Signs may be erected and maintained only when in compliance with the provisions of this article and other ordinances and regulations relating to the erection, alteration, or maintenance of signs and similar devices.
A. 
The purposes of this article are the following:
(1) 
To affirm the place of signs as an accessory use of property.
(2) 
To encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City.
(3) 
To maintain and enhance the City's aesthetic environment and its ability to attract sources of economic development and growth.
(4) 
To improve pedestrian and traffic safety.
(5) 
To enable the fair and consistent enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
B. 
This article applies to all signs located in the City of Altoona.
Signs are allowed in the City of Altoona with or without zoning permits as specified in Sign Table A below. The explanation and key to the table is as follows:
A. 
If the letter "P" appears for a sign type in a column of this table, such a sign is permitted in the zoning district represented by that column without a zoning permit.
B. 
If the letter "S" appears for a sign type in a column of this table, such a sign is allowed in the zoning district represented by that column only after a zoning permit been secured in accordance with this chapter.
C. 
If the letter "N" appears for a sign type in a column of this table, such a sign is not allowed in the zoning district represented by that column.
D. 
The permitting requirements for zoning permits relative to signs are in addition to all other applicable permits and requirements for the sign.
Sign Table A
Sign Types and Districts
Sign Type
R-S
R-SH
R-L
R-MH
R-U
M-RC
C-NB
C-HB
C-CB
I-L
I-G
Freestanding
Off-premises advertising
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
N
S
S
Incidental
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
P
P
P
P
Plaza
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
P
S
P
P
Business
N
N
N
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Residential
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
N
P
N
N
Temporary
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Other
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
S
Building
Banner1
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
S
Building marker
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Canopy
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
Identification
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Incidental
N
N
N
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Marquee
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
Plaza
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
P
P
Projecting
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
P
Roof
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
N
S
S
Roof, integral
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
Suspended
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
S
Temporary
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Wall
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
S
Window
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
S
Miscellaneous
Banner
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
Bus shelter
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
Flag
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
NOTE:
1
Must be removed 90 days after permit approval.
Any sign designated by an "S" or "P" in Sign Table A above shall be allowed only if the sum of the area of all building, freestanding and miscellaneous signs on the lot conforms with the maximum permitted sign area as determined by the standard for the zoning district in which the lot is located as specified in Sign Table B, below.
A. 
How to compute the sign 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 and used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed. The calculation shall not include any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets the provisions of this chapter and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
B. 
How to compute the sign area of multifaceted signs. The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces area are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 42 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.
C. 
How to compute the maximum total permitted sign area for a lot.
(1) 
The permitted sum of the area of all individual signs on a lot shall be computed by applying the standard contained in Sign Table B, Maximum Sign Area per Lot, to the lot frontage, building frontage, or wall area, as appropriate, for the zoning district in which the lot is located. Lots fronting on two or more streets may utilize the permitted sign area for each street frontage. However, the total sign area that is oriented toward a particular street may not exceed the portion of the lot's total sign area allocation that is derived from the lot, building, or wall area frontage on that street.
(2) 
The maximum total area of all signs on a lot, except incidental signs, building marker signs, identification signs, and flags, shall not exceed the lesser of the maximum area shown in Sign Table B, Maximum Sign Area per Lot.
Sign Table B
Maximum Total Sign Area Per Lot (by frontage)
R-S
R-SH
R-L
R-MH
R-U
M-RC
C-NB
C-HB
C-CB
I-L
I-G
Total square feet
10
10
20
20
20
80
100
300
100
300
300
Percentage of the ground-floor area of the principal building
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
2%
3%
5%
3%
5%
5%
Square feet of signage per linear foot of lot width at the building line
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
2.0
2.0
6.0
3.0
0.5
0.5
The size, location, and number of signs on the lot must conform to the requirements of Sign Table C and Sign Table D below, which establish permitted sign dimensions by sign type.
A. 
How to compute sign height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base anchoring at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the existing grade prior to construction. In cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base anchoring of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a nonelevated public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot, whichever is lower. Individual signs, including base anchoring, shall not exceed the applicable standards shown on Sign Table C and on Sign Table D.
