Collingswood City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IX
Signs
§ 141-92 Purpose.
The provisions of this article shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, use, type, number, location, size, design, and maintenance of all signs. This article is intended to regulate and control signs and their placement and construction throughout the Borough of Collingswood for the following purposes:
A.
To provide a pleasing overall environmental setting and good community appearance, deemed vital to the continued economic attractiveness of Collingswood by:
(1)
Encouraging signs in areas of high sign concentration, such as downtown, neighborhood retail areas, and highway corridors, so that the placement, color, shape, brackets, support structures, mountings, design and lighting promote good civic design that supports the visual quality and positive collective impact and image of such areas.
(2)
Promoting signs that, in addition to the standards herein, are also integrated with the overall design of their host building in a way respectful of and complimentary to the historic and architectural character of the building.
(3)
Permitting signs that not only identify the "presence" of the business or use on a thoroughfare, but also generate a positive collective impact upon the streetscape of an area.
B.
To create a more productive, enterprising, professional business atmosphere.
C.
To allow signs appropriate to the architectural and planned character and development of each zoning district.
D.
To ensure that permitted signs do not become a safety hazard or nuisance.
E.
To promote traffic safety.
F.
To promote the design of signs in pedestrian corridors that focus upon pedestrian viewers and not automobile operators.
G.
To prevent business and advertising signs from conflicting with public safety signs.
H.
To prevent the overcrowding of land through multiple proliferation of signs on a single parcel of land.
I.
To facilitate fire and police protection by proper sign identification.
J.
To protect and enhance the value of properties by eliminating visual chaos and pollution.
K.
To promote the public safety and welfare of Collingswood.
§ 141-93 Sign permits.
A.
Sign permits required. It shall be unlawful to erect, alter, maintain, use, reletter, move or otherwise have a sign in the Borough of Collingswood without first obtaining a sign permit. It shall be also unlawful to mount, hang, attach, erect, alter, maintain, use, reletter, move or otherwise have a sign in the Borough of Collingswood which protrudes from, is perpendicular to or is otherwise mounted to the outside wall or doorway of any structure without prior approval from the appropriate Borough official on the method of installation. Further, any sign described in the immediately preceding sentence shall be subject to regular inspection by the appropriate Borough officials. However, a permit shall not be required of any sign expressly exempted from that requirement by this article. A sign must also meet all requirements imposed by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and other applicable statutes, regulations and ordinances.
B.
Exempted signs.
(1)
The following signs shall be permitted in all districts and exempted from a required sign permit:
(a)
Official flags and signs;
(b)
Holiday and seasonal decorations, displays, and lights containing no advertising matter for a period not to exceed 45 days;
(c)
Residential occupant name and address signs identifying a house, apartment, or mailbox not exceeding one square foot;
(d)
Warning, no trespassing signs, private parking, and traffic directional signs on private property not exceeding two square feet;
(e)
Traffic circulation and directional signs on private property not exceeding two square feet;
(f)
Temporary business identification signs which meet the conditions of § 141-101D(1);
(g)
Door signs which meet the conditions of § 141-101D(2);
(h)
Temporary advertising signs and permanent interior advertising signs which meet the conditions of § 41-101D(3);
(i)
Community event announcements, which meet the conditions of § 141-101D(5);
(j)
Real estate signs which meet the conditions of § 141-101D(6);
(k)
Construction signs, which meet the conditions of § 141-101D(7);
(l)
Political signs which meet the conditions of § 141-101D(8); and
(2)
Notwithstanding the above, historical identification signs must receive a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission as provided in § 141-104B(4).
C.
Prohibited signs. The following types of signs shall be prohibited:
(1)
Signs, lights and similar devices which imitate official traffic, warning or governmental signs or may be generally confused or construed as such.
(2)
Signs located in any manner or place which constitute a hazard to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, block visibility, or obscure any traffic sign, signal, or device.
(3)
Signs or lights reflecting or emitting a glaring light which could impair driver vision, reflected signs, and light-projected signs.
(4)
Signs placed, reflected, or cast on any curb, sidewalk, utility pole or structure, chimney, post, tree, rock, natural feature, fence, gate, abutment, retaining wall, embankment, hydrant, bridge, another sign, or other surface located on, over, or across any public right-of-way or property.
(5)
Signs that obstruct openings intended as a means of entrance or exit; signs that obstruct light or air from any room or building; or signs located so as to provide less than seven feet clearance over a pedestrian walkway or head of an entry door, whichever is greater;
(6)
Signs placed above a structure's roofline or on an angled section of a roof, except projecting and icon signs.
(7)
Changeable copy signs, except as otherwise permitted in § 141-101C(4) through (6).
(9)
Moving signs, sequentially placed signs, or devices designed to attract attention, all or any part of which move by flickering, rotating, spinning, or moving in some other manner, and are set in motion by movement of the atmosphere or by mechanical, electrical, or any other means.
(10)
Floodlights, spotlights, and directed lights as part of a business ornamentation or sign illumination system that are not hooded or shielded so that the light source is not visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent property.
(11)
Signs which contain or utilize a beacon, spot, search, or stroboscopic light or reflector which is visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent property, except as may be authorized by public agents.
(12)
Consecutively strung lights on nonresidential properties that form any individual letters or numbers or blink, flash, or track, except existing time and/or temperature signs.
