PART 26 2601 INTENT The Township recognizes that signs perform an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of public interest. It is the intent of this section to set standards and provide controls of all signs in order to: 1. Avoid excessive competition for large or multiple signs. 2. Allow permitted signs to provide identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion. 3. Prevent signs from posing a hazardous distraction to motorists. 4. Ensure signs are placed in proper and orderly locations within the Township. 5. Encourage sign design that upholds the visual environment that the Township seeks to promote, while enhancing economic vitality. 6. Encourage sign design to conform to the architectural context of the surrounding buildings. 7. Preserve the aesthetic quality of the various neighborhoods within the Township. 2602 DEFINITIONS Words and phrases used in this Part shall have the meanings defined in this Section. Words and phrases not defined in this Part but defined elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance shall be given the meanings set forth in the Zoning Ordinance s Definitions Part (Part 2). Any pictures contained within this section are for illustrative purposes only and are not legal definitions. Animation Architectual Details Façade Eave Line Sign 1. General Definitions A. Abandoned Sign: A sign which no longer identifies or advertises an existing business, service, owner, product, or activity. B. Animation: Any physical, electronic, or other movement made by any portion of the sign or its message. 1. Rotation: Revolution in a circular or similar motion. 2. Flashing: Any light sources are not kept constant in intensity at all times or the light, color, or message exhibits changes at any time. 3. Scrolling: Any vertical or horizontal movement. C. Architectural Detail: Decorative elements of a building facade such as cornices, lintels, brackets, fish scale shingles, columns, fluting, and quoins that give the building its character. D. Eave Line: The lower border of the roof where it joins with the facade. E. Erect: To build, construct, attach, hang, place or suspend, which shall also include the drawing and painting of wall signs or other graphics. F. Façade: The exterior surface of a building up to the eave line. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 G. Illumination: A non-flashing or non-twinkling sign which has letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated either: 1. Internally: Lighting that illuminates the sign from within the sign structure. 2. Externally: The illumination of a sign by a separate light fixture separate that casts light directly on the sign. 3. Halo: Light showing from behind a letter or graphic that displays the name of the business without any visible light penetrating through the letter s or graphic s face. Internal H. Legally Non-Conforming Sign: Any existing sign: 1. Located on a premises in the Township with a permitted use, and 2. Legally erected prior to the adoption of this Part, and 3. Does not meet the provisions of this current Part. I. Premises: A parcel of real property with a separate and distinct identifying number shown on a recorded plat, record of survey, parcel map, subdivision map, or a parcel legally created or established in accordance with zoning. J. Sign: A name, identification, image, description, display, or illustration that: 1. Is affixed to, painted, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or piece of land. 2. Directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, facility, service, event, attraction, person, institution, organization, or business. 3. Is visible from any street right-of-way, sidewalk, alley, park, or other public property. Nationally or locally recognized official flags are not considered signs by this definition. K. Temporary Sign: A sign which advertises commercial services or products, community or civic projects, construction projects, real estate for sale or lease, or other special events on a temporary basis. External Halo Sign Area 2. Components of a Sign A. Sign Area: The area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed. Sign area excludes any supporting framework and bracing, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording, designs or symbols. For the purpose of this Part, sign area shall be computed as a square or rectangle drawn at the outer limits of the sign face. In the case of cylindrical signs, signs in the shape of cubes, or other signs which 2 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 Face A Face B are essentially three-dimensional with respect to their display surfaces, the entire display surface or surfaces is included in the computation of area. In addition, 1.) Where the sign consists of a double face, only one side shall be considered for the purpose of calculating total sign area. Where both sides are not identical or where the interior angle formed by the faces of a sign is greater than forty-five (45) degrees, all faces shall be considered in calculating total sign area. 2.) Where the total area of the sign structure is two or more times the amount of the sign area, the entire sign structure shall be then counted as sign area. 3.) Any spacing between signs designating different or separate occupants or uses of a building shall not be counted as sign area. B. Sign Height: The distance from the highest portion of the sign, including all structural elements, to mean grade. Sign Face C. Sign Face: The part of a sign that is or can be used to identify, advertise and communicate information for visual representation, which attracts the attention of the public for any purpose. This definition shall include any background material, panel, trim and color used that differentiates the sign from the building or structure on which it is placed. The sign structure shall not be included, provided that no message, display or symbol is designed and included as part of the structure. Sign Height D. Sign Structure: A supporting structure erected and used for the purpose of physically supporting a sign, situated on any premises where a sign may be located. This definition shall not include a building, fence, wall or earthen berm. E. Double-Faced Sign: A sign with two identical faces of equal sign area which are back to back. Double Faced Sign Sign