Hamilton City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Signs
§ 203-136 Purpose.
The regulation of signs by this chapter is intended to promote the public health, safety and welfare by reducing the depreciation of property values caused by signs which are incompatible with surrounding land uses; by creating a more attractive economic and business climate within the commercial, resort and industrial areas of the Township,; by enhancing and protecting the physical appearance of all areas of the Township; and by reducing the distractions, obstructions and hazards to pedestrian and auto traffic caused by the indiscriminate placement and use of signs.
§ 203-137 Scope and definitions.
The regulations of this article shall govern and control the erection, enlargement, expansion, alteration, operation, maintenance, relocation and removal of all signs within the Township visible from any street, road, sidewalk or public or private property. Any sign not expressly permitted by these regulations shall be prohibited. The regulations of this section relate to the location of signs, by function and type, within zoning districts and shall be in addition to the provisions of the Hamilton Township Building Code and the Hamilton Township Electrical Code applicable to the construction and maintenance of signs. Regulations concerning the use and termination of nonconforming signs appear in other sections of this chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign or sign structure which has been left blank or displays a product, service or business which is no longer located there for a period of 30 days.
A retail sales establishment primarily intended to sell locally produced agricultural products. An agricultural commercial establishment may be seasonal or year-round and may or may not be associated directly with a farm; however, it does not include supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and other establishments which coincidentally sell agricultural products, nor does it include agricultural production facilities such as the farm itself, nor facilities which are solely processing facilities. Such establishments shall not exceed 5,000 square feet of commercial sales area and shall conform to all highway bulk, design and sign controls.
Any fixed device such as monuments, statues, or bands of light or dynamic device designed or intended to attract attention by sudden, intermittent or rhythmic movement, physical change or lighting change, such as pennants, banners, flags, streamers, balloons, air activated figures, propellers, whirlygigs, searchlights and flashing lights.
A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one foot from a uniform point source of one candle.
A measurement of the amount of light falling on a real or imaginary surface per unit area, often described as "light-level." The footcandle is the English measurement of illuminance. In SI derived units these are measured in lux (lx) or lumens per square meter (cd·sr·m-2).
An electronic, semi-conductor device that emits light when an electrical current is passed through it.
A liquid-crystal display is a flat panel display, electronic visual display, or video display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals.
A photometric measure of the luminous intensity per unit area of light travelling in a given direction. It describes the amount of light that passes through or is emitted from a particular area, and falls within a given solid angle. The English unit of luminance is the "nit." The SI unit for luminance is candela per square meter (cd/m2). One nit is equal to one candela per square meter.
A work of art, such as painting or a tile mosaic, applied to and made integral with a wall.
A false front or wall extension above the roofline of a building.
Any object, device, display, structure or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which 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, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images. Signs do not include the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state, city, religious, fraternal or civic organization; also merchandise and pictures or models or products or services incorporated in a window display, works of art which in no way identify a product or scoreboards located in athletic fields. Definitions of particular functional, locational and structural types of signs are listed in this section.
The total square-foot area of sign surface, including all parts thereof devoted to the background. The area of a sign painted directly on a wall or awning and signs with letters attached directly to walls or awnings shall be calculated by computing the area of the smallest regular geometric figure around the outside of all elements of the sign.
The vertical dimension measured between the grade and the highest point of the highest element of the sign, excluding any incidental structural element, such as uplift cable for a projecting sign.
Methods of illumination which may be divided into several types:
GENERALThe sign itself neither is lighted internally nor has an external source of light specifically directed at it; rather, the sign depends on the general illumination of the area (e.g., parking lot, traffic or pedestrian areas) for its illumination.
INTERNALThe sign is made of translucent material with internal lights.
BACK LIGHTThe letters are raised beyond the sign's background and the cover-lighting sources which illuminate the background.
SPOTLIGHTThe sign is illuminated by spotlights specifically directed at it.
A sign intended to aid, directly or indirectly, in the sale, use or promotion of a product, commodity, service, activity, entertainment or real or personal property.
A sign for a permitted agricultural use whose function is exclusively for advertising for the normal, incidental and customary sale of products, produce or livestock raised on the premises.
A sign that includes action, motion or color changes, or the optical illusion of action, motion or color changes, including signs set in motion by movement of the atmosphere or made up of a series of sections that turn.
A sign which provides special information, such as direction, price, sales information, hours of operation or warning, and which does not include names, brand names, or information regarding produce lines or services. Examples of such signs include directories of tenants in buildings, no-trespassing signs and signs which list prices of gasoline.
