Greenwich Township Gloucester County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XVI
Signs
§ 700-68 General regulations.
The following regulations shall be applicable to all zones, except as specifically limited:
A.
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic, which either is on a street or which is entering a street, by obscuring the view of traffic on either street. In no case shall any sign, other than an official sign or directional sign, be erected within the official right-of-way of any street unless specifically authorized by ordinance or regulations of Greenwich Township.
B.
Size and area.
(1)
All signs shall be measured at the perimeter of their signboards. Measurements shall not include the pedestal.
(2)
The area of sign which has its letters, numbers, logos or symbols directly affixed or painted to the facade of the building or wall shall be determined by extending an imaginary line six inches above the largest letter, number, logo or symbol and six inches below the lowest by extending an imaginary line six inches outside the farthest left and right sides of the letter, number, logo or symbol. The area enclosed by the imaginary lines shall constitute the size of the sign.
C.
All signs shall be permanently fixed to the ground or attached to a building or structure in a manner conforming to state statutes and Township ordinances.
D.
No sign shall be erected containing information on it which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
E.
Signs advertising an establishment or use no longer in existence or a product no longer available shall be removed within 14 days after final business closing.
F.
In order that no sign may be injurious to public interest or endanger the interests of public safety, signs without proper permits shall be removed upon receipt of a written notice of violation served by the Zoning Officer or his representative to the landowners or lessee of the sign. Such violation shall be discontinued immediately upon receipt of notice. All existing signs found not to be injurious to public interest or to not endanger the interests of the public as determined by the Zoning Officer or his representative must obtain a permit within 90 days from the effective date of this chapter.
G.
Every sign permitted by this article must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. All signs shall be periodically maintained by the owner of said sign, including painting, repairing and cleaning as necessary. Any sign that, because of improper maintenance, is deemed by the enforcing authority to be in a state of disrepair, such that the sign is no longer functional, visible or is dangerous to the safety of others, shall be repaired by the owner of said sign within 14 days of notice, indicating the requirement of said repair; otherwise, the sign shall be removed.
H.
Official governmental signs which can be regulated by this chapter shall be regulated to conform with the zone in which they are placed. Official government signs which cannot be regulated by this chapter shall be exempt from the requirements.
I.
The minimum letter size for all signs, except official government signs, directory signs, home professional signs, "no trespassing" signs, addresses and "tenant suite" signs, shall be three inches.
J.
All buildings are required to be numbered. Building numbers shall not be interpreted to be signs, unless they meet the following criteria:
(1)
Nonresidential buildings less than 25 feet tall, with addresses which have either any letter sizes greater than two feet in height or which have more than seven characters, shall be interpreted as having a sign.
(2)
Nonresidential buildings greater than 25 feet tall, which have either a letter size greater than three feet in height or which have more than seven characters, shall be interpreted as having a sign.
K.
Signs required by law are permitted.
§ 700-69 Permit required; application; fees.
A.
A sign permit is required for every sign erected or maintained in the Township. Any sign erected or maintained without a valid permit is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and is subject to abatement by the Zoning Officer at the expense of the owner.
B.
All sign permit applications shall include the following:
(1)
A completed sign permit application form.
(2)
Authorization from the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected.
(3)
The architectural elevation of any building for which a facade sign is proposed.
(4)
A sketch of the sign, including the copy.
(5)
A plot plan indicating the location of any freestanding sign.
C.
Official government signs, "no hunting" signs and "no trespassing" signs shall not require an application for a sign permit or the posting of any fees.
D.
There shall be no fee required for signs which are erected by schools, churches, hospitals, nonprofit organizations or civic nonprofit organizations.
§ 700-70 Temporary signs.
[Amended 12-21-1998 by Ord. No. 27-1998; 10-21-2024 by Ord. No. 19-2024]
The following regulations shall be applicable to all temporary signs:
A.
Temporary signs of contractors, architects, tradesmen and artisans are permitted subject to the following requirements:
(1)
No more than sign shall be permitted per residential lot for each contractor, architect, tradesman or artisan. Such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
No more than one sign, inclusive of all contractors, architects, tradesmen or artisans shall be permitted per nonresidential site. Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
These signs shall be removed within seven days of the completion of work.
B.
A sign indicating the development of a site or subdivision is permitted where preliminary site plan or subdivision approval has been granted by the Planning Board subject to the following requirements:
C.
Temporary real estate signs indicating the prospective or completed sale or rental of a premises are permitted subject to the following requirements:
(1)
The sign shall not exceed six square feet for a residential use. The sign shall not exceed 20 square feet or a height of six feet for a nonresidential use.
(3)
Temporary real estate signs shall be removed within seven days after the consummation of a lease or sales agreement.
