A.
Purposes. This article is intended to: promote and maintain overall
community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable time, place and
manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating
content (excepting obscenity that is prohibited by state law or language
that incites violence); promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions
and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure
compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B.
Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for: a) signs meeting the requirements of § 230-52, and b) nonilluminated window signs. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this article within the applicable district shall be allowed.
C.
Changes on signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message or replaced with a new sign face without needing a zoning permit, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or height or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased nonconformity with this Ordinance. See also § 230-61 oncerning nonconforming signs. A change to a digital sign shall need a zoning permit.
D.
Fees. Through a resolution by Borough Council, the Borough may establish
permit fees and license fees for various types of signs.
The following signs shall be permitted by right within all zoning
districts within the following regulations, and shall not be required
to have a permit under this article.
|
Type and Definition of Signs Not Requiring Permits
|
Max. No. of Signs Per Lot
|
Max. Sign Area Per Sign* on a Residential Lot**
(square feet)
|
Max. Sign Area Per Sign* on Nonresidential Lots**
(square feet)
|
Other Requirements
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Agricultural Sales or Christmas Tree Sign - Advertises the seasonal
sale of agricultural products or Christmas trees
|
2
|
Total of 12 sf per lot
|
Total of 50 sf per lot
|
Shall only be posted while such products are actively offered
for sale
|
|
Charitable Event Sign - Advertises a special event held a maximum
of 9 days in any calendar year that primarily is held to benefit a
legitimate tax-exempt nonprofit organization, place of worship, school,
or charity
|
2
|
Total of 12 sf per lot
|
Total of 50 sf per lot
|
Shall be placed a max. of 30 days prior to event and removed
a max. of 7 days after event
|
|
Contractor's Sign - Advertises a building tradesperson,
engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work
on a particular lot that is not such person's place of business,
or a bank or agency that is financing an on-site construction project
|
1 per contractor
|
12 per sign
|
20 per sign (Or one sign of 60 square feet maximum may be used
if the sign is shared by multiple entities)
|
Shall only be permitted while such work is actively and clearly
underway and a max. of 30 days afterward
Shall not be illuminated
|
|
Directional Sign - provides information indicating traffic direction,
entry or exit, loading or service area, directions to apartment numbers
or parking courts in a development, fire lanes, parking or closely
similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on, and
that does not include advertising
|
No max.
|
4, in addition to signs painted on pavement
|
4, in addition to signs painted on pavement
|
Directional signs within a residential development shall not
be internally illuminated. See also Subsection A(4) below concerning
signs not readable from a lot line or street.
|
|
Flag - a pennant made of fabric or materials with a similar
appearance that is hung in such a way to flow in the wind. See also
"Special Sale Signs" below.
|
1
|
Total of 12 sf per lot
|
Total of 50 sf per lot
|
Flags of governments and flags that simply include colors, or
non-commercial art or patterns are not regulated by this Ordinance
|
|
Garage Sale Sign - advertises an occasional garage sale/porch
sale or auction
|
2 per event
|
2 sf per sign
|
2 sf per sign
|
Shall be placed no more than 3 days before the event, and be
removed within 24 hours after the event
Shall not be attached to trees or utility poles with metal fasteners
|
|
Home Occupation and Accessory Day Care Sign - advertises a permitted
home occupation or an accessory day care use
|
1
|
2
|
8
|
Shall not be illuminated
Maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground
|
|
Identification Sign - only identifies the name and/or occupation
of the resident and/or the name, street address and/or use of a lot,
but that does not include advertising
|
1
|
2
|
8
|
Maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground
|
|
Open House Sign - advertises the temporary and periodic open
house of a property for sale or rent
|
2 per event
|
Total maximum of 12 sf per lot
|
Total maximum of 50 sf per lot
|
Shall be placed a max. of 5 days before open house begins, and
be removed a max. of 24 hrs. after open house ends
Such sign shall not be posted more than 6 consecutive days
|
|
Political/Issue Sign - advertises a person or party seeking
political office or an opinion on a referendum, political cause or
matter of public concern
Political signs shall not be posted on public parks or property
owned by the Borough or on a public street right-of-way, except as
may be allowed on election day outside of a polling location.
