Brigantine City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XV
Sign Regulations
§ 198-108 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this article is to regulate and control the design, use, erection and maintenance of signs in such a manner as to support and complement the goals and objectives expressed both within this chapter, as well as the Master Plan of the City of Brigantine.[1] The intent is to permit such signs that will not, by their size, location, construction or manner of display, endanger the public safety of the general public; obstruct the clear views necessary for traffic safety; or lead to the deterioration of the visual environment of the City.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Master Plan is on file in the City offices.
§ 198-109 Permitted signs.
§ 198-110 Prohibited signs.
A.
General restrictions. It shall be unlawful to erect or maintain any sign which is not included under the types of signs permitted in this chapter.
B.
Advertisement.
(1)
Any sign which advertises or publicizes an activity not conducted on the premises upon which the sign is maintained is prohibited.
(2)
Any advertisement sign which uses a series of two or more signs or units, placed in a line parallel to a street, or in similar fashion, all carrying a single advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign, is prohibited.
(3)
Billboards, signboards, portable signs or other freestanding advertising signs are prohibited.
D.
Public safety.
(1)
Any sign so erected, constructed or maintained as to obstruct or be attached to any fire escape, window, door or opening used as a means of egress, or for firefighting purposes or places so as to interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation, is prohibited.
(2)
Any sign which is of such a form, character or shape as to confuse or dangerously distract the attention of the operator of a motor vehicle is prohibited.
(3)
Signs which in any way simulate official or directional or warning signs erected or maintained by the State of New Jersey, County of Atlantic, City of Brigantine or by any federal, public utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of public health, welfare and safety are prohibited.
§ 198-111 General requirements and design criteria.
The following requirements, provisions or design criteria are applicable to all zoning districts with the City of Brigantine or those specific zone districts, uses or structures enumerated:
A.
Height restriction. No sign shall be located on a roof or extension thereof.
B.
Illumination. All illuminated signs shall be shielded to prevent any glare, and no sign shall be illuminated by lighting of intermittent or varying intensity.
C.
Building graphics. Letters, numerals, symbols and designs of any structure cut in the shape which are an integral part of that structure and not intended to draw attention to any goods, merchandise, business, entertainment or amusement activity or establishment shall be considered as a part of that structure and shall be subject to the regulations of this chapter. Signage mounted on or attached to awnings shall also be considered as part of the structure and shall be subject to the regulations of this chapter.
D.
Calculation of sign area.
(1)
Sign area shall be considered the entire face of the sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim or molding, but not including the supporting structure.
(2)
In the case of two or more business uses occupying the same structure, the front wall area to be used in determining permitted sign area shall only include that portion of the front wall area occupied by the use in question.
(3)
On a freestanding two-sided sign, only one face is counted in computing the sign area.
E.
Side and rear wall sign.
(1)
Where the side or rear of a business structure adjoins an off-street parking area, or a private area intended for the use of the structure in question, identification signs may be placed or inscribed on said side or rear wall.
(2)
Where a business structure is located at the intersection of two public streets, an additional identification sign may be erected or inscribed upon the side wall on the second street side, provided that the combined areas of two signs do not exceed the sign area permitted in that zone district.
F.
Special event displays. Portable signs and banners may be utilized on the property of an establishment having a grand opening or special event, provided that such signs shall be displayed for a period not to exceed seven calendar days within any six-month period.
G.
Clearances.
(1)
Signs shall maintain all clearances from electrical conductors and communication equipment in accordance with the regulations of the public utility in question as well as any applicable municipal or state codes.
(2)
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground facilities or utilities. In addition, such placement shall not interfere with either natural or artificial drainage or surface water or groundwater.
H.
Maintenance. Every sign, including those signs erected prior to the adoption of this chapter, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural material condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign. The owner of any property on which a sign is located and those responsible for maintenance of the sign shall be equally responsible for the conditions of the area in the vicinity of the sign and shall be required to keep this area clean, sanitary and free from noxious or offensive substances.
I.
Feather flags are limited to two per street frontage and shall only be permitted to be on display during business hours.
§ 198-112 Residential zones.
Within the residential zone districts of the City of Brigantine, no sign or signs shall be erected or altered in whole or in part unless in compliance with the following regulations; all heights are to top of sign:
A.