(13)
Except as permitted in the Highway Business District and Highway Industrial District, internally illuminated signs, i.e., light box or backlit signs, or illuminated signs which contain or utilize nonopaque material in any zoning district. Opaque channel-lettered signs with interior lights that shine back onto a wall or signboard are, however, permitted.
(14)
Billboards and other off-premises signs, regardless of whether they are a principal or accessory use for a tax lot, except for community bulletin boards on public property and unless otherwise permitted under § 141-93F.
(15)
An automobile, trailer (attached or unattached), or any vehicle of any nature bearing signs or advertisements, parked or left stationary for more than 24 hours at any location, or any such automobile, trailer, or vehicle stored on an occupied lot that is not ordinarily and customarily used to transport persons or property of the advertised business on said lot or its employees.
(16)
Signs which advertise or promote a specific individual, product or brand name or off-premises business, service, or corporation, except for temporary advertising signs and permanent interior advertising signs.
(17)
Signs, located in the CBD, POD, HBD, HID district or a home professional office, which incorporate LED light strips or a continuous series of lights in order to outline windows, signs, or other building feature of an associated business.
(18)
Any sign displaying flashing or intermittent lights, rotating beams or lights of changing degrees of intensity of color, except signs indicating time, temperature.
D.
Sign permit application process.
(1)
The application for a sign permit shall be on such forms as may be required by the Borough, include a site plan indicating the location of the proposed signage, and shall be fully completed. One sign permit application shall include all existing and proposed nonexempted signs on a tax lot for which the application has been made. Permits for banners and temporary freestanding signs shall be administered under § 141-93F. If the sign permit application is part of a site plan, subdivision, or variance application, the following procedures shall be incorporated into the standard review procedures in this article for those other types of development review applications.
(2)
A completed sign permit application shall include a scale drawing of the proposed sign, logo and lettering, with specifications for lettering typeface and colors, position on the building or structure and methods of attachment, calculations of sign sizes, sign construction materials, lighting and coloring. A complete application for an illuminated sign must include information required in § 141-101A(4). A complete application shall include one full-colored copy of the application form, drawings or plans, and any attachments thereto, as well as the signature of the applicant and the owner of the tax lot for which the application is made. The Zoning Officer shall determine whether an application is complete within 30 days of its submission. An applicant may install temporary business identification signs in accordance with § 141-101D(1) and other exempted signs in accordance with § 141-93B without a sign permit.
(3)
After the application is deemed to be complete, and no waivers or variances are necessary, the Zoning Officer shall administratively grant a permit. In the event that a sign requires design waivers or a variance to standards from this or any other article, the Zoning Officer shall refer the application to the Planning Board for approval.
(4)
In approving a sign design waiver or variance, the Planning Board shall consider the zone in which the sign is to be located, the surrounding streetscape, the architectural and historic characteristics of the host building and adjacent buildings, visibility, other existing or proposed signs, the proposed sign's size, appearance, materials, placement, color, lettering, and lighting and the purposes of this article in makings its decision.
E.
Sign permit application fee: $35.
[Amended 8-1-2022 by Ord. No. 1741]
F.
Banner permits.
(1)
Banner permits shall be required for the erection of any banner within Collingswood. The application for a banner permit shall be on such forms as may be required by the Borough and shall be fully completed.
(2)
The application shall be signed by the applicant and by the owner of the tax lot for which the application is made.
(3)
The application shall include a scale drawing of the proposed banner, logo and lettering, with specifications for lettering typeface and colors, position on the building or structure and methods of attachment, calculations of banner size, banner construction materials, and coloring.
(4)
The application shall include 10 full-colored copies of the application form, drawing or plan, and any attachments thereto. The wording on the banner shall exactly match the wording shown on the banner application and permit. Applications must be received at least 21 days' prior to the proposed erection of the banner.
(5)
A banner must meet all requirements imposed by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and other applicable statutes, regulations and ordinances. Banners' installations shall be reviewed and approved by the Construction Code Officer prior to their erection.
(6)
After the application is deemed to be complete by the Zoning Officer and approved by the Construction Code Officer, the Zoning Officer the applicant shall then contact the Department of Public Works to arrange erecting the banner across the street.
§ 141-94 Nonconforming signs.
A.
It is the intent and purpose of this chapter that, as soon as legally possible, all existing signs not conforming to the provisions of this chapter be eliminated or brought into conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
B.
Legal nonconforming signs. Any sign located within the Borough which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter but which did conform to the applicable ordinance on signs at the time that it was erected shall be a legally nonconforming sign. It may continue in use until it has lost its legal nonconforming status under this chapter.
C.
Status of legal nonconforming signs.
§ 141-95 Existing and nonconforming signs.
A.
No lawfully existing permanent sign shall be enlarged, redesigned, or altered in any way, except to conform to this chapter and to provide ordinary sign maintenance. Alteration of the lettering or message on an approved changeable copy sign is exempted from this requirement. Any sign replacing an existing sign shall conform to the provisions of this chapter.
B.
No nonconforming sign shall be replaced in the event of its removal or destruction. If a nonconforming sign is deemed damaged badly enough to reduce its insurable value by 50%, it must not be reconstructed or repaired except in conformance with this chapter.
C.
All nonconforming signs shall be removed in the event of a change in use, new certificate of occupancy, change of business license, or change of tenancy on the premises. All nonconforming signs shall be removed if a building permit is issued for any construction on said property, sign-related or not.
D.
No new signs may be approved for any property while a nonconforming sign remains in use on that property. Approval and erection of any new signs for a property shall be contingent upon simultaneous removal of all nonconforming signs for said property.
