Royersford Approves Digital Sign for North 5th Avenue

Royersford Borough Council on Tuesday approved a conditional use application permitting a digital sign at 10 N. 5th Avenue, the office of a local real estate brokerage, following a formal hearing.

Keith Kline, who operates Kline Real Estate Works, sought approval to install an electronic message sign at his office at 10 N. 5th Avenue, about a quarter-block off Main Street. The property is owned by KlineRcity, LLC and is located in the borough's Office-Residence zoning district.

According to the specifications read into the record by Borough Solicitor Wendy McKenna, the plan calls for a 24-square-foot monument sign with a stone base. The structure includes a top-lighted cabinet with the Kline Real Estate Works logo, measuring 14 inches high by 63 inches wide, and a digital message area three feet high by five feet wide.

Kline told the council he wanted to use the sign to promote his brokerage and share community information, including local events and birthday messages. He said he began his brokerage about six months ago and originally sought a location on Main Street before moving to 5th Avenue.

"I will adhere to all the requirements that are listed within the zoning ordinance as far as times to turn off," Kline said. He added that he lives four blocks away and would likely shut the digital portion off before the 11 p.m. limit, particularly during darker seasons. The top logo cabinet would remain lit through the evening, while the digital message area would be turned off overnight.

Setback and Compliance Conditions

McKenna outlined the ordinance conditions the sign must meet. Digital signs may not contain text that flashes, pulsates, moves, or scrolls, and each message must fit on one screen and change instantly without fading. Each message must display for at least eight seconds, and text must be at least 10 inches high. Lighting must shut off automatically outside the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., brightness may not exceed 100 candelas per square meter after sunset, and the light cannot reflect into adjacent residences.

Kline said he has worked directly with the sign installer to program those settings. He said the property was surveyed by Bercek & Associates and that the sign would sit roughly double the required five-foot setback from the right-of-way.

Before the vote, no members of the public spoke for or against the application. The Montgomery County Planning Commission and the borough planning commission had both recommended approval.

McKenna said Kline will receive a written decision, which the borough has up to 45 days to issue.