A.

Applicability. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, use, type, number, location, size, design, and maintenance of all signs. This chapter applies to the regulation and control of signs and their placement and construction throughout the township. Each site plan or subdivision application shall include, where necessary, a sign plan showing the specific design, location, size, height, construction and illumination of proposed signs in accordance with the regulations within this chapter. When a sign is proposed not in conjunction with a site plan or subdivision application, a sign permit is required for signs consistent with this chapter unless specifically exempted. Fees for sign permits are set forth in Section 15.04.020.

B.

Purpose and Intent. The purpose of the sign regulations is to provide a legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signage that will preserve the right of free speech and expression, provide an easy and pleasant communication between people and the built environment, protect the scenic qualities of the township, and avoid visual clutter that is potentially harmful to the character of the community, the aesthetics of the township, and potentially unsafe for motorists and pedestrians. The sign regulations are intended to minimize the potential for safety hazards, create a more productive, enterprising and professional business atmosphere, and to enhance the architectural and planned character of each zoning district.

(Ord. No. 13-2012, § 1, 12-21-2012)

All word uses of section 16.02.030 shall apply. In addition to the definitions in section 16.02.030, the following definitions shall apply to this chapter:

"Sight triangle" means a triangular-shaped portion of land established at street intersections or at intersections of driveways and streets in which nothing is erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection (also known as a sight easement).

"Sign" means any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors that is 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, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images; and including banners, pennants, flags and similar devices. "Signs" do not include: the flag or emblem of any nation, federal, state, or municipal government; merchandise, pictures or models of products or services incorporated in an indoor window display; works of art that in no way identify a product; score boards located on athletic fields.

"Sign, animated" means any sign or part of a sign that changes physical position, light intensity, or colors and that requires electrical energy. This definition does not include signs which indicate time, temperature, or date.

"Sign, banner" means a temporary sign constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic, or other flexible material, typically suspended or hung by cord, string, or rope from a structure.

"Sign, billboard" means a sign structure and/or sign utilized for advertising an establishment, an activity, a product, service or entertainment, which is sold, produced, manufactured, available or furnished at a place other than on the property on which said sign structure and/or sign is located.

"Sign, changeable copy" means a sign designed to allow the changing of copy through manual, mechanical, or electrical means including time and temperature.

"Sign, directional" means signs limited to directional messages such as "enter" or "exit," principally for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

"Sign, directory" means a sign listing the tenants or occupants of a building or group or buildings and that may indicate their respective professions or business activities.

"Sign, façade" means the sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of the sign and that does not project more than twelve (12) inches from such building or structure.

"Sign, freestanding" means any non-movable sign not affixed to a building. Freestanding signs include monument (ground) signs and pole (pylon) signs.

"Sign, menu" means a sign associated with a drive-through eating establishment, which lists the foods and beverages available for sale, along with the price per item. Where menu signs are permitted the name of the restaurant that the drive-through is connected may be listed, as well as the logo.

"Sign, monument" means a freestanding sign, also known as a ground sign, that is attached to the ground which the entire bottom is in contact with the ground and is independent of any other structure.

"Sign, multiple occupancy" means signs relating to a use or facility containing multiple occupancy and tenancy and displaying the various names, professions, and interests of the various tenants.

"Sign, nonconforming" means a sign lawfully erected and maintained prior to the adoption of the current ordinance, which sign does not conform with the requirements of the current ordinance.

"Sign, temporary" means a sign or advertising display designed or intended to be displayed for a limited period of time and that is not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or the ground.

"Sign area" means the area enclosed by one continuous line connecting the extreme points or edges of a sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim, or molding but not including the supporting structure. Except where specifically prohibited, all signs may be double-faced, and the maximum area restrictions shall apply to each side of the sign. Where the sign is supported by a post or pylon whose surface is being used for advertising purposes, the area of this post, pylon or other supporting members shall be considered as part of the total allowable sign area. Where the name or advertising message on a sign is divided between a number of panels or parts, the total area of all of the panels or parts shall be considered as one sign, and where a sign consists of individual letters or numbers, the area of the sign shall be considered as the total area of the smallest rectangle or rectangles which can collectively enclose all of the letters or numbers, including any open space or hole within the signs face or any appendage protruding outside the sign's face.

"Sign height" means in the case of a freestanding sign, sign height is computed from grade level to the greatest height at any one point in the sign.

