Sign regulations applicable to all districts.
A. Scope and applicability.
(1) Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs allowed in any zoning district except for signs listed in Subsections H, I and J. All signs shall comply with the regulations of this chapter.
(2) Special permit required. A special permit(s), not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year for all special permits, may be issued for. promotional devices, floodlights, flags, banners or other attention getting devices for special occasions for new or existing businesses in any commercial or industrial district.
(3) Temporary permit required. A temporary zoning permit will be required for any sign erected and maintained by a developer on a tract of ground. Permits will be valid for six months but may be renewed by the Zoning Officer. Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
B. Nonconforming signs.
(1) Signs legally existing at tire time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs. Any nonconforming sign which is damaged in excess of 25% of its cost of replacement or is removed shall be replaced only with a conforming sign. Legal nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting). provided that such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. Wording tray also be changed.
(2) Signs advertising a use no longer in existence shall be removed or changed to advertise the new use within 30 days of the cessation of the original use. Signs once removed shall be replaced only by signs in conformance with this chapter.
(3) It is the responsibility of the owner of a sign to provide evidence that a sign is lawfully nonconforming and to register such sign with the Zoning Officer.
C. Construction of signs. Every sign permitted in this section must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated may be repaired or removed by the township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located upon written notice to both tenant and landlord.
D. Abandoned signs. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by hint a sign which has been abandoned.
(1) An abandoned sign for the propose of this chapter is a sign located on and/or related to the use of a property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more; arty sign which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant in business; or any sign which relates to a time, event of purpose which is past.
(2) Any such abandoned sign shall be abated by the owner or person controlling the property within 30 days of the date of abandonment 25 herein defined.
E. Location of signs. The location for signs shall be governed by the following location requirements:
(1) No sign except official signs, name plate signs, bus shelter signs, public service signs (such as telephone) and directional signs shall be erected within or project over a street right-of-way.
(2) No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with the sight distance requirements of § 240-23D(11).
(3) No signs except official signs, political signs, public service signs, bus shelter signs or off-premises signs permitted by Subsection P shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate,
(4) No sign except removable political signs and temporary yard or garage sale signs shall be placed on any tree, official sign, rocks or other natural features.
(5) All signs erected in any zoning district, except C-1, shall comply with the side yard requirements for the district. A freestanding sign may be erected one foot from the side property line in the C-1 Commercial District
F. Illuminated signs.
(1) The lighting of signs shall be arranged so that a bare light bulb, spotlight bulb or fluorescent bulb is not visible off the lot. Any lighting of signs shall be the minimum necessary to make the sign visible from a distance of 500 feet.
(2) No sign in any residential zoning district established in § 240-5 of this chapter shall be indirectly and/or internally illuminated unless specifically permitted by another provision of this chapter. [Amended 11-16-1999 by Ord. No. 129-J-99]
(3) See also § 7.40-24H regarding light and glare control.
G. Vehicle signs. Any vehicle or structure to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs no longer is incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle or structure but becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and as such be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle or structure is located. All vehicles associated with a commercial establishment shall be parked in a location that precludes the vehicle from being used as a freestanding sign.
H. Menu boards, bills of fare or price lists. A menu board (as defined under "sign" in § 240-6) shall not be considered a sign within the meaning of this chapter, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
(1) Such sign is three square feet or less in area
(2) Such sign has letters and numbers a maximum of three inches in height.
(3) Such sign is located on the building next to the entrance of the establishment or in the window next to the entrance to the establishment.
(4) Such sign shall only be permitted for ruse in conjunction with a restaurant.
I. Temporary signs. The following signs are permitted and do not require a zoning permit, provided that they are removed in the time specified and conform to the sign requirements of this section. Any such sign that does not meet the requirements of this section shall only be permitted if it meets the provisions for another type of permitted sign.
(1) Yard or garage sale signs, provided that they do not exceed four square feet in area and are removed within 48 hours after sale, and provided that a maximum of three such signs are posted.
(2) Signs giving notice of the sale or rental of the property on which the sign is located, provided that such sign does not exceed eight square feet in area in the R-1 (PRD Residential Area), R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 Zoning Districts, and 20 square feet in area in the R-1 (PRD Commercial Area), C-1, C-2, C-4, C-5, I-1, I-2 and BP Zoning Districts, and are removed within 72 hours upon settlement of the sale or upon signing of the lease of rental. [Amended 5-7-2002 by Ord. No. 129-L-02 ]
**Webmasters Note: The previous subsection has been amended as per Ordinance No. 129-L-
02.
