Bill 170504

..Title To amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapters 14-200, entitled "Definitions," and 14-900 "Signs," all under certain terms and conditions. ..Body THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Key: 1. In Tables that contain bracketed table notes, and in the table notes, deletions are indicated by { } rather than [ ]. TITLE 14. ZONING AND PLANNING. * * * CHAPTER 14-200. DEFINITIONS. § 14-203. Definitions. For purposes of this Zoning Code, the following definitions shall apply; words, phrases, and terms not defined herein, but defined in Title 4 (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code), shall be construed as defined in Title 4. * * * [(279) Sign, Accessory Digital News Ticker. A digital, illuminated horizontal sign band, with or without flashing images, that displays a scrolling stream of news and informational messages, including but not limited to stock prices, sports scores, headline news, and entertainment news.] (279) Reserved * * * [(281.1) Sign, Digital Display. A sign that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), charge coupled devices (CCDs), plasma or functionally equivalent technologies used to display a series of still images or full motion, usually remotely programmable and changeable. Digital displays do not include animated illumination signs or static illumination signs.] * * * (283) Sign, Free-Standing. Any sign that is supported by a structure of one or more frame, pole, or other support structure [columns, uprights, or braces] permanently erected in or upon the [ground, or affixed to outdoor business equipment or fixtures.] ground. Freestanding signs include monument signs, pylon signs, pole signs, and other permanently affixed signs. [A-frame signs.] (284) Sign, Marquee. A sign attached to or integrated into a marquee, which is an overhanging, substantially horizontal structure of permanent construction attached to a building, whether or not supported by the ground or sidewalk, that projects more than 18 in. over a sidewalk, walkway, or [other] right-of-way, but not including balconies or bay windows. The sign may be located on any face, top, or underside of the marquee. * * * (287) [Reserved.] Sign, Portable. Any sign that is movable and not permanently attached to a structure or the ground. Portable signs include standing or upright, feather flag, banner, pennant, inflatable, wind-activated, and other movable signs. A-frame signs are not included in this definition. * * * (289) Sign, Projecting. A sign of any material, including text, images, or both text and images, that is in any manner affixed to, printed, or painted on any exterior wall of a building or structure such that the sign extends more than 12 in. from the face of the building or structure to which it is attached. This includes signs on the side of an awning. * * * (295) Sign, Wall. A sign, not including a window sign, that is in any manner affixed to, printed, projected, or painted on any exterior wall of a building or structure such that the sign extends forward of that wall by 12 in. or [less; or] less. [a] A sign attached to or integrated into the front or sloped panel of an awning or canopy shall be considered a wall sign. Wall signs include a sign that extends by 12 in. or less from the wall of a bay window parallel to the building façade. * * * (296.2) Sign Illumination, Animated. Illumination of part or all of a sign drawing attention to a sign through an internal [or external] light source [or neon illumination] that exhibits changing intensities or colors, including the following types of Animated Sign Illumination: (a) Digital Sign. A type of illumination that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), charge coupled devises (CCDs), plasma or functionally equivalent technologies used to display a series of still images, usually remotely programmable and changeable. (b) Electronic Message Sign. A type of illumination that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), charge coupled devices (CCDs), plasma, or functionally equivalent technologies to display a series of electronically changeable still messages consisting of alphanumeric text, such as those often used for gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards. (c) Accessory Digital News Ticker. A horizontal sign band that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), charge coupled devices (CCDs), plasma, or functionally equivalent technologies to display a scrolling stream of messages, including but not limited to stock prices, sports scores, headline news, and entertainment news. (296.3) Sign Illumination, Static. Illumination drawing attention to a sign through an internal or external light source or neon illumination that does not change intensities or colors. [Static illumination does not include digital displays.] * * * CHAPTER 14-900. SIGNS. * * * § 14-904. Accessory Sign Controls. (1) Controls that Apply in All Zoning Districts. These controls apply to specific types of signs in all zoning districts in addition to any other controls imposed by this Zoning Code. (a) Signs on Awnings and Canopies and Marquee Signs. (.1) Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall comply with the requirements set forth in §11-603 of the Philadelphia Code in addition to the requirements of this code. (.2) External lighting is permissible under an awning, provided that the lighting is directed toward the area beneath the awning and does not substantially back-light the signage or the awning. (a.1) Animated Sign Illumination. * * * [(b) Digital Display. (.1) Location. (.a) Digital Displays are permitted in base zoning districts as set forth in Table 14-904-1. (.b) Digital displays are prohibited within 200 ft. of any intersection of any