"Sign illumination" means a sign illuminated by or exposed to artificial lighting, either by lights on or in the sign or directed to the sign.

A.

External—Illumination of a sign that is affected by an artificial source of light not contained within the sign itself.

B.

Internal—A light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.

C.

Indirect—A source of external illumination, located away from the sign that lights the sign, but is not itself visible to persons viewing the sign from the adjacent street, sidewalk or property.

(Ord. No. 13-2012, § 1, 12-21-2012)

A.

Any sign hereafter erected in the township which is exposed to public view shall conform with the provisions of this article and any other ordinance or regulation of the township, or the state or federal government relating to the erection, alteration or maintenance of signs. In the event of conflicting regulations, the most restrictive regulation shall prevail. Signs shall be considered accessory uses in all zoning districts when placed in conformance with the provisions of this article.

B.

Grandfather Clause. Signs that legally existed prior to the effective date of the sign code section rendering the sign nonconforming are afforded "grandfathered" status and may continue to exist as conforming signs, until such time as they are altered as set forth in section 16.42.030.F.

C.

Number of Signs. There shall be no more than four signs per establishment, with the exception of the following:

1.

Official government agency signs, including traffic control, emergency, historical markers, and signs posted by governmental agencies.

2.

Signs prohibiting or controlling trespass, hunting, and/or fishing and warning signs.

3.

Nameplate and address in residential zone.

4.

Prospective rental or sale signs.

5.

Functional signs.

6.

Directional signs.

D.

No sign other than exempt signs (16.42.030H) shall be erected without first obtaining a sign permit from the zoning officer. Permit applications for signs shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn to scale, showing details of the sign (sign rendering), its size, and proposed location on the building or lot. A color photograph of each existing sign on the property shall be submitted with the permit application. Fees for sign permits shall be paid in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the township committee as set forth in Section 15.04.020.

E.

All signs, flags, and banners as provided for in these regulations shall be kept in proper state of repair, in accordance with the uniform construction code and other pertinent regulations. Signs that fall into a state of disrepair so as to become unsightly or to pose a threat to public safety will receive a warning via certified mail from the zoning officer, and if after thirty (30) days the sign has not been removed, it may be removed by the township at the owner's expense.

F.

Nonconforming signs that are structurally altered, relocated or replaced shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. A change in copy is not an alteration or replacement in accordance with this subsection. Nonconforming signs must be maintained in good condition. If the use of a nonconforming sign ceases for a period of more than one hundred eighty (180) days or if the premises upon which the nonconforming sign is located is abandoned, the nonconforming sign must be removed.

G.

No sign other than official traffic or other similar official signs shall be erected within or project over the right-of-way of any public street or sidewalk except as provided herein.

H.

Signs shall not be located at the intersection of any streets within the triangular area formed by the right-of-way lines, and a line connecting them at points twenty-five (25) feet from their intersection. No sign may be placed within a sight triangle as defined by Gloucester County standards and no sign shall impede the safe vision of motorists and pedestrians, or otherwise endanger their safety.

I.

Exempt Signs. The following signs are exempt from the need to secure permits:

1.

Signs required by law.

2.

Official government agency signs, including traffic control or police signs, emergency, historical markers, and signs posted by governmental agencies.

3.

Any sign or graphic integrated into or on a coin operated machine, vending machine, gas pump, or telephone booth.

4.

Any sign carried by a person.

5.

Decorations for any officially recognized holiday, provided they do not create a fire or traffic hazard and provided that the decorations are removed within thirty (30) days after the holiday.

6.

Political signs associated with an election or referendum provided that such signs are on private property, and are erected no more than thirty (30) days prior to the election and removed within seven days after the day of voting.

7.

Temporary yard or garage sale signs, provided that such signs are erected on private property, are no more than four square feet in area, are erected no more than seven days before the sale and are removed within forty-eighty (48) hours after the sale (and in accordance with Chapter 5.28).

8.

Temporary real estate signs on the lot on which the real estate for rent or for sale is located shall be limited to one per lot frontage. The signs may not be more than four square feet and four feet high for residential property and eight square feet and six feet high for commercial property. The real estate sign must be removed within fourteen (14) days of the sale or rental of the property. Open house signs are permitted only on the day of the open house and not within the public right-of-way.

9.

