Caldwell City Zoning Code
§ 250-21
Signs.
[Amended 2-23-1993 by Ord. No. 949-93, 3-26-1996 by Ord. No. 1006-96; 11-6-1996 by Ord. No. 1028-96; 1-28-1997 by Ord. No. 1030-97; 6-22-1999 by Ord. No. 1072-99; 8-12-2003 by Ord. No. 1132-03]
A.
Purpose. The attractiveness of the Borough of Caldwell contributes to the general welfare and economic well-being of its citizens, property owners and business people. Reasonable control of signs promotes a desirable visual environment and enhances public safety. The purposes of the regulations and standards that follow are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the Borough's ability to attract beneficial sources of economic development; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property values; and to enable fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations. This section is adopted under the zoning authority of the Borough in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth in this chapter.
B.
Applicability; permits required.
(1)
Applicability. The effect of this chapter as more specifically set forth herein is:
(a)
To establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs subject to the standards and the permit procedures of this chapter;
(b)
To allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive and incidental to the principal use of the respective buildings on which they are located, subject to the requirements of this chapter, but without a requirement for permits;
(c)
To provide for temporary signs without commercial messages in limited circumstances;
(d)
To prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this chapter; and
(e)
To provide for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
(2)
Permits required.
(a)
Generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter, relocate or keep within the Borough of Caldwell any sign as defined in this chapter, except as exempted under Subsection D, without obtaining a sign permit from the Construction Official and payment of the fee as required by this section. All illuminated signs shall, in addition, be subject to the provisions of the Electrical Code, and the permit fees required thereunder. Sign permit numbers will be issued and must be displayed on the sign in question when erected. The Construction Official shall issue permits only for such signs as are specifically allowed for the particular premises and zone district in which the premises are located or as have been approved by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment during site plan or subdivision review.
(b)
Appeals.
[1]
The Planning Board shall have jurisdiction over all appeals or variances requested from the terms of this chapter (unless the variance requested is in association with a site plan within the jurisdiction of the Zoning Board of Adjustment). The Planning Board shall have the following powers and it shall have its duty:
[a]
To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or interpretation made in the enforcement of this chapter.
[b]
To hear requests for variances from the literal provisions of this chapter for the erection of a new sign in instances where strict enforcement of this chapter would cause practical difficulties due to conditions unique to the individual circumstances under consideration, and grant variances only when it is clearly demonstrated that such variances will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of this chapter.
[i]
The Board shall not permit as a variance any sign, the erection of which or the continuance of which is prohibited by Subsection D of this section. The Board may grant a variance from other provisions of this section where strict enforcement of said section would be unreasonable.
[ii]
The Board may impose reasonable conditions in the granting of a variance to ensure compliance and to protect adjacent property. A violation of such conditions shall constitute a violation of this section
[2]
In exercising the above-mentioned powers, the Board may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from, and may make such order, requirement, decision or interpretation as ought to be made.
[3]
The concurring vote of a majority of the full Board shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision or determination of the Code Enforcement Officer or to decide in favor of the applicant on any matter upon which it is required to pass under this chapter or to effect any variation in this chapter.
(c)
Application for sign permit. Application for sign permits shall be made upon blanks provided by the Construction Official and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
[1]
Name, address and daytime telephone number of the applicant, building owner, business owner and contractor.
[2]
Street address or location of the building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or other advertising structure is to be attached or erected.
[3]
Position of the sign or other advertising structure in relation to the site and adjacent buildings or structures.
[4]
A detailed drawing of the proposed sign indicating construction techniques, materials, colors, lighting details, structural supports and graphics.
[5]
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to which or on which the structure is to be erected.
[6]
Any electrical permit required and issued for said sign. Application requesting electrical permit for proposed sign must accompany sign application.
[7]
If the application is for an existing building, current color photographs of all exposed exterior walls of the building shall be submitted.
[8]
Such other information as the Construction Official shall require to show full compliance with this section.
(d)
Sign permit fees. Every applicant, before being granted a permit hereunder, shall pay to the Borough Building Inspector's Office the fee for each sign which shall be in accordance with the ordinance in effect, and the permit number shall be displayed in the lower right-hand corner.
