Article III Supplementary Regs
Section 311 Sign Regulations
SECTION 311. Sign Regulations.
A. Purposes. The purposes of these sign regulations are (1) to regulate the nature and use of signage in order to maintain and enhance the traditional aesthetic environment of the Borough; (2) to promote pedestrian and traffic safety; (3) to minimize the adverse effects of signage on nearby properties; and (4) to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these Sign Regulations.
B. Applicability - Effect. Signs may be erected, placed, established, created, altered or maintained only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and other requirements of this Section and any and all other ordinances and regulations relating to signs. Zoning permits shall be required for the erection, placement, establishment, creation or alteration of all signs
, unless otherwise indicated in this Section. The effect of this Section, as more specifically set forth herein, is as follows:
1. To establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs in non-residential districts, and a limited variety of signs in all other districts, subject to the standards and the permit procedures of this Section;
2. To allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive and incidental to the principal use of the respective lots on which they are located, subject to the substantive requirements of this Section, but without a requirement for permits;
3. To provide for temporary signs without commercial messages in limited circumstances in the public right-of-way;
4. To prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this Section; and
5. To provide for enforcement of the provisions of this Section.
C. Computations. The following regulations shall control the computation of sign area and sign height.
1. Computation of Area of Individual Signs. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, triangle, rectangle or circle, or combination thereof, that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets regulations of this Ordinance and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
2. Computation of Area of Multi-faced Signs. The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces.
3. Computation of Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.
D. Design, Construction, and Maintenance. All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards:
1. All signs shall comply with applicable provisions of any building and electrical codes as adopted by the Borough.
2. Except for banners, flags, temporary signs and window signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this Section, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame or structure.
3. All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition.
E. Signs Allowable in All Districts.
Signs listed in this Sub-section are allowed in all zoning districts as defined by this Ordinance and shall not require permits and shall not be included in any calculations of total square footage limitations. However, such signs shall conform with all other applicable regulations of this Section.
1. Name and Address of Resident - Name and address of resident, but not to include any commercial advertising, of not more than two (2) square feet in sign area.
2. No Trespassing Signs - No trespassing signs or other such signs regulating the use of a property, such as "No Hunting" and "No Fishing," of not more than two (2) square feet in sign area in residential districts, and five (5) square feet in all nonresidential districts, shall be located no closer than fifty (50) feet apart.
3. Signs Regulating On-Premise Traffic and Parking or Other Functional Subjects - Signs regulating on-premise vehicular and pedestrian traffic and parking (Examples: “In-Out”, “Enter-Exit”, “One Way”, “Do Not Enter”, “Handicapped Entrance”, “Deliveries in Rear”) of not more than two (2) square feet in residential districts and five (5) square feet in non-residential districts. No such signs shall bear any commercial advertising.
4. Signs Erected by a Governmental Body - Signs erected by a governmental body or under the direction of such a body and bearing no commercial advertising, such as traffic signs, railroad crossing signs, safety signs, and signs identifying public schools and playgrounds.
5. Memorial Signs or Tablets - Memorial signs or tablets and signs denoting the date of erection of buildings.
6. Garage or Yard Sales - Such signs shall be limited to a maximum size of five (5) square feet in area and shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the event or activity advertised thereby has occurred. All such signs shall be permitted only on the premises where the event or activity is to take place, and shall not be erected more than forty-eight (48) hours prior to such event and activity. See also Sub-section 311 J. 3.
7. Temporary Signs Announcing Special Events of Charitable or Public Service Groups - Such signs may be window signs or freestanding signs and shall be limited to a maximum size of thirty-two (32) square feet in area, shall not be permitted to exist more than thirty (30) days prior to the event or activity which they advertise, and shall be removed as soon as the related event or activity has concluded.
8. Permanent Residential Development Signs - Permanent residential development signs at major entrances designed to identify a residential subdivision and containing no commercial advertising shall have a maximum area of twenty-five (25) square feet and be limited to one (1) sign per street entrance.
F. Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts.
