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ANIMATED SIGN
A sign with action or motion, flashing, color changes requiring electrical energy, light-emitting diodes (LED) or other light sources as part of the sign or sign face, electronic or digital sign face, electronic manufactured sources of supply, but not including static LED fuel price signs or wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners, or specialty items.
AWNING SIGN
Any sign painted on or applied to a structure made of cloth, canvas, metal or similar material which is affixed to a building and projects therefrom.
BANNER
A sign consisting of lightweight, flexible material that is supported by frame, rope, wires or other anchoring devices, which may or may not include copy, logo or graphic symbols.
BILLBOARD
A freestanding off-premises sign.
BUSINESS SIGN
A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon the same premises as those upon which the sign is maintained.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
A freestanding sign with two identical faces of equal sign area which are back-to-back and no more than two feet apart.
FESTOON SIGN
An electrically lighted sign comprised of either:
A. A group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or other structure(s).
B. Light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
FLASHING SIGN
A sign whose illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, or animation. Illuminated signs that indicate the date, time, and temperature will not be considered flashing signs.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign and supporting structure which is secured in the ground and independent of any building, fence or other support. For the purpose of this definition, freestanding signs may consist of the following:
A. GROUND SIGN
A sign designed to be viewed at eye level or below within the immediate vicinity and which is intended to be designed and viewed as an architecturally unified and proportional element.
B. POLE SIGN
A sign which is detached from a building and supported by no more than two poles or other structural supports which are architecturally dissimilar to the design of the sign.
GROUND SIGN
A sign designed to be viewed at eye level or below within the immediate vicinity and which is intended to be designed and viewed as an architecturally unified and proportional element.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A wall sign indicating the name or address of a building or the name of the management thereof.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A nonflashing or nontwinkling sign which has letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by a lighting source as a part of the sign.
LED FUEL PRICE SIGN
A static light-emitting diode numeric sign for the purpose of displaying fuel pricing only.
MARQUEE SIGN
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a movie theater or similar place of entertainment.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
Any sign which has a valid permit, was erected prior to the effective date of this chapter or any subsequent amendment hereto and which does not otherwise conform to the provisions of this chapter.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A commercial sign, to include billboards, which is not located on the premises or entity indicated or advertised by said sign, or a commercial sign advertising a commodity, service, or entertainment offered at a location other than the location of the sign.
POLE SIGN
A sign which is detached from a building and supported by no more than two poles or other structural supports which are architecturally dissimilar to the design of the sign.
POLITICAL SIGN
A temporary sign relating to the election of a person to a public office, or a political party, or a matter to be voted upon at an election by the general public.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign designed to be transported or moved, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by wheels, signs converted to A-frames, or menu and sandwich boards.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign which is attached directly to any building wall and which extends more than 12 inches from the face of the wall.
REVOLVING SIGN
A sign which revolves in a circular motion rather than remaining stationary on its supporting structure.
SIGN
Any writing, figure, representation, logo, emblem, flag, lighting, banner, device, letter, word, or street clock and temperature announcement, which shall include any announcement, declaration, display, illustration, name, identification, description, or insignia, which is used to advertise or promote the interest of any person or firm and is placed in the general view of the public.
SIGN AREA
A. The area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed, but excluding any supporting framework and bracing which are solely incidental to the display itself, provided the same do not contain any lettering, wording, designs, or symbols. For the purpose of this chapter, sign area shall be computed as a square or rectangle drawn at the outer limits of the sign face.
B. Where the sign consists of a double face, only one side shall be considered for the purpose of calculating total sign area. Where both sides are not identical, or where the interior angle formed by the faces of a sign is greater than 45°, all faces shall be considered in calculating total sign area.
SIGN FACE
The part of a sign that is, or can be, used to identify, advertise, and communicate information for visual representation that attracts the attention of the public for any purpose. This definition shall include any background material, panel, trim, and color used that differentiate the sign from the building or structure on which it is placed. The sign structure shall not be included, provided no message, display, or symbol is designed and included as a part of the structure.
SIGN HEIGHT
The distance from the highest portion of the sign, including all structural elements to mean grade.
SIGN STRUCTURE
A supporting structure erected and used for the purpose of identification or attracting attention with or without a sign thereon, situated upon any premises where a sign may be located. This definition shall not include a building, fence, wall, or earthen berm.
TEMPORARY SIGN
Any sign erected for a period of time not to exceed 30 days in any one calendar year.
VEHICULAR SIGN
Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign, or signs, no longer is incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
WALL SIGN
Any sign erected against the wall of a building, or displayed on windows or doors, or displayed with the exposed face thereof in a plane parallel to the face of said wall, window, or door and which sign is mounted at a distance measured perpendicular to said wall not greater than 12 inches.
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign placed upon a window or inside the window and within 12 inches of the surface of the window, facing the outside, which is to be used for advertising purposes. Show window displays are not included within this definition.
Supplemental criteria. 
The following criteria apply to all permanent signs or all signs requiring a sign permit:
 
A. Materials. Signs shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone, or other appropriate material, including plastic, which has the general appearance of structures composed primarily of wood, metal, or stone, with painted, engraved, or raised markings. Sign materials should be consistent with and complement the original construction materials and architectural style of the building facade on which they are to be displayed. For this reason, natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal are most appropriate. If plywood is used, medium-density overlay (MDO) shall be used as a minimum grade.
(1) To encourage design excellence, when approved by the Planning Commission at a public meeting following presentation by the applicant, the maximum sign areas may be increased by the percentages as provided herein. A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each of the criteria, and the area is cumulative, but the percentage increase is based upon the original sign area limitation.
(2) Freestanding signs may be increased as follows:
(a) 20% when the sign is constructed of natural wood, in natural finish with only the markings in other than natural finish.
(b) 10% when a directory sign utilizes uniform coloring and lettering for all establishments listed in the directory.
(c) 10% when the sign is installed in a landscaped planter having an area four times the area of the resultant sign.
(d) 10% if the sign is designated to contain only the identification of the establishment.