B. 
Additional height requirements. An off-premises advertising sign shall have no less than three feet of bottom open space along its entire length. Latticing shall be regarded as satisfying this requirement.
C. 
Additional placement specifications.
(1) 
In addition to the setback requirements of Sign Table C, no sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to an intersection between public and/or private roads and/or driveways unless that sign allows a clear view between the intersecting roads and/or driveways at all heights between three and 10 feet.
(2) 
Pole(s) or standard(s) may be located at any point within a required yard if, between the level of 30 inches above curb level and the level of 10 feet above curb level, the diameter or greatest dimension of the supporting pole(s) or standard(s) does not exceed 20 inches.
(3) 
Placement of off-premises advertising signs.
(a) 
No off-premises advertising sign or structure shall be erected within 300 feet of any church or school.
(b) 
No off-premises advertising sign shall be erected within 1,000 feet of any other off-premises advertising sign on the same side of the street.
(c) 
No off-premises advertising sign shall be located within 300 feet of another off-premises advertising sign.
(d) 
No off-premises advertising shall be permitted on the roof of any structure.
(e) 
No additional off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted within the City limits unless another off-premises advertising sign is removed within the City limits. The total number of off-premises advertising signs in the City shall not exceed the number in place presently.
D. 
Double-frontage specifications. Lots fronting on two or more streets may utilize the permitted number of signs for each street frontage. However, these signs cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
E. 
Additional wall area specifications. The percentage figure of "wall area" shall be interpreted as a maximum percentage of the area of the wall of which such a sign is a part or to which each sign is most nearly parallel.
F. 
Dimensional and numerical standards.
(1) 
No sign shall exceed any applicable maximum numbers or dimensions shown on Sign Table D. Likewise, no sign shall encroach on any applicable minimum clearances shown below.
(2) 
On any single property with multiple storefronts, each storefront shall be entitled to a maximum of one twenty-five-square-foot sign affixed to the building above the storefront. This subsection can be invoked by the owner of the business only when the dimensional standards in Sign Tables B, C and D would otherwise prohibit any identification for the business on the premises.
(3) 
All signs must comply with all applicable dimensional standards of this article. Where two standards conflict, the stricter shall apply.
Sign Table C
Quantity, Area, Height and Placement of Individual Signs
Sign Type
R-S
R-SH
R-L
R-MH
R-U
M-RC
C-NB
C-HB
C-CB
I-L
I-G
Freestanding
Maximum area (in square feet)
10
10
20
20
20
60
100
200
100
150
150
Maximum height (in feet) (also see § 800-62)
7
7
7
7
7
15
15
35
15
35
35
Minimum setback (in feet) from all lot lines (also see § 800-62)
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
5
10
Number permitted per lot per foot of street frontage (also see § 800-62)
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 15
1 per 20
1 per 15
1 per 25
1 per 35
Building
Area (maximum square feet)
6
6
6
6
6
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Wall area (percent) (also see § 800-62)
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
3%
3%
10%
5%
10%
10%
Sign Table D
Number and Dimensions of Certain Individual Signs by Sign Type
Sign Type
Number Allowed
Maximum Sign Area
Vertical Clearance from Sidewalk, Private Drive or Parking
Vertical Clearance from Public Street
Freestanding
Off-premises advertising
See Table C
200 square feet, subject to district provisions
9 feet
15 feet
Residential, other, plaza and incidental
See Table C
See Table C
9 feet
15 feet
Building
Banner
1 per building
24 square feet
9 feet
15 feet
Building marker
1 per building
4 square feet
NA
NA
Canopy
1 per building
25% of the canopy's vertical surface
9 feet
15 feet
Identification
1 per building
NA
NA
NA
Incidental
NA
NA
NA
NA
Marquee
1 per building
NA
9 feet
15 feet
Plaza
1 per development
150 square feet
9 feet
15 feet
Projecting
1 per building
20 square feet
9 feet
15 feet
Residential
See Table C
NA
NA
NA
Roof
NA
NA
NA
NA
Roof, integral
2 per principal building
NA
NA
NA
Suspended
1 per entrance
NA
9 feet
NA
Temporary
See Table C
NA
NA
NA
Wall
NA
NA
NA
NA
Window
NA
25% of the window's total area
NA
NA
Miscellaneous
Banner
NA
NA
9 feet
15 feet
Flag
NA
60 square feet in residential zones
9 feet
15 feet
Portable
1 per lot, permitted in the General Industrial District only
20 square feet
NA
NA
[Amended 7-12-2017 by Ord. No. 5706]
A. 
