The purpose of this article is to protect the safety and orderly
development of the community through the regulation of signs and sign
structures.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
article and as used elsewhere in this chapter, have the meanings shown
herein:
A sign structure that has ceased to be used, and the owner
intends no longer to have used, for the display of sign copy, or as
otherwise defined by state law.
A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion.
Animated signs, which are differentiated from changeable signs as
defined and regulated by this chapter, include the following types:
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical or electromechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below:
FLASHINGAnimated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or less than the period of nonillumination. For the purposes of this chapter, "flashing" will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds four seconds.
PATTERNED ILLUSIONARY MOVEMENTAnimated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by simulated movement through alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.
ENVIRONMENTALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental input; includes spinners, pinwheels, pennant strings, and/or other devices or displays that respond to naturally occurring external motivation.
MECHANICALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or prorated, activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.
Any projection that is not intended for occupancy and that
extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building, but that
does not include signs as defined herein. See also "awning," "backlit
awning," and "canopy, attached" and "canopy, freestanding."
An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and
supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering
of rigid or nonrigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework
that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures
that are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface
or surfaces of an awning. See also "wall or fascia sign."
An awning with a translucent covering material and a source
of illumination contained within its framework.
A flexible substrate on which copy or graphics may be displayed.
A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.
See "off-premises sign" and "outdoor advertising sign."
The entire side of a building, from ground level to the roofline,
as viewed perpendicular to the walls on that side of the building.
A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection
supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either
cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional
points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be
illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See
also "marquee."
A multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but
not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and/or soffit of a freestanding
canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources
of light.
A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or
freestanding canopy.
A sign with the capability of content change by means of
manual or remote input, including signs which are:
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATEDA changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices; or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also "electronic message sign or center."
MANUALLY ACTIVATEDA changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed manually.
A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a
building structure.
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic
elements comprising the content or message of a sign, excluding numerals
identifying a street address only.
A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development,
such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled
by a single owner or landlord.
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of
providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular
traffic.
A sign with two faces, back to back.
Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical
energy.
An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable
message capability can be electronically programmed.
Any sign placed outside a building.
See "wall or fascia sign."
See "animated sign, electrically activated."
A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the
ground and not supported by a building, including signs supported
by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground.
The length of an exterior building wall or structure of a
single premises orientated to the public way or other properties that
it faces.
The length of the property line(s) of any single premises
along either a public way or other properties on which it borders.
See "freestanding sign."
A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either
projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated) or reflecting
off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).
[Amended 1-6-2020 by Ord. No. 1-6-2020]
Any sign placed within a building, but not including "window
signs," as defined by this chapter. Interior signs, with the exception
of window, signs as defined, are not regulated by this chapter.
An inclined, decorative, roof-like projection that is attached
to an exterior building facade.
See "canopy (attached)."
See "canopy sign."
A freestanding sign orientated to the drive-through lane
for a restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the
drive-through window and which has no more than 20% of the total area
for such a sign utilized for business identification.
A sign containing three or more faces.
See "outdoor advertising sign."
A sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment
for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use
of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of the property on which
it is displayed.
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor
environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial
messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale
or lease of the property on which it is displayed.
The extension of a building facade above the line of the
structural roof.
Noncommercial signs, regardless of whether they contain political, religious or any other noncommercial message, subject to the time, place and manner criteria set forth below in § 500-85.
[Added 10-3-2016 by Ord.
No. 10-3-16-01]
See "freestanding sign."[1]
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building
or building surface.
A sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to or projects
more than 18 inches (457 mm) from a building face or wall or from
a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign.
A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rental of
the property or premises upon which it is located.
A sign that revolves 360° (6.28 rad) about an axis. See
also "animated sign, mechanically activated."
A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion
of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a
building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building.
Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections
such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs.
The top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended
facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.
Any device visible from a public place that displays either
commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation
of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Noncommercial
flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be
considered to be signs.
The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of
the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprises the
sign face. The area of any double-sided or V-shaped sign shall be
the area of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall
be computed as the area of a circle. The area of all other multiple-sided
signs shall be computed as 50% of the sum of the area of all faces
of the sign.
