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Township of Canton, PA
Washington County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
The purpose of this Part is to promote and protect the public safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare by the orderly placement and erection of signs and billboards in the Township of Canton.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
ANIMATED SIGNS
A sign with action, motion, flashing or color changes, but not including; a) wind actuated elements, such as flags, banners or specialty items; b) public service signs, such as time and temperature or c) changeable message signs.
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION
Any projection which is not intended for occupancy and which extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building, but shall not include signs.
AREA OF COPY
The entire area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles which encloses the extreme limits of advertising message, announcement or decoration of a wall sign.
AREA OF SIGN
The cumulative area of the faces of the sign within a perimeter which form the outside shape, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the signs may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. Any irregular shaped sign area shall be computed using the actual sign face surface.
BACKGROUND AREA OF SIGN
The entire background area of a sign upon which copy could be placed. In computing area of sign background, only that face or faces which can be seen from any one direction at one time shall be counted.
BILLBOARD
See "off-premise sign."
BUILDING FACADE
That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending from grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves and the entire width of the building elevation.
BUILDING FACADE FACING
A resurfacing of an existing facade with approved material illuminated or nonilluminated.
BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGN
Any sign which promotes the name and type of business only on the premises where it is located.
CANOPY SIGN
Any sign attached to or constructed in, on or under a canopy or marquee. For the purpose of this Part, canopy signs shall be controlled by the rules governing projecting signs.
CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN
A sign, such as a time and temperature sign, message center, reader board or bulletin board where copy changes electrically, electronically or manually.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
On-premise incidental signs designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
DOUBLE FACED SIGN
A sign with copy on two parallel faces that are back to back, facing in opposite directions.
FREE STANDING SIGNS
A sign with an under clearance of greater than two feet, supported permanently upon the ground by one or more supports and not attached to any building.
GRADE
The elevation or level of the street closest to the sign to which reference is made, measured at the street's center line.
GROSS AREA
The area of a sign determined by using the outside perimeter dimensions of the sign. If the sign consists of more than one module or section, their areas will be totaled. If the modules are formed in the shape of letters or symbols, the rules for area or copy apply.
GROUND SIGN
A free standing sign with an under clearance of two feet or less, supported permanently upon the ground by one or more supports and not attached to any building. Ground signs shall be measured from the average height of grade.
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The vertical distance measured from the average natural grade adjacent to where the sign is located, to the highest point of such sign. Berms shall not be considered for the purpose of determining the average grade.
HIGHWAY CORRIDOR
A corridor parallel to Interstate Highway 70 and U.S. Route 40 established for the purpose of allowing additional signage in Commercial Zoning Districts. This corridor shall be 500 feet wide, measured from the highway right-of-way, but shall never exceed 1,000 feet from the center line of the highway right of way.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS
A sign in which a source of light is used in order to make the message readable. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs.
LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGN
A nonconforming sign that did meet code regulations when it was originally installed, but due to changes of ordinance or circumstance, do not comply with current ordinance.
MARQUEE
Marquee is a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over public property.
MARQUEE SIGN
Any sign attached to or constructed in a marquee.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign that does not meet code regulations.
OFF-PREMISE SIGN
A sign which advertises goods, products, facilities or services not necessarily on the premises where the sign is located, or directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.
ON-PREMISE SIGN
Any sign identifying or advertising a business, person, activity, goods, products or services located on a premise where the sign is installed and maintained.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign, normally double faced, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building facade.
REVOLVING SIGN
A sign which revolves 360° but does not exceed 8 rpm.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by said building. All roof signs are prohibited.
SIGN
Any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, design, identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, to advertise, identify, convey information or direct attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.
SIGN STRUCTURE
Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign, as devised in this code. A sign structure may be a single pole or may or may not be an integral part of the building.
SWINGING SIGN
A sign installed on an arm or mast or spar that is not permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign which is intended to advertise community or civic projects, construction projects, real estate for sale or lease or other special events on a temporary basis.