The size, location, and number of signs on the lot must conform with any limitations listed in Sign Table A (see § 800-62), and the characteristics of the sign must conform with the limitations of Sign Table E. In Table E, a "P" signifies that the characteristic is allowed in the column's zoning district, while "N" signifies that the characteristic is not allowed. A "SE" signifies that the characteristic is allowed only as a special exception, subject to the Zoning Hearing Board finding that the sign will not impact residences or motorists due to sign specific distances, shielding, brightness, and/or hours of operation.
B. 
All permitted signs must follow the requirements of § 800-64, Design, construction and maintenance. No electronic screen sign shall be brighter than 0.3 footcandle above ambient light conditions. Notwithstanding the regulations in Table E below, electronic screen signs are permitted within 20 feet of the 17th Street right-of-way between the railroad and 4th Avenue.
Sign Table E
Sign Characteristics By District
Sign Type
R-S
R-SH
R-L
R-MU
R-U
M-RC
C-NB
C-HB
C-CB
I-L
I-G
Animation
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
P
P
P
P
Changeable copy
N
N
N
N
N
N
P
P
P
P
P
Internal illumination
N
N
N
N
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
External illumination
N
N
N
N
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
Exposed bulbs or neon illumination
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
P
P
P
P
Electronic screen signs (LED, LCD, or similar technology)
N
N
N
N
N
SE
SE
P
SE
SE
P
A. 
All signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or other structural element.
B. 
All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local building and electrical codes.
C. 
A sign that conforms with the requirements of this article may be repaired or repainted without a zoning permit. Voluntary replacement of a sign is the same as erecting a new sign.
D. 
Signs may have four sign faces, two on each side and each with a maximum length of 25 feet, inclusive of any border trim, on a single structure. When two or more sign faces are utilized in the back-to-back arrangement, they shall be parallel and directly opposite sign faces oriented in opposite directions located not more than 42 inches apart.
E. 
When the V-type sign arrangement is used for two or more sign faces, the sign shall be located on a steel support so that, when viewed from above, the faces are oriented in different positions forming the shape of the letter "V" and located not more than 15 feet apart at the farthest point.
F. 
The general area in the vicinity of any signs shall be kept free and clear of sign material and debris.
G. 
Except for banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs, signs shall conform in all respects with the requirements of this section.
H. 
Maintaining nonconforming signs.
(1) 
If any nonconforming sign deteriorates to an unsightly or hazardous condition, the owner of that sign shall repair, repaint, remove, or replace it. If the City Zoning Officer finds that such a sign has not been repaired, repainted, removed, or replaced, he or she shall give notice and enforce this requirement.
(2) 
A nonconforming sign may be repaired or repainted without obtaining a zoning permit.
A. 
Sign types allowed in public rights-of-way:
(1) 
Public signs crected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices;
(2) 
Signs identifying public property;
(3) 
Emergency warning signs, if they are erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way;
(4) 
Signs required by PennDOT of a regulatory, directional, or cautionary nature, which are in compliance with its standards;
(5) 
Signs required by an approval given under the Altoona Planning Code;
(6) 
Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company;
(7) 
Informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes, or other facilities;
(8) 
Awning, projecting, and suspended signs projecting over a public right-of-way in conformity with the requirements of Sign Table A; and
(9) 
Temporary signs, if they relate directly to traffic control or traffic safety.
B. 
Forfeiture of signs located in public rights-of-way. Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this article, shall be forfeited to the City and subject to immediate confiscation. The City shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of the sign.
