Ebensburg

Pennsylvania

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Signage Guidelines & Permitting

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Ebensburg Borough Signage Guidelines Summary

This document outlines the Signage Guidelines & Permitting process for the Historic Character Overlay District (HCOD) in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. It establishes rules to preserve the historic character of the borough while allowing businesses to clearly identify themselves.

Key Dates

  • Original Ordinance: June 28, 2010 (Ord. 574)
  • Amendment Date: January 26, 2015 (Ord. 617)

Who Must Comply

  • All exterior signs within the Historic Character Overlay District (HCOD).
  • The HCOD includes the entire Central Business District and residential areas with historic significance.
  • Applies to new signs, altered signs, and rehabilitation of existing signs.

Permitting Process

To install or alter a sign in the HCOD, property owners must obtain two approvals:

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness: Issued by the Ebensburg Main Street Partnership. This ensures the sign fits the historic character of the neighborhood.
  2. Zoning Permit: Issued by the Zoning Officer after the Certificate of Appropriateness is granted. This ensures compliance with the International Building Code.

Appeals: If an applicant disagrees with the Ebensburg Main Street Partnership’s decision, they may request a hearing before the Zoning Hearing Board.

Objectives of the Guidelines

The regulations aim to:

  • Preserve and enhance Ebensburg’s unique historic character.
  • Ensure signs are compatible with the historic past of landmark sites.
  • Promote pedestrian-oriented signage over automotive-focused designs.
  • Allow businesses to clearly identify their goods and services.
  • Prevent damage to historic building fabric during sign installation.

Definitions of Sign Types

The document defines several types of signs, including:

  • Monument Sign: Ground-supported, not attached to a building.
  • Mural: Decorative artwork on walls/fences; no advertising allowed.
  • Pole Sign: Freestanding on a mast/pole, not attached to a building.
  • Projecting Sign: Attached to a building, extending perpendicular or at an angle.
  • Projection Sign: Projects images/messages onto a surface.
  • Temporary Sign: Short-term displays (e. g. , A-frame, banners, yard sale signs).
  • Video Sign: Animated messages projected on a screen.
  • Wall Sign: Attached parallel to the outside wall of a building.
  • Window Sign: Inside or attached to interior of transparent windows/doors, facing outward.

Important Notes

  • All signs must comply with both these guidelines and the Ebensburg Borough Zoning Ordinance.
  • A map identifying the HCOD boundaries is provided at the end of the full document (not shown here).
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