§ 141-96 Maintenance.
A.
The property owner shall be responsible for maintaining all signs erected on a tax lot. This maintenance shall include repainting, repairing and cleaning, as necessary. No sign shall be permitted to exhibit:
B.
If the Zoning Officer determines that any sign is in a state of disrepair so as to no longer be reasonably capable of presenting its message, or abandoned or a danger to the public health or public safety, he shall give written notice of the condition of the sign to the owner of the sign and to the owner of record of the tax lot.
C.
The property owner shall thereafter have 10 days to repair or remove said sign.
D.
If said sign is not satisfactorily repaired or removed within the ten-day period, the Zoning Officer may thereafter take such actions as are permitted pursuant to § 141-94E.
§ 141-97 Abandonment.
Abandoned signs and their supporting structures shall be removed within 30 days. The Borough may thereafter take such actions as are permitted pursuant to § 141-94C and E.
§ 141-98 Enforcement.
A.
The Borough shall enforce this chapter.
B.
Upon the discovery of a violation of this chapter, the Zoning Officer shall give written notice to the owner of the sign and to the owner of record of the tax lot that the sign is in violation of this chapter and to bring the sign into conformity with this chapter or to remove it or to apply for a sign permit to allow the sign as existing within 10 days of the notice.
C.
In the event that any sign continues to be in existence after notice, the Borough may file a Municipal Court complaint against the owner of the sign and the owner of record of the tax lot and take such other action as may be permitted by law.
§ 141-99 Penalties.
Failure to satisfactorily repair or remove a sign cited by the Zoning Officer shall constitute a violation of this chapter as per § 141-11.
§ 141-100 Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply to the regulation and control of signs within Collingswood:
A sign no longer used for its original intent or a sign on a vacant, unoccupied, or abandoned property.
A sign stretching across a public right-of-way which temporarily promotes an activity, special event, or otherwise promotes a special event or the public good.
A flag displayed for decorative, and not official or patriotic, purposes.
The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
A sign containing directional information that does not contain advertising and is not used as such. Signs may include business name and arrows.
A permitted sign that does not require a sign permit.
A display of cloth or fabric with symbols, icons, and/or designs attached to a pole.
A sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles, pylons, braces, or a solid base and not attached to any building.
The vertical distance measured from the surrounding grade to the highest point of the sign.
A sign or marker identifying a historic site or structure listed on Collingswood, New Jersey, or National Historic Registers, or otherwise approved by the Historic Preservation Commission for public educational purposes.
A sculptural or three-dimensional image or symbol that is representative of the business being advertised, e.g., eyeglasses for an optometrist; scissors, needle and thread for a tailor; mortar and pestle for a pharmacy; barber pole for a barbershop.
A sign illuminated by a separate light fixture that casts light directly on the face of the sign.
A sign illuminated directly or indirectly by a light fixture located within the sign structure. Internal illumination includes illumination designed to project light against the surface behind the sign lettering or graphic, commonly referred to as backlit channel lettering or halo lighting.
A formally organized, nonprofit, philanthropic, charitable, civic, or religions organization.
The area within the smallest quadrilateral that be drawn to contain the letters, numbers, and characters of the sign message, exclusive of decorative borders and other design elements.
A sign listing the names and/or uses or locations of more than one business, activity, or professional office conducted within a building, group of buildings, or shopping center.
A uniquely designed sign, such as a double-sided sign or icon sign, which hangs and/or protrudes perpendicular to the face of the building via architecturally designed ornamental mountings, such as but not limited to scrolled ornamental iron, steel brass braces, etc. Also known as a "hanging sign."
A sign fabricated using a letter or graphic which is cut out, then pushed through a corresponding space that has been removed from a sign substrate. The push-through is typically different color and/or material than the rest of the sign. Typically used with an opaque sign cabinet and internal lighting. "Push-through letters" are most often translucent acrylic letters that are pushed through a sign face panel to be flush or over-flush with the front surface of the sign face.
A moveable sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame and most often forming the cross-sectional shape of an A.
Any identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, which is visible from any public place and which directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation. This definition does not include nonlighted displays in the windows of commercial establishments.
The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols, exclusive of any sign supporting structure.
A horizontal area above a multitenant building entrance, architecturally designed to accommodate signage.
Height shall be the distance from the top of the sign structure to the lowest grade level of the base of the sign. The height of any monument base or other structure erected to support or ornament the sign shall be measured as a part of the sign height.
A professionally drawn scale plan showing the full facade of the building, its architectural features, if any, and the location of the sign on the face of the building, color, texture, lettering style, mounting techniques, etc.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports holding a sign in place.
An advertising sign or commercial special event banner temporarily erected for a limited time for promotional purposes for an on-premises business establishment.
A temporary sign provided for new businesses pending approval of a formal sign application.
A sign which is either attached to, displayed on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall sign.
§ 141-101 Design standards.
A.
General sign design standards.
(1)
Sign content. Unless otherwise indicated in this chapter, a sign may include only the following information:
(a)
The principal name of the business, proprietor, owner, or resident;
(b)
A brief description of the principal goods, services, products, or uses offered in trade;
(c)
A logo or trademark by which the on-premises business, proprietor, or owner is identified;
(d)
The premises' street number;
(e)
The premises' street name; and
(f)
Any other notice or information required to be provided by law or regulation.
(2)
Location of signs.
(a)
A sign must be on the tax lot, building, or storefront with which it is identified. No signs shall be allowed for or on accessory buildings or structures.
