For the purposes of this article, the definitions set forth
below shall apply unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
In the event a term is not specifically defined herein, then the general
definitions set forth in this chapter shall apply.
Illumination by means of lamps or external lighting devices
reflected on a sign. Indirect illuminated lighting must be:
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
Lighting by means of lamps or lighting devices internal to
the sign, which is either behind the face of the sign or an integral
part of the sign structure.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
Any surface, fabric device or display which bears lettered,
pictorial or sculpted matter, including forms shaped to resemble any
human, animal or product, designed to convey information visually
or attract the attention of the general public, except official flags
of governmental jurisdictions or public or charitable or nonprofit
organizations which do not exceed 50 square feet in area. The term
"sign" as used herein shall include the frame and any supporting structure
to which the display area is affixed.
That area enclosed by one continuous line, connecting the
extreme points or edges of a sign. The area includes all lettering,
wording or accompanying design or symbols, together with the background,
whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed. The area of
the sign does not include minimal supporting framework or bracing,
but all other ornamental attachments or decorative structure shall
be included in determining the area of a sign.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
A sign suspended beneath a ceiling of an arcade, a roof or
marquee containing only the name of a business for the purpose of
assisting pedestrian traffic traveling under the arcade, roof or marquee
to identify the location of establishments within a shopping center
or similar building.
A temporary sign painted or printed on a strip of cloth,
vinyl, plastic or paper designed to be hung from poles, across the
wall of a building or in a window.
See "sign, outdoor advertising structure."
A type of manual changeable copy sign used by churches and
schools to announce events and constructed to allow letters or symbols
to be changed periodically.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
A fixed, nonchangeable copy sign which contains only the
name and/or address of a single business located on a premises or
of the plaza or other commercial development in which a business is
located and a description of the goods, services, facilities or events
available on the premises.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
A fixed, nonchangeable copy, business identification sign
containing only the name of the business on the premises, located
on a canopy, overhang or other structure, regardless of whether the
canopy is attached to the principal structure in which the business
is located or is freestanding, designed to provide cover over gasoline
pumps or fueling island.
[Added 5-14-2015 by Ord.
No. O-2-2015]
A temporary sign erected during the work period announcing
the name of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing
work on the premises.
A permanent wall or freestanding ground sign containing only
the name and address of a plan of subdivision, commercial site or
a multifamily building development.
An electronic sign used by gasoline stations to identify
the price of gasoline for sale on the premises upon which the sign
is located.
[Added 5-14-2015 by Ord.
No. O-2-2015]
A changeable copy sign capable of displaying a message in
pictures or other photographic images, symbols, numbers and/or text
which may be changed electronically, mechanically or rearranged automatically
by computer or other form of programming.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015[1]]
A freestanding sign which is affixed to the ground by means
of a permanent foundation and which provides a maximum clearance of
18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground
level.
A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant
of the premises and his occupation.
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations
can be changed or rearranged manually without altering the face or
surface of the sign.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
Commemorative plaques placed by a recognized agency of the
Township, county, state or federal government, or historical society
or community organization recognized by the Township.
Signs displaying the location of or direction to of a business
or event which is not on the premises or site where the business is
located or event is occurring.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015[2]]
An on-site sign which directs vehicular or pedestrian traffic
to parking areas, proper exits, loading areas, entrance points and
similar areas within the site on which it is located.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
An off-premises sign which directs attention to a person,
business, commodity, service, activity or establishment which is unrelated
to the principal use of the land or not available on the land on which
the sign is located.
A sign, other than a wall sign or arcade sign, affixed to
a building or wall whose leading edge extends beyond such building
or wall more than six inches, including awnings, marquees or similar
structures used for business identification.
A freestanding sign which is supported by one or more poles,
uprights or braces having a minimum clearance between the bottom edge
of the sign and the adjacent ground level and a maximum height as
specified herein.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
A temporary sign which indicates the name or affiliation
of anyone seeking public office or which refers to an issue concerning
which a public election is scheduled to be held.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
Signs bearing legal and/or property notices such as "No Trespassing,"
"Private Property," "No Turnarounds," "Safety Zone," "No Hunting"
and similar messages.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
A temporary sign advertising the open house, sale or rental
of premises. The signs may also bear the words "Sold," "Sale Pending"
or "Rented" across their face or by means of an attached sign.
A real estate sign having an area not greater than 216 square
inches or 1 1/2 square feet located off the premises subject
to sale and intended to direct the public to the premises subject
to sale. Any sign used by a developer, or agency working for such
developer, to advertise a development or subdivision, or any lot contained
therein, shall not be considered under this section.
A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant
of the premises.
A sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof of any
building which projects no more than six feet above the highest point
of the roof.
A temporary banner, flag, pennant or similar display constructed
of durable material and affixed to the wall of a building or an existing
sign frame while a permanent business identification sign is being
constructed, procured and/or assembled containing the name, address
and a description of the goods, services, facilities or events on
the business premises upon which it is located.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
A banner, flag, pennant or similar display constructed of
durable material and affixed to the wall of a building or over a public
right-of-way or an A-frame or sandwich board sign whose sole purpose
is to advertise a special event.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
A sign having an area not greater than four square feet used
to advertise a business, event, product, service or other commercial
activity, capable of being inserted into the ground either manually
or by foot. Any sign used by a real estate developer, or any agency
working for such developer, to advertise a development or subdivision,
or any lot contained therein, shall be considered under this definition.
A temporary sign erected during the period of construction
and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or
their agent.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
A sign attached to and erected parallel to the face of an
outside wall of a building, projecting outward no more than six inches
from the wall of the building.[3]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former definitions
"sign, electronic rolling," "sign, electronic streaming" and "sign,
freestanding," which immediately followed this definition.
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former definition
"sign, on premises directional," which immediately followed this definition.
[3]
Editor's Note: Former definition "sign, window display, which
immediately followed this definition, was repealed 5-14-2015 by Ord.