UNDER MARQUEE SIGN
A lighted or unlighted display attached to the underside of a marquee.
WALL SIGN
A sign which is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and which projects not more than 18 inches from the building or structure wall and which does not extend above the parapet, eaves or building facade of the building on which it is located or a sign which is painted on any exterior wall.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign installed on a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises.
ZONING LOT FRONTAGE CREDIT
When a zoning lot has more than 200 lineal feet of frontage on one or more public streets, the aggregate total of signage on the lot may be increased by 1/2 square foot for each lineal frontage foot over 200 lineal feet using the longest accessible street side adjacent to the lot as the basis. A zoning lot frontage credit may never exceed 500 square feet. See zoning districts and § 19-107, "Exceptions to Specific Zoning Districts" for specifics.
ZONING OF LAND USE
The land use district as established by the Township Board.
Note - In computing the lineal footage of frontage on the longest accessible street side, only frontage along the developed portion of the lot may be considered.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
1. 
Scope. This Part pertains to and regulates all billboards and signs in the Township of Canton Township.
2. 
Prohibited Signs in All Zoning Districts. Animated signs and roof signs are prohibited in all zoning districts. No sign requiring a permit may be attached to any fence.
3. 
Marquee Signs. Marquee signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed in a marquee. Marquee signs shall comply with commercial zoning ordinances, and shall not exceed 40% of the background facing to which it is applied.
4. 
Canopy Signs. Copy area of a canopy sign shall comply with commercial zoning ordinances and shall not exceed 40% of the background facing to which it is applied.
5. 
Wall Signs. Background area of wall signs shall not exceed 10% of the building facade or four square feet per lineal foot of the elevation upon which they are placed, whichever is greater.
6. 
Setbacks.
A. 
Free standing and ground signs shall have a minimum setback of 12 feet except along the street right-of-way the setback may be reduced to 0. (No portion of the sign may project into or over the street right of way).
B. 
Any free standing, ground or projecting sign located within 30 feet of an intersection or 15 feet of a driveway, measured from the point of intersection with a right-of-way, shall maintain a minimum of eight feet between the bottom of the sign and the grade where the sign is located or shall be not more than three feet in height.
C. 
No sign facing a Residential District shall be closer than 25 feet to that district line.
7. 
Computation of Area of Individual Signs. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing or wall when such wall otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
8. 
Computation of Area of Multi faced Signs. The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces.
9. 
Maximum Area of Signs. The maximum area of signs shall be the accumulation of the area of all signs located on a parcel of record. The maximum area of signs may differ according to the zoning classification of a lot.
10. 
Roof Signs. All roof signs are prohibited.
11. 
Illumination. All electrical signs shall conform to the requirements of the Township electrical code. Illumination shall be directed entirely on the sign.
12. 
Maintenance of Signs. All signs and sign structures shall be properly maintained and kept in a neat and proper state of repair and appearance.
13. 
Removal of Obsolete, Nonmaintained or Abandoned Signs. All signs, including those painted on a building, which no longer serve the purpose for which they were intended or are not maintained or which have been abandoned, shall be removed by the business or property owner within 90 days after the receipt of removal notice or, upon failure of such removal, the Township shall remove such signs at the expense of the owner or lessee of the premises.
14. 
Stability.
A. 
All signs requiring a permit shall be designed, constructed and maintained to withstand a minimum wind load of 30 pounds per square foot of sign area, and will otherwise structurally be safe, and shall be securely anchored or otherwise fastened, suspended or supported so that they will not be a menace to persons or property. No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing, due to wind action. The use of cables or wires is prohibited.
15. 
Trailer, Mobile Mounted, Banners and Balloons.
A. 
A maximum of five temporary signs are permitted on a single parcel for up to a maximum of four two week periods in a calendar year. These may be any combination of banners, balloons, trailers or mobile signs.