(b)
No sign shall be erected in a public right-of-way or between the street curb and a sidewalk, other than an easel sign, projecting sign, or awning sign, as permitted in this chapter.
(c)
Freestanding signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from the public right-of-way or the front curb line, whichever is greater, except in the Professional Office District and all residential districts, where they shall be set back at least five feet from the public right-of-way or the front curb line, whichever is greater. All freestanding signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from the property's side yard line.
(d)
No freestanding sign taller than three feet shall be erected in any sight triangle at a street intersection or ingress or egress points to a lot.
(e)
No wall sign shall extend over any window or door, nor shall any wall sign be suspended or project over any part of a building or structure unless it meets the conditions of § 141-101D(11).
(f)
A sign must be positioned on a building facade's architectural sign band, if provided.
(3)
Computation of sign area. The sign area of any sign shall be computed by determining the area of the smallest quadrilateral into which the sign can be fit, inclusive of decorative borders and other design elements, as permitted by this chapter. In the case of double-sided signs, the sign area shall be measured by using the area of only one side of the sign. The sign structure shall not be included as a portion of the sign area, provided that no identifying or advertising message is displayed on the sign structure.
(4)
Lighting.
(a)
Illumination of a sign shall be arranged so that no substantial light or glare is directed or reflected onto adjacent streets or properties. The installation and assembly shall meet all applicable building and electrical codes.
(b)
An application for an illuminated sign must include a lighting fixture catalogue cut or manufacturer's product description sheet with isolux or lumens specifications and mounting information. It shall indicate the lighting intensity (lumens) that would be generated by any lighting devices shining onto the sign and the rest of the property and neighboring properties and the lumens that would be projecting from any illuminated signs as part of the sign plan. (This information is part of the manufacturer's data sheet.) Externally illuminated signs consisting of three or fewer one-hundred-watt incandescent light bulbs, or compact fluorescent lights of comparable wattage, shall be exempt from submitting a lumens plan. In no instance shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting from internal illumination or external illumination, exceed 20 footcandles when measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance measured one foot from the face of the sign.
(5)
Design guidelines. Each sign shall be reviewed under the general sign design guidelines in § 141-101B in terms of type, size, appearance, materials, placement, color, lettering, and lighting. Specific sign design guidelines shall be reviewed under the zoning district design standards in § 141-101C and specific design standards in § 141-101D. Every sign shall be constructed of durable and weather-resistant materials with noncorrosive fastenings; and shall be maintained in safe condition and good repair at all times to maintain legibility. No sign shall be permitted if it reduces or impairs pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety or the visual or architectural integrity of its building or streetscape in which it is situated.
(6)
Banners and temporary freestanding signs.
(a)
Banners and temporary freestanding signs not to exceed 32 square feet may be erected in any zoning district by an institutional or public use which has its base of operations or principal office in the Collingswood. Banners and temporary freestanding signs must meet the following conditions:
[1]
An application must be submitted and approved in accordance with § 141-93F. Only one banner or temporary freestanding sign shall be permitted per applicant per permit period.
[2]
The wording on the banner or freestanding sign must be related to promotion of a Collingswood activity that will take place in Collingswood.
[3]
The wording shall include the name of the institution or public use sponsoring the banner, which shall be the permit applicant of record. It shall not contain any lights, flags, pennants, streamers, or other fluttering or spinning attachments, lighting or sound-generation equipment.
[4]
The banner or freestanding sign shall be displayed on the premises of the applicant's primary building for a period not to exceed 30 days. It shall be installed by the applicant, which shall also remove the banner immediately upon the expiration of the permit.
(b)
Banners not to exceed 100 square feet may be erected in the Central Business District and Professional Office District zones across a public right-of-way for an institutional or public use which has its base of operations or principal office in the Collingswood. Such banners must meet the following conditions:
[1]
An application for a banner permit must be submitted and approved in accordance with § 141-93F. Only one banner shall be permitted per applicant per permit period.
[2]
The wording on the banner must be related to promotion of a Collingswood activity that will take place in Collingswood.
[3]
The wording shall include the name of the institution or public use sponsoring the banner, which shall be the banner permit applicant of record. It shall not indicate any off-premises commercial endorsement or sponsorship. It shall not contain any lights, flags, pennants, streamers, or other fluttering or spinning attachments, lighting or sound-generation equipment.
[4]
The banner shall be installed by the Collingswood Department of Public Works at least 14 feet above the center of the right-of-way for a period not to exceed 30 days. The Department shall also remove the banner immediately upon the expiration of the permit. The Borough may charge a nominal fee for this service.
(c)
Banners not to exceed 24 square feet may be erected on a primary structure in a nonresidential zone for "grand opening," "going-out-of-business" and other types of similar special events. Such banners must meet the following conditions:
[1]
An application for a banner permit must be submitted and approved in accordance with § 141-93F. Only one banner shall be permitted per business per permit period.
[2]
The wording on the banner may contain the words "grand opening," "now open," "going out of business" or comparable announcement, the name of the business, proprietor, or owner, and/or a short description of the business. The banner shall be displayed on the premises of the applicant's primary building for a period not to exceed 30 days.
[3]
The banner shall not indicate any off-premises commercial endorsement or sponsorship. It shall not contain any lights, flags, pennants, streamers, or other fluttering or spinning attachments, lighting or sound-generation equipment.
