All applications submitted in accordance with this Part shall
demonstrate compliance with all other applicable sections of this
chapter.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.100; and amended by Ord. 2012-3, 3/20/2012, § 2]
1.
Purpose. The purpose and intent of this Part is to create and maintain
an attractive and harmonious community. Signs constitute a separate
and distinct land use and affect the use of adjacent streets, sidewalks,
and property. This Part establishes reasonable and impartial regulations
for all signs and street graphics in order to protect the general
public health, safety, convenience, and welfare. It is further the
purpose of this Part to: (A) reduce traffic hazards caused by distracting
and confusing signs and street graphics, and (B) minimize public safety
hazards caused by signs, or parts thereof, that can become projectiles
or falling objects from natural causes such as wind, ice or thermal
changes; to ensure the effectiveness of public traffic signs and signals;
to protect property values; to preserve the beauty and unique character
of Stroud Township; to further economic development; to enable the
fair and consistent enforcement of the sign regulations throughout
Stroud Township; to require Stroud Township to complete and maintain
a comprehensive, Township-wide, sign inventory; to require registration
and photograph of all signs, and to require the repair, and/or removal
of substandard signs and street graphics, outdated sign messages,
and nonconforming signs and street graphics.
2.
Intent. Through these regulations, a sign may be placed, established,
painted, created, or maintained in Stroud Township only in conformance
with the standards, procedures, exceptions and other requirements
of this Part. The effect and intent of this Part as more specifically
set forth herein is:
A.
To establish a permitting system to allow a variety of sign types
in the various zoning districts, subject to the standards and permit
procedures of this Part.
B.
To allow various types of signs and street graphics that are limited
in size, unobtrusive, and incidental to the principal land use of
the property on which the signs are located, subject to the substantive
requirements of this Part, but without a requirement for permits.
C.
To establish a monitoring system whereby unpermitted and nonconforming
signs and street graphics are addressed as set forth in this Part.
D.
To ensure that all signs and street graphics shall comply with the
provisions of this Part.
E.
To establish a sign committee to assess the status of nonconforming
signs in Stroud Township, to prioritize identified signs for removal
or replacement, and to pursue funding to further the removal or replacement
of nonconforming signs by just compensation.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.200; and amended by Ord. 2012-3, 3/20/2012, §§ 1,
3 — 7]
Words and phrases used in this Part shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases not defined in this section but that are defined in Part 2 shall be given the meaning as set forth in Part 2. All other words and phrases shall utilize the meaning given in Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, located at the Township Municipal Building. Diagrams are for illustrative purposes only, are intended to supplement the definitions, and do not serve as the only example of that definition.
A sign used to advertise or announce a business. For the
purpose of this Part, advertising signs shall include awning, canopy,
ground, location, marquee, neon, projecting, blade, vehicular directory,
shopping cart corral, pedestrian information sign plaza, wall, and
window and door signs.
A type of wall sign (other than the principal wall sign designating
the nonresidential building or use in question) used to identify a
secondary or ancillary entrance to a building that has multiple entrances
so as to identify goods or services provided in the area of the secondary
or ancillary entrance, such as "garden center," "indoor lumber yard,"
"pharmacy," "drive-through entrance," "drive-through pharmacy," "food
mart," "one-hour photo," etc. An ancillary wall sign may be used in
any retail building, office building, or industrial building that
has multiple entrances.
A type of wall sign used to identify a significant secondary
or ancillary use, uses, or products within a nonresidential building.
The ancillary use wall sign may identify the ancillary or secondary
use or product offered or sold by name, logo, trademark, or other
identifying symbol or any combination of name, logo, trademark, or
other identifying symbol of the secondary use, uses, or products.
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict
action or create a special effect or scene; any sign that utilizes
mechanical movement.
An incidental sign specific to new and used automobile dealerships
which contains information specific to that particular vehicle (i.e.,
price, warranty, etc.).
The elevation calculated by averaging the elevation at all
sign structure supports and the elevations at a distance often 10
feet and 25 feet from the center of the sign in all four compass point
directions (See Figure 27-9-1).
|
Figure 27-9-1
Average Grade Level
|
Any non-rigid material such as fabric or flexible plastic
that is supported by or stretched over a frame that is attached to
the exterior of a building.
Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning (See Figure
27-9-2).
|
Figure 27-9-2
Examples of Awning Signs
|
The use of a light source behind an awning, canopy, or other
semi-transparent material to illuminate or intensify the effect of
that material.
A banner is any device intended to be hung with or without
frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentation
applied to flexible material such as, but not limited to, paper, plastic,
or fabric of any kind. National, state or Township flags shall not
be considered to be banners. All banners are special event signs but
not all special event signs are banners.
Illumination by bulbs without shading or shields.
Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere
or directed at one or more points not on the same property as the
light source; any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.
An off-premises sign (See "obstructive sign").
A sign suspended from a marquee, canopy, awning, or porch
roof or ceiling that would exist without the sign.
An individual sign indicating the name of a building and
date and incidental information about its construction, which sign
is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent
material and attached to the building.
An individual sign identifying a religious institution, school,
library, community center, club, or similar institution or civic organization
and the announcement of its institutional or organizational services
or activities.
An on-premises sign attached to the front facade of a nonresidential
building giving the name(s) of the individual occupants of the nonresidential
building such as nameplates denoting the names of professionals in
a professional office building.
An extension of the roof of a building or a freestanding
structure that has a roof with ground support, but no walls.
Any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy (See Figure
27-9-3).
|
Figure 27-9-3 Canopy Sign
|
A sign with the capability of content change by means of
manual or remote input, including signs which are:
|
MANUALLY ACTIVATED — Changeable sign whose message copy
or content can be changed manually.
|
|
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED — Changeable sign whose message
copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized
on-off switching combinations of alphabetic, numeric, graphic and/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. For
the purpose of this Part, an electronic message sign and a multi-message
sign shall be classified as electrically-activated changeable signs.
|
Zoning districts established as Neighborhood Mixed-Use (C-1),
General Commercial (C-2), Limited Commercial (C-3), Enterprise Park
I (EP-I) and Enterprise Park II (EP-2).
A temporary individual sign identifying an architect, contractor,
subcontractor, engineer, financial institution, or material supplier
involved in the construction, reconstruction, or repair of a building
or buildings on a lot.
Signs and street graphics, affixed to windows or door glass
panels, indicating membership in a business group or acceptance of
credit cards, and not advertising any commercial activity.
Flags containing no commercial message or insignia and often
used for holiday or seasonal decoration. All decorative flags are
personal use and information signs but not all personal use and information
signs are decorative flags.
An individual sign affixed to an exterior door of a building.
An electrically activated sign that can be electronically
changed or programmed including, but not limited to, light emitting
diode signs and all types of digital signs, such as plasma display
panels, liquid crystal displays, computer monitors, and televisions.
The exterior walls of a building exposed to public view or
that wall viewed by persons not within the building.
A temporary individual sign used to advertise the sale of
produce when used in conjunction with an approved temporary farm market
or produce stand.
Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors,
patterns, or symbols and used as a symbol of a government, political
subdivision or other governmental entity.
Illumination using open flame as the source of the illumination.
Any sign which has intermittent or changing lighting or illumination.
Illumination using floodlights to direct light to a desired
location.
Any sign containing fluorescent colors in the text, graphic,
or background.
A personal use and identification sign used to announce the
sale of a used product personally owned by the seller.
Fuel dispensing equipment sign means a permanently installed
sign affixed to, or integrated into, an enclosure containing fuel
dispensing equipment, such as a gasoline pump.
A personal use and information sign advertising a Township
approved garage or yard sale.
A lettered, numbered, symbolic, pictorial, or illuminated
visual display that is visible from a public right-of-way.
A freestanding on-premises sign supported by one or more
uprights, posts, or bases placed upon or affixed in the ground and
not attached to any part of a building (See Figure 27-9-4).
|
Figure 27-9-4
Examples of Ground Signs
|
An individual sign erected by a public agency and intended
to mark or honor a historical site, structure, or event located on
or near to the location of the sign.
Any combination of lights; posters, or other material temporarily
displayed on traditionally or legally accepted civic, patriotic, or
religious holidays related to observance of that civic, patriotic,
or religious holiday.
A sign which does not meet the requirements of this Part
or which is not a registered nonconforming sign. This specifically
includes a sign that remains standing when the time limits set by
the permit are exceeded and any sign not removed after notification
from the Zoning Officer to remove the sign.
An on-premise sign for the convenience of the public giving
directions, instructions, facility information, or other assistance
around the site, such as location of exits, entrances, one-way signs,
parking lots, driveways, delivery or service area entrances, specific
locations within a specific nonresidential development, lot or site,
group of nonresidential buildings, and housing units, to provide direction
and/or orientation to pedestrians and/or vehicles to assist in proper
circulation.
A light source not seen directly.
A sign or street graphic allowed for a specific purpose and
subject to standards allowing the purpose and intent of the sign to
be fulfilled without adversely impacting the public health, safety,
or welfare. Individual signs include, but are not necessarily limited
to, auto dealer vehicle signs, bulletin boards, construction signs,
farm product signs, flags, incidental signs, murals, nonprofit special
event Signs, personal use and information signs, political signs,
business nameplate signs, real estate signs, special event signs,
subdivision identification signs, and vending machine signs.
Zoning districts established as General Industrial (M-1).
An inflated balloon or other device 18 inches or greater
in diameter or length used to attract attention to a business or activity.
A sign which is fully located within the interior of any
building or stadium or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building
and which provides information relevant only to the interior of the
building and/or provides information which can only be read from inside
the building.
A light source concealed or contained within the sign and
which becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.
A word, abbreviation, logo, symbols not part of a numeric
graphic, a single digit by itself if not part of a group of numbers,
two or more numbers grouped together including attendant symbols,
or other graphic displayed on a sign face.
A sign made or illuminated, in whole or in part, with light
emitting diodes.
An on-premises sign designating a nonresidential, multi-use
or multi-tenant building, lot, site, or development. All location
signs are ground signs but not all ground signs are location signs.
A roofed structure comprising not more than 25% of the building
facade and projecting at least three feet, which is supported by a
building and erected over a doorway or doorways as protection from
the weather, such as at a theatre.
Any sign that is part of or attached to a marquee (See Fig
27-9-5).
|
Figure 27-9-5
Marquee Sign
|
A site plan and accompanying documentation that identifies
all existing and proposed signage for a nonresidential development,
lot, site, structure or use(s).