B. 
Each permit is to be issued to a single parcel or identifiable shopping center and not each business therein for a period not to exceed two weeks. There shall be at least 15 days between such permits.
C. 
Such signs may be located in the front yard setback area if they are not within 15 feet of an intersecting street or driveway to preserve sight distance.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
1. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, allow an illegal sign to remain or structurally modify a sign or cause the same to be done in the Township of Canton without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer, as required by this Part. Permits shall not be required for a change of copy on any sign, nor for the repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of the sign and sign structure.
2. 
Application for a Permit. Application for a permit shall be filed with the Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer upon forms provided by the Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer. The applicant shall provide all information required on the application for the permit.
3. 
Permit Fees. Application for permit shall be filed with the Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer, together with a permit fee for each sign in accordance with the Township schedule.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
1. 
Construction Signs. Two construction signs per construction site, not exceeding 100 square feet in area each, shall be confined to the site of construction, and shall be removed 30 days after completion of construction or prior to occupancy, whichever is sooner.
2. 
Directional and Instructional Nonelectric Signs. Directional and instructional nonelectric signs, which provide instruction or direction and are located entirely on a property to which they pertain and do not exceed eight square feet each in area and do not in any way advertise a business. This includes, but is not limited to, such signs as those identifying restrooms, telephone, parking areas, entrances and exits.
3. 
Nonilluminated Emblems. Nonilluminated emblems, or insignia of any nation or political subdivision, profit or nonprofit organization.
4. 
Government Signs. Government signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, danger signs, railroad crossing signs and signs of public utilities indicating danger, and aids to service or safety which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his/her public duty.
5. 
House Numbers and Name Plates. House numbers and name plates not exceeding two square feet in area for each residential, commercial or industrial building.
6. 
Interior Signs. Signs located within the interior of any building or structure which are not visible from the public right-of-way. This does not, however, exempt such signs from the structural, electrical or material specifications of this Part.
7. 
Memorial Signs and Plaques. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection, which are cut into masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of a building or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material not more than four square feet in area.
8. 
No Trespassing or No Dumping Signs. No trespassing and no dumping signs not to exceed 1 1/2 square feet in area per sign.
9. 
Public Notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employers in the performance of their duties.
10. 
Public Signs. Signs required as specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.
11. 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection 11, Political and Campaign Signs, was repealed 7/14/2017 by Ord. 4/2017.
12. 
Real Estate Signs. One real estate sales sign on any lot or parcel, provided such sign is located entirely within the property to which the sign applies and is not directly illuminated.
A. 
In residential districts, such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days after the sale, rental or lease has been accomplished.
B. 
In all other districts, such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days after the sale, rental or lease has been accomplished.
C. 
On through lots (a lot fronting on two parallel streets) in all districts one additional real estate sign is permitted along the second street.
13. 
Temporary Window Signs. In business, commercial and industrial districts, the inside surface of any ground floor window may be used for attachment of temporary signs. The total area of such signs, however, shall not exceed 50% of the total window area, and shall not be placed on door windows or other windows needed to be clear for pedestrian safety.
14. 
On-Premise Symbols or Insignia. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historic agencies or identification emblems of religious orders or historic agencies.
15. 
Temporary Signs.
A. 
Temporary signs pertaining to drives or events of civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations, provided such signs are posted not more than 30 days before said event and removed within five days after the event. Signs may be a maximum of 32 square feet when used on a collector street or highway, and a maximum of eight square feet in all other areas.
B. 
Temporary signs used to advertise rummage/yard sales provided the signs are no larger than eight square feet in area. These signs may be erected no more than two days before the sale and must be taken down no later than the day after the sale.
C. 
No sign shall be located within the public right-of-way, at a street intersection within 15 feet of the public right-of-way, nor over the public right-of-way.
16. 