Structure Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 3. Message-Based A. Address Sign: A sign or individual lettering/numbering that designates for identification purposes the street number, street name, suite number, and/or any other address identifier, as designated by the United States Postal Service. B. Artisan Sign: Any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects, and lending institutions responsible for painting or construction on the site where the sign is placed. C. Civic Event Sign: For the purpose of this definition, civic event sign consists of both of the following, unless otherwise distinguished: 1. Civic Event Sign (on-premises): A non-commercial temporary sign, posted to promote and advertise an activity sponsored by the Township, school district, church, public agency, civic or charitable association or other similar non-commercial organization on the premises where the event is to be held. 2. Civic Event Sign (off-premises): A non-commercial temporary sign posted off premises to promote and advertise an activity sponsored by the Township, school district, church, public agency, civic or charitable association or other similar non-commercial organization. D. Development Sign: A temporary sign indicating that the premises is in the process of subdivision or development. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 E. Directional Sign: An on-premises sign designed to guide vehicular and/ or pedestrian traffic by using such words as Entrance, Exit, Parking, One-Way, or similar direction or instruction, but not including any advertising message. The name or logo of the business or use to which the sign is giving direction may also be included on the sign. F. General Purpose Sign: A sign that directs attention to a business, to a product sold, manufactured, or assembled, or to services or entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is displayed. G. Government/Regulatory Sign: Any sign to control traffic or for identification, including street signs, warning signs, railroad-crossing signs and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction, which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof in the discharge of his official duties. H. Home Occupation Sign: A sign which designates home occupations as permitted in this Part. I. Incidental Sign: A sign used in conjunction with equipment or other functional elements of a use or operation. These shall include, but not be limited to, drivethrough window menu boards; signs on automatic teller machines, gas pumps, vending machines. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 J. Instructional Sign: A sign located within the interior of a premises, generally not visible from the street or adjoining properties, which provides information as to the location, interior operation and/or use of buildings or facilities. K. Memorial Sign: A memorial plaque or tablet, to include grave markers or other remembrances of persons or events, which is not for commercial or advertising purposes. L. Multiple Business Sign: A sign which identifies multiple uses in a planned development on a single sign; may be used for shopping centers, shopping streets or business campuses, and similar large complexes which have a variety of tenants and/or uses. M. Neighborhood Sign: A sign which identifies a residential community of five (5) or more dwelling units. N. Off-Premises Sign: Any sign that advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity not on the same premises where the sign is located. 6 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 O. Personal Expression Sign: Any sign that expresses an opinion, interest, or position, but not including political signs. P. Political Sign: A temporary sign relating to the election of a person to a public office or a political party or a matter to be voted upon at an election by the public. Q. Public Interest Sign: A sign on private property that displays information pertinent to the safety or legal responsibilities of the public such as warning and no trespassing signs. R. Real Estate Sign: A temporary sign indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is placed. S. Time/Temperature Sign: A display containing illuminated numerals flashing alternately to show the time and the temperature. T. Yard Sale Sign: A temporary sign advertising a yard or garage sale. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 4. Structure-Based A. Awning Sign: Any sign painted on or applied to a structure made of cloth, canvas, metal or similar material which is affixed to a building and projects from it. B. Balloons: A floating shape filled with a gas, either clustered or placed individually, used to advertise a business or event. C. Banner: A sign consisting of lightweight, flexible material, which is supported by frame, rope, wires or other anchoring devices, which may or may not include copy, logo or graphic symbols. D. Beacon Light: Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure or other object. E. Billboard: Any freestanding sign with a minimum height of twenty (20) feet, located on land adjacent to a road right-of-way that advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity not on the same premises where the sign is located. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 F. Canopy (freestanding): A rigid multisided structure covered with fabric, metal or other material and supported by columns or posts embedded in the ground. May be illuminated by means of internal or external sources. G. Electronic Sign: A sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic image or video, whose message can be altered by the owner of the premises from a remote location and which may or may not include text. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens, digital screens, flat screens, LED screens, video boards, and holographic displays, or other technologies of a similar nature. Freestanding Ground Sign Freestanding Pole Sign H. : A sign and supporting structure that is secured in the ground and independent of any building, fence or other support. For the purpose of this definition, freestanding signs consists of both of the following, unless otherwise distinguished: 1. Ground Sign: A sign designed to be viewed at eye level and where the bottom of the sign is no more than three feet from the ground. Any sign without an obvious support structure, regardless of height, is also a freestanding ground sign. 2. Pole Sign: A sign which is detached from a building and supported by no more than two poles or other structural supports. I. Interior Sign: Any sign located fully within the interior of any building or stadium that is intended solely for information relating to the operation of such building or stadium. J. Marquee Sign: Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a movie or performing arts theater. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 K. Movable Sign: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames. This definition does not include Sandwich Board or Temporary. L. Neon Sign: Any sign composed of glass tubing containing neon gas, or a sign simulating such technology. M. Pennants: Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind. N. Projecting Sign: A sign which is attached directly to any building wall and which extends more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the wall. A projecting sign may not extend more than four (4) feet from a wall and must clear the sidewalk by at least ten (10) feet. O. Roof Sign: Any sign erected and constructed wholly on or over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and may or may not extend vertically above the highest portion of the roof. 10 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 P. Sandwich Board: A movable sign consisting of two faces, connected and hinged at the top. Q. Vehicular Sign: Any vehicle used as a sign or vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of the sign is used primarily as stationary advertisement for the business on which the vehicle sits, or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle s primary purpose of personal transportation. R. : Any sign or picture erected, painted, or applied against the wall of a building or displayed on doors or fences that does not protrude more than twelve (12) inches from the wall, window, or door. A wall sign may not extend beyond the eave line or parapet of the roof line. S. : Any sign placed upon the inside or outside of a window, facing the outside, and not extending beyond twelve (12) inches of the surface of the window or above the eaves of the structure. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering placed behind a store window are not considered signs or parts of signs. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 11
PART 26 2603 GENERAL REGULATIONS 1. Location A. No sign, except official traffic signs or those erected by the Township, is permitted within or above the cartway of a street s right-of-way. B. No sign shall be placed in such a position where it obscures the view of traffic or official street signs or signals. C. No sign shall be erected or maintained within fifteen feet of the edge of any existing cartway or roadway curb, or five feet from any parking lot curb. D. No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of five (5) feet from a lot line. E. No sign shall be less than seven feet above a pedestrian walkway. F. No sign shall be permitted within a pedestrian walkway. G. No sign shall project more than one foot over a pedestrian walkway. H. proposed within any right-of-way controlled by any other person or entity, including but not limited to government entities (such as PennDOT), must first secure permission by the person or entity controlling the right-of-way. 2. Materials A. All signs, excluding awning or window signs, shall be constructed of wood, metal, stone, brick, or other materials that have the appearance of any of the above. Plywood and particleboard are prohibited. B. Sign materials shall compliment the original construction materials and architectural style of the building façade on which they are displayed. 3. Color A. In selecting the principal colors for a sign, colors that compliment the color of the building shall be used. 4. Illumination A. Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent properties and streets and shall not be of such intensity as to cause glare that is hazardous to pedestrians or motorists. 12 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 B. With the exception of marquee signs, signs using internal illumination shall be designed so that when illuminated at night, only the letters and logos of the sign are visible. Individual, solid letters with internal lighting tubes which backlight a wall in a halo effect are allowed where permitted by this Part (for a full definition, see Illumination Halo). C. Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an approved electrical permit. All work shall be completed in full compliance with the electrical code as set by the Township. 5. Nuisance A. No sign shall create a public nuisance by emitting smoke, sound, vapor, beams or rays, particle emissions, or odors. 6. Construction A. No sign or sign structure shall be erected unless it complies with all applicable requirements of the Lower Pottsgrove Township building code. B. All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and in a presentable condition, so that all sign information is clearly legible. Any sign found by the Zoning Officer to show deterioration, including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes, and missing parts or informational items, shall constitute a violation of this Part. 7. Removal A. The Zoning Officer shall require a sign to be removed under any of the following conditions: 1. It was erected without an applicable permit as required by this Part. 2. The sign has deteriorated to the point that it cannot perform its intended use or creates a safety hazard. The Zoning Officer shall specify a period of time in which the owner of the sign may repair or rehabilitate the sign, thereby restoring its intended use or correcting the safety hazard. B. Any business no longer operating must remove its associated signs within sixty (60) days of closing. The owner of the property is responsible for removing the signs within the sixty (60)-day period. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 13
