HomeMy WebLinkAboutZoning Text Sign Admendment
FC
Franklin County Planning Commission
Administrative Annex
218 North Second Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201-1642
Phone: 717-261-3855
Fax: 717-264-8667
TDD: 717-264-8474
E-Mail planning@co.frankl1n.pa.us
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June 7, 2007
Washington Township
Attn: Michael Christopher.
13013 Welty Road
Waynesboro, Pa 17268
Subject: Proposed Zoning Text Amendment Sign Ordinance
Dear Mr. Christopher;
The Franklin County Planning Commission Staff has reviewed your proposed Sign Ordinance.
The Staff offers no comment at this time.
If you have any questions or require further assistance please feel free to call me.
5-21-07 DRAFT
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
FRANKLIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON RELATIVE
TO THE REGULATIONS OF SIGNS: PROVIDING A PURPOSE AND
INTENT SECTION; ESTABLISHING APPLICABILITY
REQUIREMENTS; ESTABLISHING GENERAL PROVISIONS;
ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR PERMANENT AND
TEMPORARY SIGNS; ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR POLE,
GROUND, WALL, WINDOW, AWNING, CANOPY, MESSAGE, REAL
ESTATE, AND VARIOUS OTHER SIGNS; ESTABLISHING
REGULATIONS FOR FLAGS, BALLOONS, PENNANTS, BUNTINGS
AND BANNERS; ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR OFFICIAL
AND NON-CLASSIFIED OUTDOOR DISPLAY SIGNS; PROHIBITING
ENUMERATED SIGNS; ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR
CHANGEABLE MESSAGES; ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR
SIGN ILLUMINATION AND EXTERNAL LIGHTING; ESTABLISHING
REGULATIONS FOR DOUBLE-FACED SIGNS; ESTABLISHING
SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXEMPTIONS;
ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND
REMOVAL OF SIGNS; ESTABLISHING ENFORCEMENT
PROVISIONS; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Township of Washington currently has Sign Regulations as set forth in
Article V of the Washington Township Zoning (Ordinance #153); and
WHEREAS, the Township of Washington desires to repeal Article V in its entirety; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Washington has determined that it would be
advantageous and beneficial to the citizens of the Township to adopt this ordinance providing
regulations for signs in the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Washington has determined
that it is in the best interest of the public and in support of the health, safety, morals, and
general welfare of the citizens of the Township that the existing sign regulations be repealed
and replaced with new sign regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED AND ORDAINED by the Township of
Washington as follows:
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SECTION A
5-21-07 DRAFt
All of the above premises are hereby found to be true and correct legislative and
factual findings and are hereby approved and incorporated into the body of the ordinance as if
set forth in full herein.
SECTION B
The existing Article V contained in the table of contents for Ordinance No. 153 shall
be deleted and the following Article V shall be added with the corresponding page
numbers: (The page numbers inserted below are the page numbers to this Ordinance and
shall be renumbered when Article V of Ordinance 153 is revised.)
SIGNS
Section 500 - Purpose and intent
Section 501 - Applicability and Scope
Section 502 - General Provisions
A) Sign Heights and Types
B) Location of Signs
C) Construction of Signs
D) Nuisance Signs
E) Illegal or Unlawful Signs
F) Double-faced Signs
G) Commercial & Industrial Land Developments
H) Construction Code
I) Pole and Ground Signs
Section 503 - Permanent Signs
A) Commercial District/Commercial Neighborhood District,
Single Lot, Multiple Buildings, Multiple Tenants
B) Commercial District/Commercial Neighborhood District,
Single Lot, Single Building, Multiple Tenants
C) Commercial District/Commercial Neighborhood District,
Single Lot, Single Building, Single Tenant
D) Commercial Neighborhood( Restricted) District
E) Industrial District
F) Agricultural District
G) Residential and Forest Conservation Districts
H) Home Occupation Signs
Section 504 - Awning or canopy signs
A) Awnings or Canopies Attached to Buildings
B) Canopies Not Attached to Buildings
Section 505 - Projecting Signs
Section 506 - Temporary signs
A) Temporary Non-Commercial Signs
B) Specific Requirements for Temporary Non-Commercial
C) Temporary Commercial Signs
D) Specific Requirements for Temporary Commercial Signs
2
Article V
Page #
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Section 507 - Conditional Use Signs
A) Projecting Signs
B) Billboards
C) Portable Signs
D) Off-premise Signs
E) Non-Classified Outdoor Display
Section 508 - Message Boards, Electronic and Non-Electronic
A) Electronic message sign faces
B) Non-Electronic Message Boards
Section 509 - Sign illumination
Section 510 - Sign Permit Requirement & Exemptions
A) No Permit Required
B) Non-conforming Signs
Section 511 - Maintenance and Removal of Signs
Section 512 - Sign Permits
A) Sign permit application
B) Sign permittees and procedures
Section 513 - Definitions
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SECTION C
The existing Article of the Township of Washington Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 153)
is repealed in its entirety, and the following Article V shall replace the existing Article V.
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5-21-07 DRAFT
Article V
Si~:ms
Section 500
Purpose and Intent.
The purpose of this article is to provide sign standards and regulations, which allow for the
legitimate needs for identification of residential, office, commercial, industrial, agricultural and
other activities while at the same time to maintain and enhance the environment; promote
signs which do not unduly detract from the overall character and aesthetics of the community;
encourage signs which are compatible with adjacent land uses; provide for a reasonable
system of control of signs; promote effective use of signs as a means of communication and
economic growth through the regulations of such things as size, location, design, and
illumination of signs; and to advance the safety and welfare of the community as it relates to
signs.