A sign that is mounted or painted on or attached to an awning, canopy or marquee which is otherwise permitted.
A sign which identifies an institution or organization on the premises of which is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization, the names of the individuals connected with it and general announcements of events or activities occurring at the institution, or similar messages.
A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.
A temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking place, during the period of said construction, indicating the names of the architects, contractors, or similar artisans and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest with respect to the structure or project.
A sign which, by symbol or name, identifies a development. It may also provide an index of uses (tenants) included in the development.
A sign erected for the purpose of displaying information or an image using any form of electronic technology such as light emitting diodes (LED) or liquid crystal devices (LCD).
Signs limited to directional messages, principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, such as "one-way," "entrance," and "exit."
A 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 which does not project more than 12 inches from such building or structure which advertises a company or business conducted on the premises.
The part of the sign that is or can be used to identify, display, advertise or communicate information or, for the visual representation, which attracts or intends to attract the attention of the public for any purpose.
Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign which exhibits changing natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever.
A permanent sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground or at ground level and which are independent of any building or other structure, including, but not limited to, pole or pylon signs or monument (ground) signs.
A sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental functions or required by law, ordinance or other governmental regulations.
A sign which is an integral part of a building facade. The sign is painted directly on, carved in or otherwise permanently embedded in the facade. Signs in shop windows are included unless they qualify as auxiliary signs.
Temporary signs, in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental to and customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday.
A sign containing only the name and occupation of a permitted home occupation.
A sign giving the nature, logo, trademark, or other identifying symbol; address; or any combination of the name, symbol and address of a building, business, development or establishment on the premises where it is located.
A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or in the sign or directed towards the sign.
A sign, tablet or plaque memorializing a person, event, structure or site.
A sign, located on the premises, giving the name or address, or both, of the owner or occupant of a building or premises.
A type of electric signs lit by long luminous gas-discharge tubes that contain rarefied neon or other gases.
Any sign lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter, or any amendment to its rendering such sign nonconforming, which does not comply with all of the standards and regulations of this chapter or any amendment hereto.
A sign utilized for advertising an establishment, activity, product or service or entertainment that is sold, produced, manufactured, available or furnished; or promoting any activity at a place other than on the property on which said sign is located.
A sign commonly associated with, and not limited to, information and directions necessary or convenient for visitors coming on the property, including signs marking entrances and exits, parking areas, circulation direction, rest rooms and pick-up and delivery areas.
A temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates or issues in connection with any national, state or local election.
A temporary sign advertising private sales of personal property such as "house sales," "garage sales," "rummage sales," and the like or private not-for-profit events, such as picnics, carnivals, bazaars, game nights, art fairs, craft shows and Christmas tree sales.
A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and which projects more than 12 inches from such building.
A sign pertaining to the sale, or lease of the premises, or a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located.
A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or which is wholly dependent on a building for support and which projects above the point of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.
A non-illuminated sign constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, plywood, light plastic or similar materials that is capable of being moved and is not designated to be permanently affixed to a building or structure or permanently anchored to the ground. Examples of temporary signs include, but are not limited to, real estate signs, construction signs, private sale or event signs and political signs. A sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, plywood or other light material and designed or intended to be displayed for a period not to exceed 30 days.
Signs limited to messages of warning, danger or caution.
A sign that is applied or attached to the exterior or interior of a window or located in such manner within a building that it can be seen of the exterior of the structure through a window.
§ 203-138 Certificate of zoning compliance required.
A.
Except as expressly provided in this article, no sign shall be erected, enlarged, expanded, altered or relocated unless a certificate of zoning compliance evidencing the compliance of such work with the provisions of this article and other applicable provisions of this chapter shall have first been issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; provided, however, that routine sign maintenance, changing of parts designed to be changed or changing the content of a sign in any manner which does not change the functional classification of the sign shall not, standing alone, be considered an alteration of the sign requiring the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance hereunder.
B.
In addition to the information and documents required by other sections of this chapter, every application for a certificate of zoning compliance for a sign shall be accompanied by a copy of plans and specifications showing the method of construction, illumination and support of such sign and a sketch, drawn to scale, showing sign faces, exposed surfaces and proposed message and design, accurately represented as to size, area, proportion and color; by color photographs of the street side of the property in question, showing all existing signs on the property; by a calculation of the total amount of sign area presently existing on the property; and by the applicant's attestation that the number of and the sum of the areas of the requested sign or signs and the existing signs do not exceed the maximum allowable by the provisions of this chapter.