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic
elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of
numerals identifying a street address only.
The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy
is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural
features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative
trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface
upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such
as a reveal or border.
In the case of panel- or cabinet-type signs, the sign face shall
include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate
upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated but not open
space between separate panels or cabinets.
In the case of sign structures with routed areas of sign copy,
the sign face shall include the entire area of the surface that is
routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border, or a contrasting
surface or color.
In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters
or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face
shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of
regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters
or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the
open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building
or structure.
In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated
border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the
color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the
area within the contrasting background or within the painted or illuminated
border.
Any structure supporting a sign.
A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial
messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any
sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed
to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the
ground, are considered temporary signs.
A sign attached to the underside of a canopy or marquee.
Signs containing two faces of approximately equal size, erected
upon common or separate structures, positioned in a V shape with an
interior angle between faces of not more than 90° (1.57 rad) with
the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet (1,524
mm) at their closest point.
A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall
of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches
(457 mm) from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed
to architectural projections from a building, provided the copy area
of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building
facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to
which it is affixed. For a visual reference and a comparison of differences
between wall or fascia signs and roof signs, see Section 1003.[2]
A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message
intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from
adjacent property.
Sign types and the computation of sign area shall be as depicted
in Figures 1003.1(1) through 1003.1(4) as depicted in the International
Zoning Code 2006, Chapter 10, Sign Regulations, pages 32, 33, 34 and
35.
A.Â
Conformance to codes. Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to
the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code and of any other ordinance
or regulation within this jurisdiction.
[Amended 1-6-2020 by Ord. No. 1-6-2020]
B.Â
Signs in rights-of-way. No sign other than an official traffic sign
or similar sign shall be erected within two feet (610 mm) of the lines
of any street, or within any public way, unless specifically authorized
by other ordinances or regulations of this jurisdiction or by specific
authorization of the Code Enforcement Officer.
C.Â
Projections over public ways. Signs projecting over public walkways
shall be permitted to do so only subject to the projection and clearance
limits either defined herein or, if not so defined, at a minimum height
of eight feet (2,438 mm) from grade level to the bottom of the sign.
Signs, architectural projections or sign structures projecting over
vehicular access areas must conform to the minimum height clearance
limitations imposed by the jurisdiction for such structures.
D.Â
Traffic visibility. No sign or sign structure shall be erected at
the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free
and clear vision, nor at any location where, by its position, shape
or color, it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused
with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
E.Â
Computation of frontage. If a premises contains walls facing more
than one property line or encompasses property frontage bounded by
more than one street or other property usages, the sign area(s) for
each building wall or property frontage will be computed separately
for each building wall or property line facing a different frontage.
The sign area(s) thus calculated shall be permitted to then be applied
to permitted signs placed on each separate wall or property line frontage.
F.Â
Animation and changeable messages. Animated signs, except as prohibited in § 500-83, are permitted in commercial and industrial zones only. Changeable signs, manually activated, are permitted for nonresidential uses in all zones. Changeable signs, electrically activated, are permitted in all nonresidential zones.
G.Â
Maintenance, repair and removal. Every sign permitted by this chapter
shall be kept in good condition and repair. When any sign becomes
insecure, in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the
Code Enforcement Officer, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed,
erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this
chapter, the owner thereof or the person or firm using same shall,
upon written notice by the Code Enforcement Officer, forthwith in
the case of immediate danger, and in any case within not more than
10 days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter
or shall remove it. If within 10 days the order is not complied with,
the Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to remove or cause
such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or the user
of the sign.
H.Â
Obsolete sign copy. Any sign copy that no longer advertises or identifies
a use conducted on the property on which said sign is erected must
have the sign copy covered or removed within 30 days after written
notification from the Code Enforcement Officer; and upon failure to
comply with such notice, the Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized
to cause removal of such sign copy, and any expense incident thereto
shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or ground on
which the sign is located.
I.Â
Nonconforming signs. Any sign legally existing at the time of the
passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height
or size with the regulations of the zone in which such sign is located
shall be considered a legal nonconforming use or structure and shall
be permitted to continue in such status until such time as it is either
abandoned or removed by its owner, subject to the following limitations:
(1)Â
Structural alterations, enlargement or re-erection are permissible
only where such alterations will not increase the degree of nonconformity
of the sign.