If any portion of this article is found to be in conflict with any other provision of any Township
Ordinance, the provision that establishes the higher standard shall prevail.
Section 501
Applicability and Scope.
The following regulations shall govern the placement and construction of all outdoor
advertising display signs within the Township of Washington. For purposes of this Ordinance,
the term ''Township'' shall mean the Township of Washington, Franklin County, Pennsylvania;
the term "Commercial and Industrial Districts" shall mean the Commercial, Commercial-
Neighborhood, Commercial-Neighborhood (Restricted) and Industrial Districts; the term "Non-
Commercial Districts" shall include the Forest-Conservation, Agricultural, Low Density
Residential (R-1), Medium Density Residential (R-2), and Medium Density Residential Mobile
Home (R-3) Districts.
Section 502 General Provisions.
A) Sign heights and types.
1) No person, organization, business, firm or corporation shall construct a
sign that exceeds the maximum sign height permitted in the specific
zoning district where the sign is located. Sign height shall include the
supporting structure and is measured from ground level.
2) A pole sign - a sign supported by one or two poles/beams made of
material of sufficient strength to carry the weight and wind load of the
attached sign. A pole sign shall not be more than twenty-five (25) feet in
height in any district. Maximum height shall be measured from the
ground level at the base of the pole/beam.
3) A ground sign- a sign supported by poles or foundation, the bottom of
the sign being no more than twelve (12) inches from ground or foundation
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5-21-07 DRAFT
level at the location of the sign. Maximum height shall be measured from
the ground level at the base of the sign.
(B) Location of signs. No signs shall be permitted to be located in any district
other than Commercial, Industrial, Commercial Neighborhood, Commercial
Neighborhood (Restricted), except as permitted in this Article.
(C)
D)
E)
( 1)
1) Signs shall not be placed so as to impair the corner visibility of
intersections of streets, driveways and alleys.
2) Signs shall not be affixed to utility poles or official signs.
3) Signs shall not be placed on Township or public property, parks, public
facilities, and public open spaces.
4) Signs shall not be placed on Township or Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation rights of way except official traffic, street name signs and
other similar signs required for the public welfare and safety.
Material. All signs shall be constructed of a durable material and kept in gOOd)
condition. Permanent signs shall be constructed to resist the wind load and
weather in this area without damage.
Nuisance signs. No signs with moving parts, animated features, flashing,
and blinking or audible features that could cause a distraction to drivers
shall be allowed.
Illegal or unlawful signs. Any sign that shall be considered unlawful or
illegal by this chapter includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the
following signs which shall be prohibited:
Signs containing obscene, indecent or immoral words, pictures, '\
descriptions or other matter. J
2)
3)
Signs imitating governmental signs, including traffic control signs.
Signs blocking or obstructing public access, fire escapes, intersection
visibility, traffic visibility, utilities, etc.
4)
Signs placed on or attached to other signs, utility poles, fire hydrants,
trees, flag poles, street lamps or other means of support of an outdoor
advertising display.
5)
Any painting, marking, or attachment of a sign to the street, sidewalk
or building, other than house numbers or occupant names or as
provided by this Article.
6)
Any sign, permanent or temporary, in violation of this Article.
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5-21-07 DRAFT
7) Any sign that is unsafe or insecure, abandoned or in a dilapidated
condition.
F) Double-faced signs. A sign with a sign face message on both sides shall be
counted as a single sign.
G) Commercial and industrial land developments. Any signs that are part of an
application for Commercial and Industrial Land Development Plans are a
Conditional Use and will require a Conditional Use Application at the same time
as Land Development Application. The Township supervisors may require
additional restrictions on signage as part of the Land Development and
Conditional Use process for such developments.
H) Construction Code. Signs that come under the provisions of the Pennsylvania
Construction Code will be required to acquire a construction permit in addition to
the land use / sign permit.
I) Pole and ground signs. Pole and ground signs are in addition to
awning/canopy and wall signs.
Section 503 Permanent Signs.
Permanent signs are all signs that are not temporary or prohibited and shall comply with the
following requirements.
A) Commercial District/Commercial Neighborhood District - single lot, multiple
buildings, multiple tenants.
1) Sign height shall be no more than twenty-five (25) feet for a pole sign, or
ten (10) feet for a ground sign, measured from the ground level of the
sign location. Bottom of ground sign shall be no higher than twelve (12)
inches above ground level.
2) Only one property lot pole sign is allowed. Sign size shall be no more
than thirty-two (32) square feet, with an additional 8 square feet for each
tenant. One ground sign for each building is also permitted, no larger
than thirty-two (32) square feet. Additionally, a single property lot
message board of no more than twenty-four (24) square feet is permitted
on the single pole sign. The single lot pole sign and the single ground
sign per detached building may contain a message board as part of the
allotted thirty-two (32) square feet.
3) Wall signs shall cover no more than ten (10) percent of the building
facade upon which they are placed. A single message board may be
incorporated as part of the allotted ten (10) percent facade space.
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5-21-07 DRAFT
B) Commercial District/Commercial Neighborhood District - single lot, single
building, multiple tenants, including multi-tenant interior access building.
1) Maximum sign height shall be no more than twenty-five (25) feet for a
pole sign, or ten (10) feet for a ground sign, measured from the natural
ground level at the sign location. Bottom of ground sign shall be no
higher than twelve (12) inches above ground level.
