1285.01 DEFINITIONS
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:
(a) Architectural Projection – Any projection, except a sign, which is not intended for occupancy and which extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building.
(b) Background Area of Sign – The entire area of a sign or building wall on which copy can be placed, including framing, border and trim, but not including structural supports.
(c) Building Façade – That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending vertically from grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.
(d) Copy – Any letter, number, symbol, figure character, mark, plan, design, picture, stroke, stripe or trademark, or any combination thereof, either permanent or removable.
(e) Copy Area of Sign – The actual area of the sign copy applied to any background. The copy area shall be computed by drawing straight lines tangent to the copy extremities encompassing individual letters, words, or graphic elements.
(f) Eaves – The lowest horizontal line of a sloping roof.
(g) Erect – To build, construct, attach, hang, suspend, affix, alter, structurally repair, remove, relocate, demolish, renew or paint on a wall or any other background surface.
(h) Facade – The entire building front, including the parapet, or any portion of the building sides or rear which face a public road or parking area.
(i) Height of a Sign – The vertical distance measured from the highest point of a sign to the grade of the adjacent street.
(j) Maintenance – The cleaning, painting, repairing, refurbishing or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design, illumination or structure of the sign.
(k) Marquee – A permanent, roofed structure attached to a building and projecting over public property or a pedestrian walkway.
(l) Parapet – The portion of a facade or wall that is raised above the roof.
(m) Person – Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind.
(n) Premises – A separate lot or tax parcel with individual frontage abutting the street line. A premises may include more than one occupancy, such as in an office complex or a shopping center.
(o) Roof Line – The uppermost line of a roof of a building or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost height of said facade or parapet
(p) Sign – any fabricated panel or outdoor display structure, including its structure, consisting of any letter, number, symbol, figure, character, mark, point, plane, marquee sign, design, poster, pictorial, picture, stroke, stripe, line, trademark, reading matter or illuminating device, constructed, attached, erected, fastened or manufactured in any manner whatsoever so that the same shall be used for the attraction of the public to any place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article, machine or merchandise whatsoever, and displayed in any manner out of doors for recognized advertising purposes. Types of signs are as follows:
(1) Abandoned Sign – A sign which no longer advertises a bona fide business or activity and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
(2) Animated/Flashing Sign – A sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source or color changes for the purpose of attracting attention. This shall include any sign which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene. For the purposes of this section, this definition shall not be meant to include public service signs, such as time and temperature signs, changeable copy signs, revolving and rotating signs, or signs which, through reflection or other means, create an illusion of flashing or intermittent light.
(3) Awning/Canopy – A shelter, constructed of any material, projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building, constructed of non-rigid and rigid materials on a supporting framework, including awnings or similar devices.
(4) Billboard/Commercial Outdoor Advertising Sign– A permanent off-premises sign erected, maintained or used for the purpose of providing copy area for advertising messages for rent or lease.
(5) Changeable Copy Sign – A sign on which the message can be changed through the use of attachable copy or through the use of electronic switching of lamps or other illuminated devices. This includes public service information displays, such as time and temperature, or any sign which features automatic or manual switching or changing of its message content.
(6) Construction/Development Sign – A type of temporary sign which is intended to advertise the name of a project or development and/or the contractor, architect, engineer, financier, etc.
(7) Directional/Informational Sign – Any on-premises sign giving directions, instructions or facility information, which may contain the name or logo/monogram of an establishment or residence, but no other advertising copy, e.g., parking or entrance and exit signs.
(8) Facia Sign – See Wall Sign.
(9) Free-Standing Sign – A sign permanently supported by an upright or uprights which are permanently anchored into the ground.
(10) Ground Sign – A sign supported by uprights or braces in or upon the ground surface, with not more than twelve inches clearance from the finished grade.
(11) Illegal Sign – A sign which does not meet the requirements of this chapter and which has not received legal nonconforming status.
(12) Illuminated Sign – A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign or a component of its structure.
(13) Interior Sign – Any sign, except a window sign, placed within a building regardless of whether its message is visible to the exterior of the building. Except for window signs, interior signs are not regulated by the provisions of this chapter.
(14) Marquee Sign – A sign attached to or hung from a marquee.
(15) Nonconforming Sign – A sign which was erected legally, but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign ordinances.