No. O-2-2015.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
Signs in all zoning districts shall be categorized according
to the types and classes described below and shall comply with the
requirements for those types and classes in this section.
B.
Types. Signs are categorized by use, function or purpose into the
following types:
(1)
Residential identification;
(2)
Home occupation or home office identification;
(3)
Development identification;
(4)
Real estate;
(5)
Construction;
(6)
Private notification;
(7)
On-site directional;
(8)
Political signs;
(9)
Business identification signs;
(10)
Temporary special event display signs; and
(11)
Memorial/historical plaques.
The following regulations shall apply to all zoning districts:
A.
Restricted signs. The following signs shall not be permitted in any
zoning district:
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
(1)
A-frame or sandwich board signs, except when authorized as temporary
special event displays;
(2)
Portable or wheeled signs;
(3)
Banners and pennants, other than temporary special event displays
and temporary business identification signs authorized by this article;
(4)
Balloons or inflatable structures of any kind, except when authorized
as temporary special event displays;
(5)
Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion of a permitted
sign which indicates time or temperature;
(6)
Signs on trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices
or signs;
(7)
Signs which imitate or have features similar to traffic control devices;
(8)
Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or
walls, other than murals or similar decorative displays on building
walls which do not contain any advertising other than the name of
the artist and a small acknowledgment of the sponsor of the display;
(9)
Overhanging signs, as defined herein.
B.
Exempt signs. The following signs shall be exempt from these regulations:
(1)
Residential identification signs, as defined herein;
(2)
Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays,
provided they do not interfere with traffic safety nor do not, in
any other way, become a public safety hazard;
(3)
Memorial/historical plaques, as defined herein;
(4)
Window displays, as defined herein, provided they shall not exceed
20% of the gross surface area of all windows in an establishment;
(5)
Signs erected by a governmental agency, including street signs and
official traffic signs, but not including off-premises directional
signs regulated elsewhere herein.
C.
Lots with multiple street frontage. In all zoning districts, lots
fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one authorized
sign on each street.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
D.
Construction and development signs. In all zoning districts, and
where authorized herein, construction and development signs shall
be considered temporary signs which shall be removed within 30 days
of the completion of construction or within six months from the date
of placement, whichever occurs last.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
E.
Private notification signs. In all zoning districts, legal notification
signs posted on private property by property owners, such as "No Trespassing,"
"No Hunting" and the like shall be limited to a surface area not to
exceed two square feet. The placement and maximum number of signs
permitted along road frontage shall be one sign for every 75 feet
of frontage.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
F.
Visibility. No sign shall be located, placed or constructed where
it will cause a hazard, obstruct the visibility of traffic exiting
or entering a street, or obscure a traffic signal or other traffic
control device. No sign, other than official traffic signs and off-street
premises directional signs, shall hang over or be erected within the
right-of-way of any street.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
G.
Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this article, shall
be directed upon the sign face and not toward adjoining properties
or streets. Flashing or oscillating signs, or the flashing or oscillating
illumination thereof, is prohibited. All lighting shall be stationary
and constant in intensity and color at all times. The intensity of
any source of illumination of any sign, whether indirect or internal,
shall not create glare nor affect or interfere with the intensity
of ambient light on surrounding properties.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
H.
Maintenance and inspection. All signs must be constructed of a durable
material and maintained in good condition. Any sign found to be in
an unsafe condition upon inspection shall be declared to be a public
nuisance and the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner in
writing to repair or remove the sign within a time period to be determined
by the Zoning Officer. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township
may, at its discretion, remove the sign at the owner's expense, or
pursue any other remedies available to the Township under this chapter.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
I.
Removal of signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated,
any sign relating to the discontinued or vacated business shall be
removed within 30 days of the date when the business is vacated or
discontinued. The Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner in
writing to remove any sign found to be in violation of this section
within 10 days. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township
shall remove the sign at the owner's expense. Whenever the use of
the property upon which the sign is located has been abandoned for
its intended use, then any sign existing on the property, together
with its frame and supporting structures, shall also be deemed to
be abandoned. Any reuse of the property, and any sign constructed
in furtherance thereof, shall thereafter comply with the terms of
this chapter.
J.
Permits required. Except as set forth herein, all signs constructed,
placed or maintained within the Township shall require a permit. The
Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission of
an application which complies with all applicable provisions of this
article and payment of the required fee established from time to time
by resolution of the Township Supervisors. No permit shall be required
for the following types of signs: notification, real estate, political
and construction signs and off-premises directional signs erected
by a governmental agency. Permits shall be required for all other
signs authorized by this chapter or otherwise. This section recognizes
the distinction between real estate signs and real estate directional
signs. All real estate directional signs (REDS) shall be subject to
permitting and regulation as set forth hereafter.
K.
Expiration of permits. Except for temporary step-in signs and real
estate directional signs as set forth hereafter, any permit issued
by the Zoning Officer for the erection, alteration, replacement or
relocation of any sign shall expire automatically within six months
of the date of issuance if work authorized by the permit has not been
initiated and diligently pursued.
L.
Sign location. Except for billboards, political signs, real estate
directional signs and temporary step-in signs, as defined herein,
all signs shall be located within the area of the property they are
intended to serve.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
M.
Owner. For all purposes, the owner of the property upon which a particular
sign is located shall be fully responsible for compliance with the
terms of this article. Notice issued to the owner of the property
shall constitute sufficient notice for enforcement purposes.
N.
Conflict of laws. To the extent that any provision of this article
relating to the construction or maintenance of signs shall conflict
with the standards of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as
now in effect or hereafter amended, then the regulatory provisions
of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code shall be deemed controlling.
O.
Permit location. All sign permits issued by the Township shall be
kept and maintained on the property on which the sign is located.
The approval form for real estate directional signs shall be kept
and maintained in the brokerage office to which such permit is issued.
P.
Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, no sign, frame, flag
pole or other fixed freestanding structure bearing a sign shall exceed
20 feet in height.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
The following signs are authorized in all zoning districts:
A.