2) Sign size shall be no more than thirty-two (32) square feet, with an
additional eight (8) square feet for each tenant. Additionally, a message
board of no more than twenty-four (24) square feet is permitted.
3) No more than one free standing sign (pole or ground) is permitted.
4) Wall signs shall cover no more than ten (10) percent of the building
facade upon which they are installed.
C) Commercial District/Commercial Neighborhood District - single lot, single
building, single tenant.
1) Sign height shall be no more than twenty (20) feet for a pole sign, or ten
(10) feet for a ground sign, measured from the natural ground level at the
sign location.
2) Sign size shall be no more than thirty-two (32) square feet. Additionally,
a message board of no more than twenty-four (24) square feet is
permitted.
3) No more than one (1) free standing sign (pole or ground) is permitted.
4) Wall signs shall cover no more than ten (10) percent of the building
facade upon which they are installed.
D) Commercial Neighborhood (Restricted) District. All signs in this district shall
be approved as part of the land development plan for each lot.
1) No free-standing signs shall be permitted in this district.
2) Wall signs shall cover no more than five (5) percent of the building
facade. All signs attached to the building must be approved by the
Planning Commission.
3) Message boards are only allowed as part of the basic sign area in this
district.
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5-21-07 DRAFT
E) Industrial District.
1) Sign height shall be no more than twenty-five (25) feet for a pole sign, or
ten (10) feet for a ground sign, measured from the natural ground level at
the sign location.
2) Sign size shall be no more than thirty-two (32) square feet. A message
board no more than twenty-four (24) square feet is permitted.
3) No more than one (1) free standing sign (pole or ground) is permitted.
4) Wall signs shall be no more than ten (10) percent of the building fayade
upon which they are installed.
F) Agricultural District.
1) Permanent signs are permitted for farm name signs, advertising produce,
crops or animals, corporate or co-op affiliation and shall be farm related.
2) Sign height shall be no more than ten (10) feet.
3) Aggregate size of permanent signs shall be no more than thirty-two (32)
square feet.
4) Signs for agricultural products or crop identification signs are permitted.
Signs for agricultural products or services shall be displayed only when
products or services are offered.
5) Crop identification signs shall be one (1) sign for each crop being tested
or grown.
G) Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3) and Forest Conservation Districts.
1) Single family dwellings. Each single family dwelling shall be permitted
one (1) sign to identify family name, property name and/or street address
not to exceed four (4) square feet in area.
2) Residential subdivisions (single family or multi family). Each residential
subdivision shall be permitted one (1) ground sign of twenty (20) square
feet or less for identification of development for each street frontage, on
each street frontage.
3) Schools, churches, hospitals, medical facilities and similar uses located in
these districts are permitted one (1) pole or ground sign of twenty (20)
square feet or less for each street frontage, on each street frontage.
4) Sign height shall be no more than eight (8) feet.
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5-21-07 DRAFT
H) Home occupation signs. A dwelling that is also operating a permitted home
occupation and is registered with the Township may have a sign for said
business at the mailbox or end of driveway, in any district, provided that the
following requirements are met.
Section 504
1)
2)
3)
The size of the sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.
There shall be only one sign.
The sign shall not be illuminated.
Awning or Canopy Signs.
A) Awnings or canopies attached to buildings.
1) One (1) business name or logo is permitted on each side of the door
canopy or awning, or on the front of the canopy or awning.
2) Back lighting of awning or canopy signs is permitted.
3) Any lighting fixture shall not extend more than six (6) feet from the building
fac;ade from which it is attached and the lighting fixture shall be located no
closer than ten (10) feet to the public right of way.
4) Window awnings may have the business name or logo attached.
B) Canopies not attached to buildings.
Section 505
1)
One (1) business name or logo is permitted on each side of the canopy or
on the front of the canopy.
2)
Back lighting of canopies is permitted.
Projecting Signs.
A projecting sign that is attached to a wall shall project no more than seventy-two (72) inches
from the building wall and shall be securely supported and fastened to the wall. Projecting
signs shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet from ground level.
Section 506
Temporary Signs.
Any sign intended to be displayed for thirty (30) days or less, including, by way of example,
but not limited to, any inflatable devices, banner, pennant, valance for advertising display
constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with
or without frames. Temporary signs are permitted in all Districts with the exception of
Coming Soon/Now Open, Grand Opening, Now Hiring, Change of Business/Ownership
signs which are only permitted in non-residential districts. In addition, temporary
Agricultural signs are only permitted in the Agricultural District. Temporary signs shall be
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5-21-07 DRAFT
subject to the following:
A) Temporary non-commercial signs. Signs utilized for supporting,
encouraging, expressing or identifying a philosophy, theory, belief, view,
principle, concept, insight or opinion, political posture, position or event,
public services or civic announcement or advisory event and/or personal or
individual use without a commercial intent. Such signs may include but are
not limited to political signs, ideological signs, special event and public
services announcements. The sign shall be a maximum height of ten (10)
feet and shall meet size requirements as set forth in this Article.
B) Specific requirements for temporary non-commercial signs.
1) Political signs. A temporary sign to influence, support, encourage or
identify any candidate in an upcoming election shall be permitted
within the Township provided:
a. Political signs shall be posted no more than sixty (60) days
prior to the election and any individual who posts political signs
shall be responsible for their removal within three (3) days after
the election day. Individuals whose signs are gathered by the
Township shall be assessed a fee to be set by the Township
Board of Supervisors.
b. No political signs except rented billboards shall be over twenty
(20) square feet in size.