PART 26 2604 PROHIBITED SIGNS 1. Prohibited It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect any sign in the Township unless it is specifically permitted in this Article. Unlawful signs include, but are not limited to: A. Any sign which by color, shape, or location conflicts with or resembles a traffic signal device. B. Any sign affixed to a utility pole, lighting standard, parking meter, or park bench, except for historical markers, memorial plaques, and any banners installed by the Township. C. Any sign affixed to a tree, shrub, rock, or living vegetative matter. D. Any sign erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent. E. Any sign that exhibits statements, words, or pictures of an obscene or pornographic subject. F. Any sign that obstructs free ingress and egress to/from a door, window, fire escape, or other exit. G. Any sign utilizing animation unless explicitly permitted in Section xx05 (Permitted and Restrictions). H. Any sign with a reflective background. I. Any Abandoned. J. Any Sandwich Boards. K. The following Structure-Based : 1. Beacon Lights 2. Marquee, unless allowed as a conditional use 3. Movable 4. Roof 5. Vehicular 6. Electronic are prohibited in all zoning districts of the Township except: a.) IN - Interchange 14 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 2. Intent The Township has determined that there are certain types of signs that present such a potential distraction or other detriment to the community that their use must be prohibited. It is the intent of the Township to prohibit only those signs that may jeopardize, impede, or otherwise interfere with the safety, health, public welfare, and/or aesthetics of the community. A. The Township has determined that any sign which by color, shape, or location conflicts with or resembles a traffic signal device would be hazardous to motorists and pedestrians inasmuch they would be unable to distinguish between a real and apparent traffic signal device. B. The Township has determined that individuals should not place or erect signs on utility poles, lighting standards, parking meters or park benches. Such signage would interfere with and adversely impact the safety, public welfare and aesthetics of the community. C. The Township has determined that the preservation of vegetative matter and the environment benefits the public welfare. placed on any living vegetative matter, including but not limited to trees and shrubs, or other natural features such as rocks could damage such vegetative and other natural features. Natural vegetative matter and other natural features possess aesthetic qualities that should not be altered by man-made signs. D. The Township has determined that any sign erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent would adversely impact the safety, public welfare and aesthetics of the community. E. The Township has determined that signs containing statements, words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic subject would interfere with the public welfare and aesthetics of the community. F. The Township has determined that Abandoned would interfere with the safety, public welfare, and aesthetics of the community. G. The Township has determined that Beacon Lights, Roof, Vehicular, signs with animation, and signs with a reflective background pose a serious distraction to motorists and pedestrians in the community and adversely affect the health, safety and public welfare of the community. H. The Township has determined that Sandwich Boards and Movable present a hazard to motorists and pedestrians. Due to their temporary nature, these signs may be easily moved by natural causes (e.g. wind) or by individuals, thereby interfering with vehicular traffic flow and pedestrians. Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 15
PART 26 I. The Township has determined that Electronic pose a serious distraction to motorists and pedestrians in those zoning districts of the Township with significant traffic flow, left-hand turn lanes, a substantial number of driveways entering onto the roadways, and other factors relating to high volume traffic. 16 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 2605 PERMITTED SIGNS AND RESTRICTIONS Before using these tables it is important to remember... EVERY sign has TWO components: 1. A type of message. 2. A physical structure. Here s how to use the tables to determine your permitted signs: 1. Find the table that corresponds with your zoning district (ZONE, Column 1). 2. Find your property s current or proposed land use allowed within the zoning district (PERMITTED USE, Column 2). 3. Check to see if the sign you would like to erect, in terms of its kind of message, is permitted (MESSAGE, Column 3). 4. If it is not listed, check the table labeled All Zones on page 17. 5. If it is, look at Column 4 (STRUCTURE) to see what structures are permitted for your desired sign. 6. Check Column 5 (SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS) for size, height, and other restrictions specific to a particular sign structure. 7. Check Column 6 (GENERAL RESTRICTIONS) for additional regulations that pertain to several sign structure options. This column also may inform you that a limited type and number of signs are allowed. EXAMPLE: Artisan, page 4 Artisan signs are allowed in all zoning districts (column 1) for all land uses (column 2). They can take the form of either a Freestanding Ground Sign or a (column 4). If it s a Freestanding Ground Sign, the maximum area allowed is 8 square feet with a maximum height of 4 feet. If it s a, the maximum area is 4 square feet with a 4 foot maximum height (column 5). Regardless of which one is chosen by the property owner, only one Artisan Sign is allowed, it must be displayed only during the construction period, and it cannot be illuminated in any way (column 6). Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 17