Bulletin board signs. One bulletin board sign which does not exceed
24 square feet in surface area shall be permitted only in connection
with any church, school, library or similar public or semipublic building.
B.
Temporary development sign. One non-illuminated temporary development
sign shall be permitted for each development provided the surface
area of each side of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet. The
development sign shall not exceed six feet in height when located
in any residential zoning district and shall not exceed 10 feet in
height in any other zoning district. Such sign shall be removed within
one year from the date final approval of the subdivision or site development
plan is granted by the Township. Any such sign shall be placed not
less than 10 feet from the edge of any road surface, and shall not
be placed in a location which restricts sight distances.
C.
Temporary construction sign. One non-illuminated temporary construction
sign announcing the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged
in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided
the signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed
within 30 days of the completion of the work. Any such sign shall
be placed not less than 10 feet from the edge of any road surface,
and shall not be placed in a location which restricts sight distances.
D.
Temporary special event sign. One non-illuminated temporary special
event display sign shall be permitted to be erected by a public agency,
church or nonprofit organization along a public right-of-way with
the permission of the owner of the abutting property, or on the face
of a building, church or building housing a nonprofit organization,
provided that (1) the area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square
feet per side; (2) the sign is displayed for a period no longer than
30 days; and (3) is removed within five days following the end of
the event it is erected to promote. The thirty-day period may be extended
by permission of the Board of Supervisors. The temporary special event
display sign may be illuminated, if approved by the Supervisors. Any
such sign shall be placed not less than 10 feet from the edge of any
road surface, and shall not be placed in a location which restricts
sight distances.
E.
Home occupation identification sign. One non-illuminated home occupation
identification sign shall be permitted for an approved home occupation,
provided that the surface area of the sign does not exceed two square
feet, the sign is mounted on the dwelling, the sign contains only
the name, address and occupation of the resident and does not contain
any logo or other advertising.
F.
Political signs. Non-illuminated temporary political signs erected
during a political campaign shall be permitted, provided:
G.
Off-premises directional signs. A maximum of four off-premises directional
signs shall be permitted to be erected by any agency or business other
than a governmental agency. The off-premises directional signs shall
be non-illuminated and no individual sign shall exceed six square
feet in surface area in the aggregate (three square feet per side).
Such signs shall not be permitted within any public right-of-way.
Such signs may be permitted on private property abutting a public
right-of-way only if permission is granted by the owner of the property
abutting that right-of-way. Evidence of permission from the landowner
upon which the sign is to be constructed is required. Such signs shall
be located not less than 10 feet from the edge of the right-of-way.
Temporary off-premises directional signs for purposes of real estate
sales shall be governed by and subject to those provisions contained
herein relating to real estate directional signs. However, one day
signs used to provide directions to real estate open houses and/or
auction sales on the day of the open house or auctions shall not require
permits under this section.
H.
On-site directional signs. All properties in any form of commercial
or industrial use, or which contains two or more multifamily dwellings,
shall provide on-site directional signs showing, at a minimum, all
points of entry and exit from the site, interior traffic flow patterns,
truck and/or loading areas and parking areas. Signs showing the points
of entry and exit from the site may be internally illuminated. Directional
arrows painted on the paved surface may be used to show interior traffic
flow patterns. The size of any above ground sign shall not exceed
three square feet on any one side, unless larger sizes are reasonably
necessary for their intended use and approved, in writing, by the
Zoning Officer. The number of on-premises directional signs required
for any development shall be determined by the Zoning Officer and
shall depend on the nature, size and location of the site and the
number needed to ensure the protection of the public health, safety
and welfare.
[Amended 7-8-2021 by Ord. No. O-6-2021]
I.
Temporary step-in signs. Temporary step-in signs shall be permitted
in all zoning districts and shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Any person, corporation or firm seeking to place temporary step-in
signs in Unity Township shall apply for a permit with the Code of
the Township of Unity Enforcement Officer for same.
(2)
Any permit issued for a temporary step-in sign by the Code Enforcement
Officer shall expire not greater than 14 days from its date of issuance.
(3)
The permittee shall remove any temporary step-in sign on the date
the permit for same expires. The Township may remove any temporary
step-in sign, without notice to the permittee, following the expiration
of the permit.
(4)
The applicant for a permit to place a temporary step-in sign shall pay a fee to be established by the Board of Supervisors. The initial fee for a permit to install a temporary step-in sign shall be $15 per sign. The permittee shall be entitled a refund of $5 per sign if request for such refund is made to the Code Enforcement Officer within three business days of the date upon which the permit expires and the permittee provides sufficient evidence to the Code Enforcement Officer that the sign has been removed consistent with the terms of this Subsection I. The failure to remove any temporary step-in sign as required by this Subsection I shall be deemed a waiver of the permittee's right to request or receive a refund. The Board of Supervisors may amend the fee and refund amount provisions of this Subsection I by resolution hereafter.
(5)
Any corporation that qualifies as tax exempt under Section 501(c)
of the Internal Revenue Code advertising an event it is sponsoring
shall pay an application fee of $5 per sign and shall be entitled
to a refund of its entire permitting fee for up to 20 signs, upon
compliance with all other provisions of this subsection, including
but not limited to those relating to the removal of those signs permitted
hereunder. No refund shall be given for permits in excess of 20.
(6)
A permit issued for a temporary step-in sign may be renewed one time
for an additional fourteen-day period for a nonrefundable fee of $5
per sign.
(7)
Except for a tax exempt organization advertising an event it is sponsoring,
no person, corporation, partnership or firm shall be entitled to have
more than five active temporary step-in sign permits at one time.
(8)
No temporary step-in sign shall be located closer than six feet from
the edge of the paved surface of any road, right-of-way or private
drive. No temporary step-in sign shall be located within 15 feet of
the intersection of the paved surfaces of any two connecting road
surfaces, such distance being measured back from the point of intersection
along the length of each road. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no temporary
step-in sign shall be located in an area which blocks, impairs or
otherwise interferes with the sight triangle at any intersection or
the view of persons or vehicles entering or exiting any private residential
or commercial property.