(16) Off-Premises Sign – A sign directing attention to a business, person, commodity or service not necessarily located or sold upon the premises where the sign is located, e.g., billboards and commercial outdoor advertising signs.
(17) On-Premises Sign – A sign which carries only messages strictly incidental to a lawful use of the premises on which it is located. Such signs may include, but shall not be limited to, messages indicating the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises, the name of the business and the name of the person, firm, or corporation occupying the premises.
(18) Pole Sign – See Free-Standing Sign.
(19) Political Sign – A temporary sign used in connection with a local, State, or national election or referendum.
(20) Portable Sign – A type of promotional sign which is not securely anchored to the ground or to a building or structure and which obtains some or all of its structural stability, with respect to wind or other normally applied forces, by means of its geometry or character.
(21) Projecting Sign – A display sign which is attached directly to the building wall and which extends more than fifteen inches from the face of the wall.
(22) Promotional Sign – A type of temporary sign which is intended to promote or advertise a business or commercial event, public gathering or nonprofit or charity sponsored event.
(23) Real Estate Sign – A temporary sign pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of the property upon which it is located.
(24) Rotating Sign – A type of free-standing sign which rotates 360 degrees.
(25) Roof Sign – A sign erected upon the roof or parapet of a building, the entire face of which is situated above the eaves or highest architectural point of the building to which it is attached, and which is wholly or partially supported by said building.
(26) Temporary Sign – A sign, constructed with or without a structural frame, intended for a limited period of display, including decoration displays for holidays or public demonstrations. By definition, “temporary” applies to signs which are removed when their function is fulfilled.
(27) Time and Temperature Sign – A display containing illuminated or reflective numerals switching alternately to show the time and temperature.
(28) Vehicular Sign – A sign which is affixed to and/or painted on a vehicle in such a manner that the carrying of such a sign or signs is no longer incidental to the vehicle’s primary purpose. Such signs shall be subject to the regulations for temporary signs set forth in this chapter. This definition does not apply to signs on vehicles when in motion and vehicles with a valid license. Vehicles of any kind upon which a sign has been painted will be subject to the restrictions regarding temporary and portable signs as they apply to the location of the vehicles when parked on a business’s own premises.
(29) Wall Sign – A sign which is painted on or attached directly to a fence or on the surface of approved building walls, and which extends not more than fifteen inches (381 mm) from the face of the fence or wall.
(30) Window Sign – A sign affixed to or within twelve inches of the interior surface of a window, with its message visible to the outside of said window surface.
1285.02 GENERAL REGULATIONS
(a) Location of Signs. In no case, except for official traffic and street signs, shall any sign be erected so that it:
(1) Is closer than ten feet to a street shoulder or curb and lies within or projects over the right-of-way of a street;
(2) Obscures a motorist’s view of traffic signals, stop signs, or other warning devices;
(3) Obscures a motorist’s view of the roadway, intersections, or driveways and egress;
(4) Limits a pedestrian’s view of vehicular traffic;
(5) Lies within a distance of two feet from a side yard property line;
(6) Lies within a parking space or fire lane;
(7) Blocks the movement of pedestrians; or
(8) Blocks or obstructs any exit or entrance.
(b) Area of Signs
(1) The area of a sign shall include any perimeter framework and/or trim.
(2) In the computation of the square foot area of a double-faced or multiple-faced sign, only the side with the most square feet will be considered. If the interior angle formed by the faces of a sign is ninety degrees or greater, then all sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(3) If a building has walls fronting on two or more streets, or if the property fronts on more than one street, the sign area for each building wall or property frontage shall be calculated separately.
(4) A sign supported by more than one means, such as a free-standing wall, roof, or projecting sign, shall have its area and height calculations determined by the type of sign which has the most restrictive standards.
(c) Conformance of Signs to Applicable Laws and Regulations; Illumination
(1) Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this chapter, the Township Building Code, and any other applicable ordinance or regulation of the Township.
(2) No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means. The electrical devices or components shall be either Underwriters’ Laboratory listed or recognized. Installation shall be in compliance with the standards of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and shall be certified by an electrical inspection agency prior to use. Connections shall likewise comply with the NEC.
(d) Maintenance
(1) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner or lessee of a sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied by the sign in a clean, sanitary, and healthful condition.
