Logan supervisors poised to adopt billboard ordinance

Altoona, Pennsylvania, USA

Logan Township supervisors will consider an ordinance on rules for putting up signs. The document has no specific provisions regarding yard signs, which would fall under temporary signs. But yard signs cannot be stapled to utility poles or trees within a street right of way.()
Logan Township supervisors are ready to consider a 13-page ordinance spelling out a list of rules for putting up signs. It replaces what now takes up two-thirds of a page in the township’s zoning ordinance.“It’s not going to change what we have now, but it’s going to make a difference over time,” said Cassandra Schmick, zoning and development officer.Supervisors are scheduled to hold a hearing Thursday at the municipal building during the 7 p.m. meeting, when they will consider voting on the rules.Supervisors have talked for more than a year about updating the rules and came up with a version in May 2006 that drew criticism from developers who warned that national retailers and restaurant chains would look elsewhere if Logan’s sign rules were too restrictive.
Supervisors later turned the matter over to the planning commission for study and recommendations. The planning commission’s initial version called for banning billboards with liquid crystal display, or LCD, technology that permits them to flash as they change from dark to bright. That was revised after solicitor Larry Clapper explained that the township can only regulate, not ban, a particular type of sign.As proposed for adoption, LCD signs are permitted but only along the corridors in Logan’s business zones and adjoining properties within 100 feet of the right of way.The proposed rules also spell out that future billboards must be at least 500 feet apart and no larger than 300 square feet, unless they’re in the Interstate 99 corridor. Within the I-99 corridor — defined as property within 100 feet of the federal I-99 right of way — almost any sign can be up to 400 square feet.Schmick said the rules on proximity and size will make a difference in the township because current rules have no restrictions.Other provisions within the proposed ordinance spell out that political signs cannot be larger than 4 feet by 4 feet. They can’t be posted more than two months before an election and must be removed within two weeks after the election.Those posting political signs also must apply for a no-fee permit and write the permit number on the bottom right corner of the sign. That number is to be used to identify who is responsible when signs are not removed.Other sections of the proposed ordinance outlaw signs that revolve, emit smoke, make noise or allow glare beyond the property on which it is located.
The ordinance has no specific provisions regarding yard signs but Schmick said they would fall under temporary signs which do not need a permit. But yard signs, as well as all other signs, cannot be stapled or attached to utility poles or trees within a street right-of-way. That’s another provision in the proposed rules.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.

Source: Altoona Mirror June 28, 2007