Lower Merion Committee Discusses Electronic Sunoco Signs

Sunoco is seeking a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow its Lower Merion gas stations to replace the existing plastic signs with digital ones.

Though the matter was not voted on, it was discussed during Lower Merion Township’s Building and Planning Committee meeting Wednesday night. 

“Even though these would be lit signs with changeable copy, the light is quite minimal,” Lower Merion Building and Planning Director Bob Duncan said, adding Sunoco stations in neighboring townships have already made the change. “The electronic sign is actually easier on the eyes.”

Sunoco first submitted an application to the Zoning Hearing Board in October, but representatives from Sunoco and Duncan were unable to agree on how the variance should be worded.

The amendment would also come with a number of limitations (See Exhibit A, attached to this article, for exact language): 

• Limit how quickly the copy can change
• Flashing, blinking not permitted
• No scrolling script
• No signs that move, rotate, oscillate, vibrate or shimmer
• Sign changes must occur in less than one second
• The entire portion of sign must change at the same time
• Monument-type sign cannot be higher than 6 feet
• Limit brightness

Commissioner Scott Zelov noted it would be better to regulate now than to allow the signs and have little control over similar signs in the future.

“There is no better time to consider the overall size of signs in the township,” Commissioner Brian Gordon said.