§ 203-139 General standards.
The following general standards shall apply to all signs:
A.
Illumination. In no event shall a sign be illuminated by other than a shielded or otherwise indirect, non-flashing light, preferably a white light or a light from the interior of a sign with a translucent face. In no event shall an illuminated sign be placed or directed so as to permit the beams and illumination therefrom to be directed or beamed upon any adjacent public or private premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a nuisance or traffic hazard. No illuminated sign located on a lot adjacent to or across the street from any residential district and visible from such residential district shall be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the use to which the sign pertains is open for business. Illumination related to any sign may not create an illuminance greater than 0.1 footcandle at any property line.
B.
Electrical elements. All wiring, fittings and materials used in the construction, connection and operation of electrically illuminated signs shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Township Electrical Code. An Underwriters' Laboratories Label shall be affixed to every sign having any electrical component.
C.
Structural elements. The construction and structural components of all signs shall be in accordance with the standards and regulations of the Township Building Code. In no case shall the structural elements of a sign extend above the top of the sign face.
D.
Obstruction of accessways. No sign or sign structure shall obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required accessway. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
E.
Obstruction of window surface. No sign shall project over, occupy or obstruct any window surface required for light or ventilation by any applicable law, ordinance or regulation.
F.
Traffic safety. No sign shall be maintained at any location where, by reason of its position, size, shape, content or color, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of or be confused with any traffic control sign, signal or device or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
G.
Signs in rights-of-way. No sign except publicly owned signs or signs for municipally sponsored events shall be placed in or extended into or over any public right-of-way, unless a conditional use permit there for shall have been issued in accordance with the applicable section of this chapter.
H.
Signs painted on walls. No sign shall be painted directly on a building wall except a sign pertaining to a use carried on within such building. A mural shall not be considered a sign.
I.
Sign identification. Except for nameplates and identification signs for residential uses, all signs shall be plainly marked with the name of the person, firm or corporation hanging or erecting the sign and the sign permit number.
J.
Sign maintenance.
(1)
In the case of advertising signs as defined herein, the owner of a sign, and in the case of all other signs, the owner of a sign and the owner of the premises on which such sign is located shall be jointly and severally liable to maintain such sign, including its illumination source, in neat and orderly condition and good working order at all times and to prevent the development of any rust, corrosion, rotting or other deterioration in the physical appearance or safety of such sign.
(2)
Unsafe signs. Unsightly, damaged or deteriorated signs or signs in danger of falling shall be put in order or removed upon written notice. Immediate compliance is expected for the repair or removal of unsafe signs. If compliance is not achieved within the time period specified in such notice, the sign shall be repaired or removed by the township and the costs assessed to the property owner.
K.
Sign measurement.
(1)
Area to be included.
(a)
The supporting structure or bracing of a sign shall be omitted in measuring the area of the sign unless such structure or bracing is made part of the message or face of the sign. Where a sign has two display faces back-to-back, the area of only one face shall be included in determining the area of the sign.
(b)
Where a sign has more than one display face, the area of which can be viewed simultaneously from any location, i.e., side-by-side sign faces, all faces which can be viewed simultaneously shall be included in determining the area of the sign.
(2)
Area of signs with backing. The area of all signs with backing shall be measured by computing the area of the sign backing.
(3)
Area of signs without backing. The area of all signs without backing shall be measured by computing the area of the smallest regular geometric figure which can encompass all words, letters, figures, emblems and other elements of the sign message.
(4)
Area of signs with and without backing. The area of all signs formed by a combination of elements with and without backing shall be measured by combining the area of such elements measured in accordance with the foregoing subsections.
(5)
Height of signs. Sign height shall be measured between grade and the highest point of the highest element of the sign.
L.
Projecting signs. All projecting signs shall be supported from the wall or vertical support in accordance with the standards and regulations of the Township Building Code, including the Electrical Code. No projecting sign shall extend more than four feet from the wall nor shall be nearer the curbline than two feet. Projecting signs shall project from the wall at a 90° angle and shall not project from any building corner. No part of any projecting sign shall extend lower than 10 feet above grade.
M.
Signs near landmarks and landmark sites. No ground, pole, roof or projecting signs shall be located within 50 feet of any lot line of a designated landmark or landmark site if the sign or sign structure is visible from such lot line at a point five feet above ground level.
N.
Sign materials. All signs shall have a surface or facing of incombustible material or be of approved combustible material. Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be safety glass, wired glass or plate glass of thickness in compliance with the Building Code.
