§ 450-59. Off-premises signs (including billboards).

A. 

Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this article for the following purposes, to: ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development; prevent visual pollution in the Borough and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Borough are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs and on-premises signs; carry out the purposes listed in § 450-48.

B. 

Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully placed off-premises sign that is in structurally sound condition.

C. 

PennDOT sign. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted by right in all districts.

D. 

Permitted off-premises signs. Except for signs allowed by § 450-50, an off-premises sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements:

(1) 

District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the GC District.

(2) 

Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.

(3) 

Maximum sign area: 300 square feet.

(4) 

Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet from any other off-premises sign, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign.

(5) 

Maximum height: 35 feet above the elevation of the adjacent street or highway, measured at the street or highway center line.

(6) 

Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign, except that a sign may have two sign faces of 300 square feet each if they are placed approximately back to back.

(7) 

Control of lighting and glare. See standards in § 450-42.

(8) 

Residences. No off-premises sign greater than 30 square feet in sign area shall be located within 200 feet from a lot line of an existing dwelling.

(9) 

Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition. The area around the sign shall be kept free of debris.