2) Special event or public announcement signs. A sign or notice posted
to announce publiC information concerning special events, bazaars,
rallies, or other similar activities sponsored by charitable, religious,
philanthropic, educational or civic institutions shall be allowed as
temporary signs provided:
a. Such signs shall be allowed up to thirty (30) days prior to such
event, and shall be removed within two (2) days after the
scheduled event.
b. All signs shall be on-premise only, except that non-profit
organizations, upon proof of tax-exempt status under federal or
state laws, shall be allowed temporary off-premise special
event signs provided that the organization shall have
permission from the property owner to place the sign on their
property.
c. No sign shall be over twenty (20) square feet.
C) Temporary commercial signs. Signs utilized for the purpose of
benefiting a for-profit enterprise, person or activity and/or advertising the
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5-21-07 DRAFT
sale of a product, good or service, or other similar venture with an economic
purpose. Such signs may include, but are not limited to, real estate signs,
weekend real estate directional signs, special event signs, and personal or
incidental use signs such as garage sale signs and work-in-progress signs.
All temporary commercial signs shall be subject to the following:
1) The sign area shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
2) The height of such signs shall not exceed five (5) feet.
3) Only one (1) sign for every one hundred (100) feet of lineal frontage of
property shall be permitted.
4) Point of sale and window signs are permitted.
D) Specific requirements for temporary commercial signs.
1) Balloons, inflatable devices, pennants, bunting or banners:
a. Installed not more than seven (7) days before event for a
maximum duration of thirty (30) days after installation.
b. Does not include balloon signs for birthdays and special
events, provided they do not exceed six (6) cubic feet.
c. Shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after the event
or a maximum of thirty (30) days after installation.
d. Does not include display of national, state, local, religious,
institutional, or registered corporate logo flag or emblem.
2) For Sale signs for residential structures or lots on small tracts less
than two acres. Real estate signs, weekend real estate signs, open
house signs, personal and/or incidental use signs:
a. One (1) regular sign per property. An additional "Open
House" sign is permitted only during an open house period.
b. Sign no more than eight (8) square feet and no more than five
(5) foot height.
c. All signs shall be on premise only, except directional signs.
d. Personal and/or incidental use signs shall be placed no
more than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the
commencement of the event, work, or sale and removed
within twenty-four (24) hours after the conclusion of the
work, sale or event.
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5-21-07 DRAFT
e. Weekend Real Estate Directional signs are permitted to be
placed out only between the hours of 4:00 p.m. on Fridays
and 8:00 a.m. the following Monday except when there is a
three-day holiday that includes Monday; then it shall be
removed before noon of the following day. Signs shall not
be placed in the public right-of-way.
f. Real Estate Directional Signs shall be limited to off-premise
directional signs and shall contain no advertising. The sign shall
be solely utilized as a directional sign for public viewing and
sales of a particular home or development.
g. Real Estate signs as defined, shall only be displayed for the
period the unit is actually offered for sale.
3) For Sale signs for non-residential structures or large tracts over two
(2) acres, model home signs, coming soon or now open signs,
change of ownership or business signs, special event signs:
a. All signs shall be on premise only.
b. No sign can exceed twenty (20) square feet in size or eight (8)
feet in height.
c. Signs shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the
right-of-way line.
d. For tracts of land over two (2) acres, one sign per five (5) acres
is permitted with a maximum of two (2) signs. Signs shall be a
minimum of five-hundred (500) feet from any other real estate
sign on the same property.
e. Special Event Signs may be placed thirty (30) days prior to the
event and shall be removed no later than three (3) days after
the event.
f. Coming soon signs are for no more than thirty (30) days if a
structure exists, or up to a year pending construction.
g. Now open signs are permitted fora maximum of thirty (30)
days.
4) Grand Opening Signs. Permitted one (1) time for four (4) weeks
for each new business, or when twenty (20) percent of the
building has been renovated.
5) Development or on-premises project signs. On-premise signs
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5-21-07 DRAFT
identifying residential, retail, office, commercial, industrial, mixed land
use or planned developments shall be permitted, but limited by the
following conditions:
a. The maximum sign area of such a sign shall be forty-eight (48)
square feet.
b. The height of the sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height,
including the supporting structure.
c. Only one (1) sign shall be permitted for tracts up to five (5)
acres. Additional signs shall be permitted for each additional
five (5) acres up to a maximum of two (2) signs.
d. No signs shall be placed closer than five hundred (500) feet to
any other real estate sign advertising the sale of the same
property, unless it is attached to such sign. The attachment of
two (2) such signs will be permitted only once for each tract of
land for sale.
e. All signs shall be set back at least fifteen (15) feet from the
public right-of-way.
f. Permits for on-premise development or project signs
shall be for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance
and shall be renewable by the building official for additional
one (1) year periods, until the development is ninety (90)
percent sold. The sign shall be removed once these criteria
are met.
g. The sign permit fee for on-premise development or project
signs initially erected without a permit shall be triple the amount
set forth in the permit fee resolution.
Section 507
Conditional Use Signs.
The following signs are permitted as a Conditional Use and shall be accompanied by a
Conditional Use Application and fee. The Board of Supervisors may impose any
reasonable conditions the Board deems necessary in order to protect the public health,
safety and welfare of the resident of the Township.
