A.
The purpose of the provisions established under Article XI of this chapter is to establish specific regulations pertaining to signs for all land uses, zoning districts and conditions within Caln Township. The objectives of these provisions are as follows: to promote and maintain overall community beautification; establish reasonable time, place and manner regulations on the exercise of free speech; promote traffic safety; and promote appropriate and efficient use of land.
B.
The regulations concerning signs, as established under Article XI of this chapter, shall be subject to the interpretation of the Caln Township Zoning Officer. Should a dispute arise concerning the interpretation of these regulations, the person aggrieved by the interpretation may file an appeal with the Zoning Hearing Board.
A.
Permits. Unless otherwise specified by this chapter
of the Code, a permit shall be required for all signs within Caln
Township in accordance with the following procedures:
(1)
Two complete permit applications shall be submitted
to erect, install, replace, remove and alter signs, as required by
the provisions of this article. The application shall include the
required permit fee.
(2)
The permit application shall contain all information
necessary for the Zoning Officer to determine whether the proposed
sign conforms with the requirements of this chapter. At a minimum,
the following information shall be included:
(a)
Two copies of the plans and diagrams drawn accurately
to scale depicting the dimensions of the lot, cartway, right-of-way
and location of the sign.
(b)
The exact size, dimensions and location of the
sign to be placed on the lot or building, together with its type,
construction, materials to be used and the manner of installation.
(c)
Any other useful information which may be required
of the applicant by the Zoning Officer.
(3)
The permit application shall be granted or refused
within 30 days from the date of completed application.
(4)
No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity
with the regulations of this article except upon order of the Zoning
Hearing Board granted pursuant to the procedures established for the
issuance of a variance.
B.
Construction. All signs, except temporary signs, shall
be constructed of durable material and kept in good condition and
repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated or in a state
of disrepair may, after 30 days of notification, be removed by the
Caln Township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property
on which it is located.
C.
Location and placement. All signs shall be located
and placed in compliance with the provisions of this article. The
following requirements shall apply:
(1)
No sign shall be posted, stapled or otherwise permanently
attached to public utility poles or trees within a street right-of-way.
(2)
Unless otherwise specified, no portion of any freestanding
sign shall be located within five feet of the street right-of-way
line or within 20 feet of a property line.
(3)
All traffic control signs, directional signs, traffic
signals or other similar signs which are located within a street right-of-way
shall be permitted by Caln Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department
of Transportation.
(4)
No sign shall be located, placed or arranged in any
manner that interferes with vehicular traffic, including the obstruction
of sight distance.
D.
Area. The area of all signs which are permitted within Caln Township are specified under § 155-147 of the Code. The following specific provisions shall apply to the area of a sign:
(1)
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all
lettering, wording, border trim or framing and accompanying designs
and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed,
on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework
and bracing which are incidental to the display itself.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols
attached to a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be
determined by calculating the smallest rectangle which encompasses
all of the letters and symbols used for the sign, regardless of the
actual shape created by the letters and symbols.
(3)
The area of a sign painted upon or applied to a building
shall be considered to include all lettering, wording and accompanying
designs or symbols, together with any backing associated with the
sign.
(4)
In computing the square foot area of a double-faced
sign, only one side of the sign shall be considered, provided that
both faces are identical inside the frame of the sign. In cases where
the signs are not parallel or if an interior angle is created to provide
visibility, both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating
the sign area. Where double-faced signs are permitted to be separated
by more than 16 inches, the area of both sides of the sign shall be
calculated as part of the total area.
E.
Height. The height of all signs which are permitted within Caln Township are specified under § 155-147 of the Code. The following specific provisions shall apply to the height of a sign.
(1)
The height of a sign shall be measured from the average
elevation of the ground or finished grade to the highest point of
the sign.
(2)
Unless otherwise permitted by this chapter of the
Code, no sign that is a part of or is supported by a building shall
be erected upon the roof of such building, nor shall such sign extend
above the height of the building. A wall sign that partially extends
above the roofline by no more than 20% of the sign height, as measured
at the point where such sign is attached to the building, shall be
permitted.
(3)
Where the provisions for sign height specified under
this article do not apply, the Zoning Officer, in conjunction with
the Zoning Hearing Board, may consider a reasonable resolution or
remedy.
