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Advertising sign A sign used to advertise or announce a business. Advertising signs shall include awning, canopy, ground, location, marquee, neon, projecting, blade, vehicular directory, shopping cart corral, pedestrian information sign plaza, wall, and window and door signs.
Airdancer Inflatable moving advertising product comprised of a long fabric tube which is attached to and powered by an electrical fan causing the tube to move about in a dynamic dancing or flailing motion.
Animated sign Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene; or any sign that utilizes mechanical movement.
Auto dealer vehicle sign A sign used as part of motor vehicle sales use to provide information on a particular vehicle.
Awning Any nonrigid material such as fabric or flexible plastic that is supported by or stretched over a frame that is attached to the exterior of a building.
Awning sign Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning (See Figure 9-1).
Backlighting The use of a light source behind an awning, canopy, or other semitransparent material to illuminate or intensify the effect of that material.
Banner A flexible plastic or fabric-type device intended to be hung with or without frames that displays a message. A banner is a type of special event sign. (See Figure 9-2).
Bare bulb illumination Illumination by bulbs without shading or shields.
Beacon Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light source; any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.
Billboard See "off-premises sign."
Blade sign A sign suspended from a marquee, canopy, awning, or porch roof or ceiling. (See Figure 9-3). See also "projecting sign."
Building marker An individual sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information about its construction, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material and attached to the building.
Business nameplate An on-premises sign attached to the front facade of a nonresidential building giving the name(s) of the individual businesses/occupants of the nonresidential building.
Canopy An extension of the roof of a building or a freestanding structure that has a roof with ground support, but no walls.
Canopy sign Any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy (See Figure 9-4).
Changeable sign A sign that is designed to have its sign message content changed by manual means (such as by physically changing letters) or that is an electronically changeable message sign.
Charitable special event street banner A sign advertising an occasional special event that benefits a charitable or public service purpose (such as to benefit volunteer fire service or a school parent-teacher organization) and that extends into or over a public street right-of-way. Approval shall be provided by the Board of Supervisors or its designee, as provided in § 090-130A(4) of this article.
Commercial area The C1 and C2 Zoning Districts, and land area that has been approved to be part of a resort complex/commercial resort.
Construction sign A temporary individual sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor, engineer, financial institution, or material supplier involved in the construction, reconstruction, or repair of a building or buildings on a lot.
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Damaged sign Any sign or sign structure that has been substantially damaged and which has not been repaired within 45 days after written notice from the Zoning Officer that the sign constitutes a damaged sign.
Decorative flags Flexible fabric flags that do not display an advertising message or logo.
Electronically changeable message sign A sign that uses electronically changing images, including, but not limited to, light emitting diode signs, fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the sign display area to communicate information.
Facade The exterior walls of a building exposed to public view or that wall viewed by persons not within the building.
Farm product sign A temporary individual sign used to advertise the sale of agriculture products when used in a zoning district where agricultural use is permitted.
Feather flag/banner A flexible fabric item affixed on one side to a flexible flagpole designed to be freestanding with or without words or advertising.
Flag A flexible fabric item that is designed to be able to fly with the wind on a flagpole, but which may also be hung.
Flame illumination Illumination using open flame as the source of the illumination.
Flashing sign Any sign which has intermittent or changing lighting or illumination.
Floodlight illumination Illumination using floodlights to direct light to a desired location.
Fluorescent sign Any sign containing fluorescent colors in the text, graphic, or background.
For sale sign A personal use and identification sign used to announce the sale of a used product personally owned by the seller.
Freestanding sign A sign that is mounted on pole(s), post(s), column(s) or similar feature and that is not attached to a building.
Garage sale sign A type of personal use and information sign advertising a garage or yard sale that complies with Township ordinances.
Grade level The ground elevation at the base of a sign. The ground level shall not be artificially increased at the sign base, such as through use of berming or retaining walls, to increase the total allowed height of a sign. If a sign is located on a sloped site, the grade level shall be based upon the side of a sign that is closest to the nearest street. (See Figure 9-5).
Graphic A lettered, numbered, symbolic, pictorial, or illuminated visual display that is visible from a public right-of-way.
Ground sign A freestanding sign that has a maximum total height of eight feet. (See Figure 9-6).
Historical marker An individual sign erected by a public agency and intended to mark or honor an historical site, structure, or event located on or near the location of the sign.
Holiday decorations Any combination of lights, posters, or other material temporarily displayed on traditionally or legally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays related to observance of that civic, patriotic, or religious holiday.
Illegal sign A sign which does not meet the requirements of this article and is not lawfully nonconforming. An illegal sign specifically includes:
(1) A sign that remains standing when the time limits set by the permit are exceeded; and/or
(2) Any sign not removed after notification from the Zoning Officer that a sign needs to be removed.
Incidental sign An on-premises sign for the convenience of the public giving directions, instructions, facility information, or other assistance around the site, such as location of exits, entrances, one-way signs, parking lots, driveways, delivery or service area entrances, specific locations within a specific nonresidential development or lot or a multifamily housing development in order to direct and/or orient pedestrians and/or vehicles to assist in proper circulation.
Indirect illumination A light source not seen directly.
Individual sign A sign allowed for a specific purpose and subject to standards allowing the purpose and intent of the sign to be fulfilled without adversely impacting the public health, safety, or welfare. Individual signs include, but are not necessarily limited to, auto dealer vehicle signs, construction signs, farm product signs, flags, incidental signs, murals, charitable special event street banner, personal use and information signs, political signs, business nameplate signs, real estate signs, special event signs, subdivision identification signs, and vending machine signs.
Industrial area The I Zoning District.
Inflatable sign An inflated balloon or other device 18 inches or greater in diameter or length used to attract attention to a business or activity.
Interior sign A sign which is fully located within the interior of any building or stadium or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building and which provides information relevant only to the interior of the building and/or provides information which can only be read from inside the building.
Internal illumination A light source concealed or contained within the sign and which becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.
Marquee A roofed structure attached to and extending from the front facade of a building and which projects at least three feet from the building, and which is erected over a customer doorway(s) to provide protection from the weather, such as at a theater.
Marquee sign Any sign that is part of or attached to a marquee (See Figure 9-7).
Master sign plan A site plan and accompanying documentation that identifies all existing and proposed signage for a nonresidential development.
Mechanical movement Refers to animation, revolution, vertical and/or horizontal movement.
Memorial sign Memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers, statuary, or other remembrances of persons or events that are noncommercial in nature.
Multifamily complex sign See "subdivision identification sign."