§ 203-140 Classification of signs.
A.
Functional types. For purposes of this chapter, signs shall be classified as follows according to functions defined in Article III, Definitions and Word Usage:
(1)
Advertising Sign.
(2)
Agricultural Sign.
(3)
Advertising Vehicle Sign.
(4)
Animated or moving signs.
(5)
Attention-getting device.
(6)
Auxiliary Sign.
(7)
Bulletin board sign.
(8)
Business sign.
(9)
Construction sign.
(10)
Development sign.
(11)
Digital display sign.
(12)
Direction sign.
(13)
Flashing sign.
(14)
Governmental signs.
(15)
Historical or architectural designation signs.
(16)
Holiday decorations.
(17)
Home occupation signs.
(18)
Identification sign.
(19)
Memorial sign.
(20)
Nameplate sign.
(21)
Off-site advertising sign.
(22)
On-site informational signs.
(23)
Political sign.
(24)
Private sale or event sign.
(25)
Real estate sign.
(26)
Warning sign.
§ 203-141 Signs permitted without certificate or fee.
Except as expressly prohibited in Subsection G of this section and notwithstanding any other contrary provision of this chapter, the following signs may, subject to the conditions and limitations hereinafter set forth, be erected and maintained in any district without obtaining a certificate of land use compliance or a certificate of occupancy or paying the fee required for such certificates:
A.
Governmental signs, provided that the content and size of any such sign shall not exceed the requirements of the law, ordinance or regulation pursuant to which such sign is erected.
B.
Nameplate signs, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade, projecting or ground sign per occupancy, are no more than one square foot in area and are illuminated only by an indirect source of light. No projecting sign shall extend more than six inches from the face of a wall. No ground sign shall be higher than three feet.
C.
Warning signs, provided that such signs are limited to no more than two facade or ground signs per occupancy, are not more than four square feet in area each and are illuminated only by an indirect source of light.
D.
Memorial signs, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade or ground sign per occupancy, are made of durable materials, such as bronze, stone or concrete, are not more than four square feet in area and are illuminated only by an indirect source of light.
E.
Historical or architectural designation signs, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade or ground sign per occupancy, are no more than five square feet in area, are illuminated only by an indirect source of light and contain no commercial advertising.
F.
Holiday decorations, provided that such signs shall be displayed for a period of not more than 60 consecutive days nor more than 30 days following the holiday in connection with which they are displayed.
G.
Construction signs on residential or non-residential projects, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade or ground sign per zoning lot, are no more than 32 square feet in area, are illuminated only by an indirect source of light and are maintained for no more than 14 days following the conclusion of the construction in question. The name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for such removal shall be marked on the sign.
H.
Window signs. Temporary nonilluminated window signs advertising coming events, special sales, contests, promotional activities and civic or political activities maintained for a period of not longer than 45 days before such event nor more than three days after such event and permanent nonilluminated window signs calling attention to compliance with standards, association with credit groups or premium stamp promotions, and the like, provided that the aggregate area of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the area of the window in which they are exhibited nor block any window area required for light, ventilation or emergency exit by any applicable code.
I.
Real estate signs, provided that such signs are limited to not more than one facade or ground sign per lot, are not more than six square feet in area per residential lot or 16 square feet in area per nonresidential lot and are removed within seven days following the sale or rental of the property. The name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for such removal shall be marked on the sign.
J.
On-site informational signs, provided that such signs are limited to a facade, window or ground sign of not more than two square feet in area and not more than 12 feet in height above grade.
K.
Multifamily identification signs. Identification signs accessory to a multiple-family dwelling, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade or ground sign per lot, are no more than six square feet in area each, are not more than five feet in height above grade and are illuminated by only a concealed light source.
L.
Flags and emblems of a government or of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization.
M.
Private sale and event signs, provided that such signs are no more than four square feet in area, are located entirely on the premises where such sale or event is to be conducted or on the private property pursuant to the owner's consent, are clearly marked with name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the removal of such sign, are erected not more than 12 hours in advance of such sale or 45 hours in advance of such event and are removed on the day following the conclusion of such sale or event.
N.
Political signs, provided that such signs are not more than 16 square feet in area if located in a commercial district or 16 square feet in area if located in any other district, are limited to not more than one per lot, are clearly marked with the name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the removal of such sign, and are removed within 14 days following such election.
O.
Home occupation signs, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade sign per occupancy, are no more than one square foot in area and are not lighted.
P.
Advertising vehicle signs, but only on public transportation vehicles.