(3) Political signs, provided that each does not exceed eight square feet in area and are removed within seven days after the date of the election or referendum.
(4) Signs erected by a United States Internal Revenue Service recognized nonprofit or charitable entity recognized by the Zoning Officer denoting a special event, provided that they are erected no more than 15 days before the event and removed within seven days after the event and do not exceed 32 square feet in sign area
(5) Noncommercial signs and decorations for an official or religious holiday, provided that they do not create traffic or fire hazards and are removed within seven days following the event. Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(6) Signs announcing work actively being performed on the premises by contractors, mechanics, painters, artisans, etc., not to exceed eight square feet, provided that they are removed within seven days after such work is no longer actively and continuously being pursued, except such signs may be a maximum of 32 square feet if the construction cost is over $1,000,000.
(7) Signs advertising the temporary sale of products or goods such as Christmas trees, provided that such signs shall not exceed a total sign area on each of two sides of 12 square feet, are only posted for a maximum of 30 days and are removed within three days after the completion of sales.
J. Exempt signs. The following type of signs (as defined in § 240-6) are exempt from zoning permit requirements, within the following requirements:
(1) Official signs.
(2) Name plate signs not to exceed two square feet.
(3) Identification signs not to exceed two square feet.
(4) Directional signs not to exceed four square feet.
(5) Memorial or historic markers when approved by motion or resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
(6) Public service signs, such as those advertising availability of rest rooms, telephone, meeting tunes of service organizations or other similar public conveniences. Not to exceed two square feet.
(7)Temporary signs as provided in Subsection I.
(8) Trespassing signs or signs, indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premise, and signs prohibiting or controlling hunting and fishing upon the premises, not to exceed two square feet.
K. Signs prohibited in all districts. The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
(1) Banners, spinners. flags. pennants or any moving object used for commercial advertising purpose whether containing a message or not, except as permitted under Subsection A(2), and except banners or flags meeting the requirements for a permitted type of sign.
(2) Plashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type, except those portions of the sign which indicate time and temperature, and except flashing signs shall be permitted in the C-1 District.
(3) Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the roof or upon any structure which extends above the cave of the roof of any building.
(4) Signs on mobile stands which can be moved from place to place.
(5) Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles. sound or odor.
(6) Signs which contain information that states or implies that a property may he used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
(7) Signs that arc of such character, form, shape or color that it imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device, or that has any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
(8) Signs that outline the rooflines, doors, windows or wall edges by illuminated tubing or strings of lights for advertising purposes.
(9) Signs or displays visible from a street, sidewalk or another property that include words or images that are obscene, pornographic or that an average reasonable person would find highly offensive to public decency.
(10) Off-premises signs (as defined in § 240-6) shall be prohibited in the Township, except for official signs or as specifically permitted in the C-1 and 1-2 Districts. [Amended 2-5-2002 by Ord. No. 129-G-2]
L. Signs and/or structures denoting the name of a subdivision.
(1) Signs that are freestanding or attached to walls or fences constructed of weather-resistant wood or decorative masonry designating the name of a subdivision and any accompanying logo may be erected at each entrance of a subdivision. The location of all such structures or signs shall be approved by the Township during the subdivision process and shall not contain any advertising except the name of the subdivision. A maximum of two sign faces shall be permitted, each of which shall have a maximum sign area of 50 square feet.
(2) The applicant shall prove that there will be a long-term system to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping and that the sign will be durably constructed as to require minimal maintenance. The Zoning Officer shall issue a zoning permit upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
(3) These signs shall only be permitted for use in conjunction with a subdivision and shall not be permitted for use in conjunction with a land development.
L.1. Off-premises signs and structures denoting the uses in the I-2 District. [Added 2-5-2002 by Ord. No. 129-G-2; amended 2-22-2005 by Ord. No. 129-A-05]
(1) An off-premises, directly illuminated freestanding sign may be erected at the Paoli Pike entrance to the uses. The location of such sign, the materials, the method of lighting, and the content of the sign shall be approved by the Board of Supervisors during the subdivision/land development process. The sign shall have a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and a maximum height of five feet. The Zoning Officer shall issue a zoning permit upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(2) The applicant shall prove by a preponderance of evidence that there will be a long-term system to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping.