F.
Clearance, visibility and sight distance. The following
minimum requirements shall apply to the ground clearance, visibility
and sight distance for all permitted signs within Caln Township.
(1)
Unless otherwise specified by this Code, all freestanding
signs which are located within 20 feet of a street right-of-way line
shall have at least seven feet of clear space between such sign and
the average ground elevation. However, the necessary support structures
may extend through such open space.
(2)
Ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet from
the street right-of-way line.
(3)
No ground or freestanding sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle of a street intersection. The provisions for establishing the clear sight triangle are specified under § 155-113 of this chapter.
(4)
The minimum sight distance requirements for pedestrians
and vehicles shall be considered and applied.
G.
Projection. An on-premises projecting sign which is
mounted upon a building so that its principal face is a right angle
or perpendicular to the wall of the building may be permitted, subject
to the following provisions:
(1)
All such projecting signs shall extend at least one
foot from the building but no more than 12 feet from the building.
(2)
No sign shall project outward or perpendicular from
the face of a building, whereas there is an open area between the
ground and the sky.
(3)
The minimum height of a projecting sign shall be at
least eight feet from the average ground elevation and no higher than
20 feet above the average ground elevation.
(4)
The maximum area of all projecting signs shall be
20 square feet, as measured on a single side of the projecting sign.
Double-faced projecting signs may be permitted for the same use.
H.
Maximum number of signs. The maximum number of on-premises signs for a use on a single lot is specified under § 155-147 of this chapter. Where multiple uses are contained on a single property, a freestanding sign may be permitted, provided it conforms with the provisions of this chapter of the Code.
I.
Illumination. The following provisions shall apply
to the illumination of signs within Caln Township:
(1)
Unless otherwise specified within this article of
this chapter of the Code, signs may be illuminated by direct and nonglaring
lighting, provided that such lighting is shielded so no direct light
will shine on abutting properties or obstruct the vision of motorists
or pedestrians within a street right-of-way.
(2)
The use of red, green or amber lights on any sign
within 200 feet of a street intersection shall be prohibited.
(3)
The use of intermittent, flashing or animated lighting
within 50 feet of a street right-of-way line and 200 feet from the
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 Zoning Districts shall be prohibited.
(4)
The use of illuminated signs within the R-1, R-2,
R-3, R-4 and R-5 Zoning Districts shall be prohibited unless the illuminated
sign is specifically related to emergency management uses, medical
facilities, municipal uses, institutional uses and other similar uses
considered appropriate by the Zoning Officer.
J.
Double-faced signs. Any permitted sign may be constructed
and installed as a double-faced sign, provided that it has two parallel
surfaces that are opposite and matching in size and shape and are
not over 16 inches apart. All such signs shall be considered as one
sign, and only one face shall be used to calculate the total size
of the sign. Should the two surfaces deviate from being parallel or
should they differ in size or shape, the sign shall be considered
as two signs.
K.
Supplementary sign regulations for all zoning districts.
The following supplementary sign regulations shall apply to all zoning
districts within Caln Township:
(1)
Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing
of residential properties shall be permitted subject to the following
conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet;
the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the
same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet
from the street right-of-way line and all other property lines; no
more than two signs shall be permitted for each property being sold;
and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction
is completed.
(2)
Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing
of nonresidential properties shall be permitted subject to the following
conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet;
the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the
same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet
from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other property
lines; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final
transaction is completed.
(3)
Property control or restriction signs shall be permitted
subject to the following conditions; the area of the sign shall not
exceed two square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least
100 feet apart on the same lot or property; and the sign does not
contain any personal message which is considered irrelevant to controlling
or restricting the use of a property or lot.
(4)
Temporary signs may be permitted, provided they are
not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established
under this chapter of the Code.
(5)
Special event or promotional signs may be permitted,
provided they are not considered permanent and they comply with the
provisions established under this chapter of the Code.
(6)
Special use signs may be permitted, provided they
are not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established
under this chapter of the Code
L.