Temporary grand opening signs are permitted for an occupant of a shopping center or other single use or multi-use commercial or office building. The sign may not exceed twenty (20) square feet and may not be displayed for more than four weeks out of a calendar year. The sign must comply with all requirements to protect the public health and safety.

10.

Temporary (thirty (30) days or less) banners advertising special community events sponsored by or held by the township, county, school district, fire department, or other public entity.

11.

Temporary signs may be erected for residential developments or commercial sites that are under construction. The temporary sign must meet the setback and size requirements for the zone and may not be installed until construction has commenced. The sign must be removed within one-year or upon installation of the permanent signs.

12.

American, state, county and township flags.

13.

No trespassing signs.

14.

Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers or names of occupants of premises.

15.

Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings that do not include letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights.

J.

Illuminated signs in residential zoning districts and in all districts when the lot is immediately adjacent (including directly across a street) to a residential district must be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This does not apply to residential name plates.

K.

All ground and freestanding signs must be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from the nearest other freestanding sign, except for farm stands during the growing season.

L.

All freestanding signs must be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way and from side property lines.

M.

Architectural details may extend up to eighteen (18) inches on the sides and twelve (12) inches on the top of a freestanding or monument sign. For monument or ground signs, the architectural base may extend up to thirty-six (36) inches above grade. More expansive walls or architectural elements require site plan approval.

N.

Wall or facade signs shall be attached to the face of the building in a plane parallel to such face and projecting not more than twelve (12) inches there from and shall not extend higher than the top of the parapet. Wall signs shall not cover wholly or partially any wall opening including doors, fire escapes or windows, nor shall they extend beyond the ends of the wall.

O.

Ground or freestanding signs must have the address of the site identified prominently on the sign.

P.

The size of any sign shall be computed by multiplying its greatest height by its greatest length, exclusive of supporting structures. See also the definition of sign area.

Q.

Signs advertising an establishment or use no longer in existence, or a product no longer available shall be removed within fourteen (14) days.

(Ord. No. 13-2012, § 1, 12-21-2012)

Any other provisions of this chapter notwithstanding, the following signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts unless otherwise specified:

A.

Signs which contain or are an imitation or simulation of an official traffic signal, directional, or warning sign erected or maintained by the State of New Jersey, Gloucester County or the township.

B.

Signs that hide or obstruct from view any traffic street signal or sign, or that obstruct sight triangles.

C.

Signs which are designed to move, flash, or display movement or the illusion of movement, either by mechanical or other means.

D.

Signs which contain or consist of banners, posters, pennant ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners, or other similarly moving devices (this does not include permitted flags or permitted temporary signs).

E.

Signs which flash or scroll, except for time and temperature indicator.

F.

Electronic message boards, except for institutional uses as set forth in Section 16.42.060.A(3).

G.

Signs which emit odors or smoke or produce noise or sound.

H.

Signs located or placed on any tree, telephone or utility pole, light standard or upon rocks or other natural features.

I.

Signs that obstruct entrances, windows, or escape routes from any building.

J.

Tubes of lighting or strings of lights may not outline the rooflines, doors, windows or wall edges for advertising purposes. This provision does not apply from Thanksgiving Day through January 25 ^th .

K.

Signs projecting above the roof or the main cornice line of the building to which it is affixed.

L.

Outdoor, off-site commercial advertising signs/billboards and signs located on a lot other than the lot occupied by the use, event, or product which such sign advertises.

(Ord. No. 13-2012, § 1, 12-21-2012)

For residential uses within the Rural Residential (RR), Rural Residential Cluster (RR-C), HD, R-10, R-15 and R-20 zones, only the following signs shall be permitted.

A.

No more than one [permanent sign] per use shall be permitted in the residential zones listed, unless otherwise specified herein.

B.

Nameplate and Address. Single family residential lots may erect a name plate not exceeding one square foot in area and an address not exceeding two square feet in area, both situated within the property lines.

C.

Sale and Rental. No more than one non-illuminated temporary real estate sign indicating the prospective or completed sale, lease, or rental of the premises upon which it is located, which conform to the following:

1.

Maximum sign area is four square feet and maximum height is four feet.

2.

Such sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after consummation of a lease or sales transaction.

D.

Residential Subdivision. Permanent identification signs for major subdivisions shall conform to the following:

1.

Size shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area and six feet in height.

2.