Vehicular Signs. Truck, bus, trailer or other vehicle, while operating in the normal course of business, which is not primarily the display of signs.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
1. 
All Residential Districts and Agricultural Districts. All signs are prohibited in the Residential Districts and Agriculture Districts, except for the following, nonilluminated, permanent signs under the conditions specified.
A. 
Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs, which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which said signs are temporarily located. No sign shall exceed eight square feet in area. Corner lots shall be permitted two such signs, one facing each street.
B. 
Nameplate Signs. Nameplate signs, not to exceed two square feet, located on the premises. Corner lots shall be permitted two such signs, one facing each street.
C. 
In R-3 Residential Districts specifically relating to and limited to multiple family dwellings, the following signs may be permitted:
(1) 
One on-premise landscaped ground sign, no more than six feet high, maximum 25 square feet per side, 50 square feet total of all sides combined shall be permitted with copy limited to name, logo and office or rental information phone number.
(2) 
One wall mount sign, maximum of eight square feet, which may list amenities.
D. 
Subdivision Identification Signs. In R-1, R-2 and R1-2A Residential Districts one subdivision identification sign may be permitted to identify subdivision developments of five or more lots and the subsequent subdivision additions. The sign must be a landscaped ground sign no more than eight feet high, maximum 40 square feet per side. Copy is limited to the name of the subdivision and logo.
E. 
Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards or similar devices for churches and religious institutions not to exceed 32 square feet in area. Height of said sign shall not exceed six feet.
F. 
Memorial Signs. Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against a building.
G. 
Official Signs. Official signs, such as traffic control, parking restrictions, information and notices.
H. 
Agricultural signs pertaining to the products of the agricultural premises not to exceed 16 square feet per side, 32 square feet in area total of all sides combined. Height of this sign shall not exceed eight feet from grade level. Two such signs shall be permitted per farm.
2. 
All Commercial and Industrial or Mixed-Use Districts.
A. 
Projection. In these districts where limitations are imposed by this Part on the projection of signs, from the face of the wall of any building or structure, such limitations shall not apply to identification canopy or marquee signs indicating only the name of the building or the name of the principal occupant of the building or the principal product available therein, provided that any identification sign located on a marquee or canopy shall be affixed flat to the vertical face thereof.
B. 
Safety Standards. All outdoor advertising structures, post signs, accessory signs or advertising statuary which are declared to be a traffic hazard by the Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall be relocated or rearranged in accordance with safety standards. A sign in direct line of vision of any traffic signal, from any point in the traffic lane, shall not have red, green or amber illumination, nor be illustrated in such a way so as to interfere with vision of said signal, nor be illustrated in such a way as to be distracting.
C. 
Mounting. All signs shall be mounted in one of the following manners:
(1) 
Flat against a building or wall.
(2) 
Back to back in pairs so that back of sign will be screened from public view.
(3) 
In clusters in an arrangement which will screen the back of the signs from public view.
(4) 
Or otherwise mounted so that the backs of all signs or sign structures showing to public view shall be painted and maintained a neutral color or a color that blends with surrounding environment.
3. 
C-1 District. In the C-1 District, business signs and advertising devices are permitted, subjected to the following conditions:
A. 
Area. The gross area in square feet of all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed 50 square feet. No zoning lot frontage credit permitted.
B. 
Content. Signs shall bear thereon no lettering other than to indicate the name and kind of business conducted in the building or structure, such as "men's clothing," "drugs," "jeweler" and the like, and the year the business was established, and the street number thereof. Signs may advertise articles of merchandise sold on the premises and may include changeable message areas. The area of changeable message signs are limited to 33% of the side of the sign on which they are applied.
C. 
Height. No sign shall exceed a height of six feet.
D. 
Number of Ground and Free Standing Signs. One ground sign shall be allowed per zoning parcel. Free standing signs are prohibited.
E. 
Size of Ground Signs. No ground sign shall exceed 25 square feet per side, 50 square feet in area of all sides combined.