**Webmasters Note: The previous subsection, L.1, has been added as per Ordinance No. 129- A-05.
M. Signs and structures denoting the name of a land development in the I-2 District. [Added 2-5-2002 by Ord. No. 129-G-2]
(1) Signs that are attached to walls constructed of decorative masonry designating the name of a land development and any accompanying logo may be erected at each entrance to a land development- Signs may be directly illuminated. The location of all such walls, the method of lighting, and the content of the signs shall be approved by the Township. A maximum of two signs shall be permitted on Paoli Pike, and a maximum of one sign shall be permitted on East Boot Road, each of which shall have a maximum sign area of 48 square feet and a maximum height of five feet. The Zoning Officer shall issue a zoning permit upon the approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(2) The applicant shall prove by a preponderance of evidence that there will be a long-term system to ensure proper maintenance of the signs and any accompanying landscaping..
(3) These signs shall only be permitted for use in conjunction with a land development in the I-2 District.
N. Area of signs. The following regulations shall be used in computing the area of signs:
(1) The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself.
(2) Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or triangle, including the sign background, which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3) In computing square foot area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical in size. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(4) Unless otherwise specified, all square footages are maximum sizes.
O. Height of signs. No sign shall exceed the maximum height restriction for the particular type of sign structure and zoning district established below: [Amended 2-5-2002 by Ord. No. 129-G-2]
* "Maximum height" shall mean the vertical distance measured from the average ground level immediately below a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure.
** Wall signs on office buildings in the I-2 District may have a maximum height of 41 feet.
P. Signs permitted in residential districts.
(1) Only the following types of signs are permitted in residential districts:
(a) Exempt signs as provided in Subsection 1.
(b) Temporary signs as provided in Subsection 1.
(c) Subdivision signs as provided in Subsection L.
(d) The following signs are permitted for those uses permitted in residential districts by conditional uses or special exception:
[1] A wall sign not to exceed 20% of the wall-signable area or 32 square feet, whichever is less, and permitted on the front wall of the structure only.
[2] A freestanding sign not to exceed 32 square feet in area. Such sign shall not be internally illuminated. No more than one freestanding sign per road frontage.
[3] A nonilluminated window sign not to exceed 20% of window area to which it is attached.
(2) Any of the above signs that are to be associated with a proposed conditional or special exception use shall be reviewed and either be approved or denied at the same time that the conditional or special exception use is being reviewed.
(3) Signs relating to convenience commercial facilities when permitted in an apartment development in accordance with the following regulations: [Amended 1116-1999 by Ord. No. 129-J-99]
(a) Wall sign. One shall be permitted for each establishment and shall be attached only to either the front wall, front advertising band or under the eave of the front of the main roof of the individual establishment. The top of the sign shall not be as high as the roof eave and the bottom of the sign shall be at least six feet and eight inches above the nearest finished walkway. (A parking area shall not be considered a walkway). Such sign shall not exceed two feet in height or be longer than 75% of the linear length of the individual commercial establishment. The maximum size of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
[1] All newly placed wall signs attached to the same building.
[a] Shall be generally consistent in proportion and format with existing signs so that consistency of signs is achieved.
[b] Shall not be box-type signs if at least 75% of the existing signs in, the convenience center are not box-type signs. A "box-type" sign is a closed box with one or two faces being illuminated from within.
[c] Shall maintain common vertical and horizontal lines with other signs in a manner consistent with the architecture of the building.
[d] Should be generally consistent in materials, font style and type size with other signs attached to the same building.
[e] May be directly or indirectly illuminated.
(b) Freestanding sign. One freestanding sign shall be permitted for the convenience commercial facility. The sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and shall have an overall height not exceeding eight feet. Such signs may identify the names or businesses of the occupants of the convenience commercial facility.
(c) Window sign. A nonilluminated window sign not to exceed 20% of the window area to which it is attached.