One sign per street frontage (frontage of the development on an arterial road) is permitted or one sign per entry into the development provided that the entrances are separated by a minimum of three hundred (300) feet, with a maximum of two signs.

3.

Signs must be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way.

4.

Development signs that are proposed within a median must be shown on the final subdivision plan.

5.

Development signs should be placed on land owned and maintained by a homeowners association or must be placed in a sign easement dedicated to the HOA for maintenance of the sign.

E.

Multi-Residential. Permanent project identification signs for multi-residential developments including townhouse developments shall conform to the following:

1.

Signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage (frontage of the development on an arterial road).

2.

Maximum area is twenty-four (24) square feet and maximum height is six feet.

3.

Minimum setback is ten (10) feet.

4.

Development signs that are proposed within a median must be shown on the final subdivision plan.

F.

Projects Under Development. A sign indicating site or development of premises by a builder, construction company, or developer shall conform to the following:

1.

Size shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and six feet in height.

2.

Signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage or one sign for every three hundred (300) feet of street frontage with a maximum of two signs.

3.

The sign shall not be erected until the site plan or subdivision application is approved by the planning or zoning board.

4.

The sign shall be removed once the project is completed (when the final C.O. has been issued).

(Ord. No. 13-2012, § 1, 12-21-2012)

A.

Institutional Uses. The following regulations apply to institutional uses such as public or parochial schools, churches, places of worship, hospitals, playgrounds, parks, government buildings whether they are situated in a residential or non-residential zoning district.

1.

One freestanding monument sign is permitted per street frontage to identify the site.

2.

Maximum sign area for freestanding monument sign is twenty-four (24) square feet.

3.

In addition to the twenty-four (24) square foot maximum, a changeable copy or electronic message board a maximum of sixteen (16) square feet in area may be included as part of the sign (must be attached and not a separate sign) for public schools, public parks and playgrounds, and government buildings only.

a.

The message may not change more often than every thirty (30) seconds.

b.

The message board may only have one color.

c.

If in a residential zone or adjacent to a residential zone the message board must be turned off between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

4.

Maximum freestanding sign height is six feet in height is permitted.

5.

One façade sign is permitted per street frontage, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

B.

Clubs, Lodges and Social Organizations.

1.

One non-illuminated façade sign per street frontage, not to exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.

2.

One freestanding sign per street frontage not to exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.

C.

Qualified Farms. The following sign regulations apply to qualified farms.

1.

Signs are permitted to identify the sale of products grown on the premises of a qualified farm.

2.

One façade sign not to exceed twelve (12) square feet is permitted on a farm building or market.

3.

One freestanding monument sign per street frontage, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area and six feet in height.

(Ord. No. 13-2012, § 1, 12-21-2012)

A.

Commercial (C) Zoning District.

1.

Each business establishment with access from the outside shall be permitted one façade sign located on or attached to the principal façade of said establishment on each street frontage.

2.

Façade signs may not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the principal façade area or forty (40) square feet whichever is less.

3.

One freestanding monument style sign per street frontage not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet and six feet in height.

4.

Freestanding signs must be setback five feet from the right-of-way in the C zone (notwithstanding Section 16.42.030.K and ten (10) feet from side property lines.

5.

Where a freestanding sign is not proposed in the C zone, a business may instead install a hanging sign to identify the business for pedestrians. The hanging sign may not exceed four square feet and the bottom of the sign must be a minimum of seven feet above the ground.

6.

Fully illuminated sign boxes are not permitted in the C zoning district along Kings Highway. The following methods of illumination are permitted:

a.

External illumination with a shielded light source, such as a "goose neck" lamp.

b.

Internally illuminated channel-type letters for façade signs.

c.

Internal illumination for freestanding signs must be designed so that only the letters (copy) are translucent and the remainder of the sign is opaque.

B.

Industrial (I), Interstate Business (B-1 and B-2) and Community Commercial (B-3) Zoning Districts.

1.

Retail, Restaurant, and Service Uses.

a.

Each business establishment on the ground floor of a structure may have one façade sign located or attached to the principal façade of said establishment on each street frontage.

b.

Buildings that have secondary facades visible from public areas from multiple directions within a site may have a second façade sign facing the parking area or internal access drive. The second façade sign may not be at the rear of a building when the rear is primarily a service and loading area

c.

Each façade sign shall not exceed the smaller of the following:

i.