Traffic control and directional signs. Unless otherwise
permitted by Caln Township or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation,
all traffic control signs and directional signs shall conform with
the following requirements:
(1)
Traffic control and directional signs located within
the street right-of-way shall be subject to the review and approval
of Caln Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The location, size, type, height, spacing and quantity of the sign
(s) shall be stipulated on the permit, as issued by Caln Township
and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
(2)
Traffic control and directional signs located outside the street right-of-way within a lot or on private property shall be subject to the review and approval of Caln Township. All such signs shall be located at least two feet from the street right-of-way and 10 feet from all other property lines. The maximum number of signs as well as the maximum height and size of each sign are specified under § 155-147 of this chapter.
M.
Political signs. Political signs, being signs erected
in conjunction with a political election, naming a candidate or slate
of candidates for a primary or general election or referencing a position
in support of or opposition to an issue placed in referendum, shall
be installed so as to comply with the following requirements:
(1)
The area of political signs may not exceed six square
feet.
(2)
Political signs shall not be placed in the right-of-way
of any road and shall be placed only on properties with the property
owner's permission.
(3)
Political signs may be posted 30 calendar days prior
to the date of the election.
(4)
Political signs must be removed within 120 hours following
the election.
N.
Removal of signs. On-premises signs and off-premises
signs that are no longer utilized for the original intent or use shall
be removed from the site or changed to accommodate a new sign for
the new use within 30 days of occupancy by the new use. All replacement
signs shall conform with the provisions specified under this chapter
of the Code. Upon the removal of any sign, whether temporary or permanent,
such removal shall include all associated support, including the posts,
poles, brackets, arms, trailers and other support mechanisms.
A.
Matrix Chart 13[1] summarizes the categorical sign requirements by type,
quantity, height, area, location and permit procedures for each use
within Caln Township. Where a discrepancy should exist between the
provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained
within Matrix Chart 13, the provisions contained within the text shall
prevail.
[1]
Editor's Note: Matrix Chart 13 is included at the end of this chapter.
B.
The provisions specified within this matrix chart
shall be subject to the interpretation of the Caln Township Zoning
Officer.
C.
Should a dispute arise concerning the interpretation
of these regulations, the person aggrieved by the interpretation may
file an appeal with the Zoning Hearing Board.
A.
An individual nameplate or street address sign may
be posted on any residential lot, provided it does not exceed four
square feet in area. All such signs shall be located at least two
feet from the street right-of-way and five feet from all other property
lines.
B.
Property control and restrictions signs including
"no trespassing," "no hunting," "no solicitation" and other similar
signs may be permitted subject to the following conditions: the area
of the sign shall not exceed two square feet; the spacing of such
signs shall be at least 100 feet apart on the same lot or property;
and the sign does not contain any personal message which is considered
irrelevant to controlling or restricting the use of a property or
lot.
C.
Home occupation signs displaying the name and address
of the occupant or the profession or activity of the occupant of a
dwelling subject to the following conditions: only one such sign shall
be erected for each permitted use or dwelling; the area of such sign
shall not exceed four square feet; and provided that such sign shall
be fixed flat on the main wall of such building or may be erected
in the front yard, but not within two feet of the right-of-way or
five feet form any other property line.
D.
Residential development containing a total of 20 or
more residential units may provide a sign for the purposes of identifying
the name of the development subject to the following criteria:
(1)
The signs shall be limited to two freestanding or
ground signs per entrance to the development.
(2)
The maximum size of the sign shall be 32 square feet
per sign.
(3)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be
10 feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl
or decorative masonry.
(4)
Any wall or fence structure which supports such signs
may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 100 square feet
in area.
(5)
The sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line, 20 feet from all other property lines and shall not be located within the clear sight triangle, as established under § 155-113 of this chapter. The final location of such signs shall be approved by the Zoning Officer prior to the issuance of a sign permit.
(6)
Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant
shall provide sufficient evidence to the Zoning Officer that adequate
measures have been taken to ensure proper maintenance of the sign
and any accompanying landscaping and that the sign will be durably
constructed as to require minimal maintenance.
(7)
The illumination of such signs may be permitted, provided
that low-intensity lighting is utilized which is less than 100 watts
and is located in a manner so that glare or reflection is not greater
than 0.1 footcandle at the street right-of-way line.
E.