C. A-FRAME OR SANDWICH SIGN ANIMATED SIGN AREA IDENTIFICATION SIGN AWNINGS AND CANOPIES AWNING SIGN BANNER BEACON BILLBOARD or OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN BUILDING MARKER BUILDING SIGN BULLETIN BOARD BUSINESS SIGN CANOPY CANOPY SIGN CHANGEABLE MESSAGE COMMERCIAL MESSAGE DIRECTIONAL SIGN DIRECTORY SIGN DISPLAY SURFACE AREA ERECT EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN FACADE FLAG FLASHING SIGN FREESTANDING OR GROUND SIGN ILLUMINATED SIGN INCIDENTAL SIGN INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN MARQUEE MARQUEE SIGN NAMEPLATE SIGN NEON SIGN NONCONFORMING SIGN OFFICIAL SIGN OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN OVERHANGING SIGN PENNANT PERSON POLITICAL SIGN PORTABLE SIGN PROFESSIONAL SIGN PROJECTING SIGN PUMP ISLAND CANOPY SIGN REAL ESTATE SIGN ROOF SIGN SETBACK SHOPPING CENTER OR MALL SIGN TEMPORARY SIGN WALL SIGN WINDOW WINDOW SIGN
Definitions. Words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases not defined in this section but defined in this chapter shall be given the meanings set forth in this chapter. Principles for computing sign area and sign height are contained in Subsection D. All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
An A-shaped temporary and easily movable ground sign, usually two-sided, used for advertising commodities, services or entertainment usually conducted upon the premises where the sign is located.
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or the illusion of movement or create a special effect or scene.
A sign to identify a common area containing a group of structures, or a single structure, such as a residential subdivision, apartment complex, industrial park, mobile home park or shopping center, located at the entrance or entrances of the area. Such signs may or may not consist of a fence or wall or archway with letters or symbols affixed thereto.
Roof-like coverings extending over a walkway, sidewalk or exterior place, supported by a frame attached to the building and/or ground with a surface made of fabric or a more rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and either retractable against the building or fixed in place.
Any sign that is part of, attached to or printed on an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area.
Any sign printed or displayed upon cloth or other flexible material, with or without frames. National flags, state or municipal flags or the official flag of any not-for-profit institution shall not be considered banners for the purposes of this chapter.
A stationary or revolving light which flashes or projects illumination, single color or multicolored, in any manner which is intended to attract or divert attention; except, however, this term is not intended to include any kind of lighting device which is required or necessary under the safety regulations described by the Federal Aviation Agency or similar agencies.
A sign which directs attention to a business, industry, profession, commodity, service or entertainment not necessarily sold or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.
Any sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information about its construction, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.
Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.
Any sign erected by a charitable, educational or religious organization or a public body, which is erected upon the same property as said institution for purposes of announcing changing events.
A sign which directs attention to a business, industry, profession, commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
See "awnings and canopies."
See "awning sign."
A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. A sign on which the message changes more than eight times per day shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable message sign for purposes of this chapter. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a time and temperature portion of a sign and not a changeable message sign for purposes of this chapter.
Any sign wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity.
A sign intended to direct or point toward a place or which gives directions. Such signs shall carry no advertising copy describing the activities carried on at the premises where such signs are located.
A sign listing the tenants or occupants of a building.
The net geometric area enclosed by the display surface of the sign, including the outer extremities of all letters, characters and delineations, the surfaces upon which they are presented, voids between elements of the sign or any element of the display that goes beyond the primary surface, whichever is greatest; provided, however, that display surface area shall not include the structural supports for freestanding signs; provided, further, that only one face of a double-faced sign as defined shall be considered in determining the display surface area.
To construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or establish, but not including any of the foregoing activities when performed as incidental to the normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure.
Any illuminated sign whose illumination is derived from an external artificial source outside the display portion of the sign.
The total wall surface, including door and window area of a building's principal face. A mansard roof shall be considered as part of the facade.
Any fabric or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other not-for-profit institution.
An illuminated sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use. Illuminated signs which indicate the time, temperature, weather or similar public service information shall not be considered flashing signs.
Any sign supported by permanent structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.
A sign which is lighted by a self-contained interior light or by lights projected or directed onto it.
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the zone lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone" and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the zone lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
Any sign whose sole source of artificial illumination is contained within the display portion of the sign, including neon-type signs and internally and back-lit signs.
A permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building and supported in part from the ground, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.
Any sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of a marquee.
A sign which states the name or address, or both, of the occupant of the premises where the sign is located and not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area.
Self-luminous electric signs usually constructed of glass tubing containing a vapor or gas configured to form a display or lettering.
Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
Any sign, symbol or device erected and maintained by the federal government, State of New Jersey, County of Essex, Borough of Caldwell or a public utility for the purpose of informing or guiding the public or for the protection and promotion of the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the public.
Also known as "billboard." A sign which directs attention to a business, industry, profession, commodity, service or entertainment not necessarily sold or offered on the premises where the sign is located.
A sign suspended from a marquee, awning, canopy or a wooden or metallic bar where such sign is located within the public right-of-way or other than parallel to the facade.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually, but not necessarily, in series, designed to move in the wind.
Any association, company, corporation, firm, organization or partnership, singular or plural, of any kind.
A sign advancing the candidacy of any candidate or group of candidates for public office or a cause subject to political judgment.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designated to be transported, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; A-frames and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.
A sign listing only the name, profession and/or specialty of each practitioner.
Any sign affixed to a building or wail in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than one foot beyond the surface of such building or wall.
A flush-mounted sign on the vertical surface and canopy, which is the ornamental or protective roof-like structure erected above the pumps of a gasoline station.
A temporary sign placed upon the property for the purpose of advertising to the public the availability for sale, rent or lease of said property.
Any sign erected, constructed and maintained upon or over the roof of any building with the principal support of the roof structure or parapet wall.
The distance from the property line to the nearest part of the applicable building, structure or sign, measured perpendicularly to the property line.
A building or group of related buildings of more than three units having a common entrance or with more than one entrance not on a public road or highway.
Includes every object, device, frame, figure, character, mark, point, fixture, graphic design, picture, stroke, stripe, trademark, model, emblem, placard, symbol, display, light, logo or reading matter which is used or intended to be used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, colors, illumination or projected images, when the same is placed in the view of the general public, either outdoors or indoors. Any of the above which is not placed out of doors, but which is illuminated with artificial or reflected color or otherwise made visible from out of doors, shall be considered a sign within the meaning of this chapter, when placed in such a way as to be used to attract attention or convey information to motorists or pedestrians.
Any sign that is used only temporarily and is not permanently mounted.
Any sign that shall be affixed parallel to the wall or printed or painted on the wall of any building in such a manner as to read parallel to the wall on which it is mounted; provided, however, said wall sign shall not project above the top of the wall or beyond the end of the building. For the purposes of this chapter, any sign display surface that is affixed flat against the sloping surface of a mansard roof shall be considered a wall sign. Any sign that is affixed to the face of a building marquee, building awning or a building canopy shall be considered a wall sign.
Total glass area presented to public view for purposes of display.
Any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.
D.
General provisions.
(1)
Exempt signs. The following signs shall not require permits and are exempt. Exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of such signs from the responsibility of complying with certain applicable provisions of this chapter. The exemption shall apply to the requirement for a sign permit only.
(a)
Official signs.
(b)
Lights and strings of illuminated devices and graphics used to celebrate a national or religious holiday for a period not to exceed 25 days before the holiday and 15 days following the holiday.
(c)
Residential nameplate and professional nameplate signs, not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area for each side. The signs shall not contain any advertising message and shall be nonilluminated except by a light which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support. Such sign shall not be erected closer than five feet to any property line. The post light or lantern shall not exceed 30 inches in height by 24 inches in width or 24 inches in diameter. The post on which the lantern is erected shall not exceed four inches in diameter or seven feet in height (total height with lantern). The light source shall not exceed 20 footcandles on the nameplate/sign.
(d)
Historic tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems which do not exceed six square feet in area and which are installed by governmental agencies or civil or religious organizations.
(e)
Temporary signs of nonprofit or charitable organizations, provided that such signs do not exceed 24 square feet in area. Said signs shall be put in place no earlier than 28 days before the event and shall be removed within five days of completion of the public phase of said event or function.
(f)
Bulletin boards not over 15 square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions when the same are located on the premises of said institutions and are used solely for temporary notices.