Refers to animation, revolution, vertical and/or horizontal
movement.
Memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers, statutory, or
other remembrances of persons or events that are noncommercial in
nature.
Menu board means a permanently installed sign affixed to
a pole, post or column, or to a wall of a principal building or accessory
structure, consisting of a list of products and/or services offered
for sale and/or pictorial display of product offered for sale which
may include the price of products and/or services, which list and/or
pictorial display is posted on the premises of a business near the
point of ordering. For the purpose of this Part, menu boards consist
of the following types:
PARKING STALL MENU BOARDParking stall menu board means a menu board located immediately adjacent to a vehicle parking stall on the premises of a business utilizing drive-in parking stalls where customers remain seated in a vehicle.
PEDESTRIAN MENU BOARDPedestrian menu board means a menu board permanently installed on a principal building or accessory structure for the purpose of providing product and/or service information to pedestrian patrons of a business. For the purpose of this Part, a fuel dispensing equipment sign, such as gas pump signage, which is not an incidental sign, shall be classified as a pedestrian menu board.
DRIVE-THROUGH MENU BOARDDrive-through menu board means a menu board used solely for drive-through service at a business where customers remain seated in a vehicle occupying a drive-through service lane to the point of a drive-through service window or other service area of a business.
PREVIEW MENU BOARDPreview menu board means a menu board which contains a limited list of products and/or services and/or pictorial display of products offered on a drive-through menu board of a business. A preview menu board abuts a drive-through service lane and precedes the drive-through menu board for the purpose of expediting the ordering of products and/or services from the drive-through menu board.
See "subdivision identification sign."
An off-premise electrically-activated changeable sign that
uses mechanical movement to allow for the display of more than one
sign copy, usually, but not necessarily, by rotation or revolution
of sign components and may be referred to as trivision or variable
message signs.
A picture painted directly on a wall.
Any sign using neon tube illumination bent to form letters,
symbols, or other shapes.
Illumination caused by electrically-charged gases within
a glass or plastic tube, specifically including cold cathode and other
similar light sources but not fluorescent light sources.
A sign, sign structure, or any part thereof that does not
comply with the provisions of this Part where such sign or sign structure
lawfully existed prior to the effective date of this Part.
A sign allowed by the Stroud Township Board of Supervisors
and advertising a special event for a nonprofit organization.
Any sign or sign structure that has been damaged and which
has not been repaired within 45 days.
Any sign erected or maintained at the intersection of roads
in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of the intersection;
any sign located in a sight triangle.
A sign advertising a land use or promoting a commercial or
noncommercial message unrelated to the activity conducted on the lot,
development or site where the sign is located; a sign which directs
attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, or attraction
sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than on the same lot, development
or site where the sign is located.
Signs and street graphics accessory to commercial, industrial,
or institutional activities, the purpose of which is to sell or index
a product, service, or activity or to provide information regarding
a commercial, industrial, or institutional facility. On-premises signs
are located on the same lot, development or site as the advertised
use.
A freestanding on-premises sign that is not attached to the
exterior of a building that lists the tenants or occupants of a group
of nonresidential buildings which may indicate the tenant's or
occupant's business activities, profession, or use within any
of said buildings which is used to direct pedestrians to the location
of the tenant's or occupant's place of business in the group
of nonresidential buildings in question. A pedestrian information
sign plaza may also include a map depicting various locations within
the group of nonresidential buildings and appurtenant premises in
question.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or otherwise flexible or
reflective material, whether or not containing a message of any kind,
suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed
to move in the wind.
Any individual, association, company, corporation, firm,
organization, or partnership, singular or plural, of any kind.
An individual sign installed on a personal and private residential
property by the owner of that property for informational purposes.
Personal use and information signs and street graphics include but
are not limited to street addresses, nameplates, private street signs,
home occupation signs, property names, for sale signs, warning signs,
garage sale signs, and alarm company signs.
A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole(s), post(s)
or column(s).
Any and all political signs and graphics used or intended
to be used for the display of any announcement, advertisement, or
notice of any individual or slate of candidates for any public office,
erected by a person or entity other than by a property owner or tenant
of a property in question.
Any sign, magnetic or otherwise, not permanently attached
to the ground or other permanent structure; a sign designed to be
transported, including, but not limited to: signs designed to be transported
by means of wheels, signs converted to A- or T -frames, menu and sandwich
board signs, balloons used as signs, and umbrellas used for advertising
(See Figure 27-9-6).
|
Figure 27-9-6
Examples of Portable Signs
|
A lot, parcel, tract, or plot of land together with the buildings
and structures thereon.
A personal use and identification sign located at the entrance
of a private drive and denoting that access as private.
A sign, any portion of which extends perpendicular to a facade
(See Figure 27-9-7).
|
Figure 27-9-7
Examples of Projecting Signs
|
A temporary public use and information sign installed by
a government employee that provides public notice of a government
event.
Signs and street graphics installed by an authorized representative
of Stroud Township, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or agency thereof,
or United States Federal Government or agency thereof. Public use
and information signs include, but are not limited to, street signs,
traffic control signs, public notification signs, and any other sign
required by the Township to provide services to its residents. Public
use and information signs also include, but are not limited to, off-premises
signs located in the public right-of-way that are constructed and
erected by a governmental agency stated in this definition at the
request of an advertiser to direct motorists or pedestrians to a specific
location.
A temporary individual sign announcing the proposed sale
or lease of a building or real property.
Zoning districts established as Low Density Residential (R-1),
Low-Medium Density Residential (R-2), and Medium Density Residential
(R-3).
The projecting lower edges of a roof overhanging the wall
of a building.
A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or that
is wholly dependant upon a building for support and that projects
above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat root the eave
line of a building with a gambrel, gable, or hip roof, or the deck
line of a building with a mansard roof (See Figure 27-9-8).
|
Figure 27-9-8
Examples of Roof Signs
|
Zoning districts established as Open Space and Preservation
(O-1) and Special Use and Recreational (S-1).
Signs and street graphics listed in Title 18, Pa.C.S.A.,
the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, and Title 75, Pa.C.S.A., the Pennsylvania
Vehicle Code. Includes: no trespassing, no soliciting, beware of dog,
no parking, no dumping, no hunting, no fishing, etc. All security
signs are personal use and information signs but not all personal
use and information signs are security signs.
A sign fastened to a shopping cart corral structure designating
the structure for the return of shopping carts. The message portion
of a shopping cart corral sign may contain copy such as the name of
the retailer and other copy incidental to the use of the corral; however,
in no case shall the copy contain any other advertising message.
Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any
color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise,
announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity,
or to communicate information of any kind to the public.
Any change to any feature of a sign, including, but not necessarily
limited to, location, area, height, or physical design features excluding,
however:
Individual signs and street graphics announcing special events,
including, but not limited to, auctions, grand openings, new management,
going out of business, and events sponsored by religious, charitable,
or public service groups.
Access to a publicly owned road by a permitted driveway.
A public use and information sign identifying the name of
a street or road.
A sign located at the entrance of a Township approved subdivision
or multifamily complex and identifying the name of the development.
A subdivision identification sign is not a location sign. All subdivision
identification signs are ground signs but not all ground signs are
subdivision identification signs.
An on-premises sign accessory to a wall or ground sign that
serves the purpose of announcing time and/or temperature.
A public use and information sign used to direct traffic,
control direction or speed, or warn pedestrians and motorists of hazards
or unusual road conditions.
A sign containing one or two sides which displays smaller
signs, often of equal size, to provide directions to motorists within
a nonresidential lot, development or site.
Any sign displayed on a parked vehicle or transported by
vehicle, where the primary purpose of such vehicle or transported
sign is to advertise a product or business or to direct people to
a business or activity. Where the primary purpose of such vehicle
or transported sign is not to advertise a product or business or to
direct people to a business or activity, such vehicle shall be parked
in a side or rear yard adjacent to a principal building.
An individual sign that was incorporated into the design
of a vending machine and cannot be removed from the machine. These
signs advertise either the distributor that stocks the machine or
the major supplier of the machine's contents.
A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or
structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure
for, or forms the background surface of the sign.
See "security sign."
A sign painted or attached to a window pane which can be
read from outside the building and which advertises or provides information
to any person standing outside the building.
See "garage sale sign."
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.300]
The Administrator of this Part shall be the Zoning Officer or
other Supervisors' designee. The Zoning Officer shall have the
responsibility and authority to administer and enforce all provisions
of this Part, except those provisions with powers specifically reserved
to the Board of Supervisors or the Zoning Hearing Board. The Zoning
Officer also shall administer this chapter in accordance with the
literal terms and shall not have the power to permit any construction
or any use or change of use which does not conform to this chapter.
The Zoning Officer shall be authorized to institute civil enforcement
proceedings as a means of enforcement when acting within the scope
of his/her employment.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.400; and amended by A.O.]
1.
No sign shall be erected, displayed, altered, relocated, or replaced, until the Township issues a sign permit, except as provided in § 27-905, Exempt Signs, § 27-907, Signs Not Requiring a Permit, and § 27-915, Nonconforming Signs.
A.
Master Sign Plan Requirements. A master sign plan shall be submitted
to the Zoning Officer for all nonresidential developments, lots, sites
or structures of three or more uses that utilize or will utilize five
or more signs requiring a zoning permit after the effective date of
this Part. All signs requiring a zoning permit in a nonresidential
development, lot, site, structure or use requiring a master sign plan
shall comply with the master sign plan.
(1)
A master sign plan containing the below listed items shall be
submitted to the Zoning Officer prior to the issuance of a zoning
permit for a sign(s) for each use in a nonresidential development,
lot, site, or structure requiring a master sign plan:
(a)
Two copies of a site plan, or approved and recorded land development
plan, of the lot or site clearly and legibly drawn at a scale of one
inch being equal to 50 feet or less, showing the location of all existing,
proposed and future sign of any type, whether requiring a zoning permit
or not, except that incidental signs need not be shown, and their
dimensioned setbacks from the front and nearest side property line.
(b)
Two copies of building elevations drawn to scale of each side
of the building on which a sign is located or will be placed showing
the sign dimensions and proportions, location of each existing and
proposed sign on the building, material, color scheme, lettering or
graphic style, and lighting, if any.
(c)
Two sets of drawings of the planned signs clearly indicating
the dimensions of all signs including height above finished grade,
lettering, logos and other graphics, colors, materials, texture and
method of illumination, if any.
(d)
Two copies of the type and total number of signs proposed, plus
any existing signs that will remain, and a computation of the maximum
total sign area and the maximum area for individual signs compared
to the signage allowed.
