Byram Township City Zoning Code

The area of a sign shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, oval, rectangle, or triangle that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, graphic illustration, picture, symbol or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the sign used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed.

Where the sign is supported by a post or pylon, the surface of which is illuminated and/or being used for advertising purposes, the area of the post, pylon or other supporting member will be included when calculating the total sign area.

Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, wall or window, the area of the sign shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape which encompasses all letters and symbols.

The height of a sign shall be the vertical distance from grade plane to the top of the highest point of the sign structure for freestanding, directory and ground signs and the highest point of the material or color forming an integral part of the background of the sign for wall, projecting, awning and window signs.

Internally illuminated signs shall have characters, letters, figures and designs that are illuminated by electric lights as part of the sign proper, with dark or translucent background, and shall not blink or flash.

Externally lit signs shall be located in such a manner so as not to cause glare on any adjacent property or residential uses. Sources of sign illumination shall be completely shielded from the view of vehicular traffic using the road or roads abutting the lot on which the sign is located.

External lights used for the illumination of a sign on a building, whether or not such light fixtures are attached to or separate from the building, shall not extend above the highest elevation of the front wall of the building or more than 18 feet above the street level of the premises, whichever is less.

Illuminated signs shall be illuminated only during the hours of operation of the businesses which they advertise.

Message center signs and digital display signs are subject to the following brightness limits:

Signs shall be in harmony with and consistent with the architectural style of the building. Signs shall relate to the architectural features of the building in terms of location, scale, colors, and materials.

There shall be consistent sign design throughout a particular project. The design elements include style of lettering, construction material, size and illumination.

Freestanding signs shall be integrated with the landscaping on site.

No signs shall be erected, placed on, or attached to a structure or erected independently for any purpose other than to advertise a permitted business or use conducted on the same premises. Signage for a business or other purpose located off-site is not permitted.

Signs shall be considered accessory uses in all zones and shall be subordinate to a use on the same property.

No sign except infrastructure and traffic control devices of a duly constituted government shall be erected within the public street right-of-way. No sign shall be placed upon any property without the consent of the property owner.

No sign shall be erected so that any part of the sign or its supporting members project over a permitted setback line or height limit.

Signs shall be either ground mounted, freestanding or attached to a building in an approved manner. Freestanding signs shall be supported by one, but not more than two, columns or uprights firmly embedded in the ground. Exposed guy wires, braces or other connections shall not be permitted.

Wall signs shall not obscure, conflict with or cover any architectural element and must be aligned with major building elements such as windows, trim and structure lines.

No sign shall extend or project above the highest elevation of the wall to which it is attached or above the lowest part of the roofline of the building, whichever is less. Where signs project beyond a building facade or wall over a pedestrian way, the lowest part of the sign shall be at least eight feet above the walkway.

Wall, fascia or attached signs shall be firmly attached to the exterior wall of a building and shall not project more than 15 inches.

No electric wiring associated with a sign shall be visible to public view.

Business buildings located on corner lots shall be construed as having frontage on both streets, and signs as regulated in this section shall be permitted accordingly.

Any sign deemed necessary to the public welfare may be approved by the Township Council upon receipt of prior recommendation from the Planning Board.

No-trespassing signs not more than two square feet in area.

No-hunting signs not more than two square feet in area.

One customary nameplate sign not more than two square feet in area which may be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, provided that the source of light is shielded in such a manner that it does not shed glare onto the street or any other adjoining property.

Real estate signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected or a sign indicating that said premises have been sold or rented, provided that:

Political signs advertising political preference, parties, propositions, referendums or candidates for election may be posted 30 days prior to Election Day. The sign shall not be lighted, shall not exceed six square feet, shall not be located in any sight triangle and must be removed within seven days after Election Day.

Contractor signs identifying architects, builders, and contractors working on premises shall be permitted on the property during the time their work is actively being performed at the site. The sign shall not be lighted, shall not exceed six square feet, shall not be located in any sight triangle and shall be removed within seven days after the work is completed.

A maximum of three permitted signs or space on permitted sign types, in combination, shall be allowed for each permitted nonresidential use in any one structure, for any new development or change of use, or upon renovation of existing uses or structures.

There shall only be one of each of the permitted signs or space on permitted sign types dedicated to each permitted use on any one facade or ground space.

When more than one business is proposed or exists in any one structure or on any one property, all proposed signage shall be uniform, with the same combination of sizes, types and materials used.

When more than one business is proposed or exists in any one structure or on any one property, there shall be allowed only one directory sign, freestanding sign or ground sign on the property which shall be shared by each business or to identify the property by name. The single directory sign, freestanding sign or ground sign shall count toward the maximum of three permitted signs per use.

Mixed-use or residential structures containing more than two dwelling units are permitted only one identification sign no larger than six square feet.

Signs advertising a commercial use are prohibited above the first floor of any structure where residential uses exist on the second floor.

Restrictions on the number of signs shall not pertain to signs located within a family theme recreation park, when not visible from the property line of said lots upon which the park is located, except that they shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Board upon site plan review.

Any sign permitted in residential districts per § 240-47.1, with the proviso that temporary real estate signs in nonresidential districts may exceed six square feet and shall not exceed 24 square feet.

Awning signs.

Directional signs.

Directory signs.

Freestanding signs.

Ground signs.

Projecting signs.

Wall signs.

Window signs.

Family theme recreation park. There shall be no restrictions on the placement or size of signs within a family theme recreation park, when not visible from the property line, except that they shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Board upon site plan review. Signs visible from the property line shall conform to size and placement of the signs existing at the time of the adoption of this article.

Message center signs: where permitted shall be a permitted element in certain sign types.

Digital display signs: where permitted shall be a permitted element in certain sign types.

Special event signs will be permitted, subject to the following:

Sandwich board signs will be permitted, subject to the following:

The following signs shall be permitted as provided below:

Nonconforming signs may not be enlarged or otherwise altered.

Existing nonconforming signs may continue to exist until modified in shape, size, illumination or structure; any modification shall require conformance to the provisions of this section.

Any nonconforming sign that is damaged by any means can only be built to its original condition. Any modification in shape, size, illumination or structure shall require conformance to the provisions of this section.

Billboards and any other off-site advertising. All signs must be for a use on the property.

Signs on accessory structures/buildings, street furniture (e.g., benches, tables, bike racks, etc.), fences, utility poles, trees, railway or road bridges, bridge supports or abutments, retaining walls or water towers.

A sign, device or object installed or placed on the roof of any structure for the purpose of advertising.

Signs lit by means of a flashing light, or that are moving, mobile, revolving, or electrically and/or mechanically activated in whole or in part.

Signs with the optical illusion of movement by means of a design that presents a pattern capable of reverse perspective, giving the illusion of motion or changing of copy.

Inflatable signs and/or tethered balloons or neon or gas-filled decorations that outline facade elements or windows.[1]

Commercial signs in a window that serves a residential use.

The use and display of windsocks, banners, strings, streamers or flags, pennants, spinners, or similar objects and devices across, upon, over or along any premises or building, whether as part of a sign or for advertising or public attraction, or otherwise, except for:

Signs that are placed on, or affixed to, vehicles and/or trailers parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, to advertise a product, service or activity or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. This is not intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer. However, the latter may not be parked on commercial property overnight or for more than a twenty-four-hour period for advertisement purposes.

Signs that obstruct any window or door opening used as a means of egress, or interfere with an opening required for ventilation, or are attached to or obstruct any standpipe, fire escape or fire hydrant.

Signs that obstruct the view of vehicle operators or pedestrians entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, public driveway, alley or other thoroughfare.

Any other sign not specifically permitted.