(2) When any sign becomes insecure, is in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the Township, or if any sign shall be unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, the owner thereof or the person maintaining the same shall, upon written notice by the Township, forthwith in the case of immediate danger, and in any case within no more than ten days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter or shall remove it. If, within ten days, the order is not complied with, the Township may remove or cause to be removed such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee. The Township shall refuse to issue a permit to any permittee or owner who has refused to pay costs assessed in connection with this subsection.
1285.03 NONCONFORMING SIGNS
(a) Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this chapter, that does not conform in use, location, height, or size to the regulations of the district in which such sign is located, shall be considered a nonconforming sign.
(b) A sign on a building or structure which does not conform to this chapter shall be removed when the building or structure is demolished or when the renovation, repair, or expansion of the building amounts to over fifty percent of the market value of the building, as assessed by the Erie County Tax Assessment Board.
(c) Any nonconforming sign which is damaged by fire, flood, wind, or any other act of God or man may be reconstructed and used as before, if such reconstruction is done within six months of such damage, unless the sign was damaged to the extent of more than sixty percent of its structure, in which case any repair or reconstruction shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. However, if such sign is unsecure or unsafe, the Township may order the owner to have the sign repaired to conform to current standards or have sign removed within a period of ten days.
(d) A nonconforming sign must be removed within ten days or be made to conform to this chapter in every respect whenever:
(1) It is not securely attached to the ground or some other object and can be easily removed.
(2) It becomes deteriorated to the point that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication and is a nuisance, as determined by the Township Zoning Administrator.
(e) If the copy of an on-premises sign is changed because of a change of use, the sign must comply with this chapter.
(f) A sign in violation of Section 1285.06(b) shall be removed within ten days of notice from the Township.
(g) Any sign that is moved to another location, on the same or any other premises, shall be considered a new sign and shall be bound by the provisions of this chapter as if erected subsequent to the effective date hereof.
1285.04 PERMIT REQUIRED; FEES; DISPLAY OF PERMIT NUMBER; RIGHT TO REVOKE PERMIT
(a) A permit must be obtained from the Township for the erection of all signs erected in the Township, unless specifically exempted herein. No permit shall be issued until the applicant pays the respective fee prescribed by the Township. A permit fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Board of Township Commissioners.
(b) Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner or the person maintaining the sign of the responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in accordance with all other provisions of this chapter.
(c) Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign exceeding 300 square feet, or any sign structure, plans and specifications shall be filed with the Township showing the dimensions, materials, and details of construction, anchorage, and any other pertinent engineering data. All such requests for signs exceeding 300 square feet, or any sign structure, shall be referred to the Township Engineer.
(d) No sign structure shall hereafter be erected, constructed, or altered, except as herein provided, until a permit has been issued by the Township.
(e) No sign shall be enlarged or relocated, except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter for new signs, nor until a proper permit has been secured. The changing of movable parts of an approved changeable copy sign that is designed for such changes, or the repainting or reposting of display matter, shall not be deemed an alteration, provided the conditions of the original approval and the requirements of this chapter are not violated.
(f) Upon the filing of an application for a permit, the Zoning Administrator may examine the site where the sign is to be erected. If the proposed site and sign are in compliance with the requirements of this chapter and other laws of Lawrence Park Township, the Zoning Administrator shall then issue the permit. If the sign has not been erected within six months after the date of issuance of a permit, said permit shall become null and void.
(g) Every sign for which a permit has been issued and hereafter erected and constructed shall be plainly marked with the Township permit number displayed in a conspicuous place. The Township will provide a label with a permit number at the time the permit is issued.
(h) All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this chapter or any amendment hereto are mere licenses, revocable at any time by the Township, and all such permits shall contain this provision.
1285.05 REMOVAL OF NONCONFORMING SIGNS
Any nonconforming sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold shall be taken down and removed by the owner within at least 120 days after such business ceases. Upon failure to comply with the time specified herein, the Township Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized and empowered to give 30 days written notice to cause the removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner.
1285.06 EXEMPT AND PROHIBITED SIGNS
(a) Exempt Signs. The following signs are permitted in all districts and do not require a permit, provided the applicable conditions have been met:
(1) Official highway route number signs, street name signs, and directional or other traffic signs which may be erected on public roads and highways in the interest of public safety.