The following signs shall not be permitted, erected or maintained in any zoning district, notwithstanding anything else to the contrary contained in this Section or elsewhere:
1. Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination or with illumination which varies in intensity or which varies in color, and signs which have any visible moving part, visible revolving parts, or visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical pulsations or by action of normal wind currents. Clocks, hanging signs which move with air currents, time and temperature signs and barber poles are exempted, provided they otherwise comply with all other provisions of this part.
2. Light sources which cast light on signs unless shielded by opaque material so that bulbs are not visible from off the property on which the signs are located.
3. Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public safety or health.
4. Signs which by reason of size, location, content, coloring, or manner or intensity of illumination, distract or obstruct the vision of drivers, either when leaving a roadway or driveway, or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device or public streets and roads.
5. Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required building exit.
6. Signs which make use of the words such as "Stop," "Look," "One-Way," "Danger," "Yield," or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
7. Any sign which advertises a defunct business or product no longer sold.
8. Signs on public property or public rights-of-way, unless erected by a governmental body, or unless required to be so located by order of a governmental body.
9. Signs painted on, attached to, or supported by a street sign or street light standard, stone, cliff, or other natural object.
10. Searchlights, pennants, spinners, banners and streamers, inflatable balloons and similar devices, except for temporary occasions not to exceed fifteen (15) days' duration, such as grand openings, and then only with special prior permission of the Zoning Officer, who shall grant such permission only when the request is demonstrated to be harmonious with the proposed location.
11. Changeable copy signs not permanently affixed to the ground or business structure, including those on wheels or in moveable frames.
G. Limit on Height of Signs.
No sign or any part thereof (including braces, supports or lights) shall exceed a height of twenty feet (20') if erected at the right-of-way line of the street, road or highway adjoining the premises on which the sign is located, plus one foot (1') additional height for each three (3) lineal feet that said sign is located from such street, road or highway as measured on a perpendicular line from such right-of-way line to the nearest part of the sign, provided, however, that no sign shall exceed thirty-five feet (35') in height regardless of its distance from the right-of-way line. No freestanding sign shall exceed fifteen feet (15') in height.
H. Signs in the Public Right-of-Way. No signs shall be allowed in the public right-of-way, except for the following:
1. Permanent Signs. Permanent signs, including:
a. Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
b. Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company;
c. Identification signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes or facilities.
2. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs, including:
a. Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, convey public information and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
b. Signs announcing special events of charitable or public service groups, provided such signs shall be approved by the Borough and shall:
(1) be limited to a maximum size of thirty-two (32) square feet in area; and;
(2) be removed as soon as the event or activity thereby has occurred and shall not be permitted to exist more than thirty (30) days prior to such event or activity.
3. Emergency Signs. Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.
4. Other Signs Forfeited. Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this Section, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the Borough shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
I. Signs Allowable By Permit in Zoning Areas and Districts. Signs are allowable by permit in the Borough of Lititz as follows:
1. Historical Area. Signs are subject to the applicable district regulations. In addition, with the exception of Informational and Promotional Signage, the Zoning Hearing Board may approve, as a special exception, the application for a permit to erect, alter or modify any permanent sign in this area. The Board shall determine the size and type of sign so as to protect the appearance and character of the historical area in which it is located.
2. Residential R-S, Residential R-1, Residential R-2 and Residential R-A Districts.
a. Signs allowed under Sub-section 311.E.
b. Residential signs. One (1) identification sign per dwelling unit and one (1) sign indicating the private nature of a driveway or premises. If lighted, signs shall be illuminated by incident rays adequately shielded to avoid glare. Luminous signs are prohibited.
c. Signs for uses allowed by special exception and signs for non-conforming uses. Signs for the identification of those uses allowed by special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board and for the identification of nonconforming uses shall be approved, as a special exception, by the Zoning Hearing Board. The Board shall approve the size and type of sign so as to protect the appearance and character of the district in which it will be located.
d. Real estate signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet [six (6) square feet if single-sided] and shall be removed within a week after settlement on the sale or lease of the property. Such signs shall be limited to one (1) per street frontage.
e. All signs are also subject to all other applicable regulations of this Section, including those outlined in Sub-section 311 K.