Address sign. Address signs shall not be larger than one square foot in area. The sign shall be limited to showing the name and/or address of the occupant of the dwelling unit without direct illumination; it shall be limited to five feet in height where freestanding and 12 feet in height where wall-mounted and located within the property lines of the dwelling unit or units it identifies.
B.
Construction sign. Construction signs shall not be larger than nine square feet in area. Said sign shall be limited in use as defined in Article IV of this chapter without direct illumination; it shall be limited to eight feet in height where freestanding and 12 feet in height where wall-mounted. A construction sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any property line. The sign shall be installed after a construction permit is issued and removed from the premises within seven days of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
C.
Directional sign. Directional signs shall be designed and constructed according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.
D.
Governmental sign. Governmental signs shall be designed and constructed according to the needs and standards of the City of Brigantine, County of Atlantic and State of New Jersey.
E.
Identification sign. Identification signs shall not be larger than 20 square feet in area for churches, municipal or recreational facilities. Lodges and public utility installations shall not have a sign larger than 12 square feet in area. All identification signs shall be limited to eight feet in height where freestanding and 12 feet in height where wall-mounted.
F.
Real estate sign. Real estate signs shall not be larger than nine square feet in area. Said sign shall be limited in use as defined in Article IV of this chapter without direct illumination; it shall be limited to eight feet in height where freestanding and 12 feet in height where wall-mounted. A real estate sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any property line. The sign shall be removed from the premises within seven days of the completion and execution of an agreement of sale for the property in question. See § 198-77, Sight triangles.
G.
Informational sign. Signs conveying information for the convenience of the general public using the facility or structure shall not be larger than five square feet in area. Said sign shall be limited to six feet in height where freestanding and eight feet in height where wall-mounted. No direct illumination of the sign shall be located within property in question in such a position to maximize its use without being a visual nuisance or obstruction to sight. No informational signs are permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Zones.
H.
Clarification of signs not permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Residential Zones on City property, including recreation areas and any other public areas. Advertisement signs and any other sign that publicizes any use and/or activity either on the site or any other site are not permitted.
§ 198-113 Commercial zones.
Within the commercial zone district of the City of Brigantine, no sign or signs shall be erected or altered in whole or in part unless in compliance with the following regulations; all heights are to top of sign.
B.
Construction sign.
(1)
Construction signs shall not be larger than nine square feet in area.
(2)
Said sign shall be limited in use as defined in Article IV of this chapter without direct illumination.
(3)
The sign shall be limited to eight feet in height where freestanding and 12 feet in height where wall-mounted.
(4)
A construction sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(5)
The sign shall be installed after a construction permit is issued and removed from the premises within seven days of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
C.
Directional sign. Directional signs shall be designed and constructed according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.
D.
Governmental sign. Governmental signs shall be designed and constructed according to the needs and standards of the City of Brigantine, County of Atlantic and State of New Jersey.
F.
Real estate sign.
(1)
Real estate signs shall not be larger than 12 square feet in area.
(2)
Said sign shall be limited in use as defined in Article IV of this chapter without direct illumination.
(3)
The sign shall be limited to eight feet in height where freestanding and 12 feet in height where wall-mounted.
(4)
A real estate sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(5)
The sign shall be removed from the premises within seven days of the completion and execution of an agreement of sale for the property in question.
G.
Informational sign.
(1)
Signs conveying information for the general public using the facility shall not be larger than five square feet in area.
(2)
Said sign shall be limited to six feet in height where freestanding and eight feet in height where wall-mounted.
(3)
No direct illumination of the sign shall be located within property in question in a position to maximize its use without being an obstruction to sight.
H.
Business signs.
(1)
Signs identifying a commercial use may be placed or inscribed upon the facade or front wall of the building in question.
(2)
Such signs shall not exceed an area equal to an area of three-square feet for each one foot in width of the building upon which the sign is to be placed.
(3)
No sign shall project more than 12 inches beyond the building facade.
(4)
Such a sign may be directly illuminated.
(5)
The sign shall be limited to 15 feet in height where wall-mounted and located within the property lines of the premises.
§ 198-114 Conservation zones.
Within the conservation zone districts of the City of Brigantine, no sign or signs shall be erected or altered in whole or in part unless in compliance with the following regulations. A permit shall be obtained from the City Engineer.
A.
Directional sign. Directional signs shall be designed and constructed according to standards in § 198-113C.