(2) Signs displaying the name and address of the occupancy of the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(3) “No Trespassing” signs, signs indicating the prohibition or control of activities, such as fishing, hunting, etc., or signs indicating the private nature of a road, provided the area of any such sign does not exceed two square feet.
(4) Real estate signs. No more than one real estate sign shall be placed on property held in single and separate ownership, unless the property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign shall be permitted along each street. All such signs shall be removed within ten days after a settlement of sale, lease, or rental has been entered into.
(5) Governmental flags or insignias.
(6) Legal notices.
(7) Public service and information signs advertising the availability of restrooms, telephones or similar public conveniences, and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit service or charitable organizations. These signs may be erected, provided they do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or service, except those of public utilities. No such sign shall exceed four square feet.
(8) Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of a product or the price of such product, when displayed on a vending machine selling such product.
(9) Bulletin or announcement board signs, provided the area of any one side of such a sign shall not exceed sixty square feet.
(10) Memorial or historical signs, provided such signs do not exceed four square feet.
(11) Window signs giving store hours or the name or names of credit or charge institutions, provided the total area of any such sign or of all signs together does not exceed two square feet.
(12) Temporary window signs.
(13) Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building, provided the letters are not made of a reflective material, nor contrast in color with the building.
(14) Mechanics’ or artisans’ signs, which may be erected during the period such persons are performing work on the premises on which such signs are erected, provided that such signs shall be removed upon completion of work by the mechanic or artisan and provided that the total area for all such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any given property on which such person is performing work, unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign shall be permitted along each street. All such signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work.
(15) Bunting, pennants, and similar materials.
(16) A revolving barber shop pole sign or signal, provided that it does not exceed 24 inches in height and that it is advertising a principal barbering use.
(17) A sign advertising a yard or household sale, not to exceed 16 square feet.
(18) Any one sign per wall which is not more than one square foot in area.
(19) Any sign designating the location of a transit line, a railroad station, or other public carrier.
(20) A Christmas tree or other holiday display or window display of merchandise, except as specifically prohibited by this chapter.
(21) Any temporary sign not previously listed in this division, provided such sign meets the conditions and restrictions imposed under Section 1285.07.
(22) Political signs.
(23) Township welcome and information sign. The sign may not exceed 30 square feet. This type of sign shall not exceed seven feet above grade level. Copy is permitted on both sides of this type of sign. Information shall be relevant to Township statistics and its history.
(b) Prohibited Signs. The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
(1) A sign that uses any method of illumination that impairs the vision of a motorist.
(2) Any sign that uses the words “Stop,” “Look,” “Danger,” “Yield” or any other word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device within seventy-five feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
(3) Except for traffic control signs, any sign that uses red, green, or revolving beacon lights within seventy-five feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device signal, whichever is greater.
(4) Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or on any public property, except for such signs which are approved by the State and/or Township to be of general benefit to the Township or for public convenience, necessity or welfare.
(5) Any sign which does not conform to the requirements of the sign ordinance which was in effect when the sign was erected.
1285.07 TEMPORARY SIGNS
(a) No temporary sign shall exceed 32 square feet in area.
(b) Every temporary sign shall be firmly secured to the ground or to an adjacent building.
(c) The advertisement contained on any temporary sign shall pertain only to the business, industry or pursuit conducted on or within the premises on which such sign is erected or maintained. This provision shall not apply to signs of a civic, political or religious nature.
1285.08 SIGNS PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
(a) In General
(1) Temporary, portable, non-illuminated, off-premises and promotional signs are permitted. (See division (c) of this section.)
(2) Animated/flashing, changeable copy, billboard/commercial outdoor advertising, illuminated, rotating, roof and vehicular signs are prohibited.
(b) On-Premises Signs
(1) Temporary construction/development signs which have been authorized by the Township in connection with construction operations are permitted, not to exceed 32 square feet. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on property held in single and separate ownership, unless the property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign shall be permitted along each street. The sign shall be removed within ten days after the development, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, has been satisfactorily completed. This type of sign shall observe at least a ten-foot setback from the street right-of-way line.
(2) One sign for home occupations or other nonconforming accessory uses is permitted, provided that the area of the sign does not exceed two square feet.
(A) Signs must be affixed to the structure only.