(9)
The Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission
of an application which complies with all applicable provisions of
this article and payment of the required fee established by resolution
of the Township Supervisors hereafter.
J.
Real estate directional signs. The Board of Supervisors of Unity
Township hereby acknowledges that the real estate industry requires
special consideration in the issuance of permits for directional signs
as the location of its product changes. Accordingly, the following
shall be the process through which real estate directional signs are
regulated within the Township:
(1)
Applications for real estate directional signs (hereinafter, REDS)
shall be made by an office manager or director of a licensed real
estate brokerage office. For purposes of this subsection, a licensed
real estate brokerage office shall include the main office and any
home or branch office.
(2)
REDS permits shall be issued on an annual basis and may be obtained beginning in January of each year. For all REDS permits obtained between the effective date of this Subsection J and December 31, 2007, the permit fee shall be $10 per sign. Thereafter, beginning January 1, 2008, the annual permit fee for REDS is hereby established at $15 per sign. The annual permit fee may be modified by resolution of the Board of Supervisors hereafter. There shall be no proration of annual permit fees, regardless of the date of application for same, the date such permit is issued or the date such permit is set to expire. There shall be no refund of any portion of any annual permit fee upon removal of any REDS.
(3)
All REDS permits shall expire on December 31 of each calendar year.
In the event a licensed real estate brokerage office has not purchased
more than the office's allocation of REDS permits in January of any
year, it may obtain additional REDS permits in subsequent months,
up to its permit limit; provided, however, that any additional permit
purchased after January shall expire on December 31 of each year it
is purchased, regardless of its purchase date.
(4)
One permit shall be required for each sign having an area not exceeding
216 square inches (i.e., a twelve-inch by eighteen-inch sign). Each
real estate brokerage office shall be entitled to 30 REDS permits
for signs not exceeding 216 square inches without a showing of cause.
Thereafter, upon good cause shown, each brokerage office may seek
up to 20 additional REDS permits from the Code Enforcement Office.
Good cause shown shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer
and shall be based on the following considerations:
(a)
The number of real estate agents working within the brokerage
office at the time the request is made;
(b)
The number of properties for which listing agreements have been
entered with the office at the time the request is made;
(c)
The location of properties listed by the office in remote areas
of the Township requiring the use of multiple signs; and
(d)
Other considerations determined by the Code Enforcement Officer
to be good cause for the issuance of such permits.
(5)
The office manager or director of a licensed real estate brokerage
office shall be responsible for the allocation of REDS among properties
listed within his or her office and agents working within his or her
office. No property for which a listing agreement has been entered
with a brokerage office shall have more than four REDS allocated to
it at any one time.
(6)
All REDS shall be removed by the licensed real estate brokerage office
within five days of closing on the property for which the REDS is
used.
(7)
One day signs used to provide directions to single-day real estate
open houses and/or single-day auction sales on the day of the open
house or auctions shall not require permits under this section.
(8)
No real estate directional sign shall be located closer than six
feet from the edge of the paved surface of any road, right-of-way
or private drive. No real estate directional sign shall be located
within 15 feet of the intersection of the paved surfaces of any two
connecting road surfaces, such distance being measured back from the
point of intersection along the length of each road.
(9)
Signs used to advertise viewings of model homes, model condominiums
or model townhome units shall comply with the provisions of this chapter
relating to temporary step-in signs and are not regulated under this
subsection.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
In addition to those signs referenced in § 118-30 above, only the following signs shall be permitted in any residential zoning districts:
A.
Development identification sign. One permanent freestanding ground
sign containing only the street address and/or name of a residential
subdivision plan, multifamily building or other development shall
be permitted for each site. Such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet
in area. A sign identifying the name of a residential subdivision
may be affixed to a freestanding decorative wall provided that the
decorative wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements and does
not obstruct visibility for traffic entering or leaving the plan.
B.
Business identification sign. One non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated
wall or freestanding ground sign shall be permitted for the identification
of any business use, authorized or otherwise permitted in a residential
zoning district. Such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
C.
Home occupation identification sign. One non-illuminated home occupation
identification sign shall be permitted for an approved home occupation,
provided that:
The following signs shall be permitted in commercial, industrial
and institutional districts:
A.
Temporary special event display. Temporary special event displays,
as defined in this article, shall be permitted in conjunction with
grand openings, going out of business sales and similar events, provided
that:
(1)
No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted on any establishment
at any one time;
(2)
The temporary special event display signs, banners or similar displays
shall be securely attached to the building or to the supporting structure
of a freestanding pole business identification sign, except that one
freestanding A-frame or sandwich board sign no larger than six square
feet in surface area may be placed on private property, provided it
shall not obstruct the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
and shall not be placed in any public right-of-way;
(3)
Temporary special event display signs shall be displayed for a period
not to exceed 10 consecutive days on no more than two occasions in
any twelve-month period, unless extended by permission of the Township
Supervisors for a specified period of time;
(4)
The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display
signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per establishment. In the event
that there is more than one establishment on a site, the maximum aggregate
surface area of all temporary special event display signs on the site
at any one time shall not exceed 100 square feet;
(5)
Portable or wheeled signs or a freestanding A-frame or sandwich board
sign authorized by this chapter may be permitted to be used as temporary
special event signs; and
(6)
Temporary special event display signs may be illuminated for special
events, with the permission of the Township.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
B.
Multi-tenant commercial development identification sign. Either one
permanent ground sign or one permanent pole sign, containing only
the street address and/or name of a multi-tenant commercial plaza
or development shall be permitted for each site. The area of the sign
identifying the multi-tenant commercial plaza or development shall
comply with the dimensional requirements set forth for ground and
pole signs set forth hereafter. A sign identifying the name of a commercial
plaza or development may be affixed to a freestanding decorative wall
provided that the decorative wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements
and does not obstruct visibility for traffic entering or leaving the
development. In addition to the name and/or address of the development
or plaza, the identification sign may contain the names of businesses
located within the plaza or development, provided the sign for each
business does not exceed four square feet in area.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
C.