(g)
On-site directional and parking signs, warning signs and signs posting property as "private property," "no trespassing" or similar signs are not to exceed two square feet in area.
(h)
Temporary signs denoting the architect, engineer or contractor when placed upon the site under construction and not exceeding nine square feet in area. Said signs shall be in place only while work is in progress and shall be placed at least 10 feet from the curbline. The sign may be placed for a maximum period of three weeks.
(i)
Garage sale signs located on the premises only, not exceeding two square feet and containing the date of sale. Such sign shall be removed within 24 hours of the last day of sale.
(j)
Decorations for opening day of a new business to be displayed for a period of not to exceed eight days. Decorations shall consist of string pennants, small grand opening banners and small balloons.
(k)
Flags or emblems of religious, education, civic or governmental organizations flown from supports on the buildings or grounds occupied by the organization and the American flag whenever and wherever flown in accordance with the laws and rules promulgated by the federal government.
(l)
Relocation information signs for a period of 30 days. Relocation signs shall be restricted to the present location of the relocating business and the future location of the relocating business. The signs, one each at the present and the future business sites, shall not be in excess of the standards set forth elsewhere in this chapter for the type of sign utilized. Any relocation signs shall be installed on the inside of the windows.
(m)
All signs located within a building that are not visible to the public outside said building and are not designed to attract from the outside.
(n)
Fuel price informational signs.
[1]
In any district, signs advertising the price of motor vehicle fuel sold from a fuel pump located on the premises shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions:
[2]
Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the advertisement of fuel prices on any other sign meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(o)
Temporary signs indicating a political preference or a political event, provided that such signs do not exceed 32 square feet in area on any one side in nonresidential zones. Exempt status shall apply to such signs posted or displayed on existing commercial billboards by or with the consent of the owner thereof and any such signs posted or displayed on licensed motor vehicles in operating conditions; provided, however, that no such vehicle is parked or placed in any location for the primary purpose of displaying any such sign. Such signs may not be displayed on any trees, telephone poles or lighting stanchions or other public property. All such signs shall be removed within five days after the completion of said political function.
(p)
Real estate signs temporarily advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises or portion thereof, provided that such signs do not exceed nine square feet in area. Such signs shall be removed upon passing of title or completion of rental or lease agreement and shall be placed at least 10 feet from the curbline.
(2)
Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited unless otherwise permitted by this chapter:
(a)
No sign shall be erected, used or maintained which in any way simulates official directional or warning signs erected or maintained by the state, the county or the Borough or by any public utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of the public health or safety.
(b)
No sign of any type shall be permitted to obstruct or otherwise confuse directional and identification signs, other places of business or other signs, and all signs shall be located to allow a clear, unobstructed sight triangle at intersections.
(c)
Signs using red, yellow or green lights placed within 100 feet of any traffic control signal now or hereafter erected or placed so as otherwise to create confusion with respect to such signals.
(d)
Signs using words such as "stop," "look," "danger" etc., which are placed in a manner or position which constitutes a traffic hazard or confusion or otherwise interferes with the free flow of traffic.
(e)
Any advertisement which uses a series of two or more signs placed in a line parallel to the road or in a similar fashion, all carrying a single advertisement message, part of which is contained on each sign, is prohibited.
(f)
No sign may obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway or opening intended to provide light or ingress and egress to or from any building or structure except as herein provided.
(g)
Animated, moving or revolving signs and signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting, which display movement or the illusion of movement, including interior signs visible from the exterior of the premises, except for large, freestanding clocks or weather information.
(h)
Signs projected more than eight inches from the wall of a building are prohibited, unless incorporated as an element of an awning, which usage must conform to the appropriate sections of this chapter.
(i)
Signs, other than officially authorized signs, attached to poles, trees, posts, fences, sidewalks or curbs are prohibited.
(j)
No portion of any sign shall be located within or suspended over a public right-of-way or pedestrian walkway with the exception of covered walkways in shopping centers. [See Subsection E(3)(g).]
(k)
A permanent canopy extending from the building, across the sidewalk and to the curbline shall not be permitted. However, a permit may be granted for such a canopy to be in use for up to 24 hours.
(l)
Roof signs are not permitted.
(m)
Except where specifically permitted, signs advertising a product or service not sold on the premises, signs advertising or directing attention to another premises and any other signs unrelated to the premises on which the sign is erected.