(3) Directional/informational signs are permitted, provided that such signs do not contain advertising copy and do not exceed an area of four square feet or a height of five feet.
(4) Real estate signs shall not exceed nine square feet in total area per dwelling unit, and shall not exceed 32 square feet in total area.
(5) Temporary signs for the sale of household goods are permitted. Such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet and shall be removed immediately upon the end of the sale.
(c) Off-Premises Signs
(1) Political signs are permitted to the extent guaranteed by the Constitutions and laws of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(2) Promotional signs are permitted, provided that:
(A) They are for nonprofit or charity-sponsored events.
(B) No such sign shall exceed 32 square feet in total area.
(C) Signs shall not be posed earlier than 30 days before the occurrence of the event, and shall be removed within five days after the termination of the event.
(D) No permit will be issued for the erection of such signs until a deposit has been made with the Township Secretary. If such signs are not removed within five days after the termination of the event, the Township may have them removed and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the Township for the expenses incurred.
1285.09 SIGNS, AWNINGS AND CANOPIES PERMITTED IN BUSINESS DISTRICTS
(a) In General
(1) Free-standing signs are permitted, provided that they shall not exceed twenty feet in height from the established road grade to the uppermost portion of the sign or its supporting structure. This type of sign shall observe at least a ten-foot setback from the street right-of-way line.
(2) Animated/flashing, rotating, roof and vehicular signs are prohibited.
(3) Awnings and canopies are permitted provided they meet the minimum requirements of no less than seven feet from the bottom of the canopy to the sidewalk and with the maximum extension from the face of the building of four feet. Businesses on Main Street that are currently non-conforming due to zero foot setback are permitted to install awnings or canopies within the scope of this section.
(b) On-Premises Signs
(1) In General. Any sign permitted in Residential Districts shall be permitted in accordance with Section 1285.08(b).
(2) Identification Signs. Identification signs, including a directory of tenants in an office building or other permitted use, shall be permitted in accordance with the following provisions: The area on one side of any free-standing sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet, and not more than two such signs shall be erected on a premises fronting on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage. This type of sign shall observe at least a ten-foot setback from the street right-of-way line.
(3) Wall, Permanent Window, Awning and Canopy Signs. Wall, permanent window, awning and canopy signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following limitations:
(A) There shall be no more than one wall, permanent window, awning or canopy sign per building facade, per occupancy.
(B) Under no circumstances shall permanent window signs exceed sixteen square feet.
(C) The copy area of an awning or canopy shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(D) Permanent wall signs shall not exceed, in square footage, three times the linear frontage of the building or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
(E) The length of a wall, permanent window, awning or canopy sign shall not exceed eighty percent of the length of the building frontage.
(4) Projecting Signs
(A) Such signs shall have a copy area no greater than eight square feet per side and a minimum clearance of ten feet from the sidewalk or natural grade and shall be mounted, as nearly as possible, perpendicular to the building face.
(B) One such sign may be permitted for each entrance to a facility served by a canopy or other pedestrian walkway, provided that it does not exceed eight square feet in area.
(5) Time and Temperature Signs
(A) Time and temperature signs shall be displayed only as a part of a free-standing or wall sign and shall be subject to all regulations and restrictions applying to those signs.
(B) Any such device with alternating or moving messages shall display each message for not less than three seconds.
(6) Changeable Copy Signs
(A) A changeable copy sign shall be displayed only as a part of a free-standing or wall sign and shall be subject to all regulations and restrictions applying to those signs.
(B) Any device with alternating or moving messages shall display each message for not less than three seconds.
(7) Promotional Signs
(A) An application for a promotional sign permit must be made to the Township, accompanied by an appropriate fee per sign as a guarantee that the promotional display shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the period authorized.
(B) Any promotional sign which utilizes any electrical device must conform to code requirements. See Section 1285.02(c).
(C) Promotional signs may not revolve, be animated or have flashing lights.
(D) A maximum of one sign per frontage, per occupancy, shall be permitted.
(E) Promotional signs which are portable shall be permitted for a period not to exceed sixty days per any one promotion for any one premises or commercial use, unless otherwise authorized by the Township. There shall be a fifteen-day interval between promotions.