Q.
Agricultural commercial signs, provided that such signs are for the purpose of advertising the sale of seasonal agricultural products at an agricultural commercial (roadside stand) establishment. Agricultural commercial signs shall not be placed in the road right-of-way and can be no farther from the sale area than 300 feet. There shall be not more than three signs per establishment, with a maximum area of 16 square feet for any individual sign.
R.
Agricultural identification signs, provided that such signs are limited to one sign per driveway, are no more than 16 square feet in area and are not placed in a road right-of-way or do not obstruct sight triangles at the intersection of the road and the driveway. Agricultural identification signs may contain the name of the farm, trademark of the farm, owner's name, farm address and specialized products produced.
§ 203-142 Unlawful signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all districts and shall not be erected, maintained or permitted to continue in any district:
A.
Animated or moving signs, except as expressly authorized by specific district regulations.
B.
Attention-getting devices, except as expressly authorized by specific district regulations.
C.
Advertising vehicle signs. Except as provided in § 203-141P above, no person shall operate or park any advertising vehicle on any street, on any public property or on any private property so as to be visible from any street.
D.
Temporary signs, except as expressly authorized in this section.
E.
In the Pinelands Area, new and existing off-site commercial advertising signs shall be subject to § 203-144.4 of this article.
F.
Neon signs. No new neon signs shall be permitted as of December 1, 2021.
G.
Miscellaneous prohibited signs.
(1)
Any sign on a tree or utility pole or painted on or otherwise directly affixed to any rock, ledge or other natural feature, whether on public or private property.
(2)
Signs which contain statements, words or pictures of any obscene character or which contain advertising which is untruthful.
(3)
A-frame sandwich board, sidewalk and curb signs, except as specifically authorized by specific district regulations.
§ 203-143 Regulations for residential districts.
Signs shall be permitted in the FA-10, FA-25, FA-70, RD-1, RD-2.5, RD-4, RD-5, MV, R-22, R-9, GA-I, GA-M, GA-L and AG Districts as follows:
A.
Functional types permitted.
(1)
All signs permitted in any district without certificate or fee, as provided in § 203-141 of this article.
(2)
Bulletin board signs, when accessory to an institutional use permitted or permissible in the district.
(3)
Identification sign, when accessory to a residential subdivision, planned unit residential development or an institutional use permitted or permissible in the district.
(4)
Business signs, when accessory to a commercial use permitted in the district.
(5)
Digital display signs are permitted for the Township of Hamilton, police department, fire department, ambulance squad or similar governmental public service institutions subject to the illumination and design requirements in § 203-144.1H.
F.
Minimum setback required: for freestanding signs, five feet from all lot lines.
H.
Special regulations applicable to specified signs. Signs accessory to nonconforming uses in residential districts shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
§ 203-144 Regulations for commercial and industrial districts.
Signs shall be permitted in the NC, GC and IBP District as follows:
A.
Functional types permitted.
(1)
All signs permitted in any district without certificate or fee, as provided in § 203-141 of this article.
(2)
Bulletin board signs.
(3)
Identification signs.
(4)
Business signs.
(5)
Joint identification signs.
(6)
Digital display signs are permitted for the Township of Hamilton, police department, fire department, ambulance squad or similar governmental public service institutions subject to the illumination and design requirements in Section 203-144.1H.
C.
D.
Maximum gross surface area of signs permitted.
(2)
Window signs. Window signs shall not exceed 35% of the window in which they are exhibited, nor block any window area required by any applicable code for light, ventilation or emergency exit.
(3)
Facade signs. For each occupant, one square foot per linear foot of building frontage occupied by the use, up to a maximum sign area of 300 square feet per occupant. The primary identification sign for any occupant shall not exceed 200 square feet. The maximum vertical dimension for all signs is five feet.
(4)
Freestanding signs: 100 square feet.
(5)
Awning, canopy, or marquee signs: 125 square feet.
E.
Maximum height of signs permitted.
(1)
Facade, awning, canopy or marquee signs: 20 feet or no higher than the parapet, whichever is less.
(2)
Projecting signs: 20 feet or no higher than the parapet, whichever is less.
(3)
Freestanding signs: 10 feet to the top of the sign face, excluding architectural elements.
(4)
Window signs: no higher than in a window on the level at which the principal use takes place.
G.
Type of illumination permitted.
(2)
Indirect and internal illumination with white light is permitted.
(3)
Existing neon sign and other gas-type illumination shall be permitted to remain in existence, if they were installed prior to November 30, 2021.