two or more streets. (.c) Digital displays are prohibited within 150 ft. of a residential district or facing any residential district within 300 ft. of the digital display.] [.2] (.4) Sign Standards for Animated Illumination. (.a) Except for Accessory Digital News Tickers, the duration of each message using animated illumination [digital display] shall be no less than eight seconds. The change time between messages shall be no more than 0.25 seconds. (.b) During daylight hours, luminance shall be no greater than 1500 nits for all signs incorporating animated illumination. At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 150 nits. Automatic dimming is required to maintain the appropriate illumination levels at all times. [(c)] (b) Directional Signs. * * * (.4) Animated [illumination, digital displays] illumination and mechanical movement signs are prohibited. * * * [(d)] (c) Extension of Signs over Public Rights-of-Way. * * * [(d.1)] (d) Menu Board Sign. * * * (i) Window Sign. (.1) Window signs shall be limited to the ground floor, except that in CMX-2, CMX-2.5, CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5, CA-1, and CA-2 districts, window signs for businesses that are not located on the ground floor shall also be permitted in second floor windows. The total area of signs placed within a window or transparent glass door [signs per floor] shall not exceed 20% of the total transparent glazed area of [all] the window[s and] or transparent glass door[s on that floor] within which they are placed, as defined in §14-203 (Definitions)". (.2) The amount of area [used] permitted for a window sign is [permitted] in addition to the maximum sign area permitted in § 14-902(4)[(2)] (Controls Applicable to Specific Zoning Districts and Defined Areas). (.3) [Digital Displays are] Animated illumination is permitted on window signs in CMX-2, CMX 2.5, and CMX-3 districts, provided [the digital displays] such signs do not exceed 4 sq. ft. [total per building frontage] within any door or window. (j) Portable Sign. (.1) Portable signs shall be temporarily secured to resist rolling, blowing away, tipping over, or otherwise moving from their secured location. (.2) Portable signs shall not be located in the right-of-way. * * * (2) Controls Applicable to Specific Zoning Districts. (a) Sign Controls Table 14-904-1 Additional sign regulations applicable to specific zoning districts are shown in the following tables, collectively labeled Table 14-904-1. * * * (.3) Sign Characteristics (.c) Digital [Display] Sign. A "Yes" in the row labeled "Digital [Display"] Sign" indicates that digital [displays] signs are permitted for the sign type on the corresponding column. A "No" indicates that digital [displays] signs are prohibited. (.e) Electronic Message Sign. A "Yes in the row labeled "Electronic Message Sign" indicates that electronic message signs are permitted for the sign type in the corresponding column. A "No" indicates that electronic message signs are prohibited. (.f) Accessory Digital News Ticker. An accessory digital news ticker shall be permitted only in the Market Street East Advertising District, subject to the requirements of §14-906(6). Table 14-904-1: Accessory Sign Controls for Specific Zoning Districts RSD-1/2/3, RSA-1/2/3, RTA-1, RMX-1/2 Permitted Sign Types Wall Freestanding Standards Maximum Number N/A N/A Maximum Area (sq. ft. {per} for each lot frontage) Home Occupations 492 (except as provided in § 14-604(10)(b)(.1)): 1 Non-Residential Uses: 15 Home Occupations: Prohibited Non-Residential Uses: 15 Maximum Height The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill 7 ft. Additional Requirements N/A Prohibited in required setbacks Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes Animated Illumination (all) No No {Digital Display} {No} {No} Mechanical Motion No No RSA-4/5 and RM-1 Permitted Sign Types Wall Freestanding Standards Maximum Number N/A N/A Maximum Area (sq. ft. {per} for each lot frontage) Home Occupations 493 (except as provided in § 14-604(10)(b)(.1)): 1 Non-Residential Uses: 15 Home Occupations: Prohibited Non-Residential Uses: 15 Maximum Height The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill 7 ft. Additional Requirements N/A Prohibited in required setbacks Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes Animated Illumination (all) No No {Digital Display} {No} {No} Mechanical Motion No No RM-2/3/4 and RMX-3 Permitted Sign Types Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Standards Maximum Number N/A N/A (sq. ft. {per} for each lot frontage) Home Occupations 494 (except as provided in § 14-604(10)(b)(.1)): 1 Non-Residential Uses: 24 Home Occupations: Prohibited Non-Residential Uses: 15 Maximum Height The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill 7 ft. Additional Requirements N/A Prohibited in required setbacks Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes Animated Illumination (all) No No {Digital Display} {No} {No} Mechanical Motion No No CMX-2 and CMX-2.5 Permitted Sign Types Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Standards Maximum Number Wall: N/A Projecting: 1 per frontage 1 per building Maximum Area Lots with one building frontage: Lots with more than one building frontage: 3 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Short side(s): 3 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Long side: 2 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage 100 sq. ft. total Maximum Height The lower of roof line or second floor window sill 20 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes, except that in the CMX-2.5 district internally-illuminated cabinet signs shall be prohibited. Yes Animated Illumination (all) No No {Digital Display} {No} {No} Mechanical Motion Yes Yes CMX-3 Permitted