(n)
Flags, except as national or state flags, banners, string of banners, pinwheels, balloons, wind sock flags with the word "open" or any other attention-getting item.
(o)
Beacons.
(p)
A-frame and sandwich-type signs.
(q)
Balloons and inflatable signs, except as permitted for temporary use.
(r)
Signs on vehicles. It should be unlawful to use a vehicle or a trailer as a sign in circumvention of this chapter.
(s)
Signs painted directly on any part of any building wall or roof.
(t)
Neon-type signs shall be prohibited.
(u)
Signs using any material which sparkles or glitters or displaying phosphorescent colors.
(v)
No sign shall be erected on the side of any building.
(w)
Billboard-type signs.
(3)
Nonconforming signs. For the purpose of this chapter, a nonconforming sign shall be defined as a lawfully existing sign at the effective date of this section or under the terms of this chapter.
(4)
Reference to zoning districts. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no outdoor sign or other form of exterior advertising shall be erected or maintained unless the same complies with the requirements of this subsection and those established for the zoning district in which such sign is located.
(5)
Setback from residential district. No sign permitted in a nonresidential district but not permitted in a residential district shall be located closer than 10 feet to any residential zone boundary and, further, no sign shall be located in a required buffer area.
(6)
Maintenance. The issuance of a permit shall not relieve the owner or lessee of the premises from the duty of maintaining any such structure. Every sign constructed or maintained shall be plainly marked with the permit number of such sign. All signs shall be painted, properly illuminated and maintained in good repair at all times. Any sign that is or shall become dangerous or unsafe in any manner whatsoever shall be repaired and made safe, in conformity with this chapter, or shall be removed by the owner, lessor, agency or occupant of the building, property or land upon which it is placed or to which it is attached. A written notice shall be served upon the owner, lessor, agency or occupant of the building, property or land upon which a dangerous or unsafe sign is located. Said notice shall require necessary action to be initiated within 10 days from the date of service of the notice upon such person and completed within 30 days from the issuing of the original notice, or within such lesser time as shall be deemed reasonable in the case where the danger to public health, safety and general welfare is so imminent as to require more immediate abatement.
(7)
Illumination. All externally illuminated signs shall be lighted with said source of illumination so placed and screened as to prevent direct rays of light from being cast beyond the premises.
(8)
Awnings and canopies.
(a)
Fixed awnings and canopies attached to buildings shall not extend from the building more than 38 inches, nor be greater than 48 inches in height. Drop or retractable awnings shall not extend from the building more than five feet. The lower edge of the curtain of any awning or canopy shall be no closer to the ground or sidewalk than seven feet. No part of the iron or other supporting framework shall be closer than seven feet six inches to the ground or sidewalk.
(b)
Two signs are permitted per establishment if one consists of an awning or canopy; provided, however, that only the name of the business and address shall be permitted on the awning or canopy, furthermore any lettering on any such awning or canopy must be located on the vertical fringe and must be no more than five inches in height. If any lettering exceeds five inches in height or any lettering, symbol, logo or graphic appears anywhere on the awning or canopy other than on the vertical fringe, then the awning or canopy shall be considered to be the one sign permitted per establishment and per building front. Lettering or other graphics on the ends of a canopy or awning are specifically prohibited.
(c)
No internal lighting for awnings or canopies shall be permitted.
(9)
Computation of area of individual signs.
(a)
Computation of area of individual signs. The display surface area (or area) of a sign face (which is also the display surface area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop of structure against which it is placed, or any voids in the layout, but not including any supporting framework, bracing or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets this chapter's regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
(b)
Computation of area of multifaced signs. The display surface area (or area) for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed back-to-back, so that both faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 12 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.
(c)
Computation of height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavation solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown on a public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the zone lot, whichever is lower.
(10)
Change in occupancy.
(a)
Any change of occupancy requires approval of the signage as a minor site plan before the board having legal jurisdiction.
(b)
Modifications to the signage shall conform to the provisions of this and all other local ordinances.
(c)
Signs shall be removed within 90 days after a vacancy if a sale or lease has not been executed.
E.
District regulations. The following regulations shall apply in the specific districts to all signs other than those specifically exempted.