Directional signs may be permitted, provided they
are utilized within the interior of a residential development, are
limited to one directional sign per street and do not exceed four
square feet in size.
A.
The maximum number of on-premises signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to the following: one ground or freestanding sign; six wall or parallel signs, which shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face to which the sign will be affixed or exceed 100 cumulative square feet along one designated side of the building, whichever is lesser, and 50 cumulative square feet along all other sides of the building; one projecting sign; four directional signs per acre; and two accessory signs. The matrix chart provided under § 155-147 of this chapter of the Code summarizes the categorical sign requirements by type, quantity, height, area, location and permit procedures for each use within Caln Township.
[Amended 10-30-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-9]
B.
A freestanding or ground sign may be permitted for all nonresidential uses and developments, subject to the provisions specified under § 155-147 of this chapter of the Code. In addition to those requirements, the following provisions shall apply:
(1)
An office park, business park, medical research park
and industrial park may have one freestanding or ground sign for each
street the development has more than 300 feet of frontage. The area
of each sign shall not exceed 100 cumulative square feet and shall
meet the following criteria:
(a)
A freestanding sign shall be located at least
five feet from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other
property lines. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be
no less than seven feet and no more than 18 feet, as measured from
the average ground elevation.
(b)
A ground sign shall be located at least 10 feet
from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other property
lines. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be no more than eight
feet, as measured from the average ground elevation. Any wall or fence
structure which supports such signs may not exceed eight feet in height
or a maximum of 150 square feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant
wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.
(c)
The freestanding or ground sign may identify
the name of the development as well as any individual permitted uses
contained within the development, provided it is constructed as a
single component with the ability to be changed at any time.
(d)
Where permitted, projecting signs shall be limited
to one sign per use.
(2)
A mini mall containing multiple nonresidential uses
with less than 30,000 square feet of cumulative floor area may contain
one freestanding sign for the development which shall not exceed 60
cumulative square feet and shall meet the following criteria:
(a)
The freestanding sign shall be located at least
five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other
property lines. The height of all such freestanding signs shall be
no less than seven feet and no more than 18 feet, as measured from
the average ground elevation.
(b)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 60 cumulative
square feet for all uses. The total number of individual advertisements
on any such freestanding sign shall be limited to eight per side.
(c)
Where permitted, projecting signs shall be limited
to one sign per use.
(3)
A shopping center or shopping mall containing multiple
nonresidential uses with more than 30,000 square feet of cumulative
floor area may contain one freestanding or ground sign for each street
the development has more than 300 feet of frontage. The area of each
sign shall not exceed 100 cumulative square feet and shall meet the
following criteria:
(a)
A freestanding sign shall be located at least
five feet from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other
property lines. The height of a freestanding sign shall be no less
than seven feet and no more than 25 feet, as measured from the average
ground elevation.
(b)
A ground sign shall be located at least 10 feet
from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other property
lines. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be no more than eight
feet, as measured from the average ground elevation. Any wall or fence
structure which supports such signs may not exceed eight feet in height
or a maximum of 150 square feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant
wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.
(c)
The freestanding or ground sign may identify
the name of the development as well as any individual permitted uses
contained within the development, provided it is constructed as a
single component with the abilities to be changed at any time. The
total number of individual advertisements on any such freestanding
sign shall be limited to eight per side.
(d)
Where permitted, projecting signs shall be limited
to one sign per use.
C.
A municipal, governmental, recreational or institutional
use may have one freestanding or ground sign for the purposes of displaying
the name of the use and its activities or services, provided that
the area of any such sign shall not exceed 60 square feet and not
more than one sign for each street that the use has more than 300
feet of frontage. All other pertinent sign requirements for municipal,
governmental, recreational or institutional uses, as defined and specified
under this chapter of the Code, shall apply.
D.
An agricultural use, as further defined and outlined under § 155-89 of this chapter of the Code, may have one freestanding or ground sign for the purposes of displaying the name of the use and its activities or services, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 30 square feet. All other pertinent sign requirements for agricultural uses, as specified under § 155-147 of this chapter of the Code, shall apply.
E.