|
Maximum of 2 sign faces per issue or candidate per lot
|
Total maximum of 12 sf per issue or candidate per lot
|
Total maximum of 50 sf per issue or candidate per lot
|
Shall be removed a max. of 7 days after an election, vote or
referendum if the sign pertains to such a matter
Political signs shall not be placed on property without the
prior consent of the owner. If a political sign does not meet these
requirements, then it shall be regulated as an "off-premises sign."
|
|
Public Services Sign - advertises the availability of restrooms,
telephone or other similar public convenience
|
No max.
|
2
|
2
| |
|
Real Estate Sign - advertises the availability of property on
which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease
|
1 per street the lot abuts
|
12
|
50
|
Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively for
sale, lease or rent, and shall be removed a max. of 14 days after
settlement or start of lease
|
|
Service Organization/Place of Worship Sign - an off-premises
sign stating name of a recognized incorporated service organization
or place of worship and that may include information on times and
dates of activities
|
2
|
12
|
50
|
Maximum of 2 such signs per such organization or place of worship
|
|
Special Sale Signs - temporary banners, flags and other signs
that advertise a special sales event at a lawful principal commercial
business
A Portable Sign may be used under this provision
|
5 per nonresidential lot
|
Not permitted
|
Total of 50 sf for all such banners, flags and other temporary
signs
|
Shall be displayed a maximum total of 30 days per year (such
as 6 times of 5 days each)
Such signs shall not flash, be internally illuminated, or obstruct
safe sight distances
|
|
Time and Temperature Sign - with a sole purpose to announce
the current time and temperature, and which may also include any non-profit
public service messages
|
1
|
Not permitted
|
50
|
The sign shall not flash
|
|
Trespassing Sign - indicating that a road is private, that trespassing
is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities such as
hunting and fishing on the lot
|
No max.
|
2
|
4
|
|
"sf" = Square feet. "max." = Maximum.
| |
|
*
|
Maximum sign areas are for each of 2 sides of each permitted
sign, measured in square feet.
|
|
**
|
For the purposes of this section, a "Nonresidential Lot" shall
mean a lot that is occupied by a principal nonresidential use or that
is within a Commercial or Industrial zoning district. All other lots
shall be considered to be "Residential Lots."
|
A.
In addition, the following types of signs are not regulated by this
Ordinance:
(2)
Historic sign - sign that memorialize an important historic place,
event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Borough
or a county, state or federal agency.
(3)
Holiday decorations - signs and displays that commemorate a holiday
recognized by the Borough, county, state or federal government or
an individual's own religious holiday, that do not include advertising,
and that are posted a maximum total of 90 days per calendar year.
(4)
Not readable sign - sign that is not readable from any public street
or any exterior lot line.
(5)
Official sign - sign erected by the state, county, Borough or other
legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized
by Borough ordinance, motion or resolution, and which exists for public
purposes.
(6)
Required sign - sign that only includes information required to be
posted outdoors by a government agency or the Borough.
(7)
Right-of-way sign - sign posted within the existing right-of-way
of a public street and officially authorized by the Borough, the County
or PennDOT, including, but not limited to, decorative banners hung
from street lights that are authorized by the Borough.
A.
The following are the on-premises signs permitted on a lot within the specified districts and within the following regulations, in addition to other signs specifically allowed by this article. See definitions of the types of signs in Article XV.
|
Zoning District or Type of Use
|
Total Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs (from ground level
to top of sign structure)
|
Total Maximum Area of Wall Signs
|
Total Maximum Area of Window Signs
|
Total Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding Signs
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A. RE, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-1/O Districts: with signs in this
table limited to allowed principal nonresidential uses (such as Places
of Worship)
For home occupation signs, see § 230-27.