(d) Design. All signs on the structures shall be of the same design, shall be lit in a similar manner and shall be architecturally compatible with the structure
(e) Wall sign alternative. In lieu of the wall sign authorized by § 240-220(3)(a), each establishment in the building shall be permitted to erect one freestanding sign in accordance with the following requirements:
[1] Each freestanding sign shall have a maximum size of 10 square feet and a maximum height of 10 feet.
[2] Each freestanding sign shall be located immediately in front of its respective establishment.
[3] All portions of the freestanding sign shall be located no more than 10 feet from the respective establishment.
[4] Each freestanding sign shall comply with all front, rear and side yard requirements, and each such sign shall comply with the setback requirements for the zoning district in which the property is located.
(4) See also Subsection F regarding illumination of signs in a residential district.
Q. Signs permitted in industrial and business park districts. Only the following types of signs are permitted in the industrial and business park districts: [Amended 2-5-2002 by Ord. No. 129-G-2]
(1) Exempt signs as provided in Subsection J.
(2) Temporary signs as provided in Subsection I.
(3) Subdivision signs as provided in Subsection L.
(4) Land development signs as provided in Subsection L.1.
(5) Wall sign. One shall be permitted for each establishment. Such sign shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of wall area (where a sign could be located) or 100 square feet, whichever is more restrictive, and shall be permitted only on the front wall of the structure. In the I-2 District each office building shall be permitted one sign, which shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(6) Freestanding sign. One sign along each street frontage, each of which shall not exceed 20 square feet in sign area.
(7) Freestanding signs in the I-2 District for an office use. [Amended 2-22-2005 by Ord. No. 129-A-05]
(a) A maximum of one freestanding, directly illuminated sign that is located on the lot that contains the office use shall be permitted for an office use in the I-2 District. The sign shall not exceed 13 square feet in area and four feet in height. The Zoning Officer shall issue a zoning permit for the sign upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(b) Off-site freestanding signs whose primary purpose is to direct persons to various uses in the I-2 Zoning District may be installed by the Township in the I-2 Zoning District. These signs shall be considered "official signs" as defined by this chapter.
(8) Freestanding signs in the I-2 District for National Register of Historic Places eligible buildings. A maximum of two freestanding, off-premises, directly illuminated signs shall be permitted. Each sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and five feet in height. If more than one such sign is installed, lettering and symbols shall be restricted to one side only of each sign. The applicant shall prove by a preponderance of evidence that there will be a long-term system to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping. The Zoning Officer shall issue a zoning permit for the signs upon approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(9) Off premises freestanding signs in accordance with § 240-22L.1. [Added 2-22-2005 by Ord. No. 129-A-05]
**Webmasters Note: The previous subsection, Q., has been amended as per Ordinance No. 129-A-05.
R. Signs permitted in industrial and business park districts. Only the following types of signs are permitted in the industrial and business park districts: [Amended 2-5-2002 by Ord. No.129-G-2]
(1) Exempt signs as provided in Subsection J.
(2) Temporary signs as provided in Subsection I.
(3) Subdivision signs as provided in Subsection L.
(4) Land development signs as provided in Subsection L.1.
(5) Wall sign. One shall be permitted for each establishment Such sign shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of wall area (where a sign could be located) or 100 square feet, whichever is more restrictive, and shall be permitted only on the front wall of the structure. In the I-2 District each office building shall be permitted one sign, which shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(6) Freestanding sign. One sign along each street frontage, each of which shall not exceed 20 square feet in sign area.
(7) Freestanding signs in the I-2 District. A maximum of three freestanding, off-premises, directly illuminated signs and four freestanding, on-premises, directly illuminated signs shall be permitted for a land development in the 1-2 District. Each sign shall not exceed 13 square feet in area and 4 feet in height. For each off-premises sign the applicant shall prove by a preponderance of evidence that there will be a long-term system to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping. The Zoning Officer shall issue a zoning permit for the signs upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(8) Freestanding signs in the I-2 District for National Register of Historic Places eligible buildings. A maximum of two freestanding, off-premises, directly illuminated signs shall be permitted. Each sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and five feet in height. If more than one such sign is installed, lettering and symbols shall be restricted to one side only of each sign. The applicant shall prove by a preponderance of evidence that there will be a long-term system to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping. The Zoning Officer shall issue a zoning permit for the signs upon approval of the Board of Supervisors.