[4]
It shall be mounted no higher than 15 feet from grade or the bottom of the second floor windowsill, whichever is lower, and shall not cover any window or door.
[5]
The banner shall be installed by the applicant, which shall also remove the banner immediately upon the expiration of banner permit.
B.
General sign design guidelines.
(1)
General guidelines. The sign's design should complement the design of its host building or site and the overall character of the business district. Signs should be designed and painted by professional sign makers or experienced artists. Each sign should be designed in accordance with the following standards.
(2)
Appearance. Signs should be compatible with their surroundings. In Collingswood's Central Business District zones, signs should match traditional early and mid-twentieth century sign patterns, i.e., flush-mounted wall signs; window signs; awning signs; projecting and icon signs; and murals. Small freestanding signs, which are usually displayed on the lawn in front of a former dwelling, are more appropriate in the Professional Office District zones. All of these signs also would be compatible with the highway streetscape in the Highway Business District and Highway Industrial District zones, as well as freestanding signs illuminated signs. Signs for businesses in a common building, shopping, office, or industrial center should be compatible with each other too. Signs that relate to and complement their surroundings will capture the attention of a pedestrian or motorist better than a poorly designed one, which may give a negative impression of the business and the community as a whole. Signs attached to the same building should be the same shape, color and height, regardless of individual business ownership or tenancy in the building.
(3)
Materials. High-quality materials will ensure that a sign will look attractive, reduce maintenance costs, and last longer. Sign materials and architectural style shall be compatible with and complementary to the architectural design of the building they are associated with. Permanent signs should be made of wood, high-density urethane (HDU), medium-density overlay (MDO), high-quality plastic, such as acrylic, PVC, and polycarbonate, metal, such as brass, copper, bronze, stainless steel, and aluminum, or other type of similar high-quality materials. No permanent signs shall be constructed of paper, nylon, fabric, or any other type of nondurable, lightweight, and fragile, material. Cotton, vinyl, and mixed fabrics should be used for awning signs. Signs made of inferior grade unfinished wood and plastic are inappropriate and not permitted. Wood, high-quality plastic, metal, high-density urethane (HDU), lexan, or other type of similar and suitable high-quality materials should be used for internally illuminated signs.
(4)
Placement. Many buildings have spaces that are specifically designed for signs, such as the area below the second floor windowsill or on a building or sign fascia. Signs should be integrated with the building without obscuring important architectural details or storefront windows. Signs should be mounted so as to minimize damage to historic materials. Sign supports should be finished with architectural details to complement the sign, such as ornamental iron or brass supports and routed wood posts and edges to provide detail and relief. Window and door signs should avoid cluttering and blocking views. This will help increase customer interest and business visibility, viability, and safety.
(5)
Lettering. Lettering and character typefaces should match the scale of the building and size of the sign. Signs should be legible from a typical viewing position and travel speeds. For example, lettering in the Central Business District zone should be visible to pedestrians and slower moving traffic. Signs along highway corridors may have lettering that is legible from quicker moving traffic. Inappropriate typefaces have characters that are difficult to read and incompatibly styled for their host building, site, or district. While cursive style typefaces may be appropriate for pedestrian-oriented signs, they would be difficult to read in an automobile-oriented business zone. Hard-to-read, faddish, and intricate typefaces should be avoided.
(6)
Color. Colors influence a sign's legibility, character, and general appearance. The colors should be compatible with the style and color scheme of the building and its neighbors. Color schemes should be kept simple, limited to two or three colors, and based on a host building's painted exterior detailing, such as window trim and cornices. Earth tones, primary colors, and pastels are appropriate and can be designed with subtle combinations and variations. Fluorescent, luminescent, and iridescent colors and tones should only be used for traffic safety signs. Signs with a strong color contrast are more legible. A sign with a dark background will make lighter lettering more visible. Because storefront windows usually appear dark, window signs should be done in light colored paint or gold leaf.
(7)
Lighting. Collingswood encourages the use of decorative light fixtures, such as gooseneck, hooded, historic reproduction, and alcove fixtures, complimentary to the design of building, sign, or site. Direct external illumination should be used in all districts. Internally illuminated signs, however, are appropriate in the Highway Business District and Highway Industrial District zones. Signs should be evenly lit with no isolated bright or dark spots. No substantial light or glare may be directed or reflected onto adjacent streets or properties.
C.
Zoning district design standards.
(1)
Historic districts. In addition to conforming to the other regulations contained in this chapter, historic identification signs and internally illuminated signs, except as permitted in the Highway Business District and Highway Industrial District, are subject to the review by the Historic Preservation Commission in accordance with Article X of this chapter.
(2)
Central Business District (CBD).
(a)
Permanent signs should be made of wood, high-density urethane (HDU), medium-density overlay (MDO), high-quality plastic, such as acrylic, PVC, and polycarbonate, metal, such as brass, copper, bronze, stainless steel, and aluminum, or other type of similar high-quality materials.
(b)
A business in the Central Business District zoning district may erect a total of two nonexempt signs, one of which may be a sign painted on a first floor window not to exceed: in area, 20% total window area of any single storefront may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or otherwise permanently affixed to the window of the glass area; and in letter height, six inches. The second sign may be one of the following:
[1]
A wall sign not to exceed: in total sign area, 0.75 square feet for each linear foot of building frontage or 24 square feet, whichever is less; in height, 15 feet or the bottom of the second floor windowsill, whichever is lower; and in lettering height, 12 inches. Such signs may be made of dimensional opaque elements not to extend more than three inches from the wall surface and may be lighted from behind;
[2]
A multiple occupant/tenant sign, in accordance with § 141-101D(9);
[3]
An awning sign, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(10);
[4]
A projecting or icon sign, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(11);
[5]
A decorative flag, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(12).;
[6]
A sandwich board sign which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(13);
[7]
A temporary banner sign that meets the conditions of § 141-101D(14);
[8]
A freestanding pole sign that meets the conditions of § 141-101D(15);
[9]
A window sign which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(4).