(e)
Two copies of the landscaping plan pertaining to ground signs.
(f)
The master sign plan may contain other standards and criteria
not regulated by the Township as the property owner or developer may
require, such as uniform sign standards.
(g)
Additional submittals or amendments to the master sign plan
will be necessary as changes to a sign(s) in a qualifying nonresidential
development, lot, site, structure or use(s) occur. Any amendments
to a master sign plan must be signed and approved by the property
owner(s) and Zoning Officer before such amendment will become effective.
(2)
Where a master sign plan is required, no zoning permit shall
be issued for a sign requiring a zoning permit and no sign shall be
erected unless and until a master sign plan, or amendment thereto,
for the nonresidential development, lot, site, structure or use on
which a sign will be erected has been submitted to, and approved by,
the Zoning Officer.
(3)
A master sign plan shall be submitted as part of a final land
development plan for a nonresidential land development, in whole or
in part, that is governed by this paragraph with respect to all existing,
proposed, or future signs known at the time of final land development
plan submission.
B.
Permit Application. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted
on forms provided by the Township, completed as required, and shall,
at a minimum, have attached the following information in either written
or graphic form.
(1)
Location of the sign on the premises in relation to any lot
lines, buildings, sidewalks, streets, public rights-of-way, street
intersections, wooded areas, trees greater than 24 inches diameter
breast height (dbh), wetlands, watercourses, or other signs located
on the property. In addition, sufficient detail to similar features
on adjacent properties should be provided to determine conformance
with the requirements contained in this chapter.
(2)
Type of sign (i.e., ground, wall) and general description of
structural design and construction materials.
(3)
Drawing(s) of the proposed sign which shall contain specifications
indicating height, perimeter, area, dimensions, type of lettering,
text, color, means of support, method of illumination, and any other
significant characteristics of the proposed sign.
(4)
Letter acknowledging and approving the construction and use
of the sign by the property owner.
(5)
Any other information requested by the Zoning Officer in order
to carry out the purpose and intent of this Part.
(6)
The required sign permit fee as established under separate resolution
by the Stroud Township Board of Supervisors. Permit fees will cover
the cost for administering this Part for compliance with its purpose
and intent.
C.
Permit Review and Action. The Zoning Officer shall review the sign
permit application and issue or deny the permit in conformance with
this Part and this chapter.
(1)
Official Date. The official date of submission shall be the
day the Zoning Officer determines the completed application with all
required or necessary data has been properly prepared and submitted.
(2)
Time to Decide. The Zoning Officer shall determine whether the
proposed sign will or will not be in compliance with the requirements
of this Part, and shall, within 30 days of the official date of submission,
issue or deny the sign permit.
(3)
Photograph. When the sign installation has been completed the
applicant shall photograph the completed sign and forward the photograph
to the Zoning Officer with a request for a certificate of occupancy.
The Zoning Officer shall then inspect the sign. The photograph shall
be in a format specified by the Zoning Officer.
(4)
Inspection for Compliance. Upon request of the application for
a certificate of occupancy, the Zoning Officer shall perform a final
inspection of any approved sign. Where the sign has been constructed
in accordance with the permit, the Zoning Officer shall issue a certificate
of occupancy. The final dimensions of the sign will be noted by the
Zoning Officer on the certificate of occupancy and a photograph of
the sign shall be attached to the certificate of occupancy.
(5)
Discrepancies. When there is a discrepancy between an approved
sign permit and the sign as constructed, the Zoning Officer shall
notify the owner in writing that a discrepancy has been identified
and the owner shall cease and desist from performing additional work
on the sign. If the discrepancy is not corrected within 20 days from
the date of written notice, the sign shall be ordered removed by the
Zoning Officer and at the expense of the owner.
(6)
Complaints. The Zoning Officer shall investigate complaints
of alleged violations of these regulations and may revoke any permit
if there is any violation of these regulations or if there was any
misrepresentation of any material fact in either the sign permit application
or the plans.
D.
Expiration of Sign Permits. If the sign authorized by any sign permit
has not been erected or completed within one year from the date of
issuance of that permit, the sign permit shall be deemed expired and
a new application must be submitted.
E.
Revocation of a Sign Permit. All rights and privileges acquired under
the provisions of this Part are revocable for failure to comply with
this chapter. All permits issued pursuant to this Part are hereby
subject to this provision.
F.
Maintenance of Signs. Signs and street graphics must be properly
maintained, be properly painted, and be kept free from all hazards
including, but not limited to, faulty wiring, loose fastenings, being
in an unsafe condition, or being detrimental to the public health,
safety, or general welfare. In the event of a violation of any of
the foregoing provisions, the Zoning Officer shall give written notice
and the sign owner shall comply with that notice as explained in Subsection
1G, Enforcement.
G.
Enforcement. When a violation of this Part of this chapter has occurred,
the Zoning Officer shall initiate enforcement action through issuance
of an enforcement notice.
(1)
Violations. The following signs shall be in violation of this
Part of this chapter and shall be subject to enforcement action as
allowed by this Part and this chapter:
(a)
Any sign not properly registered as required by this Part.
(b)
Any nonconforming sign which has not been properly registered.
(c)
Any sign which presents immediate peril to persons or property.
(d)
Any nuisance sign as defined by this Part.
(e)
Any sign other than a public use and information sign located
in a public right-of-way and not specifically authorized by the Board
of Supervisors.
(f)
Any other sign not in conformance with any section of this Part
or with this chapter.
(2)
Enforcement Notice. The enforcement notice shall be sent to
the property owner of record of the parcel on which the sign is located,
to the sign owner, to any advertisers on the sign, to any person who
has filed a written request to receive enforcement notices regarding
that parcel, and to any other person requested in writing by the owner
of record. An enforcement notice shall state at least the:
(a)
Name of the owner of record and any other person against whom
the Township intends to take action.
(b)
The location of the property in violation.
(c)
The specific violation with a description of the requirements
which have not been met, citing in each instance the applicable provisions
of this chapter.
(d)
The date before which the steps for compliance must be commenced
and the date before the steps must be completed.
(e)
The recipient of the notice has the right to appeal to the Zoning
Hearing Board within a prescribed period of time in accordance with
procedures set forth in this chapter.
(f)
Failure to comply with the notice within the time specified,
unless extended by appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board, constitutes
a violation, with possible sanctions clearly described.
(3)
Enforcement Remedies. When an enforcement notice has been issued
and an appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board has not been filed or the
Zoning Hearing Board has found in favor of the Township, the Township
may use any combination of the following remedies to resolve the violation:
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.500]
1.
The following signs and street graphics are exempt from this Part:
A.
Any sign required by law.
B.
Business nameplates not exceeding one square foot in area and less
than eight feet in height and where more than one business nameplate
is used the aggregate sign area of such business nameplates shall
be less than 25 square feet in area.
C.
Building markers not exceeding four square feet and not exceeding
four feet in height.
D.
Decals not exceeding an aggregate of two square feet per building
entrance.
E.
Historical markers erected by a historical agency or association
and approved by majority vote of the Stroud Township Board of Supervisors
at a regular meeting.
F.
Interior signs.
G.
Memorial signs located in an approved cemetery.
H.
Public notification signs for hearings to be held by a Stroud Township
Board.
I.
Public use and information signs.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.600; and amended by Ord. 2012-3, 3/20/2012, § 8]
1.
Any sign or street graphic not specifically exempt through § 27-905, Exempt Signs, or expressly permitted by § 27-907, Signs Not Requiring a Permit, or § 27-908, Signs Requiring a Permit, are hereby prohibited.
A.
Other Prohibited Signs and Street Graphics. The following signs and
street graphics are also prohibited:
(1)
Pole signs greater than four feet in height, except for accessibility
signs required by applicable construction codes adopted by the Township.
(2)
Ground and wall signs which display a product, or a replica
of a product, unless a product is displayed as a graphic.
(3)
Electrically-activated changeable signs and flashing signs,
except as otherwise provided in this Part.
(4)
Manually-activated changeable signs, except for bulletin boards
and ground signs for fuel service stations and movie theaters, projecting
signs, and businesses utilizing one or more drive-through service
lanes or drive-in parking stalls where menu boards are installed at
the point of ordering.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.700]
1.
The following signs and street graphics do not require a permit provided
that the sign is permitted in the Zoning District in which it is to
be located as shown in Schedule 27-VII of this chapter, and meets
the Township's sign regulations:
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.800; and amended by Ord. 2012-3, 3/20/2012, § 9]
1.
The following signs and street graphics require a permit and are
permitted where allowed by Schedule 27-VII of this Part when the sign
conforms to any and all regulations set forth in this Part:
A.
Ancillary secondary entrance wall signs.
B.
Ancillary use wall signs.
C.
Awning signs.
D.
Blade signs.
E.
Bulletin board.
G.
Canopy signs.
H.
Construction signs greater than four square feet.
I.
Farm product sign.
J.
Ground signs.
K.
Individual sign, unless otherwise provided herein.
L.
Location sign.
M.
Marquee signs.
N.
Murals.
O.
Neon and LED signs.
P.
Nonprofit special event signs.
Q.
Off-premises signs.
R.
On-premises signs.
S.
Pedestrian information sign plazas.
T.
Political signs.
U.
Projecting signs.
V.
Shopping cart corral signs.
W.
Special event signs.
X.
Subdivision identification signs.
Y.
Vehicular directory signs.
Z.
Wall signs.
AA.
Window/door signs.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.900]
1.
The regulations of this section specify the area and heights of signs
and street graphics that are allowed within Stroud Township and which
require a permit.
A.
Determination of Sign Area. The following criteria shall be used
to determine the area of a sign:
(1)
The entire face of the sign (one side only) including all lettering,
wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background,
whether open or closed and any framing, bracing, or wall work incidental
to its decoration shall be included (See Figure 27-9-9).
|
Figure 27-9-9
Determining Sign Area
|
(2)
Where a sign structure has more than one sign face, one sign
face shall be used to calculate the sign area. Where sign faces on
the same sign structure differ in size, the largest sign face shall
be used to determine the sign area.
(3)
Where the sign face consists of individual raised and/or recessed
letters, logos, symbols, and/or graphics, the sign area shall be the
area of the smallest rectangle that can encompass those letters, logos,
symbols, and/or graphics (Figure 27-9-10). Where the sign consists
of a sign face of irregular shape, the sign area shall be the area
of the smallest rectangle that can encompass the sign face, background,
and frame (Figure 27-9-11).
|
Figure 27-9-10
Determining Sign Area II
|
|
Figure 27-9-11
Determining Sign Area III
|
B.