PART 26 ALL USES Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions ALL All Uses Address Max. area: 2 SF Artisan Max. area: 8 SF Max. height: 4 feet Max. area: 4 SF Max. height: 4 feet 1 artisan sign per premises May not be erected until work begins and must be removed as soon as work ends Illumination prohibited Development Banner 1 development sign for each street frontage Max. area: 35 SF Max. height: 8 feet Max. area: 6 SF Max. height: 6 feet Directional Max. area: 6 SF Max. height: 4 feet Government/ Regulatory Incidental Instructional Max. area: 4 SF Max. height: 4 feet Max. area: 12 SF Max. height: 5 feet Must be removed when project is 90% built Illumination prohibited External illumination only External illumination only Memorial Max. area: 12 SF Max. height: 5 feet Max. area: 2 SF Max. height: 4 feet Max. area: 2 SF Max. height: 6 feet Personal Expression Banner Max. area: 8 SF Max. height: 12 feet Max. area: 6 SF Max. height: 4 feet Max. area: 4 SF Political Freestanding Max. area: 15 SF Max. height: 4 feet Max. area: 4 SF External illumination only 1 personal expression sign per premises Illumination prohibited All signs or decorations recognizing officiallydesignated holidays must be removed within 30 days after the holiday Illumination prohibited May not be erected more than 2 months before an election and must be removed within 1 week after election Public Interest Max. area: 4 SF 1 public interest sign per 150 ft. of street Max. area: 4 SF frontage Illumination prohibited Real Estate Banner Max. area: 12 SF 1 real estate sign per street frontage per Max. area: 6 SF premises Max. height: 4 feet Illumination prohibited Projecting Sign Max. area: 6 SF Max. area: 4 SF Must be removed within 72 hours of settlement 18 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
Zone PART Permitted Use 26 Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions RESIDENTIAL R1 R2 R3 R4 Single-Family Dwelling Professional Office Home Occupation Max. area: 2 SF Max. height: 6 feet Neighborhood Yard Sale Max. area: 2 SF Max. height: 6 feet Max. area: 15 SF Max. height: 4 feet Max. area: 6 SF Max. height: 4 feet General Purpose Max. area: 25 SF Max. height: 6 feet Agricultural General Purpose Institutional Use (incl. educational, hospital, government, club/fraternal organization, cemetary) Two-family dwelling Apartment building (multi-family dwelling) Projecting Sign Max. area: 12 SF Max. height: 6 feet Max. area: 8 SF Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 30 SF Max. height: 10 feet Yard Sale Max. area: 25 SF Max. height: 6 feet Max. area: 6 SF Max. height: 4 feet 1 home occupation sign per premises Illumination prohibited Must be placed at business entryway 1 neighborhood sign at each subdivision road entrance External illumination only 1 yard sale sign per premises Illumination prohibited May not be erected more than one week before yard sale and must be removed within 2 days after event 1 general purpose sign per street frontage External illumination only Maximum 2 general purpose signs allowed at road entrance for each road frontage External Illumination only Maximum 2 civic-event signs per premises May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event External illumination only May not be erected more than one week before yard sale and must be removed within 2 days after event Illumination prohibited General Purpose Awning Sign Max. area: 24 SF 1 general purpose sign at each road entrance Canopy Projecting Sign Max. area: 18 SF Max. height: 6 feet Max. area: 8 SF May not exceed 25% of glass area 1 sign maximum for each building on premises if more than 1 building exists External illumination only Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 30 SF May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event Yard Sale Max. area: 6 SF Max. height: 4 feet General Purpose Banner Max. area: 12 SF Max. height: 6 feet External Illumination only 1 yard sale sign per premises Illumination prohibited May not be erected more than one week before yard sale and must be removed within 2 days after event 1 general purpose sign at either each building or road entrance Illumination prohibited Neighborhood Awning Sign 1 neighborhood sign at either each building Canopy Max. area: 18 SF or road entrance Max. area: 15 SF Max. height: 4 feet External illumination only Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 19
PART 26 COMMERCIAL Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions N-C All Uses not including gas stations Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 15 SF Maximum 1 civic-event sign per premises Shall not exceed 50% of glass area May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event External illumination only General Purpose Awning Sign Max. area: 25 SF 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, Canopy freestanding ground sign, projecting sign, or wall sign per premises Max. area: 15 SF Max. height: 4 fee External illumination only Projecting Sign Balloons Pennants Neon Sign Max. area: 8 SF External illumination only Must be displayed in a window May not be erected more than 3 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event 1 general purpose window or neon sign per premises Each sign shall not exceed 20% of glass area Gas Stations General Purpose Awning Sign 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, Canopy projecting sign, or wall sign per premises Projecting Sign External illumination only (Pole) Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 12 feet 1 general purpose freestanding pole sign per premises Can include changeable pricing All forms of illumination permitted Signage on gas station pumps is permitted 20 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions CO All Uses not including gas stations Civic-Event Banner * Maximum 1 civic-event sign per premises Shall not exceed 50% of glass area * May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event General Purpose Awning Sign Max. area: 35 SF * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, freestanding ground sign, or projecting sign per Canopy premises Projecting Sign Max. area: 30 SF Max. height: 6 feet Max. area: 12 SF Max. area: 30 SF * 1 general purpose wall sign per business per premises Neon Sign External illumination only Must be displayed in a window * External illumination only * 2 general purpose window or neon signs per premises * Each sign shall not exceed 20% of glass area Multiple-Business Time/Temperature Balloons Pennants Part of any General Purpose - structure-based sign permitted above Max. area: 45 SF Max. height: 6 feet Max. 20% of General Purpose Sign * May not be erected more than 3 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * 1 multiple business freestanding ground sign per premises * Must substitute for general purpose awning sign, canopy, freestanding ground sign, or projecting sign * Must be incorporated into general purpose sign Gas Stations General Purpose Awning Sign * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, projecting sign, or wall sign per premises * External illumination only Canopy Projecting Sign (Pole) Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 12 feet * 1 general purpose freestanding pole sign per premises * Can include changeable pricing * Signage on gas station pumps is permitted Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 21