Single-occupant commercial development identification sign. Either
one permanent ground sign or one permanent pole sign, containing only
the street address and/or name of a single-occupant commercial development
shall be permitted for each site. The area of the sign identifying
the multi-tenant commercial plaza or development shall comply with
the dimensional requirements set forth for ground and pole signs set
forth hereafter. A sign identifying the name of the development may
be affixed to a freestanding decorative wall provided that the decorative
wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements and does not obstruct
visibility for traffic entering or leaving the development.
[Added 5-14-2015 by Ord.
No. O-2-2015]
D.
Changeable copy signs. In addition to the authorized business identification
signs, one changeable copy sign shall be permitted per lot regardless
of the number of businesses on the lot, which shall not exceed 80
square feet in aggregate area (i.e., the combined area of both sides)
and shall be permanently affixed to the wall of the building or to
the supporting structure of the authorized freestanding sign on the
lot, provided the sign is used solely for advertising products, services
and activities available on the site.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
E.
Business identification signs:
(1)
Wall signs. Each business establishment within a plaza or commercial
development, or any business operating in a single-occupant commercial
development may have only one wall sign. Such sign may be illuminated
or non-illuminated. The aggregate area of all wall signs shall not
exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of width of the front
wall of the building or portion of the building occupied by the business
or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less. No wall sign shall
be located on the roof nor extended above the height of the building.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
(2)
Ground signs. In addition to any authorized wall signs, one freestanding
illuminated or non-illuminated ground sign shall be permitted per
development, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided
that:
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
(a)
No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected
on the lot.
(b)
The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed
24 square feet in any commercial district and shall not exceed 64
square feet in any industrial district.
(c)
The height and location of the signs shall be designed so as
not to interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or
leaving the lot or traveling on any street and, in no case, shall
the total height exceed six feet.
(d)
All freestanding ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet
from any property line, except, where property abuts a public right-of-way,
the ground sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way.
(3)
Pole signs. In addition to any authorized wall signs, one freestanding
pole sign shall be permitted per development, regardless of the number
of businesses on the lot, provided that:
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
(a)
No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected
on the lot.
(b)
The pole sign may be non-illuminated or internally illuminated.
No pole sign shall be directly illuminated from an external light
source;
(c)
The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 20 feet.
(d)
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be eight
feet.
(e)
The surface area of each side of any freestanding pole sign
shall bear the exact same information and the maximum surface area
of each side shall not exceed:
[1]
For one occupant: 60 square feet of display or surface area;
[2]
For two occupants: 90 square feet square feet of display or
surface area;
[3]
For three or more occupants: 120 square feet of display or surface
area;
[4]
For four or more occupants in a facility or complex having a
gross leasable floor area less than 100,000 square feet: 200 square
feet of display or surface area; and
[5]
For four or more occupants in a facility or complex having a
gross leasable floor area of 100,000 square feet or more: 300 square
feet of display or surface area.
[Amended 5-11-2017 by Ord. No. O-5-2017]
(f)
No portion of any sign shall project over any public right-of-way.
(g)
All freestanding pole signs shall be set back at least 10 feet
from every property line, except, where property abuts on a public
right-of-way the sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from the
right-of-way.
(4)
Roof signs. Roof signs shall be permitted only in the industrial
zoning districts. One roof sign shall be permitted per building, regardless
of the number of establishments in the building. Roof signs may be
illuminated or non-illuminated. Roof signs shall be permitted only
in place of a wall sign. The surface area of a roof sign shall not
exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of width of the front
wall of the building or a maximum of 200 square feet, whichever is
less. Roof signs shall not project more than six feet above the highest
point of the roof on which they are erected.
(5)
Arcade signs. In shopping centers or office complexes which have
pedestrian access ways covered by a roof, marquee or exterior arcade,
one arcade sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each business
in the building, provided that the maximum surface area of each sign
shall not exceed eight square feet.
(6)
Temporary business identification signs. A temporary business identification
sign as herein defined may be placed on a building or over the standard
of any existing sign to identify the business conducted on the premises
while a permanent business identification sign is being procured,
constructed, repaired or replaced, provided:
[Added 5-14-2015 by Ord.
No. O-2-2015]
(a)
Such sign shall not exceed the dimensions permitted for business
identification signs in the zoning district in which such sigh is
located;
(b)
The applicant for a sign permit or owner of the property produces
evidence that a permanent business identification sign has been purchased
for the premises which meets the requirements of this chapter; and
(c)
Such temporary business identification sign remains on the premises
for not more than 90 days from the date the permit for same is issued.
(7)
Canopy signs. A canopy sign may be placed only on a free or attached
canopy over gasoline pumps or gasoline fueling islands. Such signs
shall only contain the name and/or trade logo of the entity operating
the business on the premises on which the canopy is located. The area
of any canopy sign in which name and trade logo is depicted shall
be counted against the overall area of wall or pole signage permitted
on the property.
[Added 5-14-2015 by Ord.
No. O-2-2015]
(8)
Digital price panel signs. The manual changeable price panel of a
sign displaying the price of gasoline at a gas station may be changed
to a digital price panel, provided the area of the digital price panel
does not exceed the area of the existing manual changeable price panel.
[Added 5-14-2015 by Ord.
No. O-2-2015]
F.
Electronic signs.
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
(1)
Electronic signs shall not be permitted in any residential, conservation
or agricultural zoning district.
(2)
Electronic signs are permitted in the M-1, B-1, B-2, B-3, I and I-AP
Districts, subject to the limitations imposed for each district and
the Route 30 and Route 981 corridors as set forth hereafter. Regardless
of the area in which it is located:
(a)
The display, message or text of an electronic sign shall not
change more than once every 10 seconds.