Sign Types Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Standards Maximum Number N/A 1 per building Maximum Area Lots with one building frontage: Lots with more than one building frontage: 6 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Short side(s): 6 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Long side: 4 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage 100 sq. ft. per face; up to 2 faces Maximum Height The lower of roof line or second floor window sill 20 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes Animated Illumination (all) No No {Digital Display} {No} {No} Mechanical Motion Yes Yes CMX-4/5 Permitted Sign Types Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Standards Maximum Number N/A 1 per frontage Maximum Area 2 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of ground floor frontage; 100 sq. ft. per sign 50 sq. ft./face; up to 4 faces Maximum Height The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill 10 ft. Additional Requirements Notwithstanding § 14-904(1)(d), projecting signs shall not extend more than 24 in. over any public right-of-way N/A Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes {Animated Illumination} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Animated Illumination: Digital Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker Yes, as provided in §14-906(6) Yes, as provided in §14-906(6) {Digital Display} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Mechanical Motion Yes Yes CA-1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Portable Standards Maximum Number N/A 1 per lot 1 per building frontage Maximum Area 10 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of ground floor frontage of the business or use with which the sign is associated 200 sq. ft. / face, up to 2 faces 10 sq. ft. Maximum Height The roof line or the higher {lower} of the roof line or parapet wall, if applicable {second floor window sill} 40 ft. 5 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes No {Animated Illumination} {No} {No} Animated Illumination: Digital Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes No Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes No Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker No No No {Digital Display} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Mechanical Motion Yes Yes No CA-2 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Portable Standards Maximum Number N/A 1 per 15,000 sq. ft. of lot area 1 per building frontage Maximum Area 10 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of ground floor frontage of the business or use with which the sign is associated 150 sq. ft. / face, up to 4 faces 10 sq. ft. Maximum Height The roof line or the higher {lower} of the roof line or parapet wall, if applicable {second floor window sill} 40 ft. 5 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes No {Animated Illumination} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Animated Illumination: Digital Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes No Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes No Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker No No No {Digital Display} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Mechanical Motion Yes Yes No IRMX and ICMX Permitted Sign Type Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Standards Maximum Number N/A 1 per lot frontage Maximum Area Lots facing one street line: 3 sq. ft./lin. ft. of building frontage Lots facing more than one street line: 3 sq. ft./lin. ft. of building frontage on the short side, 2 sq. ft./lin. ft. of building frontage on the long side 100 sq. ft. / face, up to 4 faces Maximum Height The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill 20 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes {Animated Illumination} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Animated Illumination: Digital Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker No No {Digital Display} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Mechanical Motion Yes Yes I-1 Permitted Sign Types Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Standards Maximum Number N/A 1 per lot frontage Maximum Area 100 sq. ft. per lot frontage 100 sq. ft. / face, up to 4 faces Maximum Height The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill 20 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes {Animated Illumination} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Animated Illumination: Digital Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign Wall: Yes Others: No Yes Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker No No {Digital Display} {Wall: Yes Others: No} {Yes} Mechanical Motion Yes Yes I-2/I-3/I-P Permitted Sign Types Wall, Projecting, and Marquee Freestanding Standards Maximum Number Others: N/A 1 per lot frontage Maximum Area 1 street front: 15 sq. ft./lin. ft. of building frontage 2+ street fronts: 15 sq. ft./lin. ft. on short side, 5 sq. ft./lin. ft. on long side 100 sq. ft. / face, up to 4 faces Maximum Height The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill 20 ft. Additional Requirements N/A N/A Permitted Sign Characteristics Static Illumination Yes Yes {Animated Illumination } {Yes} {Yes} Animated Illumination: Digital Sign Yes Yes Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign Yes Yes Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker No No {Digital Display} {Yes} {Yes} Mechanical Motion Yes Yes * * * (3) Building Identification Signs in CMX-4, CMX-5, IRMX, ICMX, and I-1 Districts * * * (d) Building identification signs with animated illumination [or digital displays] shall require a special exception approval. SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately. ..End