PART 26 Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions SC All Uses not including gas stations Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 40 SF * Maximum 1 civic-event sign per premises Shall not exceed 80% of glass area General Purpose Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 14 feet Multiple-Business Time/Temperature * May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * External illumination only * 1 general purpose freestanding sign per premises Awning Sign Max. area: 35 SF * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, or wall sign per business per premises Canopy Neon Sign Balloons Pennants Part of any General Purpose - structure-based sign permitted above Max. area: 25 SF Max. area: 20% of building frontage or 400 SF, whichever is smaller External illumination only Must be displayed in a window Max. area: 115 SF Max. height: 14 feet Max. 20% of General Purpose Sign * 1 general purpose window or neon sign permitted for every 3 windows per business * Each sign shall not exceed 20% of glass area * May not be erected more than 3 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * 1 multiple business freestanding ground sign per premises * Must substitute for general purpose - freestanding sign * Must be incorporated into general purpose freestanding sign Gas Stations General Purpose Awning Sign Canopy * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, projecting sign, or wall sign per premises * External illumination only Projecting Sign (Pole) Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 12 feet * 1 general purpose freestanding pole sign per premises * Can include changeable pricing * Signage on gas station pumps is permitted 22 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions LCO LCD Single-Family Dwelling, Two- Family Dwelling Retail (except gas stations), Service Establishment, Restaurant, Business & Professional Office, Utilities, Warehouse Home Occupation Max. area: 2 SF Max. height: 6 feet Yard Sale Max. area: 2 SF Max. height: 6 feet Max. area: 6 SF Max. height: 4 feet * 1 home occupation sign per premises * Illumination prohibited * Must be placed at business entryway * 1 yard sale sign per premises * Illumination prohibited * May not be erected more than one week before yard sale and must be removed within 2 days after event Civic-Event Banner * Maximum 1 civic-event sign per premises Shall not exceed 50% of glass area * May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * External illumination only General Purpose Awning Sign Max. area: 25 SF * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, freestanding sign, or projecting sign per premises Canopy Projecting Sign Max. area: 15 SF Max. height: 4 feet Max. area: 8 SF * External illumination only Max. area: 15 SF * 1 general purpose wall sign per street frontage per premises Neon Sign Balloons Pennants External illumination only Must be displayed in a window * External illumination only * 2 general purpose window or neon signs per premises * Each sign shall not exceed 20% of glass area * May not be erected more than 3 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event Gas Stations General Purpose Awning Sign * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, Canopy projecting sign, or wall sign per premises Projecting Sign * External illumination only (Pole) Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 12 feet * 1 general purpose freestanding pole sign per premises * Can include changeable pricing * Signage on gas station pumps is permitted Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 23
PART 26 Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions IN All Uses not including gas stations All Uses not including gas stations (cont.) Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 40 SF * Maximum 1 civic-event sign per premises Shall not exceed 80% of glass area General Purpose Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 14 feet Multiple-Business Time/Temperature Electronic Sign Must be part of a freestanding sign (ground) and shall not exceed 20% of total sign area. May not change message more than once every 24 hours Flashing and scrolling are prohibited * May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * 1 general purpose freestanding sign per premises Awning Sign Max. area: 35 SF * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, Canopy Max. area: 25 SF marquee sign, or wall sign per business per premises Marquee Sign Conditional Use: Must be a movie or performing arts theater Neon Sign Balloons Pennants Part of any General Purpose structure-based sign permitted above Max. area: 20% of building frontage or 400 SF, whichever is smaller External illumination only Must be displayed in a window Max. area: 115 SF Max. height: 14 feet Max. 20% of General Purpose Sign * 1 general purpose window or neon sign permitted for every 3 windows per business * Each sign shall not exceed 20% of glass area * May not be erected more than 3 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * 1 multiple business freestanding ground sign per premises * Must substitute for general purpose freestanding sign * Must be incorporated into general purpose sign Gas Stations General Purpose Awning Sign * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, Canopy projecting sign, or wall sign per premises * External illumination only Projecting Sign (Pole) Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 12 feet * 1 general purpose freestanding pole sign per premises * Can include changeable pricing * Signage on gas station pumps is permitted 24 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions IN Off-Premises Off-Premises (Permanent) Billboard Max. area of each sign face: 150 SF * If more restrictive, PennDOT or Township building code standards take precedence Max # sides: 2 * Must not be attached to any building Max. length: 20 feet Max. height: 30 feet Min. height: 20 feet * Must be located 75 feet from ultimate rightof-way line or 100 feet from any property line, whichever is greater * No portion of the billboard supporting structure shall be visible above the advertising display * Must be located a minimum of 500 feet from any school or religious institution * Must be erected on permanent footings or architectural support structures designed and sealed by a registered structural engineer with plans submitted to the township for review * Billboards may take the form of an Electronic Sign * Billboards may change their message, in whole or in part, no more than once every 24 hours * If externally illuminated, billboard must be lit from above * Applicant must remove the sign if it remains without an advertisement for more than 90 days or if the right to use the property has expired for any reason Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 25