Determination of Sign Height. Except as otherwise expressly set forth
in this Part, the following criteria shall be used to determine the
height of a sign:
(1)
The height of a sign erected within 50 feet from a right-of-way
shall be measured from the grade level of the nearest street to the
top of the sign (See Figure 27-9-12).
|
Figure 27-9-12
Determining Sign Height
|
(2)
The height of a sign located more than 50 feet from a right-of-way
shall be measured from average grade level where the sign is erected
to the top of the sign (See Figure 27-9-13).
|
Figure 27-9-13
Determining Sign Height II
|
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.1000; and amended by Ord. 2012-3, 3/20/2012, § 11]
1.
All signs and street graphics erected within Stroud Township shall
conform with the applicable building and zoning codes and with the
following general requirements:
A.
Sign Materials and Construction. Except as otherwise allowed herein,
all signs and street graphics shall be constructed in accordance with
the applicable construction code(s) adopted by Stroud Township from
time to time. All signs and street graphics shall be made a harmonious
part of the architectural design.
B.
Maintenance. Every sign, including those specifically exempt from
permitting and permitting fees, shall be maintained in good repair
and in a safe, clean, and attractive condition.
C.
Design. Except as otherwise allowed herein, no part of a sign shall
contain or consist of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers,
spinners, or other similar moving, fluttering, or revolving devices.
None of these devices, nor any strings of lights, shall be used for
the purpose of advertising or getting attention when not part of a
sign, except as allowed by this Part. No sign shall utilize mechanical
movement or sequin or sparkle effects unless otherwise allowed herein.
(1)
Sign, Colors. Signs shall be limited to any four colors, excluding
black and white.
(2)
Fluorescent Signs. No sign shall be permitted with fluorescent
colors in the text, graphic, or background.
(3)
Sign Emissions. No sign which emits smoke, visible vapors, particles,
sound, or odor shall be permitted.
(4)
Sign Protections. Except as otherwise permitted by this Part,
signs shall have no projecting elements greater than three inches.
(5)
Mirrors. No mirror type device shall be used as a part of a
sign.
(6)
Holographic Images. Signs shall contain no parts that are holographic
or that are able to produce any holographic image.
(7)
Clear Sight Triangle. No sign shall be located within a clear
sight triangle or shall otherwise create a traffic visibility hazard.
(8)
Items of Information. All signs are entitled to display up to
10 items of information per sign face. Notwithstanding the foregoing:
(a) if the name of the use occupying the building and its premises
contains more than 10 items, the name and one use within the nonresidential
building may be displayed on each sign face; and (b) the restrictions
set forth in this section shall not apply to pedestrian information
sign plazas, vehicular directory signs, parking stall menu boards,
pedestrian menu boards, preview menu boards, drive-through menu boards,
interior signs, shopping cart corral signs, electrically-activated
changeable bulletin boards, and construction signs for nonresidential
developments, lots or sites for three or more tenants where the gross
leasable area is 10,000 square feet or greater.
D.
Signs and Street Graphics in the Right-Of-Way. Except as otherwise
permitted by this chapter, all signs and street graphics shall be
set back at least 10 feet from the property line. Only public use
and information signs or signs approved by the Stroud Township Board
of Supervisors or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shall
be located within the public right-of-way. All privately owned signs
shall be located outside of the public right-of-way. No sign shall
project into the public right-of-way and no person shall post any
sign of any kind upon public property without written permission from
the Township or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, whichever
has jurisdiction over the property in question.
E.
Sign and Street Graphics on Private Property. No person shall post
any sign of any kind upon private property without written permission
from the property owner.
F.
Signs and Street Graphics and Traffic Safety. All signs and street
graphics shall meet the following minimum traffic safety standards:
G.
Multiple Sign, Use. Except as otherwise permitted in this Part, there
shall be no other activity associated with a sign (i.e., broadcasting)
unless authorized by the Township.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.1100; and amended by Ord. 2012-3, 3/20/2012, § 20]
1.
2.
Special Conditions.
A.
In addition to meeting the requirements described in § 27-407 for conditional use approval, the following special conditions shall be met before the Board of Supervisors grants a conditional use for an off-premises sign:
(1)
The sign shall be located in accordance with the yard setbacks
for principal structures located in the district in which the sign
is proposed.
(5)
Off-premises signs may contain a maximum of two faces unless
otherwise allowed herein.
(6)
No off-premises sign shall be located within a 2,640 foot (1/2
mile) radius of any other off-premises sign. This section shall not
apply to multiple sign copy located on one support structure.
(7)
No off-premises sign shall be located within a 250 foot radius
of any on-premises sign.
(8)
No off-premises sign shall be located within a 300 foot radius
of any residence.
(9)
Extensions or add-ons beyond the rectangular perimeter of the
sign are prohibited.
(10)
No off-premises sign shall be located along a scenic street
or highway as designated by the Township, county, or other regulatory
agency.
(11)
Illumination of off-premises signs is prohibited between midnight
and 6:00 a.m. on roads other than Interstate 80, Route 33, and 4-lane
highway Route 209.
(12)
A site plan meeting the standards for a sketch plan as set forth by the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] shall accompany an application for an off-premises sign.
(13)
Wood and beam frame structures are prohibited. All sign support
structures shall be constructed of steel.
(14)
An engineering certification shall accompany any application
for an off-premises sign. The certification shall indicate under seal
of a professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
that the sign has been designed in accordance with acceptable engineering
practices.
(16)
Trees greater than four inches in diameter (dbh) removed for
construction of the sign shall be replaced on-site at a ratio of one
replacement tree for each removed tree using native species no less
than four inches in diameter.
3.
Multi-Message Signs. Multi-message signs may be developed as an off-premises
sign provided that:
A.
All regulations and special conditions for an off-premises sign are
met.
B.
Multi-message signs are limited to three signs.
C.
Multi-message signs may only be approved through a consolidation
of existing off-premises signs, with one existing off-premises sign
being removed for each message on the multi-message sign.
D.
Multi-message signs shall not be permitted to: (1) change more than
three times per minute, (2) completely change from one message to
the next in more than 2 seconds, (3) change between entire sign faces
less than simultaneously, (4) contain flashing, intermittent or moving
lights, (5) be animated or produce motion or the illusion of motion,
(6) operate by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental
input, (7) be backlit or internally illuminated, (8) have unshielded
external lights which cause glare or emit light beyond the perimeter
of the sign face, (9) be without a mechanism that will stop the sign
in one position if a malfunction occurs and (10) be LED signs, any
type of digital sign including, but not limited to, plasma display
panels, liquid crystal displays, computer monitors, and televisions
and/or be electrically-activated other than the mechanical system
which turns or rotates the sign faces.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.1200; and amended by Ord. 2012-3, 3/20/2012, §§ 13-18,
20]
1.
All on-premises signs and street graphics shall meet all general sign requirements in § 27-910 and are subject to the following specific regulations:
A.
Blade Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, where blade signs
are permitted as set forth in Schedule 27-VII of this Part, any nonresidential
use permitted by the Township as defined by the Standard Industrial
Classification Code System under Schedule 27-V of this chapter, as
may be amended, may display one blade sign in front of the main entrance
building facade provided that:
(1)
The minimum height of a blade sign shall be eight feet and the
maximum height of blade sign shall be 10 feet measured from the walking
surface below the sign to the bottom of the sign.
(2)
The maximum sign area for each face of a blade sign shall not
exceed six square feet.
(3)
Blade signs shall not be illuminated.
(4)
Blade signs shall contain the name of the tenant occupying the
demised or divided area in question and shall be mounted perpendicular
to the building entrance.
B.
Ground Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, where ground signs
are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this Part, any development,
lot or site may display one ground sign toward a street to which it
has permitted access, provided that:
(2)
The maximum area of the sign is 32 square feet (see § 27-909, Subsection 1A) and the ratio of a ground sign structure area to the sign area shall not exceed a ratio of 1 1/2 to 1. For the purposes of this Part, the area of a ground sign structure shall be the sum of the area (height times width measured to the perimeter edge of the supporting surfaces) of the supporting surfaces of all sign faces.
(3)
The maximum letter height on the sign shall not exceed 18 inches.
(4)
No more than two nonresidential tenant or user names, and no
more than 10 items of information in total per sign face, shall be
displayed on a ground sign. Where a development, lot or site contains
three or more nonresidential uses as defined by the Standard Industrial
Classification Code system, as may be amended, one main entrance location
sign, and, if applicable, one secondary entrance location sign shall
be permitted; individual tenants or users shall not be permitted to
have separate individual ground signs.
(5)
The activity is accessible by automobile and has off-street
parking on the premises.
(6)
Where the property's street frontage on any one street
is 100 feet or less, a ground sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(7)
All ground signs shall include quality landscaping subject to § 27- 603, Subsection 5, Landscape Plan, and § 27-603, Subsection 6, Landscape Maintenance, of this chapter and Subsection 1C, Landscaping for Ground and Location Signs and Off-Premises Signs, of this section, except as otherwise provided herein.
(9)
Except as otherwise provided in this Part, ground signs greater
than six square feet may be attached to two columns as set forth below:
(a)
The maximum height of each column shall not exceed seven feet.
(b)
The minimum diameter of each column shall be no less 30 inches.
(c)
Each column shall be similarly constructed of brick, natural
or synthetic stone, stucco and/or exterior insulation and finish systems
(EIFS).
(d)
No more than three feet of each sign face shall extend above
the top of each column.
(10)
Except as otherwise provided in this Part, two ground signs
shall be permitted on a lot, parcel or development where three or
more principal public school buildings are located. The two ground
signs shall meet the requirements for ground signs under this Part,
except as follows for one of the ground signs and except as otherwise
provided in this Part:
(b)
If a bulletin board is utilized, the requirements of § 27-913, Subsection 3A, Bulletin Board, shall apply, except as follows:
1)
The bulletin board area shall not exceed 10 square feet.
2)
The bulletin board area shall be permitted to be an electrically-activated
changeable LED sign provided that:
a)
Alphanumeric graphics only shall only be displayed
and shall only be displayed between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
b)
Alphanumeric graphics displayed shall be no greater
than eight inches in height and shall be displayed in one color.
c)
Alphanumeric graphics shall not be permitted to:
(i) change more than three times per minute, (ii) completely change
from one message to the next less than simultaneously, (iii) be animated
or produce motion or the illusion of motion, and (iv) contain intermittent
or moving lights or flash, except in the event of an emergency, the
alphanumeric graphics may change more than three times per minute,
and may become a flashing sign in which content changes and/or flashes
to alert the public and security or law enforcement personnel to such
emergency.