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Mural A picture painted directly on a wall.
Neon illumination Illumination caused by neon and similar electrically charged gases within a glass or plastic tube, specifically including cold cathode and other similar light sources but not fluorescent light sources.
Neon sign Any sign using neon illumination to form letters, symbols, or other shapes.
Nonconforming sign A sign, sign structure, or any part thereof that does not comply with the provisions of this article, but which lawfully existed prior to the effective date of this article. In order to be lawfully nonconforming, a sign that required a Township permit at the time the sign was placed shall have received a Township permit.
Obstructive sign Any sign erected or maintained at the intersection of roads in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of the intersection; any sign located in a sight triangle (see definition in § 020-020).
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Off-premises sign A sign advertising a land use or promoting a commercial or noncommercial message unrelated to the activity conducted on the lot, development or site where the sign is located; or a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, or attraction sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than on the same lot or development where the sign is located.
On-premises sign Signs accessory to commercial, industrial, or institutional activities, the purpose of which is to sell or index a product, service, or activity or to provide information regarding a commercial, industrial, or institutional facility. On-premises signs are located on the same lot, development or site as the advertised use. If a sign relates to an activity or use within a resort complex or commercial resort, a business subdivision or multifamily development, and that sign is placed within that same complex, resort, subdivision or development, such sign shall be considered an on-premises sign, even if the sign is on a different lot than the activity or use advertised by the sign.
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Pedestrian information sign plaza A freestanding on-premises sign, not attached to the exterior of a building, that lists the tenants or occupants of a group of nonresidential buildings and which directs pedestrians to the various locations, and which may include a map.
Pennant Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or otherwise flexible or reflective material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
Person Any individual, association, company, corporation, firm, organization, or partnership, singular or plural, of any kind.
Personal use and information sign An individual sign installed on a private residential lot by the owner or tenant of that lot for the purposes of displaying the following types of information: street addresses, nameplates, private street signs, home occupation signs, property names, for sale signs, warning signs, garage sale signs, alarm company signs, "No Trespassing" signs, "No Soliciting" signs, "Beware of Dog" signs, "No Parking" signs, "No Dumping" signs, "No Hunting or Fishing" signs, and signs for closely similar purposes.
Political sign Signs used to advertise an individual candidate or slate of candidates for any public office or a statement of an opinion on a political matter or referendum. Political signs are not personal use and information signs.
Portable sign Any sign, magnetic or otherwise, not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure; a sign designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels, signs converted to A- or T-frames, menu and sandwich board signs, balloons used as signs, and umbrellas used for advertising (See Figure 9-8).
Premises A lot or adjacent lots in common ownership, together with the buildings and structures thereon.
Private drive sign A personal use and identification sign located at the entrance of a private drive and denoting that access as private.
Projecting sign A sign which extends perpendicularly to a facade (See Figure 9-9), and which is not a Blade sign.
Public notification sign A temporary public use and information sign installed by a government employee that provides public notice of a government event.
Public use and information sign Signs installed by a public entity (such as the Township, commonwealth, school district or federal government). Public use and information signs include, but are not limited to street signs, traffic control signs, public notification signs, and any other sign required by the Township to provide services to its residents. Public use and information signs also include, but are not limited to, off-premises signs specifically authorized by PennDOT regulations to direct persons to tourism attractions.
Real estate sign A temporary individual sign announcing the proposed sale or lease of part or all of a structure or land.
Residential area The PRD, R-1, R-2 and R-3 Zoning Districts.
Roof sign A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building and which extends in height above the total structural height of the building roof. (See Figure 9-10).
Rural area The CON and RR Zoning Districts.
Shopping cart corral sign A sign fastened to a shopping cart corral structure designating the structure for the return of shopping carts.
Sign See definitions in Article IX, § 090-020 of this chapter.
Sign Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.
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Sign alteration Any change to any feature of a sign, including, but not necessarily limited to, location, area, height, or physical design features, excluding, however:
(1) Changes in copy and/or the advertising message;
(2) Regular maintenance of the sign, including electrical, repainting, or cleaning of a sign; or
(3) The repair of a sign.
Sign setbacks The minimum distance required between any property line and any portion of a sign or sign structure and/or the required spacing between two signs.
Sign structure The supports, uprights, bracing or framework of any structure exhibiting a sign, be it single-faced, double-faced, V-type or otherwise. Any trailer, vehicle and/or any other device that is readily movable and designed or used primarily for the display of signs (rather than with signs as an accessory function) shall be construed to be a sign structure.
Snipe sign A sign that is attached to a tree, pole, stake, fence or similar object, and which is readable from a street, and which is not allowed in that location by this article as a different type of sign.
Special event sign Individual signs announcing special events, including but not limited to:
(1) Auctions, grand openings, new management, going out of business and similar purposes;
(2) Events sponsored by religious, charitable, or public service groups;
(3) Festivals within a resort complex or commercial resort; or
(4) Festivals sponsored by the Township.
Street access Access to a publicly owned road by a permitted driveway.
Street sign A public use and information sign identifying the name of a street or road.
Subdivision identification sign A type of ground sign located at the entrance of a Township-approved subdivision or multifamily complex and identifying the name of the development. A subdivision identification sign is not a freestanding sign.
Traffic control sign A public use and information sign used to direct traffic, control direction or speed, or warn pedestrians and motorists of hazards or unusual road conditions.
Vehicular directory sign A sign containing one or two sides which displays smaller signs, often of equal size, to provide directions to motorists within a nonresidential lot, development or site. For the purposes of this article, drive-through menu signs are also classified as vehicular directory signs.
Vehicular sign Any sign of more than 40 square feet of sign area that is displayed within clear view of a public street on a parked vehicle or trailer or that is transported by a vehicle, where the primary purpose of such vehicle, trailer or transported sign is to advertise a product, service or business or to direct people to a business or activity. If a vehicle or trailer is used on a daily basis to transport persons and materials off of the site, it shall not be considered to be a vehicular sign.
Vending machine sign An individual sign that was incorporated into the design of a vending machine and cannot be removed from the machine. These signs advertise either the distributor that stocks the machine or the major supplier of the machine's contents.
Wall sign A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of, the sign.
Warning sign See "personal use and information sign."
Window sign A sign painted or attached to a window or transparent door, and which can be read from outside the building and which provides advertisements or information to persons standing outside the building.
Yard sale sign See "garage sale sign."
General standards and criteria for signs.
The regulations of this section specify the area and heights of signs that are allowed within the Township and which require a permit.