PART 26 Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions G-IN All Uses Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 40 SF * Maximum 1 civic-event sign per premises Shall not exceed 80% of glass area General Purpose Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 14 feet Multiple-Business Time/Temperature * May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * External illumination only * 1 general purpose freestanding sign per premises Awning Sign Max. area: 35 SF * 1 general purpose awning sign, canopy, Canopy Max. area: 25 SF marquee sign, or wall sign per business per premises Marquee Neon Sign Balloons Pennants Part of any General Purpose structure-based sign permitted above Conditional Use: Must be a movie or performing arts theater Max. area: 20% of building frontage or 400 SF, whichever is smaller External illumination only Must be displayed in a window Max. area: 115 SF Max. height: 14 feet Max. 20% of General Purpose Sign * 1 general purpose window or neon sign permitted for every 3 windows per business * Each sign shall not exceed 20% of glass area * May not be erected more than 3 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * 1 multiple business freestanding ground sign per premises * Must substitute for general purpose freestanding sign * Must be incorporated into general purpose freestanding sign 26 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 INDUSTRIAL Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions HI LI Q All Uses (Manufacturing, Warehousing, Laboratories, Business & Professional Office, Quarry Operations) Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 30 SF * Maximum 1 civic-event sign per premises Max. area: 25 SF Max. height: 6 feet General Purpose Awning Sign Maximum 25% of awning area Multiple-Business Time/Temperature Banner Canopy Part of any General Purpose structure-based sign permitted above Max. area: 25 feet Max. height: 12 feet Max. area: 18 SF Max. area: 55 SF Max. height: 10 feet Max. area: 55 SF Max. area: 60 SF Max. height: 10 feet Max. 20% of General Purpose Sign * May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * External illumination only * 1 general purpose awning sign, banner, canopy, freestanding sign, or wall sign at each road entrance per premises * 1 general purpose awning sign, banner, canopy, freestanding sign, or wall sign at each building on premises if more than 1 building exists * 1 multiple business sign at each road entrance per premises * Must substitute for general purpose sign * Must be incorporated into general purpose sign Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 27
PART 26 PMD Part 1 (Planned Mixed-Use Development District) Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions PMD (Entrance to PMD) General Purpose Freestanding Sign Max. area: 25 SF Max. height: 8 feet * 1 general purpose - freestanding sign (ground) may be constructed on one or both sides of each entrance along a road not classified as "principal arterial" by PennDOT * External illumination only; no more than 1/2 footcandle of light shall be detectable along the boundary of any adjacent property * All signs shall complement the architecture of the PMD Multiple Business Freestanding Sign Max. area: 115 SF per each side Max # sides: 2 Max. height: 18 feet * 1 multiple business sign permitted at each entrance along a road classified as "principal arterial" by PennDOT (currently only East High St. and North Charlotte St.) * External illumination only; no more than 1/2 footcandle of light shall be detectable along the boundary of any adjacent property * All signs shall complement the architecture of the PMD (Interior of PMD) These Directional Sign standards take precedence over those listed in "All Uses" table Directional (for vehicles) Freestanding Sign (Pole) Max. area: 6 SF per side Max # sides: 2 Max. height: 14 feet * Must be located at road intersections within the PMD for traffic control and to direct persons to buildings * No advertising copy allowed * Can only contain the name and location of individual buildings & uses * Up to 2 signs allowed on any one sign post * No more than 2 total sign posts at any one intersection * External illumination only Directional (for pedestrians) Freestanding Sign (Pole) Max. area: 6 SF Max # sides: 2 Max. height: 8 feet * Must be located at sidewalk intersections within the PMD's non-residential area * No advertising copy allowed * Can only contain the name and location of individual buildings & uses * One sign per acre * External illumination only 28 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 PMD Part 2 Zone Permitted Use Message Structure Specific Restrictions General Restrictions PMD Single-Family Dwelling, Multi-Family Dwelling Home Occupation Freestanding Sign Max. area: 2 SF Max. height: 6 feet * 1 home occupation sign per premises * Illumination prohibited * Must be placed at business entryway Max. area: 2 SF Max. height: 6 feet All retail, office, and service uses whose entire area of building is within 600 feet from the centerline of East High Street and 225 feet from the centerline of Heritage Drive All retail, office, and service uses whose entire area of building is beyond 600 feet from the centerline of East High Street and 225 feet from the centerline of Heritage Drive Yard Sale Freestanding Sign Max. area: 6 SF Max. height: 4 feet * 1 yard sale sign per premises * Illumination prohibited * May not be erected more than one week before yard sale and must be removed within 2 