Retail business establishments with greater than 7,500 square feet of floor area but less than 15,000 square feet of floor area which are located on corner lots within the Route 30 Overlay District shall be permitted to have a maximum of four wall or parallel signs per face of the building; provided, however, that the total sign area for each face of the building shall not exceed 10% of the building face to which said signs are affixed. Should such use of a building be designed with a commercial drive-through feature, additional wall or parallel signage totaling 30 square feet shall be permitted on a face of the building upon which the points of ingress and egress exist for the purpose of identifying the location of the commercial drive-through feature. All other types of on-premises signage (freestanding, ground or directional) shall be subject to Article XI of this chapter.
[Added 5-14-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-02]
A.
Off-premises advertising signs or billboards, as defined
by this chapter of the Code, are permitted by conditional use within
the C-2 and I-1 Zoning Districts.
B.
All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall
not exceed 250 square feet and may be placed along the Route 30 Bypass
within the C-2 and I-1 Zoning Districts. The spacing of such signs
shall be at least 1,000 linear feet apart from another off-premises
advertising sign or billboard on the same side of the road.
C.
All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall
be located to comply with the following requirements for setback,
separation distance, height and arrangement:
(1)
All such off-premises advertising signs or billboards
shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line
and no further than 100 feet from the street right-of-way line, as
measured on the same side of the street to which the off-premises
advertising sign or billboard is located.
(2)
All such off-premises advertising signs or billboards
shall be located at least 30 feet from all property lines.
(3)
All such off-premises advertising signs or billboards
shall be located at least 300 feet from the center of the nearest
street intersection or interchange.
(4)
The maximum height of all such off-premises advertising
signs or billboards shall be no less than 20 feet to the bottom edge
of the sign and no more than 40 feet to the top edge of the sign,
as measured from the average ground elevation.
(5)
When two off-premises advertising signs or billboards
are orientated in a back-to-back arrangement, they shall be parallel
and directly opposite from each other and shall not be spaced by more
that 15 feet. The size and shape of the signs should not deviate from
each other, and they shall utilize the same support structure.
(6)
When two off-premises advertising signs or billboards
are orientated in a V-type arrangement, they shall be at least 15
feet apart at the closest point nor shall the interior angles be greater
than 45°. The size and shape of the signs should not deviate from
each other and they shall utilize the same support structure.
(7)
No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall
be located in any manner that disrupts or distracts the operator of
a motor vehicle.
D.
All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall
be located to comply with the following design requirements:
(1)
All off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall
be designed, located and constructed in accordance with all local
and state codes. As part of this requirement, all permit applications
shall include signed and sealed plans from a licensed engineer within
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(2)
All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall
be constructed and erected on a steel unipole or steel I-beams meeting
the minimum standards established by the Outdoor Advertising Association
of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising.
(3)
The support structures for all off-premises advertising
signs or billboards shall be constructed and erected on permanent
footings, as determined by the licensed engineer responsible for the
permit application.
(4)
No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall
be constructed and erected which resembles any official marker, logo
and/or insignia of any governmental entity or other organization without
written consent.
(5)
The off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall
not contain vulgar messages or depict any lewd, pornographic, lascivious
or other offensive acts.
(6)
The off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall
be maintained and inspected by the applicant of the permit on a regular
basis, but shall not exceed a period of time of more than 30 days.
As part of this requirement, the applicant shall inspect the following:
the support structure to determine if is sound and in good repair;
the lighting to determine if it operating sufficiently; the display
area to determine if is in good condition and free of graffiti; the
area within the lease area to determine if it is clear of overgrown
vegetation, debris, trash and other unsightly materials; and all other
items that should be inspected periodically, as determined appropriate
by the Zoning Officer.
E.
All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall
be located to comply with the following lighting, display and illumination
requirements:
(1)
All off-premises advertising signs or billboards may
be illuminated, provided that such illumination is directed towards
the sign and shielded so as to prevent the illumination from being
directed towards the street or adjacent properties.