B.
Governmental sign. Governmental signs shall be designed and constructed according to the needs and standards of the City of Brigantine, County of Atlantic and State of New Jersey.
C.
Informational sign. Signs conveying information for the convenience of the general public using the facility or structure shall not be larger than five square feet in area. Said sign shall be limited to six feet in height and must be freestanding. No direct illumination of the sign shall be permitted unless required for safety reasons. It shall be located within property in question in such a position to maximize its use without being a visual nuisance or obstruction to sight.
§ 198-115 Multifamily developments.
A.
(Reserved)
B.
Townhouses.
(1)
For the purposes of identifying townhouses, no signs shall be permitted except a sign containing the name of the particular townhouse and information with respect to the name and address of the person or firm managing the townhouse.
(2)
Sign area shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(3)
Only one such identifying sign shall be permitted for each street from which the development has an entrance drive.
(4)
Such sign or signs shall blend with the color and architectural style of the development and be erected and designed in such a manner so as to not detract from the surrounding area.
§ 198-116 Shopping centers.
A.
Business sign (wall-mounted or facade).
(1)
One sign may be placed or inscribed upon the front or facade of each individually owned and operated establishment with the shopping center.
(2)
The sign area for each use shall not exceed an area equal to 15% of the facade.
(3)
These signs may be directly illuminated.
(4)
The sign may not project more than 12 inches from the face of the building and shall not extend above the top or beyond the sides of the facade.
B.
Business sign (canopy-mounted).
(1)
In the case of a shopping center wherein walkways are roofed over with a permanently installed rigid canopy or other structural device, one sign may be hung vertically from the underside of said canopy for each individually owned and operated establishment within the shopping center.
(2)
These signs shall not be larger than four square feet nor less than eight feet above the walkway.
(3)
These signs may be directly illuminated.
C.
Identification sign (freestanding).
(1)
Freestanding signs shall be erected only in the B-3 Zone District to identify a shopping center and list individual occupants.
(2)
Only one sign shall be erected for each 500 feet of frontage on a public street.
(3)
The aggregate area of such sign(s) shall not exceed 200 square feet, plus one square foot sign area for every 1,000 square feet of gross leasable area of the retail trade establishments within the center in excess of 50,000 square feet.
(4)
These signs shall not exceed the height of the principal building.
(5)
No sign shall exceed the height of the principal building, or 20 feet, whichever is the highest.
(7)
Such sign or signs shall in no way interfere with the safe functioning of any traffic control signal or directional device.
D.
Directional sign (ingress).
(1)
One freestanding directional sign may be erected at each driveway which provides a means of ingress for the off-street parking areas within the shopping center.
(2)
The directional signs shall contain only the name of the use or facility and appropriate traffic instructions.
(3)
Sign areas shall not exceed 20 square feet and shall be mounted so as not to obstruct vision for a height of seven feet above ground level and shall not exceed 11 feet in total height.
(4)
Where directional signs are located in buffer areas, the sign area shall be reduced to 12 square feet.
E.
Directional signs (egress).
(1)
Freestanding signs may be erected within the shopping center for the purpose of providing directional information to vehicles leaving the premises.
(2)
The number and location of these signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Planning Board and its experts.
(3)
Sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet, and the sign shall be mounted so as not to obstruct vision for a height of seven feet above ground level and shall not exceed 11 feet in total height.
(4)
Only one directional sign shall be erected in conjunction with each driveway which provides egress from the shopping center.
F.
Traffic control signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs may be erected within the shopping center to control and regulate the movement of traffic on the internal driveways and aisles.
(2)
The number and location of these signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Planning Board and its experts.
(3)
Sign area shall not exceed four square feet level and shall not exceed seven feet in height.
G.
Parking lot signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs may be erected within the shopping center parking areas in order to identify either particular areas or sections for the convenience of the shopper.
(2)
Only one parking lot sign shall be permitted for each 20,000 square feet of parking area.
(3)
Sign area shall not exceed four square feet on any one side, and the sign shall be mounted so as not to obstruct vision for a height of seven feet above ground level and shall not exceed 20 feet in total height.
(4)
Aisle identification signs shall not exceed an area of one foot on any one side and shall be mounted so as not to obstruct vision for a height of seven feet above ground and shall not exceed 11 feet in total height.