The following kinds of signs are exempt from the requirements of this article:
A. 
Any temporary public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance;
B. 
Any sign inside a building that is not attached to a window or door and is not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line of the involved lot or parcel;
C. 
Works of art;
D. 
Signs on the scoreboard or outfield fence of an athletic field;
E. 
Holiday lights and decorations; and
F. 
Traffic control signs on private property, such as "STOP," "YIELD," and similar signs, the face of which meet the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation standards.
G. 
Project identification signs are exempted from the requirements of this article for the duration of work for which permits have been issued if they comply with the following:
(1) 
The sign shall not exceed four feet by eight feet in size.
(2) 
The sign shall be secured so that it is not a hazard.
(3) 
There shall be no more than one such sign per project (any subsequent project signs must comply with all provisions of this article).
All signs that are not expressly permitted under this chapter or exempted from its regulations by § 800-66, Signs exempt from requirements of article, are prohibited from the City of Altoona. Such signs include, but are not limited to, beacons, pennants, strings of lights that are not permanently mounted to a rigid background, inflatable signs, tethered balloons, and sexually suggestive signs.
If a conforming use has been discontinued for a total of 12 months, then all signs that are related to that use, as well as any structures that support these signs, shall be known as "abandoned signs." Likewise, if a nonconforming use has been abandoned as described in this chapter, then all signs that are related to that use, as well as any structures that support these signs, shall be known as "abandoned signs." All abandoned signs shall be removed at the expense of the owner. If such a sign is not removed, the Zoning Officer shall give notice and enforce the requirements of this section.
A. 
Applicability.
(1) 
The requirements of this section only apply to nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign is defined as a sign that:
(a) 
Was legally established before the effective date of the particular ordinance or amendment relating thereto;
(b) 
Does not conform to the requirements of the provisions of this chapter.
(2) 
Because nonconforming signs are not illegal, they have a right to remain in place and to be maintained so long as they adhere to the requirements of this chapter.
B. 
Phasing out nonconforming signs. So long as it does not threaten the public health or welfare, a nonconforming sign may maintain its nonconforming characteristic or characteristics so long as it is in continuous use, is properly maintained, and adheres to the requirements of this section.
C. 
Nonconforming status. The following rules apply to or concern all nonconforming signs:
(1) 
The Zoning Officer may keep and maintain a list of all nonconforming signs that exist in the City on the effective date of the particular ordinance or amendment relating thereto and on the effective dates of any relevant amendments to either this chapter or its map.
(2) 
The owner of a nonconforming sign may obtain a "certificate of nonconformity" from the City's Zoning Officer. This certificate shall state that the sign may continue to be used for as long as it is in continuous use, is properly maintained and kept in conformity with the requirements of this section.
(3) 
Aggrieved parties and the involved landowner may both appeal the Zoning Officer's determination of whether or not a sign is nonconforming.
(4) 
Any sign that was illegally erected under a previous zoning ordinance or land use regulation shall remain illegal under this chapter.
(5) 
Any sign that becomes a nonconforming sign due to an amendment made after the effective date of this chapter shall be subject to the regulations of this chapter, as amended.
D. 
Replacing nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign may be replaced with only a conforming sign. Changing a nonelectronic screen sign into an electronic screen sign shall be defined as a "replacement" for the purposes of this chapter.
E. 
Enlarging, relocating, or altering nonconforming signs.
(1) 
A nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged or relocated within the City.
(2) 
A nonconforming sign shall not be altered in any aspect, except:
(a) 
To make safety improvements (for the safety of the general public passing by);
(b) 
To keep the sign maintained in accordance with the requirements of this chapter or other City ordinances; or
(c) 
To bring the sign into conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
F. 
Bringing a nonconforming sign into conformance. If a nonconforming sign is altered so that it becomes a conforming sign, it shall not be subsequently altered back to a nonconforming state. Likewise, if a nonconforming sign is replaced with a conforming sign, that conforming sign shall not be subsequently replaced with another nonconforming sign.