|
8 feet
|
40 square feet on each side of a principal building for a school
or place of worship; 10 square feet on each side of a principal building
for other nonresidential principal uses
|
Temporary non-illuminated window signs are not regulated. Other
window signs shall be considered wall signs
|
1 sign on each street the lot abuts, each with a maximum sign
area of 40 square feet for a school or place of worship; 10 square
feet per street frontage for other nonresidential principal uses
See also entrance signs for major residential developments in Subsection F below.
|
|
B. CG, CN, LIC and GI Districts: for principal nonresidential
uses.
|
18 feet, except a maximum of 25 feet along an arterial street
if the lot includes 2 or more principal commercial uses
|
2 square feet of sign area for each linear feet of building
length, on the building side on which such signs are attached
|
Temporary non-illuminated window signs are not regulated. Other
window signs shall be considered wall signs
|
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area
of 50 square feet ***
See note* below for multiple uses.
A gas station shall be allowed an additional 30 square feet
of sign area. For drive-through restaurants, see note **.
|
|
C. TC and any other Districts: for principal nonresidential
uses.
See also additional regulations for the TC district in Subsection H below.
|
8 feet
|
2 square feet of sign area for each linear feet of building
length on the building side on which such signs are attached.
Projecting or Awning Sign - An additional sign with a maximum
sign area of 10 square feet on each of 2 sides may project up to 4
feet outward from the building. See the construction Code requirements,
including the minimum eight-foot clearance over the sidewalk.
|
Temporary non-illuminated window signs are not regulated. Other
window signs shall be considered wall signs.
|
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area
of 10 square feet in TC
See note * below for multiple uses.
Sandwich Board Sign - One additional ten-square-feet-per-side
portable folding sign is allowed per lot in a location that does not
obstruct 5 feet of width for pedestrian and wheelchair access, and
which is kept inside when the business is not open. Such sign shall
not have electrical wiring.
|
|
*
|
If a lot includes two or more distinct principal nonresidential
uses, the maximum freestanding sign area may be increased by 10 square
feet for each principal nonresidential use beyond the first nonresidential
use. For example, in the CG District, if a lot includes three such
uses, the maximum freestanding sign area shall be 50 plus 20, which
equals 70 square feet.
|
|
**
|
An allowed restaurant drive-through use may also include two
menu boards with a maximum height of 10 feet and a maximum sign area
of 60 square feet per side, provided the signs are not designed to
be readable from beyond the property line.
|
|
***
|
If a lot is allowed to have a freestanding sign on each of two
different streets, the allowed sign area may be shifted so that more
of the total sign area is along an arterial street. For example, if
50 square feet is allowed on each of two streets, 75 square feet may
be placed along the arterial street, with the remaining 25 square
feet is placed along the second street.
|
B.
Examples of sign types. The sign below is an example of a projecting
sign that is attached to a building.
 |
The sign below is an example of a sandwich board sign
that is placed on a sidewalk.
 |
The sign below is an example of a freestanding sign
that is not internally illuminated.
 |
The sign below is an example of a freestanding sign
that is internally illuminated.
 |
C.
Maximum height of wall signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall
be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they are attached.
However, sign may be attached to a parapet roof that vertically extends
up to 10 feet above the structural roof, provided the parapet roof
appears to be an architectural extension of the building.
D.
Portable signs (including "signs on mobile stands") and other temporary
signs.
(1)
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs as a particular
type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but
that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section
is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display
a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent
sign within all of the requirements of this Ordinance.
(2)
Portable signs are prohibited in all districts, except as a temporary charitable event sign permitted by § 230-52. The sign below is an example of a prohibited portable sign.
 |
(3)
Businesses are encouraged to provide an area on a permanent sign
that displays changeable messages, as opposed to using a separate
sign for such purpose.
E.
Signs on freestanding walls. An allowed freestanding sign face may
be attached to a decorative masonry or stone wall with a maximum height
of six feet and a maximum length of 12 feet, without being regulated
by the wall setback regulations of this Ordinance and without the
entire wall counting as sign area. Such walls may be placed in a yard,
provided they do not obstruct safe sight distances.