(2)Â
Any legal nonconforming sign shall be removed or rebuilt without
increasing the existing height or area if it is damaged or shall be
removed if allowed to deteriorate to the extent that the cost of repair
or restoration exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the sign as
determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter; however, no sign shall be exempt from § 500-81D:
A.Â
Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety
official.
B.Â
Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal,
state or municipal governments.
C.Â
Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones
when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible
material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
D.Â
The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a
school.
E.Â
Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate
public holiday season.
F.Â
Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise
that does not receive direct commercial gain.
G.Â
Street address signs and combination nameplate and street address
signs that contain no advertising copy and which do not exceed six
square feet (0.56 m2) in area.
The following devices and locations shall be specifically prohibited:
A.Â
Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere
with an official traffic sign, signal or device or obstruct or interfere
with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
B.Â
Except as provided for elsewhere in this chapter, signs encroaching
upon or overhanging a public right-of-way. No sign shall be attached
to any utility pole, light standard, street tree or any other public
facility located within the public right-of-way.
C.Â
Signs which blink, flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion
that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety
signs and lights or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance.
D.Â
Portable signs, except as allowed for temporary signs.
E.Â
Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on
public or private property, except for signs meeting the following
conditions:
(1)Â
The primary purpose of such vehicle or trailer is not the display
of signs.
(2)Â
The signs are magnetic, decals or painted upon an integral part of
the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer
and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle.
(3)Â
The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered
and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable, and actively
used or available for use in the daily function of the business to
which such signs relate.
F.Â
Vehicles and trailers are not to be used primarily as static displays,
advertising a product or service, nor utilized as storage, shelter
or distribution points for commercial products or services for the
general public.
G.Â
Balloons, streamers or pinwheels, except those temporarily displayed
as part of a special sale, promotion or community event. For the purposes
of this subsection, "temporarily" means no more than 20 days in any
calendar year.
A.Â
Permits required. Unless specifically exempted, a permit must be
obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer for the erection and maintenance
of all signs erected or maintained within this jurisdiction and in
accordance with other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Exemptions
from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed
to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for
its erection and maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance
with all the other provisions of this chapter.
B.Â
Construction documents. Before any permit is granted for the erection
of a sign or sign structure requiring such permit, construction documents
shall be filed with the Code Enforcement Officer showing the dimensions,
materials and required details of construction, including loads, stresses,
anchorage and any other pertinent data. The permit application shall
be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the
premises upon which the sign is to be erected and by engineering calculations
signed and sealed by a registered design professional where required
by the Uniform Construction Code.
[Amended 1-6-2020 by Ord. No. 1-6-2020]
C.Â
Changes to signs. No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged
or relocated except in conformity with the provisions herein, nor
until a proper permit, if required, has been secured. The changing
or maintenance of movable parts or components of an approved sign
that is designed for such changes, or the changing of copy, business
names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter,
or the content of any sign shall not be deemed a structural alteration.
D.Â
Permit fees. Permit fees to erect, alter or relocate a sign shall
be in accordance with the fee schedule adopted within this jurisdiction.
A.Â
(1)Â
Wall
signs. Every single-family residence, multiple-family residential
complex, commercial or industrial building, and every separate nonresidential
building in a residential zone may display wall signs per street frontage,
subject to the limiting standards set forth in the Table 500-85A(1)
below. For shopping centers, planned industrial parks or other multiple-occupancy
nonresidential buildings, the building face or wall shall be calculated
separately for each separate occupancy, but in no event will the allowed
area for any separate occupancy be less than 20,000 square feet.