(2)
Off-premises advertising signs or billboards containing
intermittent flashing, color changes made by electrical energy or
electronically manufactured sources and not by wind-actuated elements,
a sign with action or animation or motion, scintillating, reflective
and/or moving lighting features or scrolling information shall be
prohibited.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-15]
(3)
Off-premises advertising signs or billboards may incorporate features to provide electronic message displays such as the time, date, temperature, weather or similar information, provided it does not disrupt or distract the operator of a motor vehicle and further provided it is consistent with the provisions of § 155-150E(2) above.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-15]
(4)
Off-premises advertising signs or billboards may incorporate a timed or electronic display change, whereas the display of the sign may change to another sign within a specified period of time. All such signs may be considered, provided the message does not change more than six times per minute and it does not disrupt or distract the operator of a motor vehicle and further provided it is consistent with the provisions of § 155-150E(2) above.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-15]
F.
If a conditional use is granted by the Board of Commissioners,
all off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located
to comply with the following permit requirements:
(1)
The applicant shall submit a written agreement with
the permit application indicating that the owner of the property has
agreed to lease the property to the commercial sign or advertising
company and has approved the proposed display or message contained
on the off-premises advertising sign or billboard.
(2)
Three complete permit applications shall be submitted
to Caln Township, as required by the provisions of this Code. The
permit application shall include the required permit fee.
(3)
The permit application shall contain the following
information: three copies of the plans and diagrams drawn accurately
to scale depicting the dimensions of the lot, cartway, right-of-way
and location of the sign; the exact size, dimensions and location
of the off-premises sign or billboard to be placed on the lot or building,
together with its type, construction, materials to be used, support
structures and the manner of installation; and any other useful information
which may be required of the applicant by the Caln Township Engineer
or Zoning Officer.
(4)
The completed permit application, plans and support
diagrams shall be signed and sealed by a licensed engineer within
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(5)
The permit application shall be granted or refused
within 30 days from the date of completed application.
G.
In addition to the provisions established herewith,
the applicant and property owner for all off-premises advertising
signs or billboards shall comply with all other pertinent provisions,
as established within the Caln Township Code.
A.
The following provisions shall apply to special use
and temporary signs within Caln Township:
(1)
Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive or event
of a civic, municipal, philanthropic, educational, institutional,
religious or similar organization, provided the following criteria
apply: the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area; no more than
four signs shall be permitted; the signs may be erected for a period
not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year; the sign shall be removed
within seven days after the commencement of the campaign, drive or
event.
(2)
Temporary signs for a yard sale or garage sale, provided
the following conditions shall apply: the sign shall not exceed four
square feet in area; no more than four signs shall be permitted; the
signs may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar
year; the sign shall be removed within two days after the commencement
of the yard sale or garage sale.
(3)
Temporary signs for contractors, developers, architects,
engineers, builders, financers and artisans may be permitted on the
premises where the work is being performed, provided that the following
criteria apply: the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet; the sign
shall not be illuminated; no more than one sign shall be permitted
for each street the project area or development has more than 300
feet of frontage; the sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height; and
provided that all such signs shall be removed within seven days upon
completion of the work.
(4)
Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing
of residential properties shall be permitted subject to the following
conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet;
the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the
same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet
from the street right-of-way line; and the sign shall be removed within
seven days after the final transaction.
(5)
Political signs, being signs erected in conjunction
with a political election, naming a candidate or slate of candidates
for a primary or general election or referencing a position in support
of or opposition to an issue placed in referendum, shall be installed
so as to comply with all other terms of the Caln Township Code.
(6)
Business and advertising signs located within a sports
facility or venue subject to the following criteria: the signs shall
be located within the permitted sports facility or venue such as a
football stadium, little league baseball field or similar playing
field owned or operated by a not-for-profit organization or entity
organized to promote youth sports teams; the nonprofit organization
or entity is recognized and authorized in writing as such by the appropriate
state and federal agencies; no more than one sign measuring a maximum
of 12 square feet in area shall be permitted for each 500 square feet
of playing field or ground floor stadium area; all such signs shall
be made of wood, plastic or metal; and all such signs may be located
only on walls, fences and scoreboards, but shall not be mounted on
light poles, roofs or other freestanding surfaces.
(7)
Multifamily apartment complexes with more than 75 units in a residentially zoned district may display temporary signs, flags, balloons and banners which advertise vacancies or special rate periods, provided the signs comply with the 11 enumerated requirements in § 155-151B below. No floodlights shall be permitted to illuminate these temporary signs, flags, balloons or banners.