(8) Roof Signs
(A) The area of a roof sign shall not exceed, in square footage, three times the linear frontage of the building or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
(B) The height of a roof sign shall not exceed six feet. The length of a roof sign shall not exceed eighty percent of the length of the building frontage.
(C) Roof signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to, wall signs on a given premises.
(D) Where a building fronts on two or more streets, a roof sign is permitted for each frontage.
(c) Off-Premises Signs
(1) Signs permitted and regulated in Residential Districts shall be permitted, unless otherwise specified in this section.
(2) Billboard/commercial outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted in Business Districts. (See Section 1285.12)
1285.10 SIGNS PERMITTED IN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
(a) On-Premises Signs
(1) In General. Signs permitted in other zoning districts shall be permitted in Industrial Districts in accordance with the regulations for those districts, unless otherwise specified in this section.
(2) Animated/Flashing Signs. A sign may be animated, provided that the total cycle of motion or illumination does not exceed six times per minute.
(3) Projection Signs.
(A) Projecting signs are permitted, provided the area of such sign does not exceed one square foot for each two linear feet of building frontage which is perpendicular to the sign. No projecting sign may be larger than fifty square feet. No projecting sign may extend in a vertical dimension above the roof line or highest architectural point of the building.
(B) Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet between the bottom of the sign and the grade below.
(C) Projecting signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to, wall signs on a given premises. Where a premises is allowed two or more wall signs, a projecting sign may be used to substitute for one or more of the wall signs.
(4) Rotating Signs. Rotating signs shall be permitted as free-standing signs, provided that they do not exceed four revolutions per minute.
(5) Roof Signs
(A) The area of a roof sign shall not exceed, in square footage, three times the linear frontage of the building or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
(B) The height of a roof sign shall not exceed six feet. The length of a roof sign shall not exceed eighty percent of the length of the building frontage.
(C) Roof signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to, wall signs on a given premises.
(D) Where a building fronts on two or more streets, a roof sign is permitted for each frontage.
(b) Off-Premises Signs
(1) Signs permitted in Residential and Business Districts shall be permitted in Industrial Districts in accordance with regulations for those districts, unless otherwise specified in this section.
(2) Billboard/commercial outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted in Industrial Districts. (See Section 1285.12)
1285.11 SIGNS PERMITTED IN CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
(a) In General
(1) Temporary, portable, non-illuminated, directional/informational, illuminated and promotional signs are permitted.
(2) Animated/flashing, changeable copy, billboard/commercial outdoor advertising, off-premises, rotating, roof and vehicular signs are prohibited, except as allowed in divisions (c) and (d) of this section.
(b) On-Premises Signs
(1) Temporary construction/development signs which have been authorized by the Township in connection with construction operations are permitted, not to exceed thirty-two square feet. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on property held in single and separate ownership, unless the property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign shall be permitted along each street. The sign shall be removed within ten days after the development, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, has been satisfactorily completed. This type of sign shall observe at least a ten-foot setback from the street right-of-way line.
(2) Promotional signs are permitted, provided that:
(A) They are for non-profit or charity-sponsored events.
(B) No such sign shall exceed thirty-two square feet in total area.
(C) Signs shall not be posted earlier than thirty days before the occurrence of the event and shall be removed within five days after the termination of the event.
(3) Directional/informational signs are permitted, provided that such signs do not contain advertising copy and do not exceed an area of four square feet or a height of five feet.
(4) Projecting signs are permitted, provided that:
(A) Such signs shall have a copy area no greater than eight square feet per side and a minimum clearance of ten feet from the sidewalk or natural grade and shall be mounted, as nearly as possible, perpendicular to the building face.
(B) One such sign may be permitted for each entrance to a facility served by a canopy or other pedestrian walkway, provided that it does not exceed eight square feet in area.
(5) Real estate signs are permitted and shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in total area.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs. Permanent changeable copy or promotional signs shall be permitted if the sign and lot meet all of the following requirements:
(1) Lots must be not less than one and one-half acres.
(2) Lot must have not less than 350 feet of frontage on a state road or highway.
(3) Signs shall not exceed, in square footage, sixty square feet per face and shall not have more than two faces which are back to back.
(4) The sign shall be not more than ten feet in height nor more than fifteen feet in length.
(5) Any sign with alternating messages shall display each message for not less than three seconds. Animated or moving message signs shall not be permitted.