(1)
Residential districts.
(a)
No signs shall be permitted in the Residential District except as otherwise specifically permitted by this chapter. Each property shall be limited to not more the one sign as permitted by this chapter.
(b)
Signs on churches, schools and other institutions of a public or quasi-public nature may be erected, provided that the size of any freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet and not more than one such sign shall be placed on each rod upon which such use fronts. Signs attached to a wall of a building shall not exceed 10% of the area of wall or 32 square feet, whichever is less.
(c)
All signs in residential districts, as specifically permitted, shall have a setback of at least 10 feet from all lot lines and shall have a fifty-foot front yard setback if freestanding; no sign shall be greater than five feet in height from the ground to the top of the sign.
(d)
Area identification signs for garden apartments shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(e)
Permanent signs otherwise permitted in residential districts may be externally lighted only and limited to 75 watts per surface.
(2)
Office professional districts.
(a)
Any sign permitted in the residential districts shall be permitted.
(b)
Signs must be accessory to the main use, advertising only businesses conducted on the premises where the sign is located. Such signs shall state only the name of the occupant of the premises and, in concise form, the nature of the business or professional activity or activities conducted there.
(d)
One sign may be attached to the wall of the main building advertising the business or businesses conducted on the premises. Such sign shall not project more than eight inches from the building facade to which it is attached; however, where a sign extends more than three inches from the face of said wall, the bottom of said sign shall not be closer than eight feet to the ground level below said sign. Signs attached to a wall of a building shall not exceed 10% of the area of wall or 32 square feet, whichever is less. No wall sign shall extend higher than the first story. Whenever a building has a second public entrance from a municipal parking lot, an additional sign shall be permitted for identification of the secondary public entrance. The second sign shall be limited in area to 15 square feet and shall contain no back or internal lighting. Any external lighting of the additional sign shall be shielded so that the light is directed onto the sign, and the light bulb or other light source shall not be visible from adjacent properties.
(e)
Not more than one freestanding sign per business premises shall be permitted on any one street frontage. Such sign shall only be permitted if the building has a minimum front yard setback of 50 feet. Such sign may be externally illuminated and shall not exceed 15 square feet on each side in area. No ground sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to a lot line or be greater than seven feet in overall height.
(3)
General business.
(a)
Any sign permitted in residential districts shall be permitted.
(b)
Signs must be accessory to the main use, advertising only businesses conducted on the premises where the sign is located. All off-premises advertising or announcements shall be prohibited.
(d)
One sign may be attached to the wall of the main building advertising the business or businesses conducted on the premises. Such sign shall not project more than eight inches from the building facade to which it is attached; however, where a sign extends more than three inches from the face of said wall, the bottom of said sign shall not be closer than eight feet from the ground level below said sign. Signs attached to the wall of a building shall not exceed 10% of the area of wall or 50 square feet, whichever is less. Whenever a building has a second public entrance from a municipal parking lot, an additional sign shall be permitted for identification of the secondary public entrance. The second sign shall be limited in area to 15 square fret and shall contain no back or internal lighting. Any external lighting of the additional sign shall be shielded so that the light is directed onto the sign, and the light bulb or other light source shall not be visible from adjacent properties.
(e)
Signs for uses above the first floor shall conform to all ordinance requirements, except that their dimensions shall be in proportion to the area of such use, and no signs shall be placed above the line of the window ledges of the third floor.
(f)
Rear businesses. Signs on the primary facade of a building for businesses that do not share that primary facade shall conform to the secondary-entrance requirements and all other requirements of this chapter.
(g)
Not more than one freestanding sign, per business premises shall be permitted on any street frontage. Such sign shall only be permitted if the building has a minimum front yard setback of 50 feet. Such sign may be externally illuminated and shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. No freestanding sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to a lot line or be more than 15 feet in height or the height of the principal building on the lot, whichever is less.
(h)
Shopping centers in the General Business District shall be governed by these additional regulations:
[1]
A shopping center may have one freestanding, externally lighted sign identifying the shopping center, along each road which the tract in question abuts.
[2]
Each individual use may also have a facade sign, but may not have a freestanding sign.
[3]
There shall be a consistent design theme among signs in a shopping center.
[4]
The total sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet including Subsection E(3)(h)[1] and [2] above.