A. Determination of sign area. The following criteria shall be used to determine the area of a sign:
(1) The entire face of the sign (one side only) including all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or closed, and any framing, bracing, or wall work incidental to its decoration shall be included (see Figure 9-12).
FIGURE 9-12 - DETERMINING SIGN AREA
(2) Where a sign structure has more than one sign face, one sign face shall be used to calculate the sign area. Where sign faces on the same sign structure differ in size, the largest sign face shall be used to determine the sign area.
(3) Where the sign face consists of individual raised and/or recessed letters, logos, symbols, and/or graphics, the sign area shall be the area of the smallest rectangle that can encompass those letters, logos, symbols, and/or graphics (see Figure 9-13). Where the sign consists of a sign face of irregular shape, the sign area shall be the area of the smallest rectangle that can encompass the sign face, background, and frame. However, if a sign is a perfect circle, the sign shall be allowed to be measured based upon the square feet within the circle. An irregular sign may be measured based upon two rectangles. Such calculation shall also apply to a sign placed on a canopy or awning.
FIGURE 9-13 - DETERMINING SIGN AREA II
Sign Area = total width multiplied by total height within a rectangle.
In the above examples, the sign area would be A multiplied by B, and C multiplied by D.

B. Determination of sign height. Sign height shall be based upon the vertical distance from the "grade level" (as defined by this article) and the total height of the sign. If a sign is directed towards an adjacent street and the nearest segment of that street has an elevation of pavement that is more than 10 feet higher than the grade level under the sign, then the sign height may be measured from that elevation of pavement.