(4)
No flashing, animated, moving or bare-bulb signs are permitted.
(5)
No window sign installed in a window above the ground floor shall be illuminated.
§ 203-144.1 Regulations for the Design Commercial, Highway Commercial and Recreation Commercial Districts.
Signs shall be permitted in the DC, HC and RC District as follows:
A.
Functional types permitted.
(1)
All signs permitted in any district without certificate or fee, as provided in § 203-141 of this article.
(2)
Bulletin board signs.
(3)
Identification signs.
(4)
Business signs.
(5)
Joint identification signs.
(6)
Digital display signs as an element of a freestanding sign.
(7)
One band of light utilizing LED technology no greater than three inches in height may be incorporated as an architectural feature in the design of the building. All LED lighting shall be constant in nature with no flashing, changing of colors, or movement of light.
C.
D.
Maximum gross surface area of signs permitted.
(2)
Window signs. Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the window in which they are exhibited, nor block any window area required by any applicable code for light, ventilation or emergency exit.
(3)
Facade signs. For each occupant, one square foot per linear foot of building frontage occupied by the use, up to a maximum sign area of 300 square feet per occupant. The primary identification sign for any occupant shall not exceed 200 square feet. The sign area may be increased by 25% when the building is set back more than 200 feet from the public right-of-way.
(4)
Freestanding signs: 200 square feet.
(5)
Awning, canopy or marquee signs: 250 square feet.
E.
Maximum height of signs permitted.
(1)
Facade, awning, canopy or marquee signs: 20 feet or no higher than the parapet, whichever is less.
(2)
Projecting signs: 20 feet or no higher than the parapet, whichever is less.
(3)
Freestanding signs: 35 feet to the top of the sign face, excluding architectural elements which may not exceed 40 feet in height.
(4)
Window signs: no higher than in a window on the level at which the principal use takes place.
G.
H.
Digital display sign standards.
(1)
Permitted freestanding signs which utilize digital display technology may dedicate up to 70% of the overall sign area to the digital display portion of the sign. The digital display portion of the sign may not be stand alone and must be incorporated and framed within the signage. The digital display area may not be subdivided into smaller sections and must be treated as one contiguous, integrated, cohesive message display area.
(3)
Maximum illuminance. No digital display sign may exceed 0.1 footcandle (1.07 lumens/square meter) at the property line where the sign is located.
(4)
The digital display portion of a sign shall change messages at intervals of no less than 15 seconds. Changes from one message to another shall be accomplished by the change of all illumination elements on the face of the sign simultaneously, with the provision that the sign may fade to complete darkness and then re-illuminate with or fade to the new message.
(5)
All digital display signs shall have automatic dimming controls, via photo cell or software settings, that adjust the light emitted by the sign during ambient low-light conditions and night so that it is compliant with the sign illumination standards allowed herein. White backgrounds shall not be utilized between dusk and dawn.
(6)
Prior to the issuance of a permit for a changeable-copy or EMC sign, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed the levels specified above.
(7)
The following digital display features and functions are prohibited: continuous scrolling and/or traveling, flashing, blinking, twinkling, spinning, rotating, and similar moving effects. All message changes must be instantaneous in nature. No scrolling of messages shall be permitted except as required for public safety messages.
(8)
All power to a digital display sign shall be supplied via underground carrier, inside approved conduit and shall be installed in accordance with the National Electric Code.
(9)
Digital display signs shall be properly maintained so that inoperative or improperly lighted bulbs do not impair the appearance and legibility of the sign. When malfunctioning, all digital display signs must then be turned off or display a blank screen.
(10)
The digital display portion of any sign may only advertise businesses, organizations, or facilities located on the site, products or services offered by those businesses/organizations/facilities, public service announcements approved by the Township of Hamilton, or urgent public safety messages approved by the Township of Hamilton Police Department.
(11)
Digital display signs are permitted for the Township of Hamilton, police department, fire department, ambulance squad or similar governmental public service institutions subject to the requirements in § 203-144.1H.
§ 203-144.2 Special regulations for automobile service stations.
C.
Number of signs permitted.
(3)
Facade signs parallel to the street frontage: one per street line per occupancy.
(4)
Facade signs perpendicular to the street frontage: one per street line per occupancy.
(6)
Freestanding signs: one per site along with one additional sign which may utilize digital display technology which is dedicated solely to displaying the price of fuel.
D.
Maximum gross surface area of signs permitted.