C.
Landscaping for Ground and Location Signs and Off-Premises Signs.
All ground and location signs and off-premises signs affixed to a
sign structure in contact with the ground shall include quality landscaping
as follows:
(1)
The ground sign structure as defined by Subsection 1B(2) above shall be surrounded by a landscaped area equal to not less than 50% of the area of the ground sign structure which landscape area shall be a minimum of four feet from the base of the ground sign structure (See Subsection 1B(2) above to determine ground sign area).
(2)
The minimum number of planting units for the landscaped area
of a ground sign shall be equal to not less than one planting unit
per four square feet of landscaped area. Planting units shall include
a mixture of annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs, evergreen
and/or shade trees. No less than 50% of the total number of planting
units shall be a mixture of perennials, shrubs, evergreen and/or shade
trees.
(3)
The perimeter of the landscaped island shall be formed from
materials such as, but not limited to, stone, brick, or landscape
timbers.
(4)
The area of the landscaped island shall be mulched and maintained
as necessary to keep it free of weeds, brush, and deteriorating material.
(5)
The proposed landscape plan shall be approved by the Zoning
Officer or his designee:
D.
Vehicular Directory Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, where
vehicular directory signs are permitted as set forth in Schedule 27-VII
of this Part a nonresidential lot, development or site may display
one vehicular directory sign adjacent to intersecting interior driveways
or an interior driveway nearest the principal building or buildings
provided that:
(1)
The vehicular directory sign does not exceed a height of eight feet (see § 27-909, Subsection 1B).
(2)
The vehicular directory sign does not exceed an area of 35 square feet (see § 27-909, Subsection 1A).
(3)
Where the property contains only one business, the vehicular
directory sign may contain incidental and directional information
associated with that business.
(4)
Where the property contains more than one business, the vehicular
directory sign may contain incidental and directional information
associated with the uses and businesses on the property in question.
(5)
All vehicular directory signs shall be set back at least 10
feet from any vehicular right-of-way.
(6)
All vehicular directory signs shall include quality landscaping subject to compliance with the landscaping requirements of this chapter. All vehicular directory signs shall include quality landscaping subject to compliance with § 27-603, Subsection 5, Landscape Plan, and Subsection 6, Landscape Maintenance, of this chapter, and Subsection 1C, Landscaping for Ground and Location Signs and Off -Premises Signs, of this section.
E.
Location Signs. Where a development, lot or site contains three or
more nonresidential uses as defined by the Standard Industrial Classification
Code System under Schedule 27-V of this chapter, as may be amended,
the lot, development, or site in question shall be permitted to have
one main entrance location sign and, if applicable, one secondary
entrance location sign subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Main Entrance Location Sign. A main entrance location sign shall
be located within 100 feet of the main vehicle entrance to the nonresidential
lot, development, or site in question and shall conform to the following
regulations. For the purposes of this Part, the main vehicle entrance
shall be the entrance where the majority of vehicles enter and exit
the lot, development or site in question:
(a)
The maximum sign area and letter/logo size of a main entrance location sign shall be determined in accordance with the Schedule 27-VIII of this chapter. The maximum sign area shall include the sign area of any and all tenant names displayed pursuant to Subsection 1E(1)(c), below.
(b)
A main entrance location sign shall be permitted to have up
to three sign faces where the sign is located on the lot, development
or site in question at the intersection of two or more state roads
or federal highways where each sign face is visible from each of said
intersecting roads or highways, otherwise, the maximum number of sign
faces permitted shall be two.
(c)
Each sign face of a main entrance location sign may designate
the name of the nonresidential development, lot or site in question
and may include the name, logo and/or symbol of tenants or users on
the lot, development or site up to the maximum number of tenants set
forth on Schedule 27-VIII of this chapter. The sign area for four
tenant or user signs on a main entrance location sign shall not exceed
50% of the total sign area on each face of the main entrance location
sign in question. The sign area for less than four tenant or user
signs on a main entrance location sign shall not exceed 33% of the
total sign area on each face of the main entrance location sign in
question.
(d)
The main entrance location sign may be illuminated internally and/or externally. If internally illuminated, only the individual letters, logos and/or symbols shall be illuminated. If externally illuminated, the illumination of said sign shall comply with § 27-914 of this Part.
(e)
The main entrance location sign shall be set back at least 15
feet from the road right-of-way and shall not obstruct the clear sight
triangle vision at any intersection, traffic control sign or traffic
control signal, nor shall any main entrance location sign project
into a public right-of-way.
(f)
A main entrance location sign shall be set forth on the land development plan for the nonresidential development, lot or site in question and shall comply with Subsection 1B(7) above.
(g)
A main entrance location sign shall comply with all applicable
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation rules and regulations.
(h)
The height of a main entrance location sign shall not exceed 60% of the width of the main entrance location sign and the ratio of said sign structure area to sign area shall not exceed the ratio set forth in Subsection 1B(2) of this Part. [1 1 1/2 to 1]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the height of a main entrance location sign face and structure shall not exceed 12 feet. For purposes of this section the height of a main entrance location sign face and structure shall be measured from the grade at the base of the main entrance location sign.
(i)
A main entrance location sign structure may contain an interior
storage compartment or area that shall only be utilized for the storage
of sign fixtures, letters, sign equipment, replacement lamps, replacement
bulbs, and grounds keeping equipment provided that: 1) the size of
the storage area or compartment shall not exceed 50% of the aggregate
sign area; 2) the storage area or compartment is integrated in an
architecturally harmonious and unified manner with the structure of
the sign; and 3) the storage area or compartment is fully enclosed.
(j)
The exterior finish(es) of a main entrance location sign shall
be constructed of brick, natural or synthetic stone, stucco and/or
exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Sign letters, logos
and symbols shall be made of like materials and/or channel letters.
(2)
Secondary Entrance Location Sign. In addition to the main entrance
location sign, a nonresidential development, lot or site served by
more than one permitted vehicle entrance shall be allowed one secondary
entrance location sign within 100 feet of each secondary vehicular
entrance into the nonresidential development, lot or site in question
from a state road or federal highway. The secondary entrance location
sign shall conform to the following standards:
(a)
The maximum width of a secondary entrance location sign shall
not exceed eight feet. The maximum height of a secondary entrance
location sign shall not exceed five feet. For purposes of this section,
the height of a secondary entrance location sign shall be measured
from the grade at the base of the secondary entrance location sign.
(b)
The maximum sign area of a secondary entrance location sign
shall not exceed 20 square feet per sign face.
(c)
Only the name and logo, if applicable, of the nonresidential
development, lot or site in question shall be depicted on a secondary
entrance location sign. The maximum letter and/or logo height shall
be 18 inches.
(d)
The exterior finish(es) of a secondary entrance location sign
shall be constructed of brick, natural or synthetic stone, stucco
and/or exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Sign letters,
logos and symbols shall be made of like materials and/or channel letters.
The sign architecture shall be the same as the main entrance location
sign.
(e)
Two faces per secondary entrance location sign shall be permitted.
(f)
Each secondary entrance location sign may be illuminated internally and/or externally. If internally illuminated, only the individual letters, logos and symbols shall be illuminated. If externally illuminated, the sign illumination shall comply with § 27-914 of this Part.
(g)
The secondary entrance location sign shall be set back at least
15 feet from the road right-of-way and shall not obstruct the clear
sight triangle vision at any intersection, traffic control sign or
traffic control signal, nor shall any secondary entrance location
sign project into a public right-of-way.
F.
Projecting Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, where projecting
signs are permitted as set forth in Schedule 27-VII of this Part,
any nonresidential use permitted by the Township as defined by the
Standard Industrial Classification Code System under Schedule 27-V
of this chapter, as may be amended may display one projecting sign
on the main entrance building facade provided that:
(1)
The sign is counted toward the lot's, development's
or site's wall sign area limit as set forth in Schedule 27-IX
of this Part.
(2)
The projecting sign conforms to the wall sign regulations set
forth in Subsection 1H, hereof.
(3)
The minimum height of a projecting sign shall be eight feet
and the maximum height of a projecting sign shall be 12 feet measured
from the walking surface below the sign to the bottom of the sign.
The maximum sign area per sign face shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(4)
The sign shall not project into any public or private right-of-way
and shall not be illuminated.
(5)
The projecting sign shall not project more than four feet from
the wall to which it is attached.
(6)
A projecting sign, or the items of information on a projecting
sign, can be changed manually no more than three times in a twenty-four-hour
period.
G.
Shopping Cart Corral Signage. Where shopping cart corrals are approved
in a final land development plan or otherwise approved by the Township,
each shopping cart corral may have affixed to it a shopping cart corral
sign conforming to the following standards:
(1)
The maximum height of a shopping cart corral sign shall not
exceed seven feet.
(2)
The maximum sign area for each face of a shopping cart corral
sign shall not exceed four square feet.
(3)
Shopping cart corral signs shall not be illuminated but may
be manufactured from reflective vinyl or other reflective materials.
H.
Wall Sign Regulations. Wall signs are permitted as allowed by Schedule
27-VII of this Part. Any nonresidential uses permitted by the Township
as defined by the Standard Industrial Classification Code System under
Schedule 27-V of this chapter, as may be amended, may display wall
signs provided that wall signs are constructed and installed in accordance
with the following regulations:
(1)
The height of a wall sign shall not exceed the height of the
building facade to which it is attached; however, in no case shall
a wall sign exceed 30 feet in height. Wall signs shall be compatible
with the architectural motif of the building to which they are attached.
No wall sign shall cover or interrupt major architectural features.
(2)
Awning, canopy, and marquis signs are permitted as set forth
in Schedule 27-VII of this Part and shall be treated as a wall sign
and subject to the wall sign regulations herein set forth provided
that an awning, canopy, or marquis sign shall not project higher than
the top of the awning, canopy, or marquis on which the sign is located
or the height of the building facade to which attached, whichever
is greater.
(a)
A canopy over drive-through service lane(s) where customers
remain seated in a vehicle shall be permitted to have electrically-activated
changeable signs provided that:
1)
No electrically-activated changeable sign on said canopy shall exceed one square foot in area (see § 27-909, Subsection 1A).
2)
No electrically-activated changeable sign on said canopy shall exceed 12 feet in height (see § 27-909, Subsection 1B).