3. Office and Professional District.
a. Signs allowed under Sub-section 311.E.
b. Business Identification Signs and Informational Sign age
c. The total area of all signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet. If lighted, signs shall be illuminated by incident rays adequately shielded to avoid glare. Luminous signs are prohibited.
d. Real estate signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet [six (6) square feet if single-sided] and shall be removed within a week after settlement on the sale or lease of the property. Such signs are limited to one (1) per street frontage.
e. All signs are also subject to all other applicable regulations of this Section, including those outlined in Sub-section 311 K.
4. Commercial District.
a. Signs allowed under Sub-section 311.E.
b. Business Identification Signs, Informational Signage and Promotional Signage.
c. The total area of all signs and signage shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet for premises of up to fifteen (15) lineal feet of public street frontage. An additional four (4) square feet of signage area is permitted for every additional five (5) lineal feet or fraction thereof of frontage. No single sign shall exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in area.
d. Within the total permitted area of signage for any premise, a maximum of five (5) percent of the first floor window area or five (5) square feet, whichever is greater, shall be permitted for Informational Signage, and a maximum of fifteen (15) percent of the first floor window area or fifteen (15) square feet, whichever is greater, shall be permitted for Promotional Signage.
e. If lighted, signs shall be illuminated by incident rays adequately shielded to avoid glare. Luminous signs are prohibited.
f. Real estate signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet and shall be removed within a week after settlement on the sale of the property. Such signs are limited to one (1) per street frontage.
g. All signs are also subject to all other applicable regulations of this Section, including those outlined in Sub-section 311 K.
5. General Business District.
a. Signs allowed under Sub-section 311.E.
b. Business Identification Signs, Informational Signage and Promotional Signage.
c. The total area of all signs and signage shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for the first one hundred linear feet, or fraction thereof, of public street frontage. An additional fifty (50) square feet of sign area is permitted for each additional one hundred (100) linear feet of frontage, or fraction thereof, not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet for the entire property (including doors and windows). Under no circumstances shall the size of any one (1) sign exceed sixty-four (64) square feet; however, the total surface area of any Freestanding Sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
d. Within the total permitted area of signage for any premise, a maximum of five (5) percent of the first floor window area or five (5) square feet, whichever is greater, shall be permitted for Informational Signage, and a maximum of fifteen (15) percent of the first floor window area or fifteen (15) square feet, whichever is greater, shall be permitted for Promotional Signage.
e. Projecting signs shall be no higher than the eaveline of the building, and subject to size as stated in Sub-section 311.J.5.c.
f. If lighted, signs shall be illuminated by incident rays adequately shielded to avoid glare.
g. Luminous signs are permitted by Special Exception.
h. Real estate signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet and shall be removed within a week after settlement on the sale or lease of the property. Such signs are limited to one (1) per street frontage.
i. All signs are also subject to all other applicable regulations of this Section, including those outlined in Sub-section 311 K.
6. Industrial District.
a. Signs permitted under Sub-section 311.E.
b. Business Identification Signs, Informational Signage and Promotional Signage.
c. The total area of all signs and signage shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for the first one hundred linear feet, or fraction thereof, of public street frontage. An additional fifty (50) square feet of sign area is permitted for each additional one hundred (100) linear feet of frontage, or fraction thereof, not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet for the entire property (including doors and windows). Under no circumstances shall the size of any one (1) sign exceed sixty-four (64) square feet; however, the total surface area of any Freestanding Sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet.
d. Within the total permitted area of signage for any premise, a maximum of five (5) percent of the first floor window area or five (5) square feet, whichever is greater, shall be permitted for Informational Signage, and a maximum of fifteen (15) percent of the first floor window area or fifteen (15) square feet, whichever is greater, shall be permitted for Promotional Signage.
e. Projecting signs shall be no higher than the eaveline of the building, and subject to size as stated in Sub-section 311.K.1.
f. If lighted, signs shall be illuminated by incident rays adequately shielded to avoid glare.
g. Luminous signs are permitted by Special Exception.
h. Real estate signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet and shall be removed within a week after settlement on the sale or lease of the property. Such signs are limited to one(1) per street frontage.
i. All signs are also subject to all other applicable regulations of this Section, including those outlined in Sub-section 311 K.