A) Projecting signs. Signs that project more than seventy-two (72) inches from
a facade, wall, fence, roof or other principal means of support.
B) Billboards. Billboards, advertising signboards or other signs advertising
businesses other than those located on the same lot as the sign, including
poster panels, bulletins and the like, shall be permitted only in the
Commercial and Industrial Districts along SR0016 (Buchanan Trail East),
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5-21-07 DRAFT
SR0997 (Anthony Highway), and SR0316 (Wayne Highway). Said signs shall
be allowed as conditional uses and shall be subject to the following
conditions:
1) No billboard shall be located in a residential district.
2) Billboard signs shall not be illuminated in any manner.
3) Billboard total sign face shall not be greater than one hundred twenty-
eight (128) square feet, and shall not be higher than twenty-five (25)
feet in height measured from the ground.
4) The written consent of the property owner shall be obtained.
5) Billboard signs shall not contain changeable messages.
6) No such sign shall be permitted upon the roof of any building.
7) All signs shall be required to be set back thirty (30) feet from the front
lot line and shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from all other
property lines and shall be located on private property.
8) Signs shall not be erected or maintained within a five-hundred-foot
(500) radius of any other off-premises advertising signs or within a
five-hundred (500) foot radius of any residential zone or existing
residential use.
9) Signs shall not be erected in or encroach over public easements or
public rights-of-way.
10) Any new advertising sign constructed shall be a unipole or bipole
construction.
11) There shall be no stacking of such signs.
12) A permit shall be obtained every year, and a fee established by
resolution of Supervisors shall be paid in order to ensure compliance.
13) Any such sign that does not have advertising for more than a year
shall be removed.
C) Portable signs.
1) General. Signs mounted on portable or movable frames or structures,
including signs placed on, but not affixed or attached to the ground,
shall be prohibited as permanent signs and shall be considered
temporary signs permitted under the following conditions:
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5-21-07 DRAFT
a. Portable signs cannot be used more than four (4) times per
year, for a period of time not to exceed fourteen (14) days each
time permitted.
b. There shall be a minimum of thirty (30) days between uses of
portable signs.
c. No portable signs shall be used in other than commercial and
industrial districts.
d. Portable signs shall not be illuminated in any manner.
e. Portable signs shall not be greater than twelve (12) square feet.
f. Portable signs shall not contain changeable messages.
g. A permit is required for each portable sign, however, a permit
for multiple uses in a one (1) year period can be issued if
applicant can supply specific dates that sign is desired on an
annual basis.
D) Off-premise signs. Permanent off-premise signs shall be permitted subject
to the following conditions:
1) Off-premise signs shall only be located in commercial or industrial
districts.
2) Only one (1) off-premise sign shall be allowed to advertise an activity.
3) Off premise signs shall not be larger than twelve (12) square feet.
4) Off premise signs shall not be higher than eight (8) feet measured
from the ground.
5) Off-premise signs shall only be located on private property.
6) The consent of the landowner shall be obtained.
E) Non-classified outdoor display. Any form of monument, statue or art work
not specifically defined in this Article as either permanent, temporary or
prohibited signs shall be permitted provided they are approved by the
Township through the Conditional Use process as set forth in the Township
Zoning Ordinance.
Section 508 Message Boards, Electronic and Non-Electronic.
Changeable messages on sign faces shall be permitted, subject to the following
requirements.
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A) Electronic message sign faces. Electronic message sign faces may be
placed on a permanent sign in commercial and industrial districts only
provided:
1) The message conveyed by the sign face shall not blink, flash or be a
distraction to passing motorists.
2) The message or image conveyed cannot change or move more than
one (1) time within any five (5) second timeframe except for electronic
signs that convey time and temperature only, which may change on
three (3) second intervals.
3) All electronic message sign faces shall be limited to a maximum of
twenty-four (24) square feet in area or the maximum size of the type of
permanent sign on which the face is placed, whichever is less.
B) Non-electronic message boards. A sign face that is designed and
constructed in a manner capable of changing messages through a system of
removable characters or panels attached to the face of the sign may be
placed on a permanent sign in commercial and industrial districts provided:
1 )
A non-electronic message board shall not exceed twenty-four (24)
square feet.
Section 509
Sign Illumination.
Signs may be lighted by internal lighting from a light source entirely within the sign, or by
external lighting as long as no distraction to motorists, adjoining properties or glare occurs,
subject to the following:
A) The light source shall be continuous and uninterrupted so as not to be
flashing or blinking.
B) All electrical wiring shall conform to the Pennsylvania Construction Code.
The sign shall be in good repair such that wording on the sign is complete
and no electrical problems are noted.
C) Lighting shall not be exposed to combustible materials, such as un-tempered
glass, wood, cloth or waxy surfaces and shall not interfere with, or be a
nuisance to traffic.
D) No sign shall be illuminated to such intensity or in such a manner as to cause
glare brightness to a degree that it constitutes a hazard or nuisance to traffic.
Indirect lighting for signs shall not overshoot the fa9ade of the sign.
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Section 510
Sign Permit Requirements and Exemptions.
No sign shall hereafter be erected, constructed, altered or maintained except as provided
by this Article, until a permit for the same has been issued by the Township Zoning Officer.
Pursuant to this Section no permit shall be required for the erection or alteration of the
following types of signs, providing such signs are in complete compliance with all other
applicable provisions of this chapter:
A) No permit is required for:
1) Official signs required or authorized by the local, state or federal
government or a governmental agency.