F. 
Setbacks. Signs shall meet all yard requirements of the zoning district, excepting those instances as set forth in Article 27, Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances.
G. 
Illumination. Illumination of signs only during business hours.
H. 
Wall Signs. A business may have one or more wall signs, the total square feet of these signs may not exceed 10% of the surface area of the front face of the building. The signs may only be installed on the street sides of the building.
4. 
C-2 Districts. In the C-2 District, business and advertising signs are permitted, subject to the following conditions:
A. 
Content. Signs shall bear thereon no lettering other than to indicate the name and kind of business conducted in the building or structure, such as "men's clothing," "drugs," "jeweler" and the like, the year the business was established, the street number, slogan or logo pertaining to the business or articles of merchandise sold on the premises and may include changeable message areas. The area of a changeable message sign is limited to 33% of the side of the sign on which it is applied.
B. 
Height. No free standing sign shall exceed a height of 20 feet, ground signs shall not exceed eight feet.
C. 
Number of Ground or Free Standing Signs. Either one ground or one free standing sign shall be allowed per zoning parcel. Such ground or free-standing signs shall advertise only name and location of such shopping center or individual use and the name and type of business of each occupant of the center. Exception: Lots with more than 200 feet of zoning lot frontage qualify for an additional 1/2 square feet of signage for each foot of zoning lot frontage over 200 feet. This additional square footage may be used to create a second ground or free standing sign, however such second sign may be located no closer than 200 feet to the first sign. If so desired, the size of the first sign may be reduced in order to shift square footage to the second sign. Such second sign shall be limited in size in accordance with § 19-106, Subsections 4D and F.
D. 
Maximum Size of Ground or Free Standing Signs. Ground and free standing signs shall not exceed 120 square feet per side, 240 square feet in area of all sides combined.
E. 
Wall Signs. A business may have one or more wall signs, the total square feet of these signs may not exceed 10% of the surface area of the front face of the building, or 500 square feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be located on any wall face of the building. Exception: In the case of a lot fronting on two public streets, such business shall be entitled to additional wall signage equal to 10% of the surface area of the side of the building fronting on that street; however, the aggregate signage on any one wall of the building may not exceed 10% of its total surface area.
F. 
Setbacks. Signs shall meet all yard requirements of the zoning district, excepting those instances as set forth in § 19-103, Subsection 6.
5. 
C-3 Districts. In C-3 Districts, business and advertising signs are permitted, subject to the following conditions:
A. 
Content. Signs shall bear thereon no lettering other than to indicate the name and kind of business conducted in the building or structure, such as "men's clothing," "drugs," "jeweler" and the like, the year the business was established, the street number, slogan or logo pertaining to the business or articles of merchandise sold on the premises and may include changeable message areas. The area of changeable message signs are limited to 33% of the side of the sign on which they are applied. Exception: Movie theaters and municipally operated arenas may have unlimited changeable copy areas.
B. 
Height. Free standing signs shall not exceed a height of 20 feet, ground signs shall not exceed eight feet.
C. 
Number of Ground or Free Standing Signs. Either one ground or one free standing sign shall be allowed per zoning parcel. Such ground or free standing signs shall advertise only name and location of such shopping center or individual use and the name and type of business of each occupant of the center. Exception: Lots with more than 200 feet of zoning lot frontage receive an additional 1/2 square feet of signage for each foot of zoning lot frontage over 200 feet. This additional square footage may be used to create a second ground or free standing sign; however, such second sign may be located no closer than 200 feet to the first sign. If so desired, the size of the first sign may be reduced in order to shift square footage to the second sign. Such second sign shall be limited in size in accordance with § 19-106, Subsections 5D and F. If extra square footage is not applied to a second sign, it may be applied to a wall sign.
D. 
Maximum Size of Ground or Freestanding Signs. Ground and free standing signs shall not exceed 120 square feet per side, 240 square feet in area of all sides combined.