(6) The sign may only display messages related to non-profit, school, or municipal activities and events, and may not contain any commercial advertisements or endorsements.
(7) The sign is located not closer than fifteen feet from the road right-of-way and 100 feet from any property line.
(8) The top of the sign shall not be more than fifteen feet above grade level.
(d) Requirements for Permitted Signs. Off-premises signs and on-premises signs shall be permitted, provided they meet all of the following requirements:
(1) Signs may only be affixed to fences, buildings, or other similar structures erected at athletic facilities for athletic purposes and not structures erected or constructed for the purpose of placement of signs.
(2) Signs shall be affixed so as to be principally viewed by participants and spectators at the facility’s athletic events.
(3) The signs, or the contributions or fees derived from the signs, must be utilized solely for the benefit of programs available to the youth and adults of Lawrence Park Township and the Iroquois School District.
(4) Each sign shall be no larger than thirty-two square feet.
(5) Signs shall not be erected within 100 feet of any road right-of-way.
(6) Signs as permitted under this subsection shall require a permit. An application, on a form to be provided by the Township, shall be submitted, setting forth the location, size and number of signs; the name of the organization erecting the signs; the name, address, and phone number of the individual responsible for the erection and removal of the signs and compliance with the terms of this section. The application form must be signed by the responsible individual and the property owner or an authorized agent or representative of the property owner.
(7) The application fee, if any, for signs authorized by this subsection, shall be established by Resolution of the Board of Commissioners.
(8) Signs shall be removed within ten days of the conclusion of the athletic season conducted at the facility.
1285.12 BILLBOARD/COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS
(a) Billboard/commercial outdoor advertising signs shall be limited to Business and Industrial Districts.
(b) Only one billboard/commercial outdoor advertising sign may be erected per premises fronting onto a public right-of-way, provided that:
(1) No billboard/commercial outdoor advertising sign or any part thereof shall be erected in front of the building line.
(2) No billboard/commercial outdoor advertising sign or any part thereof shall be erected within ten feet of any side or rear property line. On parcels bordering a Residential District, no billboard/commercial outdoor advertising sign shall be erected within fifty feet of such district.
(3) No such sign shall be erected within 500 feet of any other such sign.
(4) The general area adjacent to a billboard/commercial outdoor advertising sign must be kept free and clear of sign materials, weeds, debris, trash, and other refuse.
(5) No billboard/commercial outdoor advertising sign shall be permitted to exceed an area of 700 square feet per side, including borders and trim, but excluding supports. A sign having two sides back-to-back, or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than ninety degrees, is permitted, one on each side.
(6) No billboard/commercial outdoor advertising sign shall exceed thirty-five feet in height from the established road grade to the uppermost portion of the sign or its supporting structure.
(c) Along the corridor designated as the Seaway Trail, which includes East Lake Road (PA 5) from the City of Erie municipal boundary to the Harborcreek Township municipal boundary, no outdoor advertising device, as defined, may be erected by any owner, person responsible, or other person:
(1) Within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way; or
(2) More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way if the sign is visible from the main-traveled way and the purpose of the sign is that its message be read from the main-traveled way, except as follows:
(A) The official signs and notices which are required or authorized by law and which conform to the national standards promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation of the United States pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 131 (relating to control of outdoor advertising);
(B) Outdoor advertising devices advertising the sale or lease of the real property upon which they are located;
(C) Outdoor advertising devices advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located, including devices which display a message that may be changed at reasonable intervals by electronic process or remote control; and
(D) Directional signs, including but not limited to, signs pertaining to natural wonders, scenic and historical attractions and other points of interest to the traveling public which conform to the national standards promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation of the United States pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 131,
(d) All outdoor advertising devices constructed and existing on the effective date of this chapter, which would be prohibited under this section, shall be permitted except that if the device shall not be used for advertising for a period of one year or shall become dilapidated, the device shall be removed.
(e) If the Seaway Trail corridor is designated a Byway by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, the Township shall enforce the prohibitions set forth in this section and shall not revise this section without the prior written approval of the Department. Failure to do so may result in revocation of the Byway designation.
1285.13 REVOCATION OF PERMITS
The Township Zoning Administrator is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by him or her pursuant to this chapter upon failure of the holder of such a permit to comply with its provisions.