(c)
Where a property fronts on more than one street, three nonexempt signs shall be permitted. No more than two nonexempt signs shall be erected on any single building frontage. Where a property has an entrance from a rear parking area, one additional nonexempted sign to front that parking area is permitted.
(3)
Professional Office District (POD). A business in the Professional Office District zoning district may erect a total of one of the following nonexempt signs:
(a)
A sign painted on a first floor window not to exceed: in area, 20% of the glass area; and in letter height, six inches;
(b)
A wall sign not to exceed: in total area, 24 square feet, whichever is less; in height, 15 feet or the bottom of the second floor windowsill, whichever is lower; in lettering height, 12 inches; and in projection from wall surface, one inch.
(c)
A freestanding sign not to exceed: in total area, 12 square feet; and in height, five feet; and in lettering height, six inches;
(d)
A multiple occupant/tenant sign, in accordance with § 141-101D(9);
(e)
An awning sign, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(10);
(f)
A projecting or icon sign, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(11);
(g)
A decorative flag, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(12);
(h)
A sandwich board sign which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(13);
(i)
A temporary banner sign that meets the conditions of § 141-101D(14);
(j)
A window sign which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(4).
(4)
Highway Business District (HBD) and Highway Industrial District (HID).
(a)
A business in the Highway Business District or Highway Industrial District zoning district may erect a total of two of the following nonexempt signs:
[1]
A sign painted on a first floor window not to exceed 20% of the glass area;
[2]
A wall sign not to exceed: in total area, 40 square feet; in height, 15 feet or the bottom of the second floor windowsill, whichever is lower; and in projection from the wall surface, four inches;
[3]
A freestanding sign not to exceed: in total area, 30 square feet; and in height, 20 feet; A freestanding sign may include a digital display, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(15);
[4]
A multiple occupant/tenant sign, in accordance with § 141-101D(9);
[5]
An awning sign, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(10);
[6]
A projecting or icon sign, which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(11);
[7]
A sandwich board sign which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(13);
[8]
A window sign which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(4).
(b)
Where a property fronts on more than one street, three nonexempt signs shall be permitted. No more than two nonexempt signs shall be erected on any single building frontage. Where a property has an entrance from a rear parking area, one additional nonexempted sign to front that parking area is permitted.
(5)
Residential Zoning Districts (SF-D1, SF-D2, SF-D3 and MFD).
(a)
Any business, except a home personal office or home professional office, in a residential zoning district may erect a total of one of the following nonexempt signs:
[1]
A wall sign not to exceed: in total area, two square feet; in height, six feet; in lettering height, four inches; and in projection from wall surface, one inch;
[2]
A freestanding sign not to exceed: in total area, 10 square feet; in height, five feet; and in lettering height, six inches;
[3]
A multiple occupant/tenant sign, in accordance with § 141-101D(9).
(6)
Institutional and public use signs.
(a)
An institutional or public use in any Collingswood zoning district may erect a total of two of the following nonexempt signs:
[1]
A wall sign not to exceed: in total area, 0.75 square feet for each linear foot of building frontage or 24 square feet, whichever is less; in height, 15 feet or the bottom of the second floor windowsill, whichever is lower; in lettering height, 12 inches; and in projection from wall surface, one inch;
[2]
A freestanding sign not to exceed: in total area, 24 square feet; in height, five feet; and in lettering height, 12 inches;
[3]
A manual changeable copy sign not exceeding 16 square feet;
[4]
A window sign which meets the conditions of § 141-101D(4).
(b)
Where a property fronts on more than one street, three nonexempt signs shall be permitted. No more than two nonexempt signs shall be erected on any single building frontage. Where a property has an entrance from a rear parking area, one additional nonexempted sign to front that parking area is permitted.
(7)
Restaurants, delis, and prepared food sales signs. In addition to those permitted nonexempt signs by zoning district in this section, restaurants, delis, and businesses selling prepared food items in any Collingswood zoning district shall be permitted to display one of the following changeable copy signs. Such signs shall not be counted in the total number of permitted signs or sign area.
D.
Specific sign design standards.
(1)
Temporary business identification signs. A temporary business identification sign shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
The Zoning Officer may permit a new business to display one such sign per business, pending the necessary approvals for the business's permanent signage.
(c)
The temporary business identification sign shall be placed in the same location as the permanent sign would.
(d)
The temporary business identification sign must be removed upon installation of approved permanent signage or business expiration or 90 days, whichever is sooner.
(2)
Door signs. A door sign, which may include the premises' days and hours of operation and contact numbers by which the business, proprietor or owner may be contacted, shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
There shall be only one such sign permitted per entry door.
(b)
The sign area shall not exceed 1.5 square feet, not including any portable "open" sign under 0.25 square feet in area.
(c)
The sign shall be painted, applied, or hung from the inside of the door. Lettering on door glass shall be painted in gold leaf or a light color.
(d)
No other signage, including exempt signs, shall be placed on the door.
(3)
Temporary advertising signs.