2) On-site real estate signs eight (8) square feet or less in sign area and
three (3) feet in height advertising the sale, lease or rental of real
estate.
3) Open house signs advertising the display of a unit for sale, lease or
rent.
4) Political signs supporting, encouraging or identifying any candidate.
5) Personal or incidental use signs for personal or individual use to
identify the sale of personal property or advertise garage, yard or
estate sales and/or incidental private signs identifying private
ownership or a danger to the public. All signs shall be removed within
twenty-four (24) hours after the sale has concluded.
6) Name plates - wall or monument signs showing only the name and
address of the owner or occupant of the premises on which it is
erected or placed not exceeding a total sign area of four (4) square
feet.
7) Memorial signs, markers, plates, plaques, etc. when deemed an
integral part of a structure, building or landscape.
8) Flags - public and/or private flag poles for the public display of a state,
national, local, religious, institutional flag or emblem or a registered
corporate logo.
9) Holiday decorations - materials displayed in a temporary manner on or
before traditional civic, patriotic, religious holidays or other special
events such as birthdays, weddings.
10) Signs displayed for the convenience of the public, including signs to
identify entrance and exit drives, location of drive-up windows,
directions to parking areas, one-way drives, restrooms, freight
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entrances and the like of such places. These signs shall be
directional only and may contain a registered corporate logo.
11) Signs advertising community organizations, including, but not limited
to Rotary, Lions Club, etc.
12) Point of sale and window signs.
13) No hunting and no trespassing signs.
B) Non-conforming signs. Non-conforming signs may be maintained provided
that such signs shall conform to this Article when replaced, restored or
structurally altered.
Section 511 Maintenance and Removal of Signs.
A) All signs and all components thereof, including supports, braces and
anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair. The area within ten (10) feet
in all directions of any part of a pole or ground sign shall be kept clear of all
debris and all undergrowth more than five (5) inches in height other than
ornamental plantings.
B) If a sign advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodations,
attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being
offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall be
removed within thirty (30) days of such abandonment. It shall be removed by
the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other
party having control over such sign.
C) If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting
structure, including the supporting braces, anchors, or similar components,
the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located
or any other person having control of such sign shall, within one (1) year,
either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining
components of the sign. This subsection shall not be construed to prevent
the changing of the message of a sign.
D) Should any sign become dilapidated, deteriorated, abandoned, unsafe or in
any way pose a public danger in the opinion of the Zoning Officer, the owner
thereof or the person( s) or firm responsible for the maintenance of the sign
shall upon written notice of the Zoning Officer or his designee, forthwith in the
case of immediate danger and in any case within ten (10) days, secure the
same in a manner to be approved by the Zoning Officer in conformity with the
provisions of this section or remove such sign. If such order is not complied
with within ten (10) days, the Zoning Officer shall remove such sign at the
expense of the owner or lessee thereof.
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1) Dilapidated or Deteriorated Condition: Dilapidated or deteriorated
condition shall include, but not be limited to instances where:
a. Elements of the surface or background can be seen, as viewed
from a normal viewing distance (Le., the intended viewing
distance), to have portions of the finished material or paint
flaked, broken off, missing and/or otherwise not in harmony
with the rest of the surface; or
b. The structural support or frame members are visibly bent,
broken, dented or torn; or
c. The sign panel is visibly cracked or, in the case of wood and
similar products, splintered in such a way as to constitute an
unsightly or harmful condition; or
d. The sign and/or its elements are twisted or leaning or at angles
other than those at which it was originally erected (such as may
result from being blown by high winds or from the failure of a
structural support); or
e. The message or wording can no longer be clearly read by a
person with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions.
Section 512 Sign Permits.
A) Sign permit application. Application for a sign permit, where such permit is
required by this Article, shall include the following information:
1) A drawing of the proposed sign, including dimensions, and all existing
signs located on the premises, visible to the public.
2) A drawing to scale of the site plan or building facade showing the
proposed location of the sign.
3) Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
4) Name, address and telephone number of the owner.
5) Name, address and telephone number of the person or firm
responsible for the erection of the sign.
6) Location of the building, structure or tract to which, or upon which, the
sign is to be attached or erected.
B) Sign permit fees and procedures. No sign permit shall be issued until all
appropriate sign permit fees have been paid to the Township as provided
herein.
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5-21-07 DRAFT
1) Initial permit fee. Permit fees shall be set by resolution by the Board
of Supervisors:
2) No permit fee. There shall be no permit fee for special event or public
announcement signs for bona fide charitable and other non-profit
organizations upon proof of tax exempt status under federal or state
law.
3) Renewal. A renewal permit fee shall be required for all on-premise
project or development signs.
4) Sign repair permit. Any repair or alteration to a sign shall require an
additional repair permit obtained from the Township upon application
and payment of fee. The applicant will be exempt from this fee if the
sign was destroyed during a State of Emergency and is not electrically
wired, or being altered. No repair permit is required for routine
maintenance.
5) International Building Code Permit. All signs over twenty (20) square
feet or using electric power for lighting or any other such use of
electricity at the sign shall obtain a building permit and comply with the
Pennsylvania State Building Code. This permit is in addition to the
sign permit and any other permits required by the Township.
6) Identification of signs. All off-premise signs erected, constructed or
maintained that require a permit shall be plainly marked with the
name, address and phone number of the owner, firm or corporation
erecting and maintaining such sign and shall have the sign permit
number plate provided by the Township at the time a sign permit is
issued securely attached to the sign or structure. This information
shall be in a readily visible location.