B. Lettering. Lettering styles should complement the style and architecture of the building on which they appear. Traditional block and curvilinear styles, which are easy to read, are preferred.

C. Color. Each sign so erected shall contain a maximum of four colors, including black and white. In selecting the principal colors for a sign, colors which complement the general tone of the building should be used. Business logos shall not be included in determining the maximum number of colors.

D. Illumination. Where permitted, signs shall be illuminated only as authorized in an appropriate sign permit by a steady, stationary light of reasonably minimal intensity. Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent properties and streets and shall not be of such intensity as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists. Signs using internal illumination shall be designed so that when illuminated at night, only the markings of the sign are visible. No light shall emanate through the background, the borders, sides, or any other surface of the sign or its supporting structure. Individual, solid letters with internal lighting tubes, which backlight a wall in a halo effect, shall be permitted.

E. Electrical connections. The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground cables. All signs shall include an inspection certificate from an electrical underwriter.

F. Nuisance. No sign shall create a public nuisance by emitting smoke, sound, vapor, particle emission or odors.

G. Sign removal. Any sign which no longer advertises an existing use conducted on the premises shall be removed by owner of the property within 30 days. The Zoning Officer, upon determining that such use has ceased while a sign remains, shall notify the owner of the premises, in writing, to remove said sign within 30 days from the date of such notice. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the prescribed period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause removal of such sign and to collect the cost of such removal, together with any penalties, from the owner in a manner provided by law.


Structural requirements; maintenance. 
A. No sign or sign structure shall be erected unless it complies with all applicable requirements of the current Building Code used by the Township.

B. All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and in a presentable condition, such that all sign information is clearly legible. Any sign found to show deterioration, including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes, and missing parts or information items, shall constitute a violation of this article.

C. Permits are not required for changeable copy, repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign, unless the sign structure, design, color, or lighting is altered.
 





 
 
Sign permits. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign within the Township of Easttown without first obtaining a sign permit in accordance with Article XIII: Administration and Enforcement, unless such sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements.
 
A. Signs are prohibited in all zoning districts unless:
(1) Constructed pursuant to a valid sign permit, when required under this article; and
(2) Authorized under this article.

B. The following signs or lighting features are prohibited in all zoning districts:
(1) Any sign by color, shape, location, or manner of illuminations which may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hides from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
(2) Any sign attached to a utility pole, parking meter, traffic signpost, traffic signal or control device, street sign, historical marker, tree or rock.
(3) Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent.
(4) Signs that create a hazard by obstructing the clear view of vehicles and pedestrian traffic.
(5) Signs permitted in accordance with § 455-81: Specific sign regulations., § 455-82: Supplemental criteria. and § 455-83: Nonconforming signs. that are not designed, assembled and installed by a licensed sign company.
(6) Illuminated tubing or strings of lights, excluding temporary signs for traditional seasonal decorations, which outline rooflines, doors, windows, or wall edges.
(7) Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exitway.
(8) Vehicular signs.
(9) Abandoned or dilapidated signs.
(10) Revolving signs.
(11) Festoon signs.
(12) Beacon lights.
(13) Roof signs.
(14) Bench signs.
(15) Flashing signs.
(16) Any sign inconsistent with provisions of this article.
 
A. A sign which is nonconforming at the effective date of this article may be continued although such sign does not conform to the provisions of this article, but the size of any such nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged.

B. A nonconforming sign shall not be changed to or replaced by another nonconforming sign. Nonconforming signs, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs.

C. No nonconforming sign which has been involuntarily damaged or otherwise destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of its value shall be repaired or rebuilt, except as a conforming sign.

D. Signs which are conforming at the effective date of this article and which identify and advertise nonconforming uses shall be maintained as conforming in accordance with this article.

E. Whenever any nonconforming use of a building, structure, or land, or of a combination of buildings, structures, and land, ceases as prescribed in § 455-122D, all signs accessory to such use and all of its support hardware shall be deemed to become nonconforming and shall be removed within 30 days from the date such use terminates.
 
Purpose; intent. 
It is the purpose of this article to regulate all signs within the Township, to ensure that they are appropriate and in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment and to protect the public health, safety, morals and general welfare. In addition, the intent of this article is to:
A. Encourage good design in the context of the overall image and visual environment of the Township.
B. Enhance the appearance of the zoning district, taking into account the nature of the uses permitted within the zoning district, and thus stimulate as well as protect the economic viability of the Township.
C. Provide for signage which is adequate, but not excessive, and which displays a message through use of pictures, symbols, and logos for rapid comprehension by the public.
D. Prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
E. Avoid excessive competition for large multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness and confusion.
F. Allow for the coordination of signs to reflect the character of the architecture, landscape and visual themes that the Township is supporting.
G. Promote signs which are designed utilizing clear, crisp lettering and bold, uncomplicated symbols which will identify a business or activity efficiently and also enhance the area where located as well as the general appearance of the street or town.
H. Prevent sign overload and excessively large signs that create a visually chaotic and competitive situation within the business community.

Note: For purposes of this section, the lessor of a property is considered the property owner. If there are multiple lessors of a property, then each lessor shall have the same rights and duties as the property owner, and the size of the property shall be deemed to be the property that the lessor has the sole right to occupy under the lease.