These controls apply to specific types of signs in all zoning districts in addition to any other controls imposed by this Zoning Code.
(a) Signs on Awnings and Canopies and Marquee Signs. 724
(.1) Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall comply with the requirements set forth in Section 11-603 of The Philadelphia Code in addition to the requirements in this Code.
(.2) External lighting is permissible under an awning, provided that the lighting is directed toward the area beneath the awning.
(b) Animated Sign Illumination. 725
(.1) Signs with animated illumination are permitted in base zoning districts as set forth in Table 14-904-1.
(.2) Signs with animated illumination are prohibited within 200 ft. of any intersection of any two or more streets.
(.3) Signs with animated illumination are prohibited within 150 ft. of a residential district or facing any residential district within 300 ft. of the sign with animated illumination.
(.4) Sign Standards.
(.a) Except for Accessory Digital News Tickers, the duration of each message using animated illumination shall be no less than eight seconds. The change time between messages shall be no more than 0.25 seconds.
(.b) During daylight hours, luminance shall be no greater than 1,500 nits. At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 150 nits. Automatic dimming is required to maintain the appropriate illumination levels at all times.
(c) Directional Signs. 726
Directional signs, including those required by state or federal law, must comply with the following standards:
(.1) No directional sign shall exceed a total sign area of 10 sq. ft. or a height of 7 ft. except in the case of a clearance sign.
(.2) Logos are permitted on directional signs, provided they do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total sign area.
(.3) Projecting directional signs are permitted.
(.4) Animated illumination and mechanical movement signs are prohibited. 727
(d) Extension of Signs over Public Rights-of-Way.
(.1) This subsection (d) is applicable to any portion of a sign that extends over a public right-of-way.
(.3) A sign, except in the case of a marquee sign or a sign on the front or sloped panel of an awning, shall be limited to the following extensions over public rights-of-way:
(.a) No more than six in. when the lowest part of the sign which extends over the right-of-way is less than eight ft. above the right-of-way;
(.b) No more than two ft. when the lowest part of the sign which extends over the right-of-way is between eight ft. and 10 ft. above the right-of-way; and
(.c) No more than four ft. or two-thirds of the width of any sidewalk, whichever is less, when the lowest part of the sign which extends over the sidewalk is more than 10 ft. above the sidewalk. 728
(d.1) Menu Board Sign. 729
In addition to other permitted signage, a take-out restaurant with drive-through service may have up to two free-standing menu board signs; each shall be no larger than 55 sq. ft. Each menu board sign shall also adhere to all applicable provisions under § 14-805 (Drive-Throughs and Vehicle Stacking Areas).
(e) Projecting Signs.
A projecting sign shall not extend more than four ft. from the building facade to which it is attached.
(f) Roof Signs.
Roof signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(g) Temporary Signs and Real Estate Signs.
(.1) Real Estate Signs.
(.a) Real estate signs shall not be calculated against the maximum sign area permitted by this Zoning Code.
(.2) Temporary Signs Other than Real Estate Signs.
(.a) Temporary signs, except for signs that are exempt from the requirement to obtain a zoning permit by § 14-903(2), shall be calculated against the maximum sign area permitted by this or other applicable chapters on the site. Where permanent signage accounts for one hundred percent (100%) of the maximum permitted sign area, temporary signs are prohibited.
(.b) After a zoning permit for a temporary sign has been approved and the sign has been placed or erected, no application for a zoning permit for the same temporary sign or a substantially similar temporary sign on the same property may be accepted by L&I until at least three months after the expiration date of the approved zoning permit.
(h) Wall Sign. 730
Unless otherwise provided by this Zoning Code, wall signs shall not extend above the roof line or the second floor window sill of a structure, whichever is lower.
(i) Window Sign. 731
(.1) Window signs shall be limited to the ground floor, except that in CMX-2, CMX-2.5, CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5, CA-1, and CA-2 districts, window signs for businesses that are not located on the ground floor shall also be permitted in second floor windows. The total area of signs placed within a window or transparent glass door shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total transparent glazed area of the window or transparent glass door within which they are placed, as defined in § 14-203 (Definitions).
(.2) The amount of area permitted for a window sign is in addition to the maximum sign area permitted in § 14-902(2) (Controls Applicable to Specific Zoning Districts and Defined Areas).
(.3) Signs may be placed in no more than two windows; two transparent glass doors; or one window and one transparent glass door.
(j) Portable Sign. 732
Portable signs shall be temporarily secured to resist rolling, blowing away, tipping over, or otherwise moving from their secured location.
Notes
| 724 | Amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). |
| 725 | |
| 726 | Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). |
| 727 | Amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). |
| 727.1 | |
| 728 | Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). |
| 729 | Added, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015). |
| 730 | Amended, Bill No. 150379 (approved June 18, 2015). |
| 731 | Amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). |
| 732 | Added, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). |