General sign requirements.
All signs shall meet the following additional requirements:
A. Sign materials and construction. All signs shall be constructed and installed in compliance with the current construction code(s).

B. Maintenance. Every sign, including signs that do not need a permit, shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, clean, and attractive condition.

C. Design. Except as otherwise allowed herein, no part of a sign or other commercial display shall contain or consist of pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving, fluttering, or revolving devices. No sign shall utilize mechanical movement or sequin or sparkle effects, unless otherwise allowed by this article.
(1) Fluorescent and/or neon signs. No sign shall be permitted that is comprised of exposed fluorescent tubing or neon or similar lighting, except that an allowed principal commercial use may have a single neon sign if it is located in a window in compliance with this article and where allowed under Schedule I (see § 090-080A).
(2) Sign emissions. No sign which emits smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odor shall be permitted.
(3) Sign projections. Except as otherwise permitted by this article (such as for a projecting sign), signs shall have no projecting elements greater than 18 inches.
(4) Mirrors. No mirror-type device shall be used as a part of a sign.
(5) Holographic images. Signs shall contain no parts that are holographic or that are able to produce any holographic image.
(6) Clear sight triangle. No sign shall be located within a clear sight triangle or shall otherwise create a traffic visibility hazard.

D. Setbacks and signs in the right-of-way and on public property.
(1) Except as otherwise permitted by this article, all signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from a street right-of-way line, or from a street cartway where a right-of-way line does not exist. Only official governmental signs and signs authorized under PennDOT regulations to be located within a public right-of-way shall be allowed within a public right-of-way.
(2) Public property.
(a) A person or nongovernmental entity shall not post any sign upon public property without written permission from the governmental entity that owns or controls that property, except for customary information utility companies place on utility poles. Political and commercial advertising signs shall not be allowed on public property except for:
[1] Political signs on election days where allowed outside of a polling place; and
[2] Signs authorized by a governmental entity to recognize a sponsor of a festival or recreation association, provided such signs are not designed to be readable from a public street or dwelling.
(b) A sign posted on Township property or within a public street right-of-way without governmental permission may be removed and discarded.
(3) Freestanding signs of more than 10 square feet in sign area shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any adjacent lot line of a lot that is not in common ownership with the lot where the sign is located.

E. Signs on private property. No person shall post a nongovernmental sign upon private property without permission from the property owner. A nongovernmental sign posted on private property without permission of the property owner may be removed and discarded by the property owner or his/her designee.

