Smoke Signals

Could smoke rising from a barbeque pit be considered a sign, and thus be controlled under sign regulations? Zoning officials in East Berlin, PA say yes.

1 minute read

September 29, 2009, 7:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Hog Wild BBQ in East Berlin uses a large metal smoker to cook their chickens, and they feature it prominently in front of their business.

"According to zoning board Solicitor Victor Neubaum, the four-member board first ruled the smoker is a sign as defined by the town's ordinance, because its smoke serves as an advertisement for the business. And once that was established, the board ruled it must be removed from the sidewalk, he said.

Neubaum explained that's because East Berlin rules forbid any sign placement that impedes a right of way along a sidewalk, which is where the smoker is kept."

Monday, September 28, 2009 in The Evening Sun (Hanover

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