J. Non-Permanent Signs
1. Temporary, non permanent signs of contractors, engineers, architects, mechanics, landscapers, artisans and similar services are allowed without permit, provided that:
a. Such signs shall be erected only on the premises where such work has commenced.
b. The sign area of any such sign shall not exceed the area permitted for real estate signs in the district where the work is being performed. Larger signs may be permitted when required by government agencies.
c. Such signs shall be removed within five (5) days of completion of advertised work.
2. Temporary, non permanent signs are allowed without permit, provided that such signs shall not be displayed in excess of one (1) month. Any sign displayed for longer than one (1) month shall be considered as permanent and will be subject to all applicable provisions of this Section.
3. Temporary, non permanent signs advertising single-day garage, porch and/or yard or similar types sales may be allowed without permit provided they are placed only on the premises which is the site of the sale and are not placed not more than forty-eight (48) hours prior to nor removed later than twenty-four (24) hours after the sale.
K. Additional Criteria for Certain Sign Types and Uses.
1. Projecting Signs. In addition to the other applicable provisions of this Section, the following regulations shall apply to all projecting signs:
a. No projecting sign shall project more than five feet (5') beyond the building line in the direction of the street, nor shall any portion of any projecting sign be closer than five feet (5') to the face of the street curb or curb line, or the edge of an alley.
b. No portion of any projecting sign shall be less than eight feet (8') above normal grade as defined in Sub-section 311 C.3.
c. No single face of a projecting sign shall exceed fifteen (15) square feet in sign area.
d. No projecting sign shall have a vertical dimension greater than six feet (6').
e. There shall be no more than one (1) projecting sign for any premises unless the building is located on a corner lot or has public entrances on two (2) or more public ways, in which case one (1) projecting sign may be erected for and toward each public way.
2. Wall Signs. In addition to the other applicable provisions of this Section, the following regulations shall apply to all wall signs:
a. No wall sign shall extend above the top of the wall upon which it is placed.
b. No wall sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than twelve inches (12") from the wall upon which it is mounted. If external lighting is used, reflectors must be at least ten feet (10') above the surface of the ground level, equipped with wire mesh guards and no part of the lighting device may project more than two feet (2') from the wall of the building.
c. No wall sign shall extend beyond the left and right extremities of the wall to which it is attached.
d. There shall be no more than two (2) signs per wall on any building or structure, and the aggregate wall sign area shall have a total area of not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the wall area.
3. Freestanding Signs. In addition to the other applicable provisions of this Section, the following regulations shall apply to all freestanding signs.
a. Every freestanding sign and all parts, braces and supports thereof shall be located entirely within the property lines of the premises and shall not project over public rights-of-way or other adjoining lands. Freestanding signs may be permitted between the property line and the building setback lines, except where otherwise prohibited by this Ordinance. The base of the sign shall be located behind the street right-of-way. The sign shall be no less than three (3) feet and not more than fifteen (15) feet above the curbline, and shall not project closer than seven (7) feet from the curbline or two (2) feet from the right-of-way, which ever is more restrictive of the two.
b. A freestanding sign shall have no more than two (2) faces or advertising sides.
c. No freestanding sign face or advertising side shall have any dimension (length, width, diameter, etc.) in excess of ten (10) lineal feet.
d. All freestanding signs hereafter erected shall be centrally located within a planted green area at least equal to the allowable area of a single face or advertising side for the subject sign, which area shall also include ornamental evergreen shrubbery to minimize the visibility of poles, supports and braces of such sign.
e. Freestanding signs shall not be installed in the Downtown area, except for Pole Signs used as Wayfinding Signs or signs of the State or Borough.
