(A) Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter for the following purposes, to: ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and office parks; prevent visual pollution in the township and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the township 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 township, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; carry out the purposes of § 155.135.
(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 other types of signs that are specifically allowed by this section to be off-premises, an off-premises sign is only permitted if it meet the following requirements.
(1) District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the I District.
(2) Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
(3) Maximum total sign area on each of two sides. 300 square feet.
(4) Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 500 feet from any other off-premises sign with a sign area greater than 20 square feet, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign, except as allowed in division (D)(6) below.
(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 of 300 square feet may have two sign faces of 300 square feet each provided the angle between the signs does not exceed 45 degrees.
(7) Control of lighting and glare. See standards in § 155.123. Lights shall be directed so they do not shine into the eyes of motorists nor residents of homes. Lighting shall be directed downwards towards the sign area and shall be turned off between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.
(8) Setbacks. No off-premises sign greater than 20 square feet in sign area shall be located within 200 feet from any of the following:
(a) An existing dwelling; or
(b) A residential district.
(9) Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition, particularly to avoid hazards in high winds. The area around the sign shall be kept free of debris. If the message of a sign is no longer intact, it shall be replaced with a solid color or a “for lease” sign.
(E) Additional off-premises signs. Up to two off-premises signs may be placed if needed to direct motorists to a principal business use within the township that is not adjacent to an arterial road. Such signs shall only be posted with permission of the owner of the land upon which the signs will be placed. Each sign shall not exceed four square feet and shall not exceed eight feet in height. Such signs shall only be placed in the R-A or AC Districts if they are along an arterial or collector road or in the VC, VR, C or I Districts. Such signs shall not be illuminated. Such signs may be increased to a total of six if they advertise a seasonal business (such as Christmas tree sales) and are visible for less than 90 days per year.
(Ord. 126, passed 3-18-2010)