Area of Signs.
1. The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed (but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself).
2. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
3. In computing square-foot area of a double faced sign, only one side shall be counted; however, both sides must be identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
Illumination of Signs.
1. Directly Illuminated Sign. A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a source of light within such sign, including but not limited to neon and exposed lamp signs.
A. Festoon lighting is a directly illuminated sign comprised of either:
(1) A group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or structure; or
(2) Light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent the direct rays of the light from shining on an adjacent property or right-of-way.
2. Indirectly Illuminated Sign. A sign illuminated by an outside light source.
3. Flashing Sign. An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
4. Non-Illuminated Sign. A sign which is not illuminated either directly or indirectly.
Location of Signs.
1. On-Premises Sign. A sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity conducted on the same lot.
2. Off-Premises Sign. A sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a commodity, political activity, public event, industry, home occupation or other similar activity which is sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on the lot upon which the sign is located.
Types of Signs.
1. Freestanding Sign. A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles or standards either on the ground or on the roof of a building. The height of freestanding signs on the ground shall be measured from the ground level beneath the sign and shall include all framework.
2. Parallel Sign. A sign mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface. Parallel signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted, or shall not project more than eight inches from its surface.
3. Projecting Sign. Any sign mounted to a wall or other vertical building surface other than a parallel sign. Projecting signs shall not project more than two feet from the wall or surface to which they are mounted nor in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
4. Nonstationary Sign. A sign which, by means of some mechanical device, changes it position constantly or at regular intervals by rotating around an axis or shifting in horizontal or vertical alignment.
5. Moveable Sign. A sign which is not fixed to a permanent supporting structure or building and is displayed on either a temporary or long term basis.
6. Vehicular Sign. A vehicle to which a sign is painted or affixed and which is used or parked in such a manner that carrying of such sign or signs no longer is incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself.
7. Directory Sign. A sign which provides a list of the persons, businesses, or other activity located within a building.
General Sign Regulations.
Obstruction. No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of 25 feet from the intersection of any street lines or the intersection of a street line and the edge of a private accessway, unless the location of the sign is situated at least eight feet above the level of the street center line. No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with traffic through glare, through blocking or reasonable sight lines for streets, sidewalks or driveways, through confusion with a traffic control device (by reasons of color, location, shape or other characteristic) or through any other means.
Overhanging. No sign shall overhang any walkway or public right-of-way, except for overhanging signs that meet all other criteria as specified elsewhere in this Chapter and which are within an Historical District.
Maintenance. All signs permitted in this Part must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated shall be removed by the Borough at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.
Directly Illuminated Signs. Directly illuminated signs, including but not limited to neon, light emitting diode (LED), and electronic digital signs, shall be prohibited in the Historic District created and designated pursuant to the provisions of Chapter
4, Part
2, of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Doylestown. Where otherwise permitted, directly illuminated signs shall utilize a dark background (translucent or opaque) and bright letters instead of bright backgrounds and dark or opaque letters.
Separate Frontage. If an establishment has walls fronting on two or more streets, the total sign area permitted shall be computed at 1 1/2 times the total sign area permitted for buildings with a single frontage.
Signs Within Street Lines. Signs erected by a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic signs and similar regulatory notices, shall be allowed within street lines. No other signs shall be permitted within street lines, except that this provision shall be waived for parallel signs in areas where no front yard setback is required.
Yard Requirements. No portion of any freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the required yard for the district in which it is located. If this requirement cannot be met, then freestanding signs shall be prohibited on such properties. This requirement shall not apply to signs as stipulated in
§ 708: On-Premises Signs.
The total square footage of all signs on one frontage shall not exceed 100 square feet. Nonadvertising, directional signs shall not be included in the computation of total sign area.
Temporary window signs such as sale of items or promotions shall be on a timed basis so as not be become a permanent sign. The display of temporary window signs shall not exceed 60 days.
Where two or more businesses share an entrance to a building, they shall be required to group their signs in a single directory sign.
Glare. The light source for an indirectly illuminated sign shall be so directed and shielded that no direct rays are visible either on or off lot.
Freestanding signs shall be so landscaped as to screen any utility and/or service equipment associated with them.
Locational Restricted.
1. Freestanding ground signs may not exceed six feet in height.
2. Parallel and projecting signs or portions of such signs shall not be located above the ceiling of the ground floor of any building, nor more than 12 feet above the upper surface of the nearest curb, whichever is less.