|
Table 500-85A(1)
Identification Standards: Wall Signs
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Aggregate Area
(square feet)
| ||
|
Land Use
|
1 Face
|
2 Faces
|
|
Single-family residential
|
2
|
4
|
|
Two-family residential
| ||
|
Nameplate, identification, or home occupation
| ||
|
Sale or rental
|
6
|
12
|
|
Multiple-family residential
|
6
|
12
|
|
Nonresidential in a residential zone
|
2
|
4
|
|
Commercial and industrial
|
See table below
| |
|
Aggregate Area
(square feet of sign)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Distance of Sign from Road or Adjacent Commercial or Industrial
Zone
|
1 Face
|
2 Faces
|
|
0 to 100 feet
|
40
|
80
|
|
101 to 300 feet
|
50
|
100
|
|
Over 301 feet
|
40
|
80
|
(2)Â
Freestanding
signs. In addition to any allowable wall signs, every single-family
residential subdivision, multiple-family residential complex, commercial
or industrial building, and every separate nonresidential building
in a residential zone shall be permitted to display freestanding or
combination signs per street frontage subject to the limiting standards
set forth in the Table 500-85A(2) below.
|
Table 500-85A(2)
Identification Standards: Freestanding Signs
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Land Use
|
Number of Signs
|
Height
(feet)
|
Area
(square feet)
|
Spacing
|
|
Single-family residential
|
1
|
6
|
2; 4 for 2 sides
|
1 per subdivision entrance
|
|
Multiple-family residential
|
1 per 6 units, not to exceed 3
|
12
|
6
|
1 per driveway
|
|
Nonresidential in a residential zone
[Amended 7-2-2012 by Ord.
No. 6-2-12] |
1
|
6
|
16; 32 for 2 sides
|
1 per subdivision entrance
|
|
Commercial
|
1
|
30
|
40; 80 for 2 sides
|
1 per every 200 feet of frontage
|
|
Industrial
|
3
|
30
|
40; 80 for 2 sides
|
1 per every 200 feet of frontage
|
(3)Â
Directional
signs. No more than two directional signs shall be permitted per street
entrance to any lot. There shall be no limit to the number of directional
signs providing directional information interior to a lot. In residential
zones, the maximum area for directional signs shall be four square
feet. For all other zones, the maximum area for any directional sign
visible from adjacent property or rights-of-way shall be four square
feet. Not more than 25% of the area of any directional sign shall
be permitted to be devoted to business identification or logo, which
area shall not be assessed as identification sign area.
B.Â
(1)Â
Real
estate signs. Real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts,
subject to the following limitations:
(a)Â
Real estate signs located on a single residential lot shall
be limited to one sign, not greater than six feet in height and six
square feet in area. (The sign may have two faces totaling 12 square
feet).
(b)Â
Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots located within
a subdivision shall be limited to one sign per entrance to the subdivision,
and each sign shall be no greater than six square feet in area nor
six feet in height. All signs permitted under this section shall be
removed within 10 days after sale of the last original lot.
(c)Â
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of space within
commercial or industrial buildings shall be no greater six square
feet in area nor six feet in height and shall be limited to one sign
per street front.
(d)Â
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of vacant commercial
or industrial land shall be limited to one sign per street frontage,
and each sign shall be no greater than 18 feet by 24 feet in height,
and 32 square feet for property of 10 acres (40, 470 m2) or less, or 100 square feet (9.3 m2) for property exceeding 10 acres (40,470 m2).
(e)Â
Real estate signs shall be removed not later than 10 days after
execution of a lease agreement in the event of a purchase.
(2)Â
Development
and construction signs. Signs temporarily erected during construction
to inform the public of the developer, contractors, architects, engineers,
the nature of the project or anticipated completion dates shall be
permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
(a)Â
Such signs on a single residential lot shall be limited to one
sign, not greater than 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in area.
(b)Â
Such signs for a residential subdivision or multiple residential
lots shall be limited to one sign, at each entrance to the subdivision
or on one of the lots to be built upon, and shall be no greater than
10 feet in height and 40 square feet in area.
(c)Â
Such signs for nonresidential uses in residential districts
shall be limited to one sign, and it shall be no greater than 10 feet
in height and 40 square feet in area.
(d)Â
Such signs for commercial or industrial projects shall be limited
to one sign per street frontage, not to exceed 10 feet in height and
40 square feet for projects on parcels five acres (20,235 m2) or less in size, and not to exceed 10 feet in height
and 40 square feet for projects on parcels larger than five acres
(20,235 m2).