(b)
No electronic sign shall have more than two faces. In the event
an electronic sign contains two faces, each face of the sign shall
be synchronized with the other so that any copy or display changes
at the same time on both faces/sides.
(c)
The square footage of any electronic sign shall be determined
by its aggregate area. The aggregate area of signs having two faces
or display areas (i.e., signs having two sides or signs arranged at
angles so they may be seen from opposing directions) shall be determined
by adding all display areas together. The display area shall be equal
on each side. Any electronic sign arranged at an angle shall have
an acute angle of not more than 30° between faces at any point.
(d)
Except for billboards as set forth hereafter, electronic signs
shall only be used to advertise the businesses or business of tenants
or occupants of the property and the activities of same which take
place on the property upon which the sign is located. Such signs shall
not be used to advertise the business of the owners, tenants or occupants
of the property, or their events or activities, conducted off the
property. Such signs shall not be used to advertise the business,
events or activities of any other person, organization, entity, business
or firm conducted off the site, except as hereafter provided in the
I and I-AP Districts.
(e)
Not more than one electronic sign shall be permitted on any
property in any zoning district or location regardless of the number
of businesses, occupants or tenants occupying or leasing space in
same.
(f)
The copy on all electronic signs shall be controlled or controllable
from the premises upon which the sign is located.
(g)
No electronic sign shall have a display or copy which streams,
rolls, pulsates, waves, flashes or contains any type of animation,
movement, spinning, oscillation, scrolling or "ticker-tape" effect,
background movement or any other form of motion of any other nature
or kind, other than that necessary to change the fixed display or
copy. In addition, the copy on any electronic sign shall not change
by any form of "side-to-side," top-to-bottom" or "bottom-to-top" movement.
(h)
An electronic sign may only be constructed and maintained on
a property in any zoning district if no other changeable copy sign
exists. An electronic sign may be substituted for an existing changeable
copy sign only if all existing changeable copy signs on the property
are removed in their entirety. Electronic signs may not be coordinated
with manual changeable copy signs.
(i)
An electronic sign must be attached to and be a part of the
approved structure for a pole sign or ground sign. No electronic sign
shall be permitted as a part of, on in addition to, a wall sign, roof
sign or arcade sign.
(j)
The display area of any electronic sign shall not exceed five
feet in height.
(k)
When made part of a pole sign, the display area of an electronic
sign shall not be less than eight feet from ground level nor extend
higher than 20 feet from ground level.
G.
Requirements for electronic signs by district and use:
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
(1)
In the B-1, B-2 and M-1 Zoning Districts:
(a)
No one side shall exceed 40 square feet and the total area of
such sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in the aggregate.
(2)
In the B-3 Zoning District:
(a)
No one side shall exceed 40 square feet and the total area of
such sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in the aggregate;
(b)
Shopping centers which fall within the definition of large retail
sales establishments may have a single electronic sign having a total
area not in excess of 120 square feet, with a maximum area of 60 square
feet on each side.
(3)
In the I and I-AP Districts:
(a)
No one side shall exceed 300 square feet and the total area
of such sign shall not exceed 600 square feet in the aggregate, in
either the I or I-AP Zoning District;
[Amended 7-8-2021 by Ord. No. O-6-2021]
(b)
Electronic signs in the I and I-AP Districts and may be used
to advertise events, operations, activities or programs conducted
or carried out by the owners of the property, or to provide public
service announcements. Such signs may also be used to advertise the
business of tenants or occupants of the property, but not the events
or activities of the tenants or occupants of the property where same
are conducted off the site;
(c)
For purposes of this section, the term "public service announcement"
shall mean emergency alerts or warnings, severe weather warnings or
alerts, special events or activities put on or carried out by the
Township of Unity or any of its volunteer fire departments, special
events or activities put on or conducted by nonprofit organizations
having their principal place of operation within the Township, provided
such events are (1) carried out for charitable fund-raising purposes;
(2) open to the general public for attendance and participation; and
(3) conducted solely within the geopolitical boundaries of the Township;
(d)
The term "public service announcement" shall not be deemed or
construed to mean:
[1]
Any activity advertising an event conducted in whole or in part
for profit;
[2]
The general activities or logo relating to any corporation,
business, organization or person, regardless of whether same is for
profit or not for profit, not having its principal place of operations
within the Township; and/or
[3]
An event or activity conducted outside the geopolitical boundaries
of Unity Township.
H.
Special exceptions. Electronic signs for commercial properties having
frontage along Route 30 and along Route 981 from its intersection
with Route 30, travelling north to the Township line, regardless of
the zoning district in which it is located, may be permitted to expand
the size of their electronic sign by not more than 25% of its permitted
size and area by special exception provided the Zoning Hearing Board
finds the following to exist:
[Amended 5-14-2015 by Ord. No. O-2-2015]
(1)
The sign will not interfere with traffic or traffic patterns on the
property;
(2)
The sign will not create an undue visual distraction for passing
traffic;
(3)
The sign will not emit excess light or glare to the extent it affects
surrounding property owners or passing traffic;
(4)
The sign is located in an area of the property that will not impede
ingress, egress or regress to, from or across the property; and
(5)
The sign complies in all other respects to the requirements of this
section.
Billboards shall not be permitted in any residential zoning
district. Billboards shall be permitted only as conditional uses on
property located in the following Zoning Districts: B-1, Rural Commercial;
B-2, Community Commercial; B-3, Office Commercial; I, Institutional;
and M-1, Manufacturing, following recommendation by the Planning Commission
and a public hearing by the Board of Supervisors, provided all of
the following requirements are met:
A.
Location. Except as set forth in Subsection I hereafter, addressing special regulations for the Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway, billboards may be authorized as a conditional use only in the aforesaid zoning districts, provided all of the following requirements are met:
(1)
Billboards shall not be erected within 500 feet of the boundary line
of any R District or within 500 feet of any public or private school,
church or cemetery, said 500 feet being measured along the radius
of a circle from the center-most point of the billboard structure
extending in all directions.
