Permits.
A. Permit required.
Except for the following, no person may erect, alter, or relocate within the Township any sign without first obtaining a sign permit:
(1) Exempt signs as specified in
§ 200-76: Exempt signs.
(2) Routine maintenance or changing of the parts of a sign, provided the maintenance or change of parts does not alter the surface area, height, message copy, or otherwise render the sign nonconforming.
B. Permit applications.
Each sign being applied for shall require the filing of a separate permit application. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer on forms prescribed and provided by the Township and shall contain or have attached thereto such components of the following information that the Zoning Officer shall deem relevant for consideration of the permit application:
(1) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant, the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed, and the person or company to be erecting or affixing the sign.
(2) The location of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.
(3) A site plan of the parcel involved, showing all structures and the exact location of the proposed sign.
(4) Two sets of plans and specifications of the sign to be erected or affixed and its method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground. Such plans and specifications shall include details of dimensions, materials, color, and weight.
(5) If necessary, a certification from a professional engineer or architect, indicating the sign is designed to withstand winds of at least 100 miles per hour.
(6) The written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.
(7) The method of illumination, if any, and the position of lighting or other extraneous devices, and a copy of the electrical permit related to the electrical connection.
(8) Such other information as the Zoning Officer may require to determine full compliance with this and other applicable ordinances and regulations of the Township.
C. Issuance of permits.
Upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, the Zoning Officer shall examine the plans, specifications, and other submitted data, and the premises upon which the sign is proposed to be erected or affixed. If it appears that the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this article and other applicable ordinances of the Township, and if the appropriate permit fee has been paid, the Township shall, within 30 days, issue a permit for the proposed sign. The issuance of a permit shall not excuse the applicant from conforming to the other laws, ordinances, or regulations of the Township. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within 90 days after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void, but may be renewed within 15 days prior to the expiration, for good cause shown, for an additional 90 days, upon payment of 0.5 of the original permit fee.
D. Permit fees.
At the time of filing a sign permit application, it shall be accompanied by an appropriate application fee. Application fees shall be in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Board of Supervisors.
Off-premises signs.
A. Off-premises signs are only permitted in the Professional Office Zoning District, with exceptions.
B. Off-premises sign permit application procedure.
(1) An off-premises sign permit application shall be submitted, reviewed and approved under the Township's standard building permit process. An off-premises sign shall not require subdivision and land development approval; however, a detailed site plan shall be included with the sign permit application.
Signs in the ROC/R District.
A. Procedure.
(1) Identification signs, as defined in
§ 200-89.1B(1), and directional/directory signs, as defined in
§ 200-89.1B(2), may be erected and/or replaced by only the overall developer of the unified development area (UDA) or its successor.
(2) The location, size, design, copy and maintenance responsibility of identification signs and directional/directory signs shall be shown on a Master Signage Plan prepared by the overall developer of the UDA (or its successor) and approved by the Board of Supervisors after review and comment by the East Whiteland Township Planning Commission.
(3) Applications for revisions to the sign area of a sign approved as part of the Master Signage Plan may be made by only the overall developer (or its successors) and shall be subject to East Whiteland Township Planning Commission review and Board of Supervisors approval.