days after event Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 15 SF * Maximum 1 civic-event sign per business General Purpose Shall not exceed 50% of glass area * May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * External illumination only Awning Sign Max. area: 50 SF * 1 general purpose - awning sign, wall sign or window sign permitted per business Freestanding Sign Max. area: 50 SF Max. area: 50 SF Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 12 feet * If any building fronts more than one street or parking lot, 1 general purpose - awning sign, wall sign or window sign is permitted for each such frontage up to a maximum of 2 per building * Internal illumination permitted * 1 general purpose - freestanding sign (ground) permitted per business only if business is not identified on any multiple business sign * If any building fronts more than one street or parking lot, 1 general purpose - freestanding sign (ground) is permitted for each such frontage up to a maximum of 2 per building * Internal illumination permitted Civic-Event Banner Max. area: 15 SF * Maximum 1 civic-event sign per business General Purpose Shall not exceed 50% of glass area * May not be erected more than 30 days before event and must be removed within 72 hours after event * External illumination only Awning Sign Max. area: 4 SF Max. area: 4 SF Max. area: 4 SF * 1 general purpose - awning sign, wall sign or window sign permitted per business * If any business fronts more than one street or parking lot, 1 general purpose - awning sign, wall sign or window sign is permitted for each such frontage up to a maximum of 2 per business Freestanding Sign Max. area: 50 SF Max. height: 12 feet * External illumination only; no more than 1/2 footcandle of light shall be detectable along the boundary of any adjacent property * General purpose - freestanding signs (ground) are only allowed for buildings with one business tenant * 1 general purpose - freestanding sign (ground) is permitted for each street or parking lot a business fronts, up to a maximum of 2 total per building * External illumination only; no more than 1/2 footcandle of light shall be detectable along the boundary of any adjacent property Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 29
PART 26 2606 SIGNS ON PREMISES OF LEGALLY NONCONFORMING USES 1. on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office in a residential area) may remain until the existing use of the premises is discontinued. 2. If a sign wears out or is damaged (including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes, or missing parts or informational items), or is changed for any other reason, the number, size, and area of all signs relating to the premises shall not be increased beyond the characteristics of the sign or signs that existed on that property at the time this Part was adopted. 2607 REGULATION OF LEGALLY NONCONFORMING SIGNS 1. If a legally nonconforming sign lists more than one business, new businesses may be added without affecting the nonconforming status of the sign. However, the sign may not be altered in any way that extends any aspects of the sign s nonconformity. 2. Nothing in this Part shall relieve the owners or users of legally nonconforming signs, or the owners of the property on which legally nonconforming signs are located, from any provisions of this Article regarding the safety, maintenance, and repair of signs. 3. Should fifty (50) percent or more of any legally nonconforming sign show deterioration, including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes, or missing parts or informational items as a result of either incidental damage or gradual wear, it shall be removed and not reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Part. 4. Any business no longer operating must remove its associated signs within sixty (60) days of closing. The owner of the property is responsible for removing the signs within the sixty (60)-day period. 5. A legally nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legally nonconforming designation if the sign is altered in any way (other than by altering changeable copy). At that point, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this Part and a new permit secured, or the sign shall be removed. 30 Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance
PART 26 2608 PERMITS 1. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, alter, repair or relocate any sign within Lower Pottsgrove Township without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements. 2. Applications for sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Zoning Officer and shall contain and/or have attached the following information where relevant: a. Names, address, telephone number and signature of the owner or duly authorized agent for the property owner. b. Name, address, telephone number and signature of the owner of the sign. c. Name, address and telephone number of the sign contractor. d. Property address and applicable zoning district. e. Two copies of a plan drawn to scale depicting: 1.) Lot dimensions, building frontage, and existing cartways, rights-of-way and driveways. 2.) The design of each sign face and sign structure, including dimensions, total area, sign height, depth, color scheme, structural details, materials, lighting scheme and proposed location. 3.) Sign Message. 4.) Building elevations, existing and proposed facades, parapet walls, cornices and the location and size of all proposed and existing permanent signage. 5.) Current photographs showing existing signs on the premises and certifying the date on which photographs were taken. f. A permit fee, to be established from time to time by Resolution of the Lower Pottsgrove Township Board of Commissioners shall be paid. g. A special fee determined by the Township, in the form of a certified check, shall be required for the following types of temporary signs listed below. A list of locations of the signs shall be provided with the fee. Applicants can apply no more than four (4) times per year to erect temporary signs, and all signs must be removed within the time period determined by the Zoning Officer, up to a maximum of thirty (30) days; otherwise the Zoning Officer shall immediately remove the signs. governed by these regulations and requiring this fee are: Lower Pottsgrove Sign Ordinance 31