7) Township identification. The Township will furnish a metal tag
containing the permit number, and this shall be affixed to the sign
structure and is nontransferable.
8) Annual Inspection. The Zoning Officer or his authorized agent shall
inspect all permanent signs requiring a sign permit at least once
annually, under this ordinance.
9) Expiration. Every sign permit issued under the provisions of this
Article shall expire and become null and void if the work authorized by
such sign permit is not commenced within one hundred twenty (120)
days from the date of such sign permit, or if the work authorized by
such sign permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the
work is commenced for a period of more than one hundred twenty
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5-21-07 DRAFT
(120) days. Before such work can be recommenced, a new sign
permit shall be first obtained.
10) Failure to pay permit fees. If a sign is installed, erected, replaced,
altered, or relocated without a sign permit, the permit fee shall be
tripled.
Section 513 Definitions.
Abandoned Sign - A sign that no longer directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona
fide business, lessor or owner, project or activity conducted or a product available on the
premises where the sign is displayed.
Animated Sign - A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion. Animated signs,
which are differentiated from changeable signs as defined and regulated by this ordinance,
include the following types:
1) Environmentally Activated: Animated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal
changes, or other natural environmental input. Includes spinners, pinwheels,
revolving signs, pennant strings, and/or other devices or displays that respond to
naturally occurring external motivation.
2) Mechanically Activated: Animated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or
rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other
mechanically induced means.
3) Electrically Activated: Animated signs producing the illusion of movement by
means of electronic, electrical, or electro-mechanical input and/or illumination
capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one
or both of the classifications noted below:
a) Flashing: Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is
characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either
the same as or less than the period of non-illumination. For the purposes of
this ordinance, flashing is defined as a cyclical period less than five (5)
seconds.
b) Patterned Illusionary Movement: Animated signs or animated portions of
signs whose illumination is characterized by simulated movement through
alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the
purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some
form of constant motion.
Architectural Projection - Any projection that is not intended for occupancy and that
extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building but that does not include signs as
defined herein.
Agricultural Sign - A temporary or permanent sign advertisement produce, crops or
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5-21-07 DRAFT.
animals shall be permitted in any zoning districts that permit agricultural uses, and farm
name signs.
Awning - An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the
exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or non-rigid materials and/or
fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable.
Awning Sign - A sign displayed on single surfaces of an awning.
Background Area of Sign - The entire area of a sign on which copy and/or graphics could
be placed.
Back-lit Awning - An awning whose covering material exhibits the characteristic of
luminosity obtained by means of a source of illumination contained within its framework.
Balloon or Inflatable Device - Any sign or advertisement on the device surface of or
attached to a balloon or other inflatable, inflated or floating device.
Banner - See Pennant.
Banner Sign - A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.
Billboard - See Off-Premise Sign and Commercial Outdoor Advertising Sign.
Building Facade - That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending vertically
from grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves and horizontally across the entire width
of the building elevation.
Bunting - See Pennant.
Canopy (Attached) - A multi-sided structure or architectural projection supported by
attachment to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building
or also supported by columns at additional points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an
attached canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. This
definition may be applied to a Marquee.
Canopy (Freestanding) - A multi-sided structure supported by columns. The surface(s)
and/or soffit of a freestanding canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external
sources of light.
Canopy Sign - A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding
canopy. May be internally or externally illuminated. This definition may be applied to a Mar-
quee Sign.
Change of Business/Ownership Sign - A temporary sign advertising a new
business/ownership of an existing building while a new sign is being made.
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Changeable Sign - A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or
electrically activated input, including the following types:
1) Manually Activated - Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be
changed manually on a display surface.
2) Electrically Activated - Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be
changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of
alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination
may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-
emitting devices; or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off
the changeable component display. See also: Electronic Message Sign or Center.
Commercial Outdoor Advertising Sign - A permanent off-premise sign erected,
maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of providing copy area for
commercial or noncommercial messages.
Copy - The graphic content or message of a sign.
Copy Area of Sign - The actual area of the sign copy as applied to any background. Copy
area on any individual background may be expressed as the sum of the geometrically
computed area(s) encompassing separate individual letters, words, or graphic elements on
that background.
Directional Sign - Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing
direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Double-Faced Sign - A sign with two faces, commonly back to back.
Electric Sign - Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical energy.
Electronic Message Board - An electrically activated Changeable Sign whose variable
message capability can be electronically programmed.
Exterior Sign - Any sign placed outside a building.
Facade - See Building Facade.
Fascia Sign - See Wall Sign.
Flashing Sign - See Animated Sign, Electrically Activated.
For Sale (non residential structures) - Real estate signs advertising the sale, lease or
rent of any non-residential structure.
For Sale (residential structures on small tracts) - Real estate signs advertising the sale,
lease or rent of individual housing units on less than two (2) acres.
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For Sale (vacant lots or large tracts) - Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of
undeveloped land or developed land of two (2) acres or more
Frontage (Property) - The length of the property line(s) of any single premise along either
a public way or other properties on which it borders.
Frontage (Building) - The length of an exterior building wall or structure of a single
premise along either a public way or other properties that it faces.
Ground Sign - A sign supported by poles or foundation, the bottom of the sign being no
more than twelve (12) inches from ground or foundation level at the location of the sign.