3)
The maximum letter height on an electrically-activated changeable
sign on said canopy shall not exceed four inches.
4)
No more than four electrically-activated changeable signs shall
be located on said canopy.
5)
Electrically-activated changeable sign(s) on said canopy shall
be illuminated internally (e.g., light emitting diodes); shall not
change items of information and color more than two times in twenty-four-hour
period except as otherwise provided herein; and shall be an architecturally
designed and integrated component of said canopy structure which does
not extend above the top or below the bottom of said canopy structure.
6)
In the event of a crime or imminent criminal activity, an electrically-activated
changeable sign(s) on said canopy may change items of information
more than two times in a twenty-four-hour period and may become a
flashing sign in which content changes and/or flashes to alert the
public and security or law enforcement personnel to said crime or
criminal activity, such as CALL 911, SOS or HELP.
(4)
Wall sign items of information and/or the background surface,
if any, to which they are attached other than the wall or facade,
shall be attached to or pinned away from the wall or facade but may
project from the wall by such distance as is necessary to accommodate
the ballasts, raceway, electrical components, and cabinetry of the
sign in question provided that the wall sign shall not project from
the wall by more than 18 inches.
(5)
Wall signs shall be erected on a main entrance building facade,
a building facade facing a state or federal road, and/or a building
facade facing an interior driveway of a nonresidential development,
lot, or site. For the purposes of this Part, the main entrance building
facade shall be the facade of the building where the majority of occupants
enter and exit the building.
(6)
The length of a wall sign shall not exceed the lesser of 50
feet or 60% of the width of the facade to which the wall sign is affixed.
In the case of a nonresidential building with multiple separate demised
or divided areas between tenants, the width of the facade to which
a wall sign is affixed shall be the portion of the facade used by
each separate demised or divided area determined by the intersection
of exterior or interior walls, as applicable, of each separate demised
or divided area with the facade used by each separate area.
(7)
The maximum aggregate sign area for all wall signs shall be determined in accordance with Schedule 27-IX of this chapter. The maximum aggregate sign area for all wall signs shall be determined by using the main entrance facade area. The area of the main entrance facade shall be calculated using the lesser of the actual area of the main entrance facade or an area determined by the width of the main entrance facade multiplied by 35 feet (regardless of whether the actual height of the facade exceeds 35 feet). The area of the main entrance facade includes all windows, door areas, and cornices on the facade to which the wall sign(s) is (are) affixed. Where a nonresidential building has multiple separate demised or divided areas the width of the main entrance facade shall be determined as set forth in Subsection 1H(6), above.
The maximum wall sign area for all wall signs on a single nonresidential
building shall not exceed 500 square feet in the aggregate except
where a main entrance facade contains separately demised or divided
areas for multiple uses such as multiple stores in a single shopping
center building, in which case the maximum wall sign area for each
such demised or divided area for each separate use shall be based
upon the main entrance facade area of the particular separate use
or demised or divided area determined as set forth in this section,
even though the aggregate Wall Sign area on a single nonresidential
building for all of said separate uses exceeds the 500 square foot
area maximum set forth in this section.
In the event the maximum area of wall signs on a main entrance
facade calculated in accordance with Schedule 27-IX of this chapter
is less than 32 square feet, the owner or tenant of the building in
question may erect a wall sign containing up 32 square feet of wall
sign area.
(8)
The maximum letter height for wall signs shall be based upon:
(a)
The distance the facade to which the wall sign is affixed is
set back from the cartway of an expressway, arterial street, collector
street, local street or main entrance driveway of the nonresidential
lot, development or site in question, whichever the facade in question
faces, in accordance with Schedule 27-X of this chapter. If a building
facade in question faces both a public road described above and main
entrance driveway, the facade distance to the cartway of the public
road shall apply.
(b)
An average of the vertical height of each letter of the wall
sign calculated by adding the vertical height of each letter, dividing
the resulting sum by the number of letters on the wall sign in question,
and the resulting sum shall be the average letter height which shall
not exceed the maximum average letter height set forth on Schedule
27-X of this chapter. In the case of more than one row of letters,
where a row of letters is above or below another row of letters, the
combined height of the stacked letters shall be used to determine
the maximum average letter height.
(9)
Ancillary Secondary Entrance Wall Signs. Ancillary secondary
entrance wall signs are permitted as allowed by Schedule 27-VII of
this Part. Ancillary secondary entrance wall signs shall be constructed
and installed in accordance with the following regulations:
(a)
The height of the ancillary secondary entrance wall sign shall
not exceed the height of the principal wall sign above the main entrance
to the building facade to which attached. The maximum height of an
ancillary secondary entrance wall sign shall be 16 feet if it is attached
to a building facade other than the main entrance building facade.
(b)
The ancillary secondary entrance wall sign shall be compatible
with the architectural motif of the building to which it is attached.
(c)
Ancillary secondary entrance wall signs may be internally or externally illuminated in accordance with § 27-914 of this Part.
(d)
The maximum sign area for an ancillary secondary entrance wall
sign shall not exceed 100 square feet when attached to the main entrance
building facade with the principal wall sign. The maximum sign area
for an ancillary secondary entrance wall sign shall not exceed 40
square feet when attached to a building facade other than the main
entrance facade. The ancillary secondary entrance wall sign area shall
be included within the maximum aggregate sign area of all wall signs
permitted by Schedule 27-IX of this chapter.
(e)
The maximum number of ancillary secondary entrance wall signs
on a single nonresidential building shall be determined based upon
the following table, notwithstanding the fact that the actual number
of entrances on a single nonresidential building exceed the number
of ancillary secondary entrance wall signs permitted in the following
table:
(f)
Ancillary secondary entrance wall signs shall be attached flat
to or pinned away from the wall or facade.
(g)
No ancillary secondary entrance wall sign shall cover or interrupt
major architectural features.
I.
Ancillary Use Wall Signs. Ancillary use wall signs are permitted
as allowed by Schedule 27-VII of this Part. Ancillary use wall signs
shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the following
regulations:
(1)
The height of the ancillary use wall sign shall not exceed the
height of the principal wall sign above the main entrance building
facade to which attached or the height of an ancillary secondary entrance
wall sign on the same facade.
(2)
The ancillary use wall sign shall be compatible with the architectural
motif of the building to which it is attached.
(3)
Ancillary use wall signs may be internally or externally illuminated in accordance with § 27-914 of this Part.
(4)
The maximum sign area for an ancillary use wall sign shall not
exceed 40 square feet and shall be included within the maximum aggregate
sign area of all wall signs permitted by Schedule 27-IX of this Part.
(5)
The maximum number of ancillary use wall signs on a single nonresidential
building shall be determined based upon the following table:
(6)
Ancillary use wall signs shall be attached flat to or pinned
away from the wall or facade.
(7)
No ancillary use wall sign shall cover or interrupt major architectural
features.
J.
Window/Door Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, where window
and door signs are permitted as set forth in Schedule 27-VII window
and door signs may not exceed more than 10% of the area of the window
or door in which they are displayed.
K.
Neon and LED Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, where neon
and LED signs are permitted as set forth in Schedule 27-VII, any nonresidential
use permitted by the Township as defined by the Standard Industrial
Classification Code System under Schedule 27-V of this chapter, as
may be amended, may display one neon sign or one LED sign toward any
street toward which it has frontage provided that:
(1)
The sign area of the neon or LED sign shall be included within
the maximum sign area of wall signs permitted by Schedule 27-IX of
this chapter.
(2)
The sign in question is located in a window or door.
(3)
The sign in question does not exceed a height of eight feet.
(4)
The sign in question does not exceed an area of two square feet.
(5)
The items of information on the neon or LED sign shall not change
in any manner at any time except for when the sign in question is
replaced in its entirety.
L.
Pedestrian Information Sign Plazas. Except as otherwise provided
herein, pedestrian information signs plazas are permitted as allowed
in Schedule 27-VII of this Part, provided that:
(1)
The maximum height of each pedestrian information sign plaza
shall not exceed seven feet.
(2)
The maximum sign area for each face of a pedestrian information
sign plaza not displaying a map of the nonresidential lot, development
or site shall not exceed 24 square feet. The maximum sign area for
each face of a pedestrian information sign plaza displaying a map
of the nonresidential lot, development or site shall not exceed 32
square feet.
(4)
Pedestrian information sign plazas shall be located at central
pedestrian intersecting points inside a nonresidential development,
lot or site; however, in no case shall said sign plaza be located
along a public street.
M.
Menu Boards. The following types of menu boards are permitted as allowed by Schedule 27-VII of this chapter. A menu board shall only be legible by patrons of the business to which the menu board applies. The location of all menu boards shall be depicted on the land development plan or on the zoning permit application site plan if a land development plan is not required. Menu boards installed as pole signs may exceed the height limitation of four feet as regulated by § 27-906, Subsection 1A(1), and shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the following regulations:
(1)
Parking Stall Menu Board.
(a)
A parking stall menu board may contain up to two faces installed
in a manner so that one face is visible from the driver's side
window view from a vehicle and the other face is visible from the
passengers' side window view from a vehicle in an adjoining parking
stall. Items of information shall only be legible by vehicle occupants
within a parking stall.
(b)
A parking stall menu board shall not exceed eight square feet
in area per menu board face excluding the area of communications equipment
and point-of-sale devises, if any. A parking stall menu board shall
not exceed 6 1/2 feet in height.
(c)
A parking stall menu board shall not directly face any public or private street other than an interior driveway of a parking area serving the drive-in business in question and shall not contain any signage facing a public or private street. Parking stall menu boards located within 60 feet of a public right-of-way, or adjoining residential use and/or R1, R-2, R-3, C-4, S-1 or O-1 District, shall be screened in accordance with § 27-603, Subsection 3B, of this chapter, except for the height of the evergreens and/or deciduous shrubs which shall be initially installed or grown to, and maintained at, the height of the parking stall menu boards of the business in question.
(2)
Pedestrian Menu Boards. The area of a pedestrian menu board shall not exceed eight square feet per menu board face excluding the area of communications equipment and point-of-sale devices, if any, The height of a pedestrian menu board shall not exceed eight feet. One pedestrian menu board with no more than two sign faces shall be permitted for each point-of-sale service location of a business in question. Pedestrian menu boards may be internally or externally illuminated in accordance with § 27-914 of this chapter and may be equipped with communication and/or point-of-sale equipment.
(3)
Drive-Through Menu Boards.
(a)
A drive-through menu board shall not exceed a height of eight
feet and shall not exceed an area of 35 square feet.