E. 
Wall Signs. A business may have one or more wall signs, the total square feet of these signs may not exceed 10% of the surface area of the front face of the building, or 500 square feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be located on any wall face of the building. Exception: In the case of a lot fronting on two public streets, such business shall be entitled to additional wall signage equal to 10% of the surface area of the side of the building fronting on that street, however the aggregate signage on any one wall of the building may not exceed 10% of its total surface area.
F. 
Setbacks. Signs shall meet all yard requirements of the zoning district, excepting those instances as set forth in § 19-103, Subsection 6.
G. 
Exceptions to Above Requirements. Refer to § 19-107, "Exceptions to Specific Zoning District Requirements."
6. 
All Industrial Districts. In the Industrial Districts, business signs are permitted, subject to the following conditions.
A. 
Content. Signs shall bear thereon no lettering other than to indicate the name and kind of industry or business conducted in the building or structure, and the year the industry or business was established, and the street number thereof. Signs may advertise articles of merchandise manufactured or sold on the premises and may include changeable message areas. The area of changeable message signs are limited to 33% of the side of the sign on which they are applied. Exception: Movie theaters and municipally operated arenas may have unlimited changeable copy areas.
B. 
Height. No free standing sign shall exceed a height of 20 feet, ground signs shall not exceed eight feet.
C. 
Number of Ground or Free Standing Signs. Either one ground or one free standing sign shall be allowed per zoning parcel. Only one ground sign per zoning lot may be an off-premise sign allowed under the terms of this Part. Such ground or free standing signs shall advertise only name and location of such shopping center or individual use and the name and type of industry or business of each occupant of the center.
D. 
Size of Ground or Free Standing Signs. No ground or free standing sign shall exceed 120 square feet per side, 240 square feet in area of all sides combined.
E. 
Wall Signs. A business may have one or more wall signs, the total square feet of these signs may not exceed 10% of the surface area of the front face of the building, or 500 feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be located on any wall face of the building. Exception: In the case of a lot fronting on two public streets, such business shall be entitled to additional wall signage equal to 10% of the surface area of the side of the building fronting on that street; however, the aggregate signage on any one wall of the building may not exceed 10% of its total surface area.
F. 
Setbacks. Signs shall meet all yard requirements of the zoning district, excepting those instances as set forth in § 19-103, Subsection 6.
G. 
Exceptions to Above Requirements. Refer to § 19-107, "Exceptions to Specific Zoning District Requirements."
7. 
Mixed Use District. In the MU District, business signs are permitted, subjected to the following conditions:
A. 
Area. The gross area in square feet of all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed 200 square feet.
B. 
Content. Signs shall bear thereon no lettering other than to indicate the name and kind of institution occupying the building or structure, such as "church," "library" or "fire department" and the like, and the name of the organization or institution, and the street number thereof and may include changeable message areas. The area of a changeable message sign is limited to 33% of the side of the sign on which it is applied.
C. 
Height. No sign shall exceed a height of six feet.
D. 
Number of Ground Signs. One ground sign shall be allowed per zoning parcel. Exception: In addition to a ground sign, a bulletin board with a maximum size of 32 square feet per side may used. The square footage of this bulletin board shall be taken from the 100 square feet maximum allowed per side for a ground sign and shall reduce the size of said ground sign accordingly.
E. 
Size of Ground Signs. No ground sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area of all sides combined.
F. 
Wall Signs. A business may have one or more wall signs, the total square feet of these signs may not exceed 10% of the surface area of the front face of the building, or 200 square feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be located on any wall face of the building. Exception: In the case of a lot fronting on two public streets, such business shall be entitled to additional wall signage equal to 10% of the surface area of the side of the building fronting on that street, however the aggregate signage on any one wall of the building may not exceed 10% of its total surface area.
G. 
Illumination. Illumination of signs is permitted only during business hours.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
1. 