An area equal to or less than fifteen (15) percent of the principal façade area (including window and door area) on which, they are displayed, or

ii.

A maximum of eighty (80) square feet.

d.

Each freestanding sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet for each fifty (50) feet of roadway frontage or eighty (80) square feet, whichever is less.

e.

Each freestanding sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet in height. The support structure must be designed with brick, stone or other architectural material to complement the building and site.

2.

Shopping centers or planned commercial developments with more than one use on a site are permitted one multiple occupancy ground or freestanding sign per street frontage, which may include tenant panels. Individual tenants or occupants may have wall or façade signs or other attached signs as described in subsection B(2), but may not have individual ground or freestanding signs.

a.

Maximum area for freestanding sign for a shopping center is twenty (20) square feet for every fifty (50) feet of roadway frontage, not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

b.

Maximum height is twenty (20) feet or the height of the building, whichever is less.

c.

The support structure must be designed to with brick, stone or other architectural material to complement the building and site.

3.

Office and Industrial Use.

a.

Each office or industrial structure is permitted one façade sign, identifying the name of the building, located on or attached to the principal façade on each street frontage.

b.

Any individual business within an office structure may only have its own façade sign if there is direct public access from the office to the outside.

c.

Façade sign size shall not exceed an area equal to or less than ten (10) percent of the principal façade area (including window and door area) on which they are displayed, or a maximum of fifty (50) square feet.

d.

Freestanding Sign. Each office or industrial building with at least fifty (50) feet of street frontage may have one freestanding sign on each street frontage. The maximum freestanding sign area is twenty-four (24) square feet and the maximum height is six feet.

4.

Properties with at least one hundred (100) feet of frontage in Interstate 295 may have one freestanding sign with a maximum area of one hundred twenty (120) square feet and maximum height of fifty (50) feet. The sign must be setback a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the property line.

5.

Menu Signs for Permitted Drive-through Restaurants. Drive-through restaurants are permitted one menu sign, which may include the name and logo of the restaurant to which the drive-through is attached, and shall conform to the following:

a.

The sign shall not be visible from any roadway.

b.

Maximum area is thirty-five (35) square feet.

c.

Maximum height is eight feet.

C.

Sale and Rental. One non-illuminated temporary real estate sign is permitted per street frontage indicating the prospective or completed sale, lease, or rental of the premises upon which it is located, as follows:

1.

Maximum sign area is eight square feet and maximum height is six feet.

2.

Such sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after consummation of a lease or sales transaction.

(Ord. No. 13-2012, § 1, 12-21-2012)

A.

A total increase in size and height of up to ten (10) percent may be allowed for monument or ground signs that are designed with carved or sandblasted copy and borders and a brick or stone base that complement the building design.

B.

Landscaping. The base of a freestanding or monument sign shall have a landscaped area around the base, a minimum of one and one-half times the area of the sign. For example a twenty-four (24) square foot sign must have a minimum thirty-six (36) square foot landscaped area consisting of evergreen shrubs, ground cover, flowers, or other plant material.

C.

There should be a consistent sign design theme throughout a particular project. The design theme should include style of lettering, illumination, color, height, construction material, size, and type of pole or structure. Color of letters and background should be carefully considered in relation to the color and material of the buildings and where the signs are proposed to be located. Signs should be a subordinate feature of the plan relative to the principal structure. The design of a sign must be integrated into the design of the building to which it relates. Adjacent property owners should also seek harmony in design with the neighboring properties.

D.

Internally illuminated signs should be designed so that only the message (copy area) is illuminated or transparent. Channel letters are encouraged for façade signs. The entire sign box may not be illuminated. Externally illuminated signs should be illuminated with "gooseneck" or shielded lighting. Spotlights may only be used if it is demonstrated that the light will not create glare for motorists or nearby residents.

E.

Signs must be located on a lot so that they are not within the public-right-of-way and do not interfere with sight distances at street intersections or ingress and egress points to a lot. Signs intended to be seen from a vehicle should be perpendicular to the line of travel, while signs designed to be read by pedestrians can be parallel with walkways.

F.

Sign Lettering. The standard letter height for directional signs is a letter size of two inches plus one additional inch for each twenty-five (25) feet of viewing distance. A sign designed to be read from one hundred (100) feet way should have letters of at least six inches.

(Ord. No. 13-2012, § 1, 12-21-2012)