F.
Major development sign. One two-sided sign or two one-sided signs shall be allowed at up to two exterior street entrances to a subdivision or land development of 20 or more dwelling units or more than five principal business uses. Such sign area shall be a maximum of 40 square feet and may be attached to a wall that meets Subsection E above. If a development includes five to 19 dwelling units, a similar sign with a maximum of 16 square feet shall be allowed. Such signs shall not be illuminated, and shall have a maximum total height of 10 feet above the ground. The sign below is an example of a major development sign that is not illuminated.
 |
G.
Landscaping around a new freestanding sign. When a new freestanding
sign is proposed with a sign area of 20 square feet or greater, other
than a replacement of an existing sign, a landscaped area shall be
provided around the sign. Such landscaped area shall be equal or greater
in length than the horizontal length of the sign, and shall have a
minimum width of five feet. Such landscaped area shall be comprised
of vegetative ground cover, which may include shrubs, and it may be
crossed by a sidewalk. Curbing or a similar barrier should be used
as needed to prevent vehicles from hitting the sign.
H.
Additional sign regulations in the TC Town Center District. The following
additional regulations shall apply within the TC District for features
visible from a public street:
(2)
Wall signs.
(a)
Wall signs shall be flush-mounted to the building. New internally
lit box-type signs shall not be installed, but box signs that legally
existed at the time of enactment of this Ordinance may be covered
with a new sign face or replaced with new internal lighting. Wall
signs may be internally lit if they are comprised of individual logos
or have the appearance of individual words or letters, such as in
the example below. Also, a new box-type sign may be installed if approved
as a special exception use, if the applicant proves to the satisfaction
of the Zoning Hearing Board that the new sign would be compatible
with the historic features of the block.
 |
(b)
Lettering and symbols on wall signs may be painted, carved,
raised or mounted on the building.
(c)
Wall signs shall not cover over original windows or doors that
were not already covered at the time of enactment of this Ordinance.
(3)
Freestanding and projecting signs. Newly installed freestanding or
projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be backlit
or lit by exterior lighting that shines directly upon the sign. Projecting
signs should be constructed of decorative metal or materials that
resemble wood.
A.
The following prohibitions on signs shall apply in all zoning districts:
(1)
Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use is prohibited. However, certain flags and banners may be allowed as provided in § 230-52 under "Special sale signs."
(2)
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated, scrolling, rotating or moving
signs of any type are prohibited. A sign shall not display electronically
moving images.
(3)
Signs
which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor are prohibited.
(4)
Signs
which contain information that states that a lot may be used for a
purpose not permitted under this Ordinance are prohibited.
(5)
Signs
that are of such form, shape or color that they resemble an official
traffic control sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics
which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle
on a public street (such as prominent use of the words "Danger") are
prohibited.
(6)
Signs
or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images that
are obscene or pornographic are prohibited.
(7)
Balloons
of greater than 50 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a
structure for periods of over a day and that are primarily intended
for advertising purposes are prohibited.
(8)
Floodlights
and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes are prohibited.
B.
Digital signs.
(1)
Signs may change their message from time to time provided that each
message is visible for a minimum of eight seconds, except as follows:
a) time and temperature signs may change more frequently, and b) if
there is an electronically changing sign area of greater than 50 square
feet, the sign shall not change its message more frequently than once
every 20 seconds. This provision on sign timing shall not regulate
signs that are not readable from a public street and that are not
readable from any dwelling.
(2)
Digital signs are permitted by right in the NC, GC, LIC and GI Districts.
Digital signs shall need special exception approval in the TC District
and in a residential district. In a residential district, digital
signs shall be limited to allowed principal nonresidential uses, such
as schools and places of worship.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this Ordinance for the following purposes, to: ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development; prevent visual pollution in the Borough and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Borough are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; carry out the purposes listed in § 230-50.
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to
require the removal of an existing lawfully-placed off-premises sign
that is in structurally sound condition.
C.