[Added 8-10-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-9]
B.
The following provisions shall apply to special event
or seasonal signs for an existing nonresidential use located within
a nonresidential district, including signs, banners, flags, balloons,
floodlights and other similar promotional features:
(1)
The maximum size of a special event sign shall be
24 square feet. In the case of more than one sign, the combined area
of all signs shall be no more than 24 square feet.
(2)
No portion of a ground-mounted sign used to advertise
a special event shall exceed the height of 32 inches. Any banner or
wall sign used to advertise a special event shall not extend above
the roofline of the building upon which the sign is displayed.
(3)
A special event sign shall be fastened securely. Ground
signs shall be anchored with a metal pipe or other secure support.
Hanging signs shall be secured and not allowed to flap or sag.
(4)
All seasonal signs must be maintained in accordance
with the provisions of this Code.
(5)
The sign shall not obstruct the vision or sight distance
of the operator of any vehicle or interfere with normal pedestrian
movements. In no case shall the sign be located closer than two feet
from the street right-of-way line. A plot plan showing the location
of any special event sign must accompany each permit application.
(6)
The special event sign may be two-sided with different
advertisement displays on either side.
(7)
The special event sign shall not contain flashing
messages as part of the display.
(8)
No such sign shall remain in place or otherwise be
displayed for more than 30 days per event or season, and no person
shall exhibit any such sign for more than a total of 75 days during
any calendar year.
(9)
The use of banners, flags, floodlights and other similar
promotional features may be utilized, provided they comply with the
following provisions: they shall not be utilized on the property for
more than 30 consecutive days or more than 75 cumulative days in any
calendar year; they shall be located at least 20 from the street right-of-way
line and 30 feet from the property line; they shall be well maintained;
and they shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any
public street right-of-way.
(10)
The use of balloons and similar promotional
features may be utilized, provided they comply with the following
provisions: they shall not be utilized on the property for more than
30 consecutive days or more than 75 cumulative days in any calendar
year; they shall not be located more than 60 feet in the air, as measured
for the average ground elevation where the balloons are permitted;
the minimum setback or fall zone to any street right-of-way line or
property line shall be one horizontal foot to one vertical foot considering
the height of the balloon; they shall be well maintained; and they
shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public
street right-of-way.
(11)
A special event sign permit shall be required
for each sign used to advertise any special event during any calendar
year. The property owner, or lessee with the owner's permission, may
make one permit application establishing all dates, times and the
duration of each separate special event sign proposed to be displayed
during a calendar year, or may make separate applications for each
such event, providing the total does not exceed the maximum seventy-five-day
limit. The permit applicant shall pay the fee established by resolution
of the Board of Commissioners. The special event sign permit shall
be subject to the review and approval of the Caln Township Zoning
Officer.
C.
The following provisions shall apply to grand opening
and promotional signs for a new nonresidential use located within
a nonresidential zoning district, including signs, banners, flags,
balloons, floodlights and other similar promotional features:
(1)
The use of promotional signs and features shall be
limited to the first 60 days after the initial occupancy permit is
issued for the nonresidential use.
(2)
The maximum area of a promotional sign shall be limited
to two signs which shall not exceed 24 square feet per sign. The promotional
signs shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way
line and 20 feet from all other property lines.
(3)
All promotional banners, flags, balloons, floodlights
and other permitted promotional features shall be located at least
five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from the property
line.
(4)
No other promotional features other than the balloons
shall exceed the height of the roofline.
(5)
The promotional signs banners, flags, balloons, floodlights
and other similar promotional features shall not disrupt vehicular
or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.
D.
The following provisions shall apply to banners which
are hung and displayed across public street rights-of-way to promote
community events, including civic, municipal, charitable, philanthropic,
educational, institutional, religious or similar organizations:
(1)
The applicant must complete and submit a banner permit
to the office of the Caln Township Manager or Zoning Officer at least
45 days prior to the desired date of hanging a banner over a public
street or way. Upon approval by the Board of Commissioners, the banner(s)
may be hung and displayed as set forth by the provisions established
within this section of the Code.
(2)
The hanging of banners must be in complete conformance
with the application as submitted to Caln Township and as finally
approved by the Board of Commissioners.
