THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 14. ZONING AND PLANNING.
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CHAPTER 14-900. SIGNS
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§ 14-905. Non-Accessory Signs.
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(16) Non-Accessory Signs on School District of Philadelphia Property.
Applicability.
The provisions of this subsection (16) shall apply to all School District of Philadelphia property, defined as any land, building, or structure: (i) that is owned by the School District of Philadelphia; or (ii) in which the School District of Philadelphia possesses rights sufficient to permit it to authorize the erection of an outdoor advertising sign or a non-accessory sign on such land, building, or structure for six months or more.
(b) Requirements.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Zoning Code to the contrary, outdoor advertising signs and non-accessory signs shall be permitted to be erected and maintained upon School District of Philadelphia property, subject to the following:
(.1) No person shall erect or maintain, or allow to be erected or maintained, a sign advertising any tobacco product or alcohol: (i) upon any School District of Philadelphia property; or (ii) within 1,000 feet of a school, public playground, recreation center, child-care center or library.
(.2) Illuminated, Digital, Flashing, and Revolving Signs.
(.a) Signs may be illuminated by interior lighting or lighting directed toward the sign, provided that the illumination shall be focused upon the sign itself, so as to prevent glare upon the surrounding areas.
(.b) Appropriate locations for the erection of any digital signs, flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination, or signs with mechanically or electronically changing messages shall be determined by the relevant agency.
(.c) Signs that revolve shall require approval from the Zoning Board through the special exception process in § 14-303(7).
(.3) Signs regulated under this subsection (16) shall be exempt from the permit procedures of § 14-905(12)(b) through § 14-905(12)(g).
(.4) Regulations.
In order to implement the provisions of this subsection (16), the Planning Commission shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary and appropriate, pertaining to maximum sign height and sign area, permissible number of sign faces and (in the case of illuminated, digital, and flashing signs) brightness.
Historic Properties.
Nothing in this subsection shall permit the erection or maintenance of a sign on any lot on which a building that has been designated historic under Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation) sits, without the approval of the Historical Commission.
Conflicting Regulations.
In the event of any conflict between any provision of this subsection (16) and any other provision of this Zoning Code, the provision of this subsection shall control.
SECTION 2. Upon the request of the President of City Council, the Planning Commission shall submit (within 45 days of such request) a draft of proposed regulations prepared pursuant to § 14-905(16)(b)(.4).
SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately.
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Explanation:
Italics indicate new matter added.
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