(4)
Temporary real estate signs shall not be illuminated.
(5)
Signs advertising an open house may be erected so as to direct individuals to the site. These signs may be erected no more than three hours prior to the start of the open house and remain no longer than three hours after its conclusion.
D.
Temporary signs announcing any educational, charitable, civic, religious or like event or any special and limited commercial or professional event are permitted subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Only one temporary sign shall be permitted at any time.
(2)
The size of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
(3)
No more than four temporary sign permits may be granted in any calendar year.
(4)
The period of time during which any such temporary sign is permitted shall not exceed 21 days.
(5)
Applications for such signs shall include the language which is to be displayed on the sign.
E.
Temporary political signs are permitted subject to the following requirements:
(1)
No such sign shall exceed 32 square feet in area except on existing billboards, and not more than one such sign shall be erected on any one lot.
(2)
Such signs shall not be erected prior to 45 days before the election or referendum and shall be removed within 10 days after the election or referendum.
(3)
Prior to erection, a permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Administrative Officer for any sign over six square feet in area on one side. Such permit shall indicate the size of the sign and the location where such sign is to be erected. No fee shall be charged for such permit.
F.
Banners, flags and pennants.
(1) BANNERS, FLAGS, PENNANTS
Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A category of "sign," typically constructed of material such as cloth, nylon, plastic, etc., and on which lettered or pictorial matter is displayed for advertising purposes. Banners, flags or pennants do not include: the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state or city or any fraternal, religious or civic organizations; merchandise, prices, pictures or models of products or services incorporated in an indoor window display; works of art which in no way identify a product; or scoreboards located on athletic fields.
(2)
Regulations.
(a)
Banners, flags, and pennants may be erected for a special event such as a grand opening, closing (going out of business), or to advertise a special promotion, introductory offer, discount program or similar event. Banners, flags or pennants shall not be erected earlier than 14 days prior to the start of the special event and must be removed within five days following the special event. Each special event is not to exceed 31 days. Banners, flags or pennants used for their authorized purpose shall not exceed a total area for all such banners used of 24 square feet. A permit must be obtained from the Greenwich Township Zoning Officer prior to the erection of any banner, flag or pennant on any building or structure. A fee shall not be required for the issuance of such permit.
(b)
Political banners shall be exempt from these regulations but shall be consistent with the regulations of Subsection E, the words "banner" and "sign" to be used interchangeably.
(c)
Street banners (banners erected across any municipal, county, or state road) currently regulated under § 700-59, are exempt from these regulations.
(d)
All such signage and banners are immediately subject to the new regulations.
§ 700-71 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
A.
Any sign, other than a warning or safety sign, which is designed or intended to attract attention by a physical movement or flashing, blinking or twinkling lights is prohibited. Stationary time-and-temperature displays are permitted.
B.
Signs with any lighting or central mechanism which may cause radio or television interference.
D.
Any sign whose form, character or shape may confuse or dangerously distract the attention of the operator of a motor vehicle.
E.
Any advertisement which uses a series of two or more signs or units, placed in a line parallel to the highway, where each signboard carries a part of the total message.
F.
Signs which in any way simulate official, functional, directional or warning signs erected or maintained by the State of New Jersey or a county or municipality thereof, any railroad, public utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of public health or safety.
G.
No sign, except such directional devices as may be required by the Federal Aeronautical Authorities, shall be placed, inscribed or supported upon the roof or upon the structure in such a fashion as will cause the sign to extend above the roof of any building.
H.
Any sign attached to or painted on trees, fences, utility poles, rocks, curbs, walks, lamps, hydrants, benches or bridges. This subsection does not apply to attached "no trespassing," "no fishing," and/or "no hunting" signs and warning signs, such as "beware of dog," "high voltage," "buried cables," etc.
I.
Mobile signs.
J.
Signs affixed to motor vehicles and/or storage trailers which are regularly parked, stopped or located so as to be conspicuous.
K.
Changeable copy signs shall not be permitted unless the sign relates to a movie theater, religious institution, public or private school, firehouse or lodge. These signs shall be no larger than 32 square feet in area.
§ 700-72 Signs permitted in all zones.
A.
The following signs are permitted as indicated:
(1)
Permanent identification signs for major residential subdivisions shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be limited to one sign for every entrance.
(2)
Permanent project identification signs for townhouse or multifamily residential developments shall be limited to one sign per entrance and shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
Permanent project identification signs shall be integrated into the site with landscaping.
(4)
Review and approval of the location and landscaping of such signs shall be a part of preliminary subdivision or site plan approval.
B.
Signs advertising the sale of farm products, as permitted by this chapter, may be erected and maintained, provided that:
C.
Signs advertising a home professional occupation are permitted, provided that:
D.