The following exceptions for sign requirements shall apply:
A. 
Within the C-2, C-3, M1 and M2 Districts, for shopping centers, or where more than one business is located on a zoning lot in separate primary structures, each business shall be allowed a wall or building facade identity sign not to exceed the area requirements set forth in § 19-103 of this Part. For shopping centers, only one wall or building facade sign is permitted for each tenant space, the requirements set forth in § 19-103, Subsections 3, 4 and 5, shall be enforced for each individual business and not for the zoning parcel in its entirety. The building frontage of the individual tenant space shall be used to determine the square footage of a wall sign for that tenant space. Sign area shall not be shifted from one tenant to another.
B. 
In a highway corridor, parcels zoned C-3 may take the following exceptions:
(1) 
Front Foot Increase. Allow an increase of signage of 1/2 square foot per front foot of zoning lot frontage starting after the first 200 lineal feet of zoning lot frontage; however, under no circumstance shall the increase in signage be greater than 500 square feet.
(2) 
Free Standing Sign. One free standing sign shall be allowed with a maximum height of 50 feet and maximum of 200 square feet per side, 400 square feet total of all sides combined. Exception: The size may be increased to a maximum of 300 square feet per side, 600 square feet total of all sides combined, utilizing square footage gained from the zoning lot frontage increase of 1/2 square foot per front foot for frontage over 200 lineal feet.
Note - Free standing signs permitted in the highway corridor over 20 feet high may not be located any closer than 300 feet to any residentially zoned property and may not be located outside the highway corridor.
(3) 
Second Sign. One additional free standing sign or one ground sign may also be installed, either of which shall be no larger than 120 square feet per side, 240 square feet total of all sides combined. If a second free standing sign is used it may not exceed 20 feet in height. If a ground sign is used it may not exceed eight feet in height.
(4) 
Wall Signs. A maximum of 700 square feet of wall sign shall be permitted in a Highway Corridor, not to exceed 10% of the wall area fronting street. Wall signs may be located on any wall face. Except, the maximum area of wall signs may be increased to 900 square feet, utilizing additional signage gained from the zoning lot frontage increase of 1/2 square feet per front foot for frontage over 200 lineal feet.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
1. 
All off-premise poster panel and painted bulletin signs are prohibited in the Township of Canton Township, regardless of the nature, size and location, except as provided herein.
2. 
Off-premise poster panel and painted bulletin signs shall only be allowed along State Route 844, State Route 18 and U.S. Route 40 on lands zoned C-3, M1 and M2 and only after obtaining a conditional use permit and meeting the sign requirements as set forth in this Part.
3. 
In issuing permits for off-premise poster panel and painted bulletin signs in the Township of Canton Township the Township Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall see that the following restrictions are complied with:
A. 
All off-premise signs which contain, include or are illuminated by any flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights, or those of red, green or amber color at intersections, are prohibited. Lights from any illumination shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that the light intensity or brightness will be minimized to the surrounding areas. Such illumination shall be direct and the source of light shall not be exposed, when facing a residential zone. There shall be no direct illumination upon a roadway, or no glare or source of light shall be visible.
B. 
There shall be no off-premise signs of any nature in the township located within 500 feet of a residential district.
C. 
There shall be no off-premise signs in the township which are more than 50 feet in height.
D. 
Off-premise signs in the Township shall be spaced at least 750 feet between on the same side of the highway.
E. 
No off-premise signs shall be greater than 700 square feet per side, 1,400 square feet total of all sides combined. Off-premise signs shall be limited to no more than two sides.
F. 
No off-premise sign permitted by this Part, or any other ordinance of the township, shall in any manner project over the right-of-way of any highway or roadway in the township.
G. 
No off-premise business sign may be located within the front yard or corner side yard setback of any zoning district, unless it meets the requirements of § 19-103, Subsection 6.
H. 
Any off-premise sign for advertising purposes in the township shall have at least eight feet of under clearance, unless erected upon or against an existing building.
