.