S. Approval of signs associated with proposed conditional uses and special exception uses. Any of the signs in Subsections O through and including Q that are to be associated with a proposed conditional or special exception use shall be reviewed and either be approved or denied at the same time that the conditional or special exception use is being reviewed.
T. Display of street address numbers.
(1) Assignment of street address numbers.
(a) Street address numbers shall be assigned by the Township Manager or his/her designee to each lot, each dwelling unit and each commercial or business establishment when there is more than one such establishment on a lot.
(b) The Township Manager of his/her designee shall have the power to correct any errors with respect to the assignment of street address numbers, as and when such errors are discovered, and shall have the power to change and redesignate a street address number or numbers assigned to any lot, dwelling unit and commercial or business establishment when there is more than one such establishment on a lot and when it is deemed that such change or redesignation is necessary or desirable in order to provide street address numbers appropriate for the purposes of uniquely identifying each such lot, dwelling unit and commercial or business establishment and for reducing the time, effort and potential confusion necessitated by such identification.
(2) Application for street address number. The owner or occupant of a lot, dwelling unit and commercial or business establishment when there is more than one such establishment on a lot, to which no street address number has been previously assigned or designated or to which a duplicative number has been assigned or designated shall, prior to occupancy thereof, make application to the Township Manager or his/her designee for assignment of such street address number which, upon designation, shall be the street address number of the property.
(3) Specifications for street address number posting. The owner or occupant of each lot, each dwelling unit or each commercial or business establishment when there is more than one such establishment on a lot within the township shall post the designated street address number on said lot, dwelling unit and commercial or business establishment in strict compliance with the following specifications and regulations:
(a) The street address numbers shall be Arabic in design and shall be constructed of a permanent and weatherproof material or possessing a permanent and weatherproof coating.
(b) Each digit constituting the posted street address number shall be not less than three inches in height.
(c) If the lot is improved with a building or buildings, the digits constituting the posted street address number shall be secured and permanently mounted to the principal building's element (e.g., front wall or porch) most proximate to the public or private vehicular accessway providing principal access to said building.
(d) Each digit constituting the posted street address number shall be mounted at a height not less than four feet nor greater than 10 feet above the grade or elevation of the adjoining principal vehicular accessway.
(e) Each digit of the posted street address number together with the structure or building element to which they are affixed shall be so designed with regard to contrasting background, arrangement, spacing, size and uniformity of digits so as to be readily legible and visible during daylight hours or when illuminated by a source of artificial light by a person possessing normal vision.
(f) Each digit of the posted street address number shall be so located so as to avoid all visual obstruction, including trees, shrubs and any other temporary or permanent structure or fixture.
(g) If the lot has a mailbox located within the street right-of-way, the digits constituting the posted street address number shall also be permanently mounted, painted or otherwise affixed on both sides to either the mailbox or the mailbox post.
(h) If the lot does not have a mailbox located within the right-of-way but does have a freestanding sign, the street address shall be placed on the freestanding sign. If the lot does not have a mailbox located within the right-of-way or have a freestanding sign, the street address shall be placed on a small freestanding sign which is located by the main entrance to the property. This freestanding sign shall not be larger than two square feet in size and not more than three feet in height.
U. Bus shelter signs. A bus shelter permitted by § 240-37 may include a single off-premises sign, which shall have a maximum of two sign faces. Such sign shall have a maximum sign area of 24 square feet on each of the two sign faces. In addition, such sign may include a sign of up to four square feet identifying the agency providing public transit service.
V. Historic Wall Signs. One historic wall sign shall be permitted on properties listed on the East Goshen Township Historic Resource Inventory for those uses permitted pursuant to § 240-38.5A. The sign shall be reviewed and approved by the Board of Supervisors contemporaneously with the use. [Added 5-4-2004 by Ord. No. 129-D-04]
(1) The sign shall be a maximum size of six square feet on each of no more than two faces.
(2) The sign shall project no more than four feet from the face of the building.
(3) The top of the sign shall not exceed:
(b) Two- or three-story building: the height of the second floor windowsill.
(4) The sign may be directly illuminated by a maximum of two seventy-five-watt bulbs (one for each side).
(5) The sign, and related illumination, shall adhere to the standards of §§ 240-22 and 240-24H.
**Webmasters Note: The previous subsection, V., has been added as per Ordinance No. 129- D-04.