(2)
Window signs. Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the window in which they are exhibited, nor block any window area required by any applicable code for light, ventilation or emergency exit. All permanent, nonilluminated window signs or decals calling attention to compliance with standards, association with credit groups, premium stamp promotions, and the like shall not exceed a total of 10% of the window in which they are exhibited in square feet.
(3)
Facade signs. For each occupant, one square foot per linear foot of building frontage occupied by the use, up to a maximum sign area of 200 square feet per occupant.
(4)
Freestanding signs: 100 square feet. No freestanding sign shall have more than two faces.
(5)
Fuel price display signs: 50 square feet.
E.
Maximum height of signs permitted.
(1)
Facade signs: 20 feet or no higher than the parapet, whichever is less.
(2)
Window signs: no higher than in a window on the level at which the principal use takes place.
(3)
Freestanding signs: 15 feet to the top of the sign face, excluding architectural elements.
(4)
Fuel price display signs: 10 feet.
G.
H.
Digital display standards.
(1)
Fuel prices may be displayed on a distinct freestanding sign utilizing digital display technology which may not be changed more than once per day.
(3)
Maximum illuminance. No digital display sign may exceed 0.1 footcandle (1.07 lumens/square meter) at the property line where the sign is located.
(4)
The digital display portion of the sign shall only be in operation during the hours of operation of the business which operates the sign.
§ 203-144.3 Special regulations for time and temperature signs.
A.
For any commercial or business use, one sign may be included on a freestanding sign wherein the current time or temperature, or both, is indicated by digital display technology shall be permitted; provided, however, that not more than one such sign shall be permitted on any one frontage. Lighting changes on any such sign shall be limited to the numerals indicating the item or temperature and to not more frequent changes than once in every 15 seconds.
B.
No sign shall be larger than 16 square feet per sign face, nor shall any sign have a height in excess of 20 feet. Every sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from any street line and five feet from any other lot line.
§ 203-144.4 Special regulations for off-site commercial advertising signs.
A.
Off-site commercial advertising signs.
(1)
No new off-site commercial advertising sign shall be constructed at any location after the effective date of this chapter, except for off-site outdoor signs advertising agricultural commercial establishments in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.109(a)2 in the Pinelands, provided that:
(2)
Existing off-site commercial advertising signs, except for those advertising Hamilton Township, shall not be permitted to continue beyond December 5, 1996, unless:
(a)
The sign was in existence as of January 14, 1981, and is located in the R-9, R-22, GA-L, GA-M, GA-I, RC, VC, GC or IBP Districts or in that portion of the HC District located in the Pinelands Regional Growth Area;
(b)
The sign was in existence as of January 14, 1981, and is located in that portion of the HC District in a Pinelands Rural Development Area consisting of Block 588, Lots 25-28 and p/o Lot 24; Block 591, p/o Lots 28-30, located within 1,000 feet of a regional growth area; or
(c)
The Pinelands Commission issues a waiver of strict compliance authorizing the extension of that date for any particular sign.
(d)
The sign provides advertising for an agricultural commercial establishment as defined in this chapter.
(3)
In addition to the standards in Subsection A(1) and (2) above, a billboard shall be permitted in the Pinelands Area provided that:
(a)
For any new billboard, the applicant can demonstrate that for each new sign, a non-conforming off-site sign pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.108(b) has been removed;
(b)
If a new or existing conforming billboard proposes to have a digital or LED display, it shall meet the following requirements:
[1]
The electronic message display is programmed to freeze in one position if a malfunction occurs;
[2]
The transition of one displayed message to another displayed message is accomplished within one second or less;
[3]
The duration of the interval between the end of a subsequent transition and the start of its subsequent transition is at least eight seconds; and
[4]
The brightness of the display is automatically adjusted based on ambient light conditions through the use of an integrated light sensing device.
(c)
Except as provided in Subsection A(3)(b) above, billboards or other off-site signs shall not contain, include, or be illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, scrolling or moving light or lights. All sources of illumination shall be shielded or directed such that light is not directed towards the sky.
C.
Location. No new off-site commercial advertising sign shall be located:
(1)
Within 200 feet of any other off-site commercial advertising sign structure located on the same side of the street or within 100 feet of any other advertising sign structure.
(2)
For signs having a gross surface area in excess of 300 square feet, within 500 feet of any other such sign on the same side of the street.
(3)
Within 100 feet from any lot line of any school, church, library or similar institution or public park, (parkway, square or circle, when located in a residential district) if the sign or sign structure is visible from any such lot line at a point five feet above ground level.
(4)
Within 100 feet of any residential district.