(2)
On interstate and limited access highways, billboards shall not be
erected within 500 feet of an interchange or safety rest area measured
along the interstate or limited access highway from the beginning
or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to
the main traveled way.
(3)
Billboards shall maintain a lateral minimum spacing between any existing
or proposed billboard structures of 1,000 feet. Required spacing shall
be measured along both sides of the same roadway frontage from the
center-most point of the building structure along a line extending
from the center-most point of the billboard which is parallel to the
center line of the roadway to which the billboard is oriented.
(4)
All minimum front, side and rear yard requirements applying to principal
structures in the particular zoning district in which the billboard
is located shall apply to each billboard structure.
(5)
No billboard shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view
from the road or street of any existing business identification sign,
residential or nonresidential structure, or limit or reduce the light
and ventilation requirements for any existing building.
(6)
No billboard shall be constructed in any fashion which shall obstruct
or impede traffic safety.
(7)
No billboard shall be erected over any sidewalk or public right-of-way.
(8)
Billboards shall not be part of a roof or wall nor shall they be
mounted on the roof, wall or other part of a building or any other
structure.
B.
Size and height. A billboard shall have a maximum allowable gross
surface area of 225 square feet per sign face. This gross surface
area shall be permitted, provided all of the following additional
requirements are met:
(1)
A billboard shall have no more than two sign faces per billboard
structure, which may be placed back-to-back or in a V-shaped configuration
having an interior angle of 90° or less.
(2)
The dimensions of the gross surface area of the billboard's sign
face shall not exceed 20 feet in total height or 25 feet in total
length, provided the total allowable gross surface area for the sign
face is not exceeded.
(3)
A billboard structure shall have a maximum height above the curb
of the roadway from which it is intended to be viewed of 40 feet.
C.
Construction methods. Billboards shall be constructed in accordance
with all of the following additional requirements:
(1)
A billboard structure shall have one vertical support being no more
than three feet in diameter or width and without additional bracing
or vertical supports.
(2)
A billboard sign face shall be independently supported and have vertical
supports of metal which are galvanized or constructed of approved
corrosive-resistant, noncombustible materials. Structures constructed
with galvanized metal shall be painted.
(3)
The vertical support shall be capable of enabling the entire sign
face to be able to withstand a minimum one-hundred-mile-per-hour wind
load. Structural design computations shall be made and certified by
a registered engineer and shall be submitted to the Township with
the application for conditional use.
(4)
The base shall be installed using a foundation and footing designed
and certified by a registered professional engineer and shall be submitted
to the Township with the application for conditional use.
(5)
The entire base of the billboard structure parallel to the sign face
shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery and/or bushes
of minimum height of three feet placed in such a manner as to screen
the foundation of the structure.
(6)
Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner in an attractive
and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation practices.
(7)
No bare cuts shall be permitted on a hillside, and all cuts or fills
shall be permanently seeded or planted.
(8)
A billboard with display lighting shall be constructed so that it
does not glare upon adjoining property and shall not exceed a maximum
footcandle of 1.5 upon the adjoining property.
(9)
Display lighting shall not operate between 12:00 midnight and 5:00
a.m., prevailing local time.
(10)
No billboard structure, sign face or display lighting shall
move, flash or emit noise. No display lighting shall cause distractions,
confusion, nuisance or hazard to traffic, aircraft or other properties.
D.
Maintenance.
(1)
Every billboard structure shall be subject to the maintenance standards
for signs as generally set forth in this chapter.
(2)
In the event that the Township shall determine that a billboard is
in such a state of disrepair and/or dilapidation as to no longer be
structurally sound, notice of such condition shall be issued in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter relating to the issuance of notices
of violation, revoking the permit for such sign until and unless the
owner of the billboard shall have a structural inspection made of
the billboard by a qualified Pennsylvania registered engineer within
the time period prescribed in the notice. The owner of the billboard
shall provide the Township a certificate from the engineer certifying
that the billboard is structurally sound.
(3)
Billboards using removable paper or other materials shall be maintained
in such a condition as to eliminate loose or frayed material protruding
or hanging from the structure. All paper and other waste materials
shall be removed from the site and disposed of properly whenever any
sign face is changed.
E.
Liability insurance. No billboard sign shall be erected unless the
applicant shall provide a certificate of insurance for public liability
and property damage which shall hold the Township and third persons
harmless for those matters or claims arising out of the erection and
maintenance of the billboard. The amount of insurance to be maintained
shall be determined and adjusted from time to time by resolution of
the Township Supervisors. The insurance certificate shall contain
a clause stating that the insurance shall not be canceled or reduced
without first giving 10 days' notice to the Township.
F.
Permits. Prior to submission of an application for a sign permit,
the applicant for a billboard shall obtain and submit with the application
approvals from the Westmoreland County Department of Aviation or the
United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when applicable.
(1)
Approval of the conditional use shall be valid for six months from
the date of action by the Board of Supervisors granting the conditional
use. If the applicant fails to obtain a sign permit for the approved
billboard within the six-month period, approval of the conditional
use shall expire automatically without written notice to the applicant.
(2)
The issuance of a sign permit for a billboard which has been granted
approval of a conditional use shall be conditioned upon the approval
of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for billboards
along state highways. If the applicant fails to submit evidence of
the required approval by PennDOT within 30 days of the issuance of
the conditional sign permit, the sign permit shall be revoked by the
Township Zoning Officer, who shall provide written notice to the applicant.
(3)
The applicant may reapply for the required sign permit upon submission
of evidence of PennDOT approval without payment of any additional
sign permit fee, provided the application is filed within the six-month
period during which the conditional approval is valid.
G.
Application fees. Said application shall be accompanied by an application
fee in an amount equal to that set from time to time by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors.
H.
Nonconforming billboards. Any billboard which does not conform to
the requirements of this section shall not be enlarged or moved unless
the billboard complies with all provisions of this section. Any billboard
which is damaged or destroyed by more than 51% of its replacement
value at the time of damage or destruction shall be reconstructed
only in compliance with all provisions of this section.