(b)
A drive-through menu board may be located less than 10 feet
from a drive-through lane, however, in no case shall said sign be
located in such a way as to cause a safety hazard.
(c)
A drive-through menu board shall not be located where it causes
vehicles to stack onto a public right-of-way. If vehicle stacking
onto a public right-of-way occurs after installation of a drive-through
menu board, the drive-through menu board in question shall be removed
or relocated to prevent vehicle stacking onto a public right-of-way.
(d)
A drive-through menu board shall be landscaped in accordance
with Subsection 1C of this section, except the landscaped area need
not be four feet from its base.
(e)
A drive-through menu board may be equipped with communication
and/or point-of-sale equipment.
(4)
Preview Menu Boards.
(a)
A preview menu board shall be permitted where a drive-through
menu board is permitted; however, a preview menu board cannot be installed
separate and apart from a drive-through menu board but a drive-through
menu board can be installed separate and apart from a preview menu
board.
(b)
A preview menu board shall not exceed a height of six feet and
shall not exceed an area of 16 square feet.
(c)
A preview menu board may be located less than 10 feet from a
drive-through lane, however, in no case shall said sign be located
in such a way as to cause a safety hazard.
(d)
A preview menu board shall not be located where it causes vehicle
stacking onto a public right-of-way. If vehicle stacking onto a public
right-of-way occurs after installation of a preview menu board, the
preview menu board in question shall be removed or relocated to prevent
vehicle stacking onto a public right-of-way.
(e)
A preview menu board shall be landscaped in accordance with
Subsection 1C of this section, except the landscaped area need not
be four feet from its base.
(5)
Wall-Mounted Menu Boards. In the event a parking stall menu
board, pedestrian menu board, preview menu board, and/or drive-through
menu board is/are installed as a wall sign, the area(s) of a wall-mounted
menu board(s) shall apply to the maximum aggregate sign area for all
wall signs per Schedule 27-IX of this chapter. For the purpose of
this Part, a menu board installed on a window near the point of ordering
shall be classified as a wall-mounted menu board, which may exceed
10% of the area of the window in question as regulated by Subsection
1J, up to the maximum allowable sign area permitted for a parking
stall menu board, pedestrian menu board, preview menu board, and/or
drive-through menu board, as applicable.
N.
Fuel Dispensing Equipment Sign. Except as otherwise provided in this
Part, fuel dispensing equipment signs are permitted as allowed in
Schedule 27-VII of this chapter; provided, that:
(1)
No fuel dispensing equipment sign shall exceed eight square feet in area (see § 27-909, Subsection 1A).
(2)
No fuel dispensing equipment sign shall exceed five feet in height (see § 27-909, Subsection 1B).
(3)
The maximum letter height on a fuel dispensing equipment sign
shall not exceed six inches.
(4)
No more than two fuel dispensing equipment signs shall be located
on an enclosure containing fuel dispensing equipment.
(5)
Fuel dispensing equipment signs shall not be illuminated other
than by exterior lighting below a roof or canopy over the fuel dispensing
equipment in question.
O.
Township Property Signs. Prior to installing any sign on Township
property, a person or entity shall first obtain approval to do so
by the Board of Supervisors. Such signage shall be installed and removed
at the discretion and direction of the Board of Supervisors.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.1300; and amended by Ord. 2012-3, 3/20/2012, § 19]
1.
Individual signs and graphics shall be permitted as allowed in Schedule
27-VII of this Part.
2.
Individual signs and street graphics not requiring a permit are subject
to the following special regulations:
A.
Automobile Dealer Vehicle Sign. Unless otherwise noted herein, automobile
dealer vehicle signs are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of
this Part provided that:
B.
Construction Sign. See Subsection 3B, below.
C.
Farm Product Sign. See Subsection 3C, below.
D.
Flag. Except as otherwise provided herein, flags are permitted as
allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this Part; provided that:
(1)
No single flag that is flown shall exceed 40 square feet in
area and no single lot, development or site shall fly more than six
flags.
E.
Incidental Sign. Except as otherwise provided herein, incidental
signs are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this Part provided
that:
(1)
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no incidental
sign shall exceed an area of three square feet.
(2)
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no incidental
sign shall exceed a height of four feet if attached to a pole or post,
or eight feet if attached to a building wall except as otherwise provided
herein.
(3)
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no incidental
sign shall contain advertising for the business to which it is associated,
nor shall incidental signs be located along a public street, except
as follow:
(a)
One incidental entrance sign is permitted where an entrance
driveway to a nonresidential development, lot, or site intersects
a public street. Said sign shall also identify the site's address
for the purpose of being located by emergency service providers.
(b)
One incidental exit sign is permitted where an exit driveway
to a nonresidential development, lot or site intersects a public street.
Said sign shall also identify the site's address for the purpose
of being located by emergency service providers.
(c)
One incidental sign that identifies the site's address
is permitted where a main entrance driveway to a nonresidential development,
lot or site intersects a public street if the site's address
is not affixed to a ground sign.
(4)
Incidental signs may be illuminated in accordance with § 27-914 of this Part or the sign letters, logos, symbols and/or other graphics may be manufactured from reflective vinyl or other reflective materials.
(5)
Incidental signs which designate an aisle in a parking facility
of a nonresidential development, lot or site and which are mounted
on parking facility light poles shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
(6)
Incidental signs may designate the name and location of one
or more tenants in a nonresidential building by name and/or logo.
F.
Personal Use and Information Signs and Graphics. Except as otherwise
provided herein, personal use and information signs and graphics are
permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this Part provided that:
(1)
No personal use and information sign may exceed two square feet in area (see § 27-909, Subsection 1A).
(2)
The aggregate area of all personal use and information signs
on a building and lot shall not exceed eight square feet.
(3)
No personal use and information sign may exceed five feet in height (see § 27-909, Subsection 1B).
(4)
No commercial message shall be allowed, except where pertaining
to an approved home occupation.
(5)
Personal use and Information signs may not include information
pertaining to an off-site activity unless otherwise noted herein.
G.
Business Nameplate Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, business
nameplate signs are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this
Part provided that:
(1)
Business nameplate signs that exceed the regulations set forth in § 27-905, Subsection 1B, shall require a permit and shall not exceed 25 square feet in aggregate sign area. No business nameplate sign shall exceed eight feet in height.
(2)
Business nameplate signs shall not include information pertaining
to an off-site activity unless otherwise noted herein.
H.
Real Estate Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, real estate
signs indicating the availability of real property for lease or sale
are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this Part provided
that:
I.
Vending Machine Sign. Except as otherwise provided herein, vending
machine signs are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this
Part, provided that:
3.
Individual signs and street graphics requiring a permit are subject
to the following special regulations:
A.
Bulletin Board. Except as otherwise provided herein, bulletin boards
are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this Part, provided
that:
(1)
No bulletin board shall exceed 50% of the sign area of a ground
or wall sign, or 16 square feet in area, whichever is less.
(2)
No bulletin board shall exceed six feet in height.
(3)
No bulletin board shall be permitted on a main entrance location
sign, secondary entrance location sign, ancillary use or secondary
entrance wall signs, and ground and wall signs greater than 32 square
feet.
B.
Construction Sign.
(1)
Except as otherwise provided herein, one temporary, non-illuminated,
sign may be placed on any lot, development or site where construction,
repair, or renovation is in progress, provided that:
(a)
Construction signs shall not be erected in advance of the issuance
of required zoning and building permit and shall be removed immediately
following the issuance of zoning and building occupancy permits.
(b)
Construction signs shall not exceed four square feet in area
in a residential or rural area or 16 square feet in area in a commercial
or industrial area except as otherwise provided herein.
(c)
Construction signs shall not exceed four feet in height in a
residential or rural area or six feet in height in a commercial or
industrial area except as otherwise provided herein.
(2)
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph,
construction signs for nonresidential developments, lots or sites
in excess of 10,000 square feet of gross leasable area shall be governed
and controlled by the following regulations:
(a)
Construction signs shall only face a state road, federal highway,
or the Township road which serves as the principal means of access
to the nonresidential lot, development or site in question.
(b)
One construction sign for the nonresidential lot, development
or site in question may be permitted at any one time and may contain
copy designating the name of the complex, development, or nonresidential
building to be constructed, the name, logo, trademark, or other identifying
symbol of one or more tenants who have executed leases in the nonresidential
building in question, the name of the developer of the nonresidential
building in question, together with addresses, phone numbers, and
other contact information with respect to the foregoing.
(c)
The maximum height of such construction sign shall not exceed
12 feet and shall not contain a sign area greater than 50 square feet
per sign face. Each such construction sign may have up to two sign
faces each of which shall be attached to the same support structure
but may be separated from the other by up to a 90° angle. For
purposes of this section, the height of a construction sign shall
be measured from the grade at the base of the support structure of
the construction sign.
(d)
Construction signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from the
road right-of-way and shall not obstruct the sight triangle vision
at any intersection, traffic control sign or traffic control signal,
nor shall any construction sign project into a public right-of-way.
(e)
Construction signs shall comply with all applicable Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation rules and regulations.
(g)
Construction signs shall only be permitted after final land
development plan approval for the nonresidential land development
in question and all other approvals necessary for the construction
of the nonresidential land development in question have been issued
including, without limitation, the execution and delivery to the Township
of a development agreement, any performance guarantee required to
be delivered to the Township pursuant to the terms of the development
agreement for the nonresidential land development in question and
the issuance of required zoning and building permits.
(h)
Construction signs shall be removed upon the first to occur
of the following: 1) the issuance of temporary or permanent zoning
and building certificates of occupancy for the nonresidential land
development in question; or 2) the issuance of temporary or permanent
zoning and building certificates of occupancy for the main entrance
location sign. Where a construction sign has designated the name,
logo, trademark, or other identifying symbol of a tenant in a nonresidential
building denoted on the construction sign, the tenant's name
shall be removed from the construction sign in question upon the first
to occur of: a) the issuance of temporary or permanent zoning and
building certificates of occupancy for the tenant's permanent
signage in question; or b) the issuance of temporary or permanent
zoning and building certificates of occupancy for the tenant's
use and demised area in question.
(i)
The construction sign for the nonresidential land development
in question shall be removed if construction of the nonresidential
land development in question does not commence within 90 days of the
installation of said construction sign.
(j)
No construction sign shall be erected for more than 18 consecutive
months from the date of issuance of a zoning permit for the installation
of the construction sign.
C.