Maximum height shall be measured from the ground level at the base of the sign.
Illuminated Sign - A sign characterized by the use of light fixture, either projecting through
its surface(s) (Internally illuminated); or reflecting off its surface(s) (Externally Illuminated).
Interior Sign - Any sign placed within a building, but not including Window Signs as
defined by this ordinance. Interior Signs, with the exception of Window Signs as defined,
are not regulated by this ordinance.
Mansard - A roof-like facade comparable to an exterior building wall.
Marquee - See Canopy (Attached), Definition is similar.
Marquee Sign - See Canopy Sign. Definition is similar.
Message Board - An electric or non-electric changeable sign whose message can be
changed manually or programmed electronically.
Metal Identification Tag - A metal tag issued by the Township with the sign permit
number inscribed on it. This tag shall be mounted on the lower right side of the sign or
structure and remain readily visible for annual inspections.
Model Home Signs - Signs identifying model homes, and model home centers, including
sales offices.
Multiple-Faced Sign - A sign containing three (3) or more faces.
Now Hiring Sign - A sign announcing the employment opportunity.
Off-Premise Sign - A sign whose message content may not necessarily bear any
relationship to the activities conducted on the premises on which it is located, or to the
expression of commercial or non-commercial speech by the owner or bona-fide user of the
premises on which it is located.
On-Premise Sign - A sign whose message content bears a direct relationship to the
activities conducted on the premises on which it is located, or to the expression of any
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5-21-07 DRAFT
commercial or non-commercial speech by the owner or bona-fide user of the premises on
which it is located.
Open House Signs - Signs advertising the display of a unit for sale.
Outdoor Advertising Display Sign - Any sign on the property or building facade for the
purpose of advertising products, services and/or business name.
Parapet - The extension of a building facade above the line of the structural roof.
Pennant - Any pole, mounted flag, banner, or material of cloth, vinyl, plastic, canvas,
leather or other similar material used for the express purpose of attracting attention to a
place of business or location, which does not change on a regular basis.
Personal and/or Incidental Use Sign - A permanent or temporary sign for personal
purposes or used to identify the sale of personal property; garage, yard or estate sales;
and/or incidental private signs identifying work in progress (including but not limited to
small subcontractors such as roofing repair, landscaping, pools, painting, etc.)
Point of Sale Sign - Any sign advertising a particular seasonal or time limited product.
Pole Sign - A sign principally supported by one or more columns, poles, or braces placed
in or upon the ground.
Political Sign - A temporary sign intended to influence and advance a political statement,
cause, or candidate for office.
Portable Sign - Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building or
building surface.
Projecting Sign - A sign other than a Wall Sign that is attached to or projects more than
twelve (12) inches from a building face or wall or from a structure whose primary purpose
is other than the support of a sign.
Real Estate Directional Sign - A directional sign placed for off-premise directions or to
call attention to a real estate project, development or subdivision. The signs are solely
utilized as off-premises directional signs and contain no advertising.
Real Estate Sign - An on-premises sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the
property or premises upon which it is located.
Revolving Sign - A sign that revolves three hundred and sixty (360) degrees about an
axis. See: Animated Sign.
Roof Line - The uppermost line of the roof of a building or, in the case of an extended
facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.
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Roof Sign - A sign mounted on the main roof portion of a building or on the topmost edge
of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such building.
Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves, and architectural projections such as
canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs.
Sign - Any device visible from a location whose essential purpose and design is to convey
either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of
alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations, excluding noncommercial flags or any
flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs.
Sign Structure - Any structure designed for the support of a sign.
Special Event Sign - A sign or notice posted to announce public information concerning a
for-profit special event including but limited to a circus, carnival, haunted house or fair.
Temporary Sign - A sign intended to display either commercial or non-commercial
messages of a transitory or temporary nature.
Under Canopy Sign or Under Marquee Sign - A sign attached to the underside of a
canopy or marquee.
V Sign - A sign containing two faces of equal size, positioned at an interior angle
subtending less than one hundred seventy-nine degrees (1790) at the point of juncture of
the individual faces.
Wall or Fascia Sign - A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building
or structure and that projects not more than twelve (12) inches from the building or
structure wall. Also includes signs affixed to architectural projections that project from a
building provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the
building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.
Window Sign - A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message intended to be
visible to the exterior environment.
SECTION D
This Article shall be enforced pursuant to the Enforcement provisions contained in
Zoning Ordinance #153.
SECTION E
All ordinances, orders, or resolutions heretofore passed and adopted by the
Township of Washington are hereby repealed to the extent that said ordinances, orders, or
resolutions, or parts thereof, are in conflict herewith.
SECTION F
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If any section, subsection, clause, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance, or the
application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall to any extent be held by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unconstitutional, the remaining sections,
subsections, clauses, phrases, and provisions of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to
any person or circumstance, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be
affected, impaired, or invalidated.
SECTION G
This ordinance shall become effective five (5) days after adoption hereof.
DULY ENACTED AND APPROVED BY THE TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON ON
THIS DAY OF ,2007.
Attest: WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Karen S. Hargrave, Secretary
By:
Carroll C. Sturm, Chairman
I, Karen S. Hargrave, Secretary of the Board of Supervisors, Washington Township,
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, do certify that the foregoing is true and correct copy of an
ordinance adopted at a regular meeting of the Washington Township Supervisors held
, 2007, regular session duly assembled.
Karen S. Hargrave, Secretary
Date:
,2007
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