Official signs. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT or by the
Borough are permitted by right in all districts. Such signs may include
official directional signs to destinations.
D.
Permitted off-premises signs. Except for other types of signs that
are specifically allowed by this section to be off-premises, an off-premises
sign is only permitted if it meet the following requirements:
(1)
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the CN District,
and may be an accessory use.
(2)
Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25
feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
(3)
Maximum total sign area, on each of two sides: 300 square feet. The
two sides shall be arranged so that only one side is readable at one
time.
(4)
Spacing. Any off-premises sign of more than 50 square feet of sign
area shall be separated by a minimum of 500 feet from any other off-premises
sign with a sign area greater than 50 square feet, including signs
on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities.
(5)
Maximum height: 40 feet above the elevation of the street or highway
that the sign face is directed towards, measured at the street center
line. The bottom of such sign shall be elevated a minimum of 10 feet
above the ground and be designed to be resistant to climbing by unauthorized
persons.
(7)
Setbacks. No off-premises sign greater than 50 square feet in sign
area shall be located within 200 feet from the lot line of an existing
principal dwelling.
(8)
Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition,
particularly to avoid hazards in high winds. The area around the sign
shall be kept free of debris. If the message of a sign is no longer
intact, it shall be replaced with a solid color or a "for lease" sign.
(9)
This Ordinance shall not regulate the placement of tourist-oriented
directional signs, provided the signs are posted along a public street
right-of-way in a manner allowed under PennDOT regulations for such
signs or that are approved by the Borough along a Borough street.
(Note - These are typically blue signs that direct motorists to various
major destinations.)
A.
B.
Sight clearance. No sign shall be located in a way that interferes with the sight clearance requirements of § 230-64C.
C.
Off-premises. No signs except permitted off-premises, official, political
or public service signs shall be erected on a property to which it
does not relate.
D.
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any property unless
permission has been received by the owner or entity leasing the property.
E.
Signs on trees, utility poles and street signs. No sign shall be
attached to a utility pole or street sign post, except by a utility
or government agency. A sign shall not be attached to a tree, except
allowed temporary signs may be attached with string.
F.
Construction of signs. Every sign permitted in this section (other
than temporary and window signs) shall be constructed of durable materials
and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer
shall by written notice require a property owner or lessee to repair
or remove a dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of
time. If such order is not complied with, the Borough may repair or
remove such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
G.
Wiring of signs. Signs shall be prohibited that involve electrical
cords laying across parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except for
temporary Christmas season lighting.
H.
Banners and overhanging signs. Borough Council or the Borough Manager
may approve the hanging of decorative banners within the street right-of-way
(such as from utility poles or street lights) and may approve a sign
overhanging across a street to advertise a community event or festival.
One approval may cover multiple years for an event that is held annually.
Approval from PennDOT may also be needed if a state road is involved.
Any vehicle, trailer or structure to which a sign is affixed
in such a manner that the carrying of such sign(s) no longer is incidental
to the primary purpose of the vehicle, trailer or structure but instead
becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding
sign and shall be subject to all of the requirements for freestanding
signs in the district in which such vehicle, trailer or structure
is located.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than a
sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and
being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within
180 days of the cessation of such use.
A.
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs
and symbols, together with related background areas on which they
are displayed. One freestanding sign may include several signs that
are all attached to one structure, with the total sign area being
the combined area of all signs on that side of the sign.
B.
The sign area shall not include any structural support poles or monument-style
areas below the sign message.
C.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated
background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the
smallest one or two rectangle(s) or triangle(s) that includes all
of the letters and symbols.
D.
The maximum sign area of sign shall be for each of two sides of a
sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.
E.
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs
are maximum sizes.
See "Control of light and glare" in § 230-44.
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this Ordinance
and which do not conform to the requirements of the Ordinance shall
be considered nonconforming signs.
B.
An existing lawful nonconforming sign that was lawful when it was
initially placed may be replaced with a new sign, provided the new
sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign.
A nonconforming sign shall not be expanded in a manner that does not
conform to this Ordinance.