Farm Product Sign. Except as otherwise provided herein, signs announcing
the availability of seasonal farm products are permitted as allowed
in Schedule 27-VII of this Part, provided that:
(1)
The number of farm product signs shall not exceed 2.
(2)
The total area of all farm product signs shall not exceed 20 square feet (see § 27-909, Subsection 1A).
(3)
No single farm product sign shall exceed 12 square feet.
(5)
The farm product signs shall not be erected more than 15 days
in advance of the harvest.
(6)
All farm product signs shall be removed within five days of
the end of harvest.
(7)
The sign shall be located on the same property as the sale of
the seasonal farm product.
D.
Mural. Except as otherwise provided herein, murals are permitted
as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of this Part, provided that:
(1)
No mural shall cover any windows, doors, or other architectural
features.
(2)
No mural shall exceed a height of 15 feet.
(3)
No mural shall exceed an area of 32 square feet and no more
than one mural shall be permitted on a building.
(4)
The mural shall be attractive and harmonious to the building
and surrounding area.
(5)
No mural shall contain a commercial message or shall advertise
a use located in the building on which the mural is located.
(6)
The area of a mural shall be included within the maximum sign
area of wall signs permitted by Schedule 27-IX of this chapter.
E.
Nonprofit Special Event Signs on or above a Public Right-of-Way.
Except as otherwise provided herein, signs or graphics related to
any single nonprofit event are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII
of this Part provided that:
F.
Political Signs. Except as otherwise provided herein, political signs,
as defined in this Part, are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII
provided that:
(1)
No political sign shall be erected more than 30 days in advance
of the election to which they pertain.
(2)
No person or entity shall erect any political sign on another
property owner's parcel without a zoning permit. All political
signs erected by a person or entity other than by a property owner
shall be removed within three days following the election for which
they were posted. Failure to remove such signs within said three-day
period will subject said person or entity to enforcement remedies
under this chapter.
(3)
The maximum number of political signs located in Stroud Township
for each candidate shall be 50.
(4)
The maximum size of anyone political sign shall be three square feet (see § 27-909, Subsection 1A).
(5)
A maximum of one political sign for each candidate may be placed
on any lot.
(6)
No political sign for any candidate may be located within 50
feet of any other sign for the same candidate.
G.
Special Event Sign. Except as otherwise provided herein, signs announcing
special events including, but not limited to, auctions, grand openings,
new management, going out of business, and events sponsored by religious,
charitable, or public service groups are permitted as allowed in Schedule
27-VII of this Part provided that:
(1)
No business, individual, or organization may display special
event signs more than four times in a twelve-month period.
(2)
A maximum of two special event signs is permitted, of which
one may be a banner.
(3)
No use shall display special event signs for a period exceeding
60 days in a twelve-month period.
(4)
No special event sign may advertise an off-site event.
(5)
The special event sign shall be attached to buildings or existing
private sign structures.
(6)
Banners advertising a special event shall meet the following
requirements:
H.
Subdivision Identification Sign. Unless otherwise noted herein, subdivision
identification signs are permitted as allowed in Schedule 27-VII of
this Part provided that:
(1)
The subdivision contains a minimum of six lots.
(2)
The subdivision has received preliminary plan approval from
the Stroud Township Board of Supervisors.
(3)
The subdivision identification signs are located on-premises.
(5)
There is a maximum of two one-sided subdivision identification
signs or one two-sided subdivision identification sign at each entrance
to the subdivision.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.1400]
1.
Sign illumination applies to all signs and street graphics and shall
be subject to the following regulations:
A.
B.
Types of Sign Illumination.
C.
Illumination Regulations.
(1)
Lighting shall be aimed and shielded so that no light shines
on adjoining properties.
(2)
Lighting shall be aimed and shielded so that no light shines
in the eyes of motorists or pedestrians.
(3)
The light shall not be located more than 15 feet from the sign.
(4)
Shielding shall be provided to prevent glare. All sign illumination must comply with § 27-604, Subsection 1G, of this chapter regarding glare.
(5)
On-premises signs may be illuminated whenever a business is
open plus 1/2 hour prior to opening and 1/2 hour after closing, provided,
however, there shall be no restriction on illumination necessary for
the security and/or safety of the facility in question and its premises.
[Ord. 1998-5, 7/20/1998; as added by Ord. 2006-8, 8/29/2006,
§ 9.1500]
1.
Registration of Nonconforming Signs and Street Graphics. All nonconforming signs and street graphics shall be registered in accordance with § 27-904, Subsection 1C.
A.
Loss of Nonconforming Sign, Registration. A nonconforming sign registration
shall become void if a lawful nonconforming sign has been discontinued
for one year or more: it shall be presumed to be abandoned, and any
subsequent use of such sign shall be in conformity with the regulations
of this Part applicable to the district in which it is located.
2.
Removal of Nonconforming Signs and Street Graphics. A nonconforming
sign, together with its panel cabinet, supports, braces, anchors,
and electrical equipment, shall be removed or brought into compliance
at the expense of the owner within 60 days of notice from the Township
to the owner:
3.
Alteration of Nonconforming Signs and Street Graphics. Any sign lawfully
existing or under construction on the effective date of this Part
and which does not conform to one or more provisions of this Part
may be continued in operation and maintained indefinitely as a legal
nonconforming sign subject to compliance with the provisions of this
section and the following requirements:
4.
Nonconforming Franchise Signs. A franchisee of a national or regional
franchise business with nonconforming franchise signage shall have
the right to replace nonconforming franchise signage with new franchise
signage provided that the new franchise signage does not add a nonconformity
or increase the degree of nonconformity and provided that the new
franchise signage meets the applicable regulations of this Part.
5.
Replacement. Nonconforming signage may be replaced in its entirety
provided that there is no additional nonconformity or increase in
the degree of nonconformity of the replacement signage.
6.
Temporary Removal. The temporary removal of nonconforming signage
from a structure or property for purposes of maintaining or repairing
the property, structure, or repairing or maintaining the nonconforming
signage shall be permitted provided that the period of temporary removal
does not exceed 180 consecutive days without good cause, nonconforming
signage may also be temporarily removed from the property, or structure
to which it is affixed for a period not to exceed 180 consecutive
days (without good cause) to effect repairs, maintenance, and modernization
of the nonconforming signage or structure. A nonconforming sign may
be removed, altered or replaced to effect repairs, maintenance, and
modernization of the nonconforming sign including, without limitation,
repair or restoration of damage to a nonconforming sign, provided
that the damage does not exceed more than 50% of the current value
of the nonconforming sign.
7.
Moving. A nonconforming sign shall not be moved to another position
on a structure or property except where an immaterial and insubstantial
change in location occurs following repairs, maintenance, or modernization
of the structure or sign in question.
8.
Nonconforming Signs and Street Graphics in Substandard Condition.
All nonconforming signs and/or sign structures in substandard condition
shall be identified by the Zoning and/or Code Enforcement Officer.
The Zoning and/or Code Enforcement Officer shall notify the property
owner of the sign's condition. The owner shall repair or remove
the sign within 60 days of receipt of notification from the Township.
If no response is received and the sign is not repaired or removed
within 60 days of notification from the Township, the Township may
remove, or order the removal of, the sign at the expense of the owner.
9.
Voluntary Removal or Replacement of Nonconforming Signs.
A.
The application fee for any sign permit application that would replace
a nonconforming sign with a conforming sign shall be waived.
B.
It is the intent of the Township to encourage sign owners to remove
nonconforming signs, replace nonconforming sign with conforming signs,
and remove nonconforming sign elements. Nonconforming signs and sign
elements shall be identified and prioritized as follows:
(1)
Nonconforming signs that pose a public hazard.
(2)
Nonconforming off-premises signs.
(3)
Signs that are nonconforming due to location, quantity, height,
or area.
|
Schedule 27-VIII
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Main Entrance Location Sign Maximum Sign Area and Letter/Logo/Symbol
Size Standards
| |||
|
Gross Leasable Area of Nonresidential Lot, Development
or Site
(square feet)
|
Maximum Sign Area of Main Entrance Location Sign Per Sign,
Face
(square feet)
|
Maximum Letter/Logo/ Symbol Size
(inches)
|
Maximum Number of Tenants that May Be Depicted on Each
Face of a Main Entrance Location Sign
|
|
0 to 10,000
|
32 per face
|
18
|
2
|
|
10,001 to 25,000
|
40 per face
|
18
|
2
|
|
25,001 to 50,000
|
60 per face
|
24
|
2
|
|
50,001 to 100,000
|
80 per face
|
24
|
4
|
|
100,001 to 150,000
|
120 per face
|
30
|
4
|
|
150,001 and above
|
160 per face
|
36
|
4
|
|
Schedule 27-IX
| |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Wall Sign Area Standards
| |
|
Maximum Wall Sign Area
| |
|
0 to 5,000 square feet of facade
|
The lesser of 8% of the building facade including window and
door area and cornices to which the wall sign is to be affixed or
300 square feet.[1]
|
|
5,001 square feet of facade or greater
|
The lesser of 6% of the building facade including window and
door area and cornices to which the wall sign is to be affixed or
500 square feet.
|
|
Schedule 27-X
| |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Letter Size Regulations
| |
|
The maximum letter height for wall signs shall be based upon: (A) the distance the facade to which the wall sign is affixed is set back from the cartway of an expressway, arterial street, collector street, local street or main entrance driveway of the nonresidential lot, development or site in question, whichever the facade in question faces. If a building facade in question faces both a public road described above and main entrance driveway, the facade distance to the cartway of the public road shall apply; (B) an average of the vertical height of each letter on the wall sign in question calculated in accordance with § 27-912, Subsection 1H(8), of this chapter; and (C) in accordance with the following table:
| |
|
Distance Building Facade Is Setback from Cartway of an
Expressway, Arterial, Collector, or Local Street or Main Entrance
Driveway[2]
(feet)
|
Maximum Average Letter Height
(inches)
|
|
0 to 25
|
12
|
|
26 to 50
|
18
|
|
51 to 75
|
24
|
|
76 to 100
|
30
|
|
101 to 150
|
36
|
|
151 to 200
|
42
|
|
201 to 250
|
48
|
|
251 to 300
|
54
|
|
301 to 350
|
60
|
|
351 to 550
|
72
|
|
551 to 700
|
78
|
|
701 and above
|
84
|
[1]
In accordance with § 27-912, Subsection 1H(7), in the event the maximum area of a wall sign on a single facade calculated in accordance with this schedule is less than 32 square feet, the owner or user of the building in question may erect a wall sign containing up to 32 square feet of wall sign area.