(a)
The combined sign area shall not exceed 10% of the total window area. Sign area shall include the signboard or mounting structure, regardless of whether it contains letters, characters, or other illustrations.
(b)
Signs shall be mounted on a signboard or otherwise displayed indoors inside the business premises. Signs shall not be affixed to or supported on any window or door, and shall be separated from store window and door surfaces by at least 12 inches.
(c)
Signs must show beginning and expiration dates in one-half-inch letters at the lower right hand corner of each sign. Signs shall be removed after 30 days.
(d)
Individual sign letters and characters may not exceed nine inches in height.
(e)
Signs shall not contain any lights, flags, pennants, streamers, or other fluttering or spinning attachments.
(4)
Window signs.
(a)
The combined sign area shall not exceed 10% of the total window area. Sign area shall include the signboard or mounting structure, regardless of whether it contains letters, characters, or other illustrations.
(b)
Signs shall not contain any lights, flags, pennants, streamers, or other fluttering or spinning attachments.
(5)
Community event announcements. Window signs relating to a community-oriented event sponsored by an institutional or public use which has its base of operations or principal office in Collingswood may be displayed inside a first floor business window and shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Only two such signs shall be permitted per business frontage;
(b)
The total area of all such signs may not exceed 24 inches by 36 inches per business frontage.
(c)
The signs may be displayed for a period of no more than 30 days before the event and must be removed by the business proprietor immediately after the event.
(6)
Real estate signs. A real estate sign shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Only one such sign shall be permitted on the tax parcel advertised for sale or lease and set back at least 10 feet from all streets.
(b)
It shall not exceed six square feet on each side and four feet in height.
(c)
The realtor shall remove it at closing or completion of the matter being advertised.
(d)
It may include the realtor's telephone and other contact numbers.
(e)
Open house signs are permitted 24 hours prior to the sales event and must be removed immediately after the open house. No off-site directional signs are permitted.
(7)
Construction signs. A construction sign shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Only one such sign shall be permitted on the tax parcel under construction and set back at least 10 feet from all streets.
(b)
It shall not exceed six square feet for residential properties, 15 square feet for nonresidential properties, and five feet in height.
(c)
Signs are permitted at the start of said work and must be removed at the completion of the work.
(d)
It may include the contractor's telephone and other contact numbers.
(8)
Political signs.
(a)
Political signs relating to the candidacy of any person for public office or pertaining to a public question which will appear on a ballot shall be permitted on private property, provided that such signs shall be displayed no earlier than six weeks' prior to any election in which such person is a candidate or such issue is submitted to the voters, and the sign shall be removed within one week after the election. Any sign erected pursuant to this subsection shall be unlit and shall not exceed nine square feet in area. No more than one sign shall be permitted on any tax lot.
(b)
Political signs must be constructed of materials sufficient to withstand the effects of the environment and must be maintained while erected. No sign shall encroach upon sight triangles. All signs shall be erected in conformance with this chapter as it relates to setbacks and height restrictions.
(c)
The persons or organizations represented on the political sign are responsible for their removal, maintenance and/or liability regardless of whether or not authorization was given to erect the sign in the affected location by the represented persons or organization.
(9)
Multiple occupant/tenant (MOT) signs. A flush-mounted wall, projecting, or freestanding multiple occupant/tenant sign shall be used where a building or site contains two or more different commercial or office uses or tenants, and shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Only one such sign shall be permitted for each tax parcel, except for corner properties within the Central Business District zone where one such sign may be erected on both frontages.
(b)
No more than one multiple occupant/tenant sign shall be erected on any building frontage.
(c)
Except for projecting signs, as permitted in § 141-101D(10), such signs shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(d)
The principal heading or logo should not exceed 25% of the sign area. A multiple occupant/tenant sign for two different uses shall not exceed four square feet and may contain an additional one square foot of area for each additional use in the building or site, up to a maximum of eight square feet.
(e)
Maximum letter height shall not exceed four inches. The sign's lettering style and coloring shall be the same for all uses and tenants.
(10)
Awning signs. An awning sign shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Only one such sign is permitted per storefront, on the first floor only.
(b)
Sign letters and characters shall be painted or sewn on awnings. Maximum letter height shall be nine inches.
(c)
Awning signs may not be backlit. The awning fabric, including sign lettering and characters, shall be made of an opaque material such that no window or sidewalk lighting shall show through the fabric material.
(d)
Maximum lettering area shall not exceed 0.5 square feet for each linear foot of building frontage, or 16 square feet, whichever is less. Inclusion of the premises' street address on the awning shall not be counted towards the maximum permitted sign area or number of signs.
(e)
Awnings attached to the same building must be the same shape, color and height, regardless of individual business ownership or tenancy in the building.
(f)
Installation of awning signs shall require a building permit.
(11)
Projecting signs and icon signs. A projecting sign or icon sign shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Only one such sign shall be permitted for each tax parcel, except for corner properties within the Central Business District zone where one such sign may erected on both frontages.
(b)
It shall be set back at least four feet from the street curbline, extend no less than one foot and no more than four feet from the building's wall surface, and not exceed six square feet.
(c)
The maximum height shall be 15 feet or the bottom of the second floor windowsill, whichever is lower. The minimum height shall be seven feet from grade.
(d)
The maximum lettering height shall be nine inches.
(e)
It must not project from a building at an angle other than 90, except at a public street corner, where it also may project in an angle to the center of the intersection.
(f)
Installation of projecting signs shall require a building permit.