Signs indicating the name of a particular club, lodge, social organization, farm or estate may be erected and maintained, provided that:
E.
Signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling trespassing, fishing and/or hunting shall be limited to one sign for each 50 feet of street frontage. Each sign shall not exceed one square foot in area.
F.
Signs of schools, colleges, churches, hospitals or other similar institutions may be erected and maintained, provided that:
(1)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(2)
Not more than one such sign shall be permitted. In addition, one changeable copy sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area and six feet in height shall be permitted, unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case two such signs are permitted.
§ 700-73 Signs in C-1 Commercial District.
Within this zone, no sign shall be erected or altered, in whole or in part, unless it complies with the following regulations:
A.
Permitted signs.
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted either one freestanding or one projecting sign. If the building is located within 10 feet of a curbline, a freestanding sign shall not be permitted.
(2)
Each lot shall be permitted one facade sign.
(4)
Each lot shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 700-72.
(5)
Signs which are internally lighted shall not be permitted.
B.
Facade signs.
(1)
Facade signs shall not exceed an area of 12 feet.
(2)
Facade signs shall be located not less than eight feet above grade nor more than 12 feet above grade.
(3)
Facade signs shall project no more than two feet beyond the front of the facade.
(4)
Facade signs shall be located no less than one foot below the roofline.
C.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed an area of 12 square feet per side.
(2)
The bottom of a freestanding sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above grade. The top of a freestanding sign shall be a maximum of 12 feet above grade.
(3)
There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet to any property line and the nearest portion of any freestanding sign. This requirement may be waived where the existing building setback is less than 15 feet.
(4)
There shall be a minimum distance of 25 feet between the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding sign.
D.
Projecting signs.
(1)
Projecting signs shall not exceed an area of 12 square feet per side.
(2)
The bottom of a projecting sign shall be no less than eight feet above grade. The top of a projecting sign shall be no more than 15 feet above grade.
(3)
The outside edge of a projecting sign shall be no further than five feet from the building.
§ 700-74 Signs in M-D Manufacturing District.
Within this zone, no sign shall be erected or altered in whole or in part unless it complies with the following regulations:
A.
Permitted signs.
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted either one facade sign or one freestanding sign.
(3)
Each lot shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 700-72.
B.
Facade signs.
(1)
Facade signs shall not exceed an area of 60 square feet or 15% of the principal facade, whichever is smaller.
(2)
Facade signs shall project a maximum of two feet beyond the front of the facade.
(3)
All facade signs shall be a minimum of two feet below the roofline.
(4)
All facade signs shall be consistent in proportion, finish and style.
C.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed an area of 32 square feet.
(2)
All freestanding signs shall be ground-mounted.
(3)
There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet between any property line and the nearest portion of all freestanding signs.
(4)
There shall be a minimum distance of 50 feet between the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding sign.
(5)
All freestanding signs shall be consistent in proportion, finish and style.
§ 700-75 Signs in BP Business Park District.
[Amended 12-28-2000 by Ord. No. 34-2000]
Within these zones, no sign shall be erected or altered, in whole or in part, unless it complies with the following regulations:
A.
Permitted signs.
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign, except for office parks as regulated by this section.
(2)
(4)
Each lot, including office parks, shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 700-72.
(5)
Each lot shall be permitted one directional sign.
B.
C.
Freestanding signs which are not in office parks.
(2)
Freestanding signs in excess of 40 square feet shall be ground-mounted.
(3)
There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet between any property line and the nearest portion of any freestanding sign.
(4)
There shall be a minimum distance of 50 feet between the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding sign.
(5)
All freestanding signs, except ground-mounted signs, must have at least eight feet of clearance between the grade and the bottom of the sign.
(6)
The top of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 18 feet.
D.
Signs in office parks.
(1)
(2)
Facade signs.
(a)
Facade signs in office parks shall be permitted according to the following schedule:
(b)
All facade signs in an office complex shall be consistent in finish and style.
(c)
All facade signs in an office complex shall be located no more than two feet beyond the front of the facade.
(d)
All facade signs in an office complex shall be located no less than two feet below the roofline.
(4)
Directional signs.
(a)
Directional signs are permitted only in office parks.
(b)
Directional signs shall not exceed three square feet.
(c)
Directional signs shall be internally lit.
(d)
Areas where directional signs are placed shall be supplemented with landscaping to provide visual distinction to the location where the sign is placed.
(e)
One directional sign shall be permitted at each exterior entrance.
(f)
Directional signs designating exits shall not be permitted along the primary frontage, but shall be located within the interior of the site.
§ 700-76 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Any nonconforming sign which has a valid permit on the effective date of this chapter shall be deemed to have legal nonconforming status.