I. 
Any off-premise signs erected in the township shall be erected on no more than two uprights and shall be engineered to withstand at least 30 pounds per square foot wind load.
J. 
No off-premise advertising signs shall be allowed to be placed on the roof of an existing building.
4. 
Off-premise directional signs may be permitted in the street right of way at the discretion of the Public Works Director based upon public need.
A. 
The following uses may be considered:
(1) 
Emergency services signs advising of and directing the driver to facilities providing emergency medical service or assistance. Such facilities include state enforcement agencies and hospitals providing emergency medical treatment.
(2) 
Public and private nonprofit arboretums, multipurpose arenas, museums, public access to waterways, public access to trails, County and local parks, religious institutions, County institutions (not highway departments) and schools.
B. 
The following conditions shall be met before any directional sign may be considered:
(1) 
Signs may only be located on major arteries classified collector or greater.
(2) 
The use must be located within 2,500 feet of the collector or arterial on which the sign is to be installed.
(3) 
The signs may not be located in the front yard of any residential or neighborhood business zoned property.
(4) 
Size, color and content to be determined by Public Works but may include the name of the institution.
(5) 
The use must be located remote from and not visible from a collector or arterial.
(6) 
Emergency services shall be exempt from the above conditions (1) through (5) above.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
No sign in the Township of Canton Township shall hereafter be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated, except in conformity with the provisions of this Part. The changing of movable parts of signs that are designed to be changed or the repainting of display matter in conformity herewith shall not be deemed to be alterations within the meaning of this Part.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
1. 
Notification of Nonconformity. The Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall survey the Township for signs which do not conform to the requirements of this section. Upon determination that a sign is a nonconforming sign, the Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer shall use reasonable efforts to notify, either personally or in writing, the user or owner of the property on which the sign is located.
2. 
Nonconforming Signs. Any sign located within the Township on the date of adoption of this section of this Part which does not conform with these provisions, is eligible for characterization as a "nonconforming" sign and is permitted, provided it also meets the following requirements:
A. 
The sign was covered by a sign permit, or a permit was issued prior to the date of adoption of this section if one was required.
B. 
If no sign permit was required for the sign in question and the sign was in all respects in compliance with applicable law on the date of construction or installation.
3. 
Continuation of Nonconforming Status. A nonconforming sign shall maintain its nonconforming designation provided:
A. 
No structural modification of a nonconforming sign is permitted, except where such modification will result in having the effect of bringing such sign more in compliance with the requirements of this section, except for changing of copy and normal maintenance.
B. 
The sign is not relocated.
C. 
The sign is not replaced.
D. 
The total structural repairs or alterations to such a nonconforming sign shall not, during its life, exceed 50% of the assessed value of said sign existing at the time it became nonconforming.
4. 
Loss of Nonconforming Status. Any changes, except as provided in Subsection 3 of this Part, shall result in the loss of nonconforming status.
[Ord. 2-2002, 5/15/2002, § 1]
1. 
Defacing, removing or altering the position of a Township or public sign is a violation of this Part. Persons or entities defacing, altering or removing said signs are subject to prosecution. Only designated Township employees (Township Manager, Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer or Township employee under the direction of the Township Manager) may remove or alter the position of a Township or public sign. Acts of defacing, removing or altering township or public signage shall be considered defacing of or theft of public property.
2. 
Penalties and/or fines for such offenses include, but are not limited to: assessment of the cost of the sign and cost of labor required to replace said sign, plus court costs and a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500 for the first offense and a mandatory fine of $500 for the second or any subsequent offense.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code]
[Added at time of adoption of Code]
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this chapter shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding brought before a Magisterial District Judge under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, be guilty of a summary offense and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs of prosecution. In default of payment thereof, the defendant may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days. Each day or portion thereof that such violation continues or is permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense, and each section of this chapter that is violated shall also constitute a separate offense.