South Fayette considers sign ordinance in attempt to lure business

As part of an effort to attract more businesses, South Fayette commissioners are looking to revamp their ordinances regarding signs in the township.

Board of Commissioners President Gwen Rodi said they have received feedback from businesses, developers and their own zoning hearing board, all that claim the sign ordinances are too restrictive.

“We know the need to accommodate our business district,” Rodi said. She also said the zoning hearing board has fielded many requests for variances of the ordinances.

Commissioners are scheduled to hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. April 15 on one of the first proposed changes.

A new ordinance will allow rooftop signs in B-1 business districts. The signs can be no larger than 250 square feet, not project more than 12 inches from the building, and can be indirectly or internally illuminated.

The new ordinance will only apply to the three areas in the township zoned B-1 – Bursca and Abele business parks and another undeveloped area.

The rooftop ordinance is the first scheduled to change to township sign ordinances designed to make the business districts more attractive. Rodi pointed to the potential to attract businesses to the Route 50 corridor, just off the Interstate 79 exit.

While commissioners are scheduled to hold a hearing on the zoning change, they may not vote on it that evening. Township solicitor Robert Garvin said he submitted the ordinance to Allegheny County Economic Development for review. They have 45 days to make recommendations back to the commissioners, which may not come back until after April 15.

Commissioners also rescheduled their regular monthly meeting from 7 p.m. April 8 to April 15.