F. Signs and traffic safety. All signs shall meet the following minimum traffic safety standards:
(1) No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any of the following:
(a) The clear sight triangle at any street intersection;
(b) Safe sight distances at vehicle driveways; or
(c) Views of a traffic control sign or a traffic signal.
(2) No signs or outdoor graphics shall by color, location, or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or traffic signals.

Sign illumination.
Sign illumination applies to all signs and shall be subject to the following regulations:

A. Prohibited sign illumination. The following types of sign and graphic illumination are prohibited in all areas:
(1) Bare bulb illumination;
(2) Flame illumination; and
(3) Beacons or strobe lights.

B. Types of sign illumination.
(1) Indirect illumination. Indirect illumination of signs is permitted in all districts.
(2) Internal illumination. Internal illumination of signs is permitted only in C1, C2 and I districts. Where allowed, internal sign illumination shall involve one of the following methods:
(a) Only the letters, logos, and/or symbols are illuminated, shining through a solid non-white background (as seen in Figure 9-15); or
FIGURE 9-15 - INTERNAL ILLUMINATION
(b) Illuminated channel letters, logos, and/or symbols are utilized (as seen in Figure 9-16).
FIGURE 9-16 - INTERNAL ILLUMINATION II
(3) Floodlight illumination. Floodlight illumination is permitted only in C1, C2 and I districts.

C. Regulations on sign illumination, electronically changeable message signs, and movement of signs.
(1) Lighting shall be aimed and shielded so that no light directly shines on residential properties.
(2) Lighting shall be aimed and shielded so that no light shines in the eyes of motorists or pedestrians.
(3) The lighting shall not be located more than 15 feet from the sign.
(4) Shielding shall be provided to prevent glare. All sign illumination must comply with regulations of this article regarding glare. See § 100-080.
(5) On-premises signs may be illuminated whenever a business is open plus 1/2 hour prior to opening and 1/2 hour after closing; provided, however, there shall be no restriction on illumination necessary for the security and/or safety of the facility in question and its premises.
(6) Signs shall not include electronically or digitally moving or flashing or animated or flickering images or letters. Electronically changing messages shall not change more often than once every 15 seconds, except that signs with an electronically changing image of more than 30 square feet shall not change more often than once every 30 seconds. An off-premises sign shall not be an electronically changeable message sign.
(7) An electronically changeable message sign shall not have an illumination level between sunset and sunrise of more than 250 nits, except the maximum level shall be 150 nits if such sign is a pre-existing nonconforming sign located in any zoning district other than the C1, C2 and/or I district. The maximum luminance between sunrise and sunset shall be 5,000 nits. Such sign shall have a light-sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural light conditions change, to comply with this lighting level. Prior to receiving a final permit for the sign, the applicant shall provide written evidence from a qualified independent professional that these maximum lighting levels are being met. The qualifications of such professional shall be submitted in writing.
(8) No two electronically changeable message signs shall be spaced less than 500 feet apart along any public road within the Township. The spacing requirement applies to signs located on both sides of the road.
(9) Maximum sign area for an electronically changing message sign is 40 square feet per face.
(10) No more than one electronically changeable message sign shall be permitted per lot, subject to the restrictions and requirements of this chapter.
(11) No electronically changeable message sign shall be located within 500 feet of any lot containing a residential use and/or any lot located within a residential zoning district.

On-premises signs.
Sign bonus for signs that appear to have relief-cut wood. The maximum sign area for any sign may be increased by 20% for a sign that has an appearance of relief-cut wood, and which is not internally illuminated. (Note: The Construction Code may require the use of artificial materials for fire safety purposes.) This sign bonus and the sign bonus provided in Subsection C may be added together if the requirements for each are met.
 

 
Prohibited signs.
Any sign that is not specifically allowed by this article is hereby prohibited. The following signs are also specifically prohibited:
A. Freestanding signs greater than 20 feet in height.
B. Changeable signs that are manually changed and that involve more than 60 square feet of sign area per side.
C. Snipe signs.
D. Vehicular signs, involving vehicles parked on private property within 50 feet from a public street right-of-way and that are within clear view of a public street.
E. Off-premises signs that do not meet the requirements for such signs in this article.
F. Feather flag/banner.
G. Pennants.
H. Airdancer.