D.
Maximum gross surface area permitted per sign face: 60 square feet in all districts where advertising signs are permitted with the exception of the HC District, where the signs may be up to 700 square feet.
E.
Maximum height of signs permitted:
F.
Minimum setback requirement: none.
G.
Type of illumination permitted: no sign shall be illuminated except internally or indirectly by white light.
§ 203-144.5 Special regulations applicable to specified signs.
A.
Signs accessory to nonconforming residential uses shall be subject to the regulations of § 203-143 of this article.
B.
Signs accessory to any other nonconforming uses shall be subject to the regulations of this section.
D.
Temporary signs for special events or sales. Temporary signs advertising special events or sales shall be permitted in all commercial districts subject to the following:
(1)
The sign shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable general standards (§ 203-139).
(2)
Maximum time limit for temporary signs: 30 days.
(3)
Maximum number of temporary signs per establishment: one. The temporary signs shall be spaced at intervals no less than 50 feet, with a maximum of five temporary signs per site.
(4)
Maximum number of times temporary signs can be placed on site: three times per year.
(6)
Maximum sign area. In commercial and industrial zones, temporary commercials signs shall be allowed provided that the total area of all such signs does not exceed 32 square feet. In residential zones, temporary commercial signs shall be allowed, provided that the total area of all such signs does not exceed six square feet. Temporary noncommercial signs, provided that the total area of all such signs does not exceed 32 square feet on a property in all zones.
(7)
A temporary sign shall not exceed a maximum height of 10 feet.
(8)
No temporary signs may be located closer than 25 feet to any property line.
(9)
The applicant shall be required to obtain a permit from the Zoning Officer for temporary signage.
§ 203-144.6 Signs in historic areas.
A.
The size, shape and character of the sign shall be in keeping with the historic character of the landmark, Historic District site or Pinelands-designated site on which the sign is located. The size of the sign shall not exceed the maximum for the type of sign shown on the following Figure 18-1 and shall otherwise conform to the provisions of Article XIII, § 203-139K(6).
B.
The visibility and scale of the sign shall be in keeping with the architectural and historical character of the surrounding structures and area.
C.
The signage for a particular building or shop should be reduced to the fewest separate panels or statements as possible.
D.
Signs on buildings should not obliterate or obscure the architecture of the building. A sign on a building should be compatible or integral with it.
E.
Obsolete signage from defunct activities shall be removed unless it is an integral part of the structure's historic architectural facade.
Figure 18-1 Maximum Commercial Sign Area by Type of Sign Permitted in Historic Areas Township of Hamilton, New Jersey | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Type | Zoning District | ||||
VC | GC | DC | HC | NC | |
Facade mounted | |||||
Flat (square feet) | 20 | 20 | 50 | 50 | 20 |
Swing arm (square feet) | 12 | 12 | 16 | 16 | 12 |
Window (percent) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Freestanding (square feet) | N.A. | N.A. | 100 | N.A. | N.A. |
Freestanding - pole swing arm (square feet) | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
F.
Many forms of modern lighting of signs are incompatible with the historical integrity of a landmark or Historic District site. Such lighting should conform to the following provisions:
(1)
Flashing, intermittent or moving-type illumination shall not be permitted.
(2)
Backlit fluorescent signs, signs illuminated by neon or other gaseous elements or materials and all other self-illuminated signs shall not be permitted.
(3)
Floodlighting shall be so shielded that the source of light shall not be visible from any point of the lot on which the sign, building or structure being illuminated is erected and so that only the sign is directly illuminated.
G.
Facade signs shall be installed so as to be flush with the exterior wall of the site unless it enhances the historic properties of the site.
H.
Post signs and hanging signs shall be permitted if they enhance the historic characteristics of the site.
J.
The maintenance of a sign within an Historic District or affixed to or on the lot of a landmark or Pinelands-designated site, whether existing prior to the effective date of this article or otherwise, shall require the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness under the standards of this article. Owners of signs in existence on the effective date of this article shall apply for and obtain a certificate of appropriateness for their respective signs within five years of the effective date of the site's designation, or their signs shall be removed. The Zoning Officer shall record nonconforming signs in conjunction with the Historic Preservation Commission.
K.
Interior signs which are intended to be viewed from the outside of the building or structure shall conform to the requirements of this section, insofar as they are applicable.
L.
A maximum one-foot by two-foot sign which displays the word "OPEN" is permitted within the Historic District. Such sign shall be white lettering on a black background and shall be backlit if illumination is required.