4. Pole Signs. In addition to the other applicable provisions of this Section, the following regulations shall apply to all pole signs.
a. Pole signs shall be no less than eight (8) feet and not more than fifteen (15) feet above the curbline.
b. A pole sign shall have no more than two (2) faces or advertising sides, opposite of one another.
c. No pole sign face or advertising side shall have any dimension (length, width, diameter, etc.) in excess of nine (9) lineal feet.
d. Pole Signs may be used as Wayfinding Signs or signs of the State or Borough.
5. Roof Signs. In addition to the other applicable provisions of this Section, the following regulations shall apply to all roof signs:
a. The highest point of a roof sign shall not exceed the building height limitation as provided in this Ordinance as applicable to the pertinent zoning district.
b. Not more than one (1) roof sign may be erected or maintained on a single premises.
6. Shopping Center Signs. In addition to the general provisions of this Section, the following regulations shall apply to shopping centers having more than four (4) individual businesses:
a. Only freestanding signs which bear the name of the shopping center may be erected on the lands occupied by the center, subject to the provisions of Subsection 311.L.3.
b. Each individual business shall be limited to wall signs in accordance with the provisions of Subsection 311.L.2.
7. Luminous Signs. In Zoning Districts where permitted, luminous signs must be approved by the Zoning Hearing Board, as a special exception, to determine that the location, design, type and color of sign will not be detrimental to the character of the district. Only one sign per premises shall be lighted when the business is not open.
L. Non-conforming Signs.
1. The owner of a nonconforming sign which has been nonconforming or becomes nonconforming as a result of the enactment or amendment of this Ordinance shall have five (5) years to remove the sign or replace the sign with a conforming sign. The owner may apply to the Zoning Hearing Board for a variance to continue the use of such sign beyond the five (5) year limitation, for a period of not to exceed an additional five (5) years. The Board shall consider the hardship provisions in making its decision on granting or denying the variance.
2. New signs for businesses existing as non-conforming uses may be permitted as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board under the listed regulations, and the Zoning Hearing board may attach certain conditions to its approval which it feels are necessary in order to preserve the character of the district in which the proposed sign would be located.
M. Applications and Permits.
1. Applications for permits to erect, alter or modify permanent signs shall be made to the Zoning Officer. With the exception of signs listed in Sub-section 311 E, permits shall be required for all permanent signs.
2. It shall be unlawful to commence the erection of any permanent sign or to commence the moving or alteration of any permanent sign until the Zoning Officer has issued a sign permit for such work.
3. In applying to the Zoning Officer for a sign permit, the applicant shall submit a dimensional sketch or scale plan indicating the shape, size, height and location of all signs to be erected, altered or moved and supply such other information as may be required by the Zoning Officer for determining whether the provisions of this Section are being observed. If the proposed sign as set forth in the application is in conformity with the provisions of this Section and other ordinances of the Borough then in force, the Zoning Officer shall issue a sign permit for such sign. If the sign permit is refused, the Zoning Officer shall state such refusal in writing with the cause and shall immediately thereupon mail notice of such refusal to the applicant at the address indicated in the application. The Zoning Officer shall grant or deny the permit within fifteen (15) days from the date the application is submitted. The issuance of a permit shall in no case be construed as waiving any provisions of this Section.
N. Removal of Certain Signs. After one (1) year, any sign which advertises business or service no longer in existence on the premises shall be considered to be abandoned. Signs that are abandoned shall be removed by the persons responsible for the erection and/or maintenance thereof within thirty (30) days after notice of the abandonment to such persons by the Zoning Officer. If such persons fail or refuse to remove such abandoned signs after the notice aforesaid, the Zoning Officer may remove the signs at the expense of the property owner or the persons responsible for the erection and/or maintenance thereof.
O. Violations. Any of the following shall be a violation of this Ordinance and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by this Ordinance and by state law:
1. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the premises on which the sign is located;
2. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a permit;
3. To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this Ordinance; or
4. To continue any such violation. Each such day of a continued violation shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this Ordinance.
Content Last Modified on 1/3/2012 10:50:30 AM
