Sign heights, locations and dimensions are generally based on the visibility needs of pedestrians and of traffic moving at approximately 20 miles per hour.
A. Allowed signs.
(1) Sign surface area. The total surface area of all faces of all wall signs shall not exceed three square feet for each lineal foot of building wall to which the signs are attached. Maximum horizontal projection from a wall should not exceed 18 inches, except it may extend six feet if integrated with an awning. Signs shall not be located so as to obscure the windows, cornice, transom or other historic architectural features of the building.
(2) Projecting signs. One projecting sign is permitted on each separate street frontage of a lot, provided such signs shall not exceed the height of the attached building wall, and shall meet the minimum clearance above the adjacent sidewalk or grade line as provided in Chapter 180, Construction Codes. Signs shall have a total surface area not in excess of 24 square feet (per side if double-faced). Signs shall be configured to form an angle of 90° to the building face and projection from the building face shall be limited to six feet. No sign shall project within two feet of a street curbline or driveway.
(3) Marquee signs. Marquee signs are permitted for theaters, performing arts centers and hotels. The surface area of marquee signs shall be considered as part of the total allowable wall sign surface area. The marquee sign shall be located a minimum of two feet from a street curbline, provided a City encroachment permit is approved.
(4) Under-marquee signs. Under-marquee signs are permitted, provided such signs shall not project more than 12 inches below an allowed marquee, and shall not be less than the clearance above the sidewalk or grade line required by Chapter 180, Construction Codes. The surface area of under-marquee signs shall not be considered as part of the total allowable sign surface area.
(5) Ground-mounted and freestanding signs. In place of an allowed projecting sign, one ground-mounted or freestanding sign is permitted on each separate street frontage. Such signs shall have a surface area not in excess of one square foot per every lineal foot of property frontage, or a maximum of 36 square feet (per side if double-faced). Such sign shall not be higher than four feet from grade and may be located no closer than four feet from any property line and shall not be located within a street right-of- way.
(6) Window identity signs are permitted in commercial storefronts located in all Commercial Core and Commercial Residential zones given the following conditions: [Added 12-16-2013 by Ord. No. 83-2013]
(a) Signs on show window glass shall be limited to 30% of the glass area, or 600 square inches, whichever is greater.
(b) Temporary signs on window glass (e.g., "sale") shall be limited to 35% of the glass area, or 700 square inches, whichever is greater, for a thirty-day maximum.
B. Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs are not permitted, except for signs posted by the City of Reading or PennDOT within a street right-of-way.
C. In addition to other signs, one sandwich board sign shall be allowed for each lot occupied by a commercial use. Such sign shall not exceed two feet in width and four feet in height, shall not obstruct the main pedestrian pathway, and shall be moved inside when the business is not open.
D. See also additional signs allowed under § 600-1712, such as signs for places of worship.