 
Nonconforming signs.
A. Registration of nonconforming signs; illegal signs.
(1) If the applicant presents sufficient information to the Zoning Officer to determine that a nonconforming sign is lawful, or if Township records show that such sign is lawful, then upon a written request, the Zoning Officer may issue a certificate of nonconformity to the applicant regarding an existing sign.
(2) The Zoning Officer shall have the authority to document some or all existing signs and to investigate whether or not any sign is legal. If the Zoning Officer determines that a sign is not legally allowed and is not lawfully nonconforming, then the Zoning Officer shall have the authority to issue an enforcement notice and to follow the allowed process to have the sign removed or brought into conformity with this article, as provided in § 090-040 above.

B. The right to continue to display a nonconforming sign shall become void if a lawful nonconforming sign has been discontinued for one year or more. In such case, the sign shall be presumed to be abandoned, and any subsequent use of such sign shall be in conformity with the regulations of this article applicable to the district in which it is located.

C. Removal of nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign, together with its panel cabinet, supports, braces, anchors, and electrical equipment, shall be removed or brought into compliance at the expense of the owner within 60 days of notice from the Township to the owner in any of the following situations:
(1) When a nonconforming sign has been considered abandoned under Subsection B above; or
(2) When the sign becomes a nuisance sign, as defined by § 090-020.

D. Alteration of nonconforming signs. Any sign lawfully existing or under construction on this article and which does not conform to one or more provisions of this article may be continued in operation and maintained indefinitely as a legal nonconforming sign subject to compliance with the provisions of this § 090-150 and the following requirements:
(1) Maintenance. The sign shall be adequately maintained and continue to advertise an active use.
(2) Area. The total area or height of a nonconforming sign shall not be increased except if the increase would conform with this article. A nonconforming sign shall not be moved or relocated, unless the new location would make the sign less nonconforming.

E. Replacement. Nonconforming signage may be replaced in its entirety, provided that there is no additional nonconformity or increase in the degree of nonconformity of the replacement signage.

F. Temporary removal. Nonconforming signage may also be temporarily removed from the lot or structure to which it is affixed for a period of up to 180 consecutive days to make repairs to or modernize the signage or structure. A sign removed for a longer period of time shall no longer be considered to be nonconforming.

G. Moving. A nonconforming sign shall not be moved to another position on a structure or lot unless the new location is less nonconforming or unless an immaterial change in location occurs following modernization of the sign.

H. Nonconforming signs not kept in proper repair. All nonconforming signs and/or sign structures that are not kept in proper repair (such as having missing or broken components) shall be identified by the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Officer shall notify the property owner of the sign's condition. The owner shall repair or remove the sign within 60 days of receipt of notification from the Township, unless the Zoning Officer specifies a shorter time period in the notice because of hazards or a longer time period for reasons of necessity. If an appeal is not submitted, and the sign is not repaired or removed in such time period after notification from the Township, the Township may order the removal of the sign at the expense of the owner.

I. Voluntary removal or replacement of nonconforming signs. A lawful existing nonconforming sign may be replaced with a new sign, provided the new sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign.
(1) The application fee for a zoning sign permit application that would replace a nonconforming sign with a conforming sign shall be waived.

 
Sign purposes and applicability.

A. Purposes. This article is intended to create and maintain an attractive community, while avoiding nuisances. Signs affect the use of adjacent streets, sidewalks, and property. This article establishes reasonable and impartial regulations for all signs, in order to:
(1) Protect the general public health, safety and convenience;
(2) Reduce traffic hazards caused by distracting and confusing signs;
(3) Ensure the effectiveness of public traffic signs and signals;
(4) Protect property values;
(5) Preserve the scenic beauty, unique character and residential neighborhoods of the Township;
(6) Further economic development;
(7) Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of sign regulations; and
(8) Require the repair and/or removal of substandard signs and outdated sign messages.

B. Applicability. A sign shall only be placed, established, painted, created, or maintained in Middle Smithfield Township in conformance with the standards, procedures and other requirements of this article. This article serves:
(1) To establish a permitting system to allow a variety of sign types in the various zoning districts, subject to the standards of this article;
(2) To allow various types of less obtrusive signs that are limited in dimensions and type so as to be incidental to the principal land use of the property on which the signs are located, but without a requirement for permits;
(3) To ensure that all signs comply with the provisions of this article; and
(4) To establish a process for the Zoning Officer to assess the status of nonconforming signs.