I.
Lincoln highway scenic by-way regulations. No billboard or other
outdoor advertising device, as defined, may be erected by any owner,
person responsible or other person:
(1)
Within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of U.S. Route
30 or the Lincoln Highway;
(2)
More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of U.S.
Route 30 if the outdoor advertising device is visible from the main
traveled way of U.S. Route 30 or the Lincoln Highway and the purpose
of the outdoor advertising device is that its message be read from
the main traveled way of U.S. Route 30 or the Lincoln Highway, except
as follows:
(a)
The official signs and notices which are required or authorized
by law and which conform to the nation standards promulgated by the
Secretary of Transportation of the United States pursuant to 232 U.S.C.
§ 131 (relating to control of outdoor advertising);
(b)
Outdoor advertising devices advertising the sale or lease of
the real property upon which they are located;
(c)
Outdoor advertising devices advertising activities conducted
on the property on which they are located, including devices which
display a message that may be changed at reasonable intervals by electronic
process or remote control; and
(d)
Directional signs, including but not limited to signs pertaining
to natural wonders, scenic, and historical attractions and other points
of interest to the traveling public, which conform to the national
standards promulgated by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation
of the United States pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 131.
J.
Electronic billboards. No existing billboard may be converted to
or replaced with an electronic billboard unless it complies with the
requirements set forth hereafter. No new electronic billboard shall
be constructed unless it meets the size, dimension; location, construction,
maintenance and all other provisions of this ordinance relating to
and required for new billboards set forth in this section and those
requirements generally applicable to all electronic billboards set
forth hereafter:
[Added 5-14-2015 by Ord.
No. O-2-2015; amended 5-11-2017 by Ord. No. O-5-2017; 7-8-2021 by Ord. No. O-6-2021]
(1)
The display, message or text of the electronic billboard does not
change more than once every 15 seconds;
(2)
The electronic billboard does not have more than two faces. In the
event an electronic billboard contains two faces, each face of the
sign shall be synchronized with the other so that any copy or display
changes at the same time on both faces/sides;
(3)
The square footage complies with the square footage required for
standard billboards as determined by its aggregate area. The aggregate
area of signs having two faces or display areas (i.e., signs having
two sides or arranged at angles so they may be seen from opposing
directions) shall be determined by adding all display areas together.
The display area shall be equal on each side. Any electronic billboard
arranged at an angle shall have an acute angle of not more than 30°
between faces at any point;
(4)
The
sign face or display area for any existing billboard being converted
to or replaced with an electronic sign face is not altered, enlarged,
redirected, or changed in any way as a result of the conversion or
replacement. That is, for example, an existing billboard with an eight
feet by 12 feet display area may only be converted to or replaced
with an electronic billboard having the same eight feet by 12 feet
display area at the same height and angle to the roadway as the existing
billboard;
(5)
The copy on the electronic billboard is controlled or controllable
from a fixed location within the Township;
(6)
The electronic billboard does not have a display or copy which streams,
rolls, pulsates, waves, flashes or contains any type of animation,
movement, spinning, oscillation, scrolling or "ticker-tape" effect,
background movement or any other form of motion of any other nature
or kind, other than that necessary to change the fixed display or
copy. In addition, the copy on any electronic sign shall not change
by any form of "side-to-side," top-to-bottom" or "bottom to top" movement;
(7)
No new electronic billboard may be constructed and/or maintained
on a property where any other billboard exists. More than one existing
billboard on the same property may be converted to an electronic billboard,
provided each billboard meets the requirements of this section and
the electronic billboards are at least 500 lineal feet apart from
any other electronic or fixed copy billboard either on the property
or off the site;
(8)
No other electronic billboards exist within 500 lineal feet along
the same side of the roadway as the proposed billboard;
(9)
Electronic billboards shall contain automatic dimming devices and
shall be dimmed from dusk to dawn each day. No electronic billboard
shall be illuminated in a way that causes beams or rays of light to
be directed at a portion of the traveled roadway or shall same be
internally illuminated in a way which is of such intensity or brilliance
that it:
(a)
Causes glare that impairs the vision of the driver of a vehicle,
or otherwise interferes with a driver's safe operation of a motor
vehicle;
(b)
Interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic
sign, device or signal; or,
(c)
Is contrary to other statutes, rules or regulations of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation relating to lighting
of signs along highways under the jurisdiction of the Department.
(Note: Taken from 67 Pa. Code § 445.4(b)(3).
(10)
Any existing billboard may be converted to, or replaced, with
an electronic billboard face by approval of the Zoning Officer provided
i) the billboard is located in a zoning district in which electronic
billboards are authorized, and ii) the billboard subject to conversion
or replacement complies with all other requirements of this section.
Any new electronic billboard must obtain the same conditional use
approval as a standard billboard pursuant to the terms of this section.
In the event the Zoning Officer shall determine that a sign
was erected in violation of any provision set forth in the permit
issued for that sign or if the Zoning Officer shall determine that
a sign is in a state of disrepair or dangerous condition, then the
following procedures for permit revocation shall apply:
A.
A notice of violation shall be issued to the owner of the property
upon which the sign is located and, if known, to the actual owner
of the sign specifically identifying the violation and establishing
a term of not more than 30 days for the violation to be remedied.
B.
If the owner does not take remedial action within the time period
specified in the notice of violation, then the permit shall be revoked
by the determination of the Zoning Officer and the sign shall be removed.
C.
The owner may appeal the notice of violation by filing a request
for hearing by the Board of Supervisors within the time specified
for remedial action and by payment of an application fee equal to
the amount then being assessed by the Township for conditional use
applications.
D.
In the event of an appeal, the Board of Supervisors shall advertise
and hold a hearing under the guidelines set forth for conditional
use applications and thereafter issue a written decision.
E.
If the owner fails to take the required remedial action or to file
an appeal as permitted herein, the Township may pursue any and all
enforcement options available under this chapter, at law or in equity.