(e)Â
Development and construction signs may not be displayed until
after the issuance of construction permits by the Building Official
and must be removed not later than 24 hours following issuance of
an occupancy permit for any or all portions of the project.
(3)Â
Special
promotion, event and grand opening signs. Signs temporarily displayed
to advertise special promotions, events and grand openings shall be
permitted for all residential, business and industrial districts,
subject to the following limitations:
[Amended 7-2-2012 by Ord.
No. 6-2-12]
(a)Â
Such signs shall be limited to one sign per street front.
(b)Â
Such signs may be displayed for not more than 14 consecutive
days in any six-month period and not more than 20 days in any calendar
year. The signs shall be erected no more than five days prior to the
event or grand opening and shall be removed not more than one day
after the event or grand opening.
(c)Â
The total area of all such signs shall not exceed 40 square
feet in any single-family residential district, 40 square feet in
any multiple-family residential district and 40 square feet in any
commercial or industrial district.
(4)Â
Special
event signs in public ways. Signs advertising a special community
event shall not be prohibited in or over public rights-of-way, subject
to approval by the Code Enforcement Officer as to the size, location
and method of erection.
(a)Â
The official may not approve any special event signage that
would impair the safety and convenience of use of public rights-of-way
or obstruct traffic visibility.
(b)Â
This sign must also meet Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
requirements if it is on Route 199, South Main Street or on any other
state highway.
(c)Â
A permit shall be required for the erection of any sign or banner.
(d)Â
The sign or banner shall have a vertical clearance above the
roadway no less than 20 feet.
(e)Â
The sign or banner must relate to a national, state, regional,
or local function or charitable affair and shall be removed no later
than two weeks following the occasion.
(f)Â
No more than 20% of the message on the sign or banner shall
relate to naming or advertising a commercial product, enterprise,
business, or company, regardless of whether it is sponsoring the event
or sign or banner installation.
(g)Â
The installation of the sign or banner shall be accompanied
by traffic control performed in accordance with the most-current safety
publication issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
(5)Â
Portable
signs. Portable signs shall be permitted in any zoning district, subject
to the following limitations:
(a)Â
No more than one such sign may be displayed on any property,
and it shall not exceed a height of six feet nor an area of 40 square
feet.
(b)Â
Such signs shall be displayed not more than 20 days in any calendar
year.
(c)Â
Any electrical portable signs shall comply with the Uniform
Construction Code, as adopted in this jurisdiction.
[Amended 1-6-2020 by Ord. No. 1-6-2020]
(d)Â
No portable sign shall be displayed prior to obtaining a sign
permit.
(e)Â
These temporary signs are for the announcement of a birthday,
anniversary, or special occasion or event.
(f)Â
Said signs may not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00
p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(6)Â
Personal
expression signs.
[Amended 10-3-2016 by Ord. No. 10-3-16-01]
(a)Â
PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGNS
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
Noncommercial signs, regardless of whether they contain political,
religious or any other noncommercial message.
(b)Â
Personal expression signs on public property.
[1]Â
It is unlawful to place, erect or maintain personal expression
signs in the public right-of-way and/or on or in public buildings
and structures, including parking structures and Borough halls, or
on or in public parks, lawns, vehicles, trees, shrubs, fences, walls,
traffic signs or fire hydrants.
[2]Â
It is unlawful to place, erect or maintain any personal expression
sign in any manner that damages or defaces public property.
[3]Â
It is unlawful to place, erect or maintain any personal expression
sign so as to create a visibility hazard to pedestrian or motor vehicle
traffic along streets or sidewalks or at street corners.
(c)Â
Personal expression signs on private property.
[1]Â
It is unlawful to place, erect or maintain any personal expression
sign on private property without the consent of the owner of said
premises.
[2]Â
It is unlawful to place, erect or maintain any personal expression
signs to create a visibility hazard to pedestrian or motor vehicle
traffic along streets or sidewalks or on street corners.
[3]Â
It is unlawful to place, erect or maintain any personal expression
sign that is larger than 40 square feet, and the height shall not
exceed six feet.