(12)
Decorative flags. A decorative flag shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
One such sign flag shall be permitted per business.
(b)
The flag dimensions shall not exceed three feet in width, five feet in length, and 15 square feet in total area.
(c)
The decorative flag shall be displayed on a flagpole mounted to the exterior of a building or store front so that the bottom edge of the flag shall be at least seven feet above the sidewalk or ground level and the top of the flag not exceed 12 feet above the sidewalk or ground level.
(d)
The flag may contain an icon, name or symbol of the on-premises business, description of on-premises business or services, and/or the word "open." The flag shall not advertise or promote a specific individual, product or brand name or off-premises business, service, or corporation.
(e)
The flag shall not be made of plastic materials.
(13)
Sandwich board signs. A sandwich board sign shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Sandwich board signs are permitted curbside on the sidewalk or in entrance alcoves. Only one such sign shall be permitted per tax lot, located adjacent to the exterior of the business establishment, and can only be used to advertise the business located on the premises.
(b)
It shall be artistically designed with a theme related to the individual business or business district.
(c)
It shall not exceed three feet in height, and two feet in width.
(d)
It shall be located so as not to impair pedestrian or vehicular traffic or as to block or obstruct any legally required fire exit, curbside car door opening area, or other exit. It shall be placed in locations to provide a minimum of four-foot pedestrian clearance.
(e)
It shall be constructed of wood, wrought iron or aluminum and may contain chalkboard or other writable materials approved by the Zoning Officer.
(f)
Once erected, the sign base must have no more than an eighteen-inch separation.
(g)
It shall be taken inside at night after the closing of business and during periods of inclement weather, such as rain, snow, and high winds. The sign shall include a ten-pound-weighted stabilizing base or other suitable mechanism to prevent accidental collapse or falling. It shall not be strapped to any pole.
(h)
It shall not include any lighting or sound-generation equipment.
(i)
Applicant shall only be permitted to display one sign at a particular time, as described in § 141-101D(13) through (16).
(j)
Applications for signs must be applied for with Zoning Officer. Applicants must include, at a minimum, a drawn design (to scale), as to appearance, construction, location and dimensions.
(14)
Temporary banner signs. A temporary banner sign shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Temporary banner signs are permitted to be hung on the outside of the business premises to advertise special events. Only one such sign shall be permitted per tax lot and can only be used to advertise the business located on the premises.
(b)
It shall be artistically designed with a theme related to the individual business or business district.
(c)
Banners cannot exceed 72 inches by 18 inches and must be properly secured. Letters may be no larger than 12 inches. Banners shall be constructed of nylon, vinyl or plastic materials, as approved by the Zoning Officer.
(d)
Banners cannot be hung for more than 30 days, and there must be a minimum of 10 days between the hanging of different banners.
(e)
Banners may be hung a maximum of six times each year.
(f)
Applicant shall only be permitted to display one sign at a particular time, as described in § 141-101D(13) through (16).
(g)
Applications for signs must be applied for with Zoning Officer. Applicants must include, at a minimum, a drawn design (to scale) as to appearance, construction, location and dimensions.
(15)
Freestanding signs. A freestanding sign shall meet the following conditions:
(a)
Freestanding signs are permitted curbside on the sidewalk or in entrance alcoves. Only one such sign shall be permitted per tax lot, located adjacent to the exterior of the business establishment, and can only be used to advertise the business located on the premises.
(b)
It shall be artistically designed with a theme related to the individual business or business district.
(c)
It shall not exceed 36 inches in height (with a base no more than 15 inches).
(d)
It shall be located so as not to impair pedestrian or vehicular traffic or as to block or obstruct any legally required fire exit, curbside car door opening area, or other exit. It shall be placed in locations to provide a minimum of four-foot pedestrian clearance.
(e)
It shall be constructed of metal or other materials approved by the Zoning Officer and secured in a manner to prevent accidental collapse or falling.
(f)
It shall be taken inside at night after the closing of business and during periods of inclement weather, such as rain, snow, and high winds.
(g)
It shall not include any flashing lighting or sound-generation equipment.
(h)
Applicant shall only be permitted to display one sign at a particular time, as described in § 141-101D(13) through (16).
(i)
Applications for signs must be applied for with Zoning Officer. Applicants must include, at a minimum, a drawn design (to scale) as to appearance, construction, location and dimensions.
(j)
The minimum thickness of a freestanding sign shall be four inches.
(16)
Digital displays.
(a)
Signs containing a digital display are permitted as freestanding or wall signs in the HBD and HID districts only.
(b)
The digital display shall not exceed 50% of the total permitted sign area.
(c)
It shall have a minimum change over time of 10 seconds.
(d)
It shall have a minimum pixel spacing of 10 mm.
(e)
Brightness: Message center signs and digital displays are subject to the following:
[1]
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance shall be no greater than 5,000 nits.
[2]
At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 250 nits.
[3]
Each sign must have a light sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change to comply with the limits set here within.
(f)
Light sources to illuminate signs shall neither be visible from any street right-of-way, nor cause glare hazardous or distracting to pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties.
(g)
No more than 0.2 footcandle of light shall be detectable at the boundary of any abutting property.
(i)
Such displays shall contain static messages only, changed only through dissolve or fade transitions, or with the use of other subtle transitions and frame effects that do not have the appearance of moving text or images, but which may otherwise not have movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement, of any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the movement of any illumination or the flashing, scintillating or varying of light intensity.