(A) Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this subchapter for the following purposes, to ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development prevent visual pollution in the borough and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the borough are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media carry out the purposes listed in § 154.115.
(B) Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully-placed off-premises sign that is in structurally sound condition.
(C) PennDOT sign. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted by right in all districts.
(D) Permitted off-premises signs. Except for signs allowed by § 154.117, an off-premises sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements.
(1) District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the LIC District.
(2) Location. An off-premises sign shall be setback a minimum of 25 feet from all of lines and street rights-of-way.
(3) Maximum sign area. Three hundred square feet.
(4) Spacing.
(a) Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 300 feet from any other off-premises sign, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities.
(b) No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign.
(5) Maximum height. Thirty-five feet above the elevation of the adjacent street, measured at the street centerline.
(6) Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign, except that a sign may have two sign faces of 300 square feet each if they are placed approximately back-to-back.
(7) Control of lighting and glare. See standards in § 154.086.
(8) Residences. No off-premises sign greater than 30 square feet in sign area shall be located within 200 feet of an existing dwelling.
(9) Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition. The area around the sign shall be kept free of debris.
(2006 Code, § 27-712) (Ord. 12/18/2003, passed 12-18-2003, § 712) Penalty, see § 154.999