(3)
The hanging of banners is the sole responsibility
of the applicant.
(4)
No banner may hang lower than 18 feet over the street
or public way.
(5)
Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Commissioners,
no more than eight banners may be displayed over any particular street
or public way.
(6)
Banners may not be hung more than 25 days prior to
the date of the event being advertised and must be removed no later
than five days after the conclusion of the event being advertised.
(7)
Banners which are not removed within five days after
the advertised event has concluded shall be removed by Caln Township,
and the applicant shall be liable for the actual cost of removal.
(8)
Banners hung across streets and other rights-of-way
without proper approval or authorization shall be removed by Caln
Township, and the responsible person(s) shall be liable for the cost
of removal.
(9)
The applicant shall secure liability and/or property
insurance for the display of the banners.
A.
Signs existing at the date of enactment of this chapter
of the Code which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter
shall be considered nonconforming signs and subject to the following
provisions:
(1)
Any sign which is considered nonconforming based upon
its location, height, clearance, visibility, projection, quantity
and illumination shall only be replaced with a conforming sign.
(2)
Any sign which is considered nonconforming based upon
its surface area shall only be replaced by a conforming sign or a
sign that is 25% less than the surface area of the original nonconforming
sign.
(3)
Nonconforming signs may be repaired and/or repainted,
provided that the modifications do not exceed the dimensions of the
existing sign or create any further nonconformities.
B.
A sign shall be considered to be abandoned if the
following conditions apply: a sign erected on a property for a specific
use, which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of one year
or more; any sign which was previously erected for a prior occupant
or business; or any sign which relates to a time, event or purpose
which is considered a past event. The following provisions shall apply
to signs, which are considered "abandoned signs" within Caln Township:
(1)
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained
on any premises owned or controlled by that person a sign which has
been abandoned.
(2)
An abandoned sign shall be removed by the landowner
or person controlling the property within 10 days of the abandonment
as described by this section of the Code.
C.
Upon the removal of any nonconforming sign or abandoned
sign, whether temporary or permanent, such removal shall include all
associated structures associated with the sign, including, but not
limited to, posts, poles, brackets, arms, trailers and supports.
A.
The following signs shall be considered as prohibited
signs which shall not be permitted within Caln Township:
(1)
Spinning, animated, twirling or any other moving objects
used for commercial advertising purposes with or without a message,
whereas the spinning, animation and/or twirling occurs in intervals
of less than 30 seconds or one complete rotation within a thirty-second
interval during any given time of the day.
(2)
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or other message-changing
devices used for commercial advertising purposes, whereas the flashing,
blinking, twinkling, animation and/or message changing occurs in intervals
of less than 30 seconds during any given time of the day. Signs indicating
the time and temperature may be permitted, provided that the message
or display does not change in intervals of less than 30 seconds during
any given time of the day.
(3)
Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the highest
roofline or upon any structure which extends above the highest roofline
of any building.
(4)
Wall signs that partially extend above the roofline
by more than 20% of the sign height, as measured at the point where
such sign are attached to the building.
(5)
Roof signs which are erected on top of a principal
or accessory building. A sign attached to the side of any part of
a building facing an active commercial railroad line or spur may be
permitted, provided that such sign does not exceed the highest elevation
of the roof and/or is not visible from an existing residential use
or an existing street right-of-way.
(6)
Artistic murals depicting scenic, historical, cultural,
educational or other similar visual scenes may be painted on the side
of a building, provided they are aesthetic, socially acceptable and
that the content has been reviewed and approved by the Caln Township
Board of Commissioners.
(7)
Balloons, streamers, banner and promotion signs exceeding the provisions of § 155-151 of this chapter of the Code.
(8)
Portable signs.
(9)
Signs located on parked vehicles within 50 feet of
the street right-of-way.
(10)
Signs containing vulgar messages or depicting
any lewd, pornographic, lascivious or other offensive acts.
(11)
Any sign exceeding the provisions for location,
placement, type, area, height, clearance, visibility, sight distance,
projection, quantity and illumination, as specified within the Caln
Township Code.
(12)
Caution tape or crime scene tape that is not
utilized for emergency management purposes.