[4]Â
Length of personal expression signs relating to candidates for
public office. It is unlawful to maintain any personal expression
signs relating to a candidate for public office more than 30 days
prior to the primary election and more than 10 days after the primary
election. It is unlawful to maintain any personal expression signs
relating to a candidate for public office more than 30 days prior
to the general election and more than 10 days after the general election;
provided, however, that in the event of a subsequent runoff election,
the signs of the runoff candidates may be maintained until the seventh
day after the runoff election. The Borough will notify the candidate
and/or campaign on whose behalf the sign appears of the violation
of this chapter, and said candidate or campaign shall be given seven
days to remove said signs or be assessed the costs of removal by the
Borough. In the event that such signs are not removed, the Borough
is authorized to remove and destroy said signs and to charge the candidate
or campaign on whose behalf the signs were erected for the costs of
removal and disposal.
[5]Â
Length of personal expression signs not relating to a candidate
for public office. It is unlawful to maintain any personal expression
signs more than 80 days in a calendar year running from January 1
to December 31 of any year. This provision is intended to be content
neutral allowing for the sign to be displayed the same length of time
as a personal express sign relating to a political candidate in a
calendar year. If a personal expression sign remains erected for over
80 days in a calendar year the Borough will notify the property owner
of the violation of this chapter, and said property owner shall be
given seven days to remove said signs or be assessed the costs of
removal by the Borough. In the event that such signs are not removed
after the seven-day period, the Borough is authorized to remove and
destroy said signs and to charge the property owner for the costs
of removal and disposal.
C.Â
Requirements for specific sign types. Signs of specific types shall be in accordance with Subsection C(1) through (4).
(1)Â
Canopy
and marquee signs.
(a)Â
The permanently affixed copy area of canopy or marquee signs
shall not exceed an area equal to 25% of the face area of the canopy,
marquee or architectural projection upon which such sign is affixed
or applied.
(b)Â
Graphic striping, patterns or color bands on the face of a building,
canopy, marquee or architectural projection shall not be included
in the computation of sign copy area.
(2)Â
Awning
signs.
(a)Â
The copy area of awning signs shall not exceed an area equal
to 25% of the background area of the awning or awning surface to which
such a sign is affixed or applied, or the permitted area for wall
or fascia signs, whichever is less.
(b)Â
Neither the background color of an awning nor any graphic treatment
or embellishment thereto, such as striping, patterns or valances,
shall be included in the computation of sign copy area.
(3)Â
Window
signs. Window signs shall be permitted for any nonresidential use
in a residential district, and for all commercial and industrial districts,
subject to the following limitations:
(a)Â
The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed 25% of
the window area on which such signs are displayed. Window panels separated
by muntins or mullions shall be considered as one continuous window
area.
(b)Â
Window signs shall not be assessed against the sign area permitted
for other sign types.
(4)Â
Menu
boards. Menu board signs shall not be permitted to exceed eight square
feet per side.
A.Â
Master sign plan required. All landlord- or single-owner-controlled
multiple-occupancy development complexes on parcels exceeding eight
acres (32,376 m2) in size, such as shopping
centers or planned industrial parks, shall submit to the Code Enforcement
Officer a master sign plan prior to issuance of new sign permits.
The master sign plan shall establish standards and criteria for all
signs in the complex that require permits and shall address, at a
minimum, the following:
B.Â
Development complex sign. In addition to the freestanding business
identification signs otherwise allowed by this chapter, every multiple-occupancy
development complex shall be entitled to one freestanding sign per
street front, at the maximum size permitted for business identification
freestanding signs, to identify the development complex. No business
identification shall be permitted on a development complex sign. Any
freestanding sign otherwise permitted under this chapter may identify
the name of the development complex.
C.Â
Compliance with master sign plan. All applications for sign permits
for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex shall
comply with the master sign plan.
D.Â
Amendments. Any amendments to a master sign plan must be signed and
approved by the owner(s) within the development complex before such
amendment will become effective.
E.Â
Illumination of signs. Animated signs, electronically activated signs,
flashing signs, pattern illusionary movement signs, environmentally
activated, spinner, pinwheel, pennant, mechanically activated, and
revolving illuminated signs shall be considered as a special exception
in the Business I District, provided that such signs shall not create
any traffic hazard or abut or face any residential property or any
residentially zoned lot.
