Harrison Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Signs
§ 225-87 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A display of cloth or fabric with symbols, icons, and/or designs which is affixed to a flagpole that is freestanding or mounted to the exterior of a building. Pennants and windsocks are considered to be flags.
Any object, device, display or 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.
The rectangular, continuous area on the wall of a building which extends from the top line of windows and doors on one floor and the bottom line of windows, roof, or cornice above it and which is uninterrupted by architectural details or openings.
Any sign or part of a sign which changes physical position by any movement or rotation or which gives the visual impression of such movement or rotation.
The area of any sign or sign face shall be computed as the product of the largest horizontal width and the largest vertical height of the lettering, illustration, display or background. Where there is no geometric frame or edge to the sign, the area shall be defined by a projected, enclosed, four-sided (straight sides) geometric shape which most closely outlines the sign. This shall not be construed to include the supporting members of any sign which are used solely for such purpose. The sign area measurement shall not include any framing, trim or molding. If lettering, illustration, display or background is attached directly to the face of a building, the height or width of the sign shall be the height or width of the largest letter, illustration, display or background, whichever is the greater. For the purpose of computing the allowable area of a double-faced sign, one sign face shall be considered. If sign faces are not parallel (e.g., V-shaped sign), both faces shall be considered in computing the sign area.
A sign that is mounted or painted on or attached to an awning that is otherwise permitted by ordinance.
A temporary sign constructed of canvas, plastic sheeting, paper, cardboard, cloth or other flexible and foldable material without its own supporting frame or structure, and attached to a flat surface such as an exterior wall of a building by cords, ropes, elastic bands or other temporary fasteners.
A sign located on the seat or back of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.
See "sign, off-premises."
A sign that is mounted or painted on or attached to a canopy that is otherwise permitted by ordinance.
A sign that is designed so that the message on the sign can be easily and periodically altered, but not more than once a day.
Retail mercantile establishment for the sale of food, general goods and supplies for household consumption, open to the public.
Signs limited to directional messages that do not contain a commercial message, principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, such as "one-way," "entrance," and "exit."
A freestanding or wall sign that is designed to identify and list the name and location of tenants within a multi-use building or within a multiple building complex on the same lot, with or without an accompanying map, in order to aid in the internal circulation within the lot.
A freestanding sign with two identical faces which are back-to-back.
See "sign, wall."
A display sign identifying the establishment, the product sold, hours of operation, freestanding or mounted on a building, but capable of being removed during the non-farm-market season.
A display sign identifying the establishment, including any logo, freestanding or mounted upon a building sign, excluding, however, convenience stores, which are separately defined. This establishment includes the sale and preparation of foods, retail and for catering, excluding the sale of other goods.
Any nonmovable sign not affixed to a building, which is erected, constructed, supported or maintained on a base, post(s), pole(s) or other bracing or supporting device(s).
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 or a noncommercial message.
A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights or in the sign or directed towards the sign.
A sign for any formally recognized house of worship, any charitable, fraternal or eleemosynary organization or agency, or any public school or public building.
A sign provided for new businesses pending the necessary approvals of their formal sign application [See § 225-89B(16)].
A sign that is mounted, or painted on, or attached to a marquee that is otherwise permitted by ordinance.
A sign that is designed to be easily transportable, including but not limited to signs designed to be displayed while mounted or affixed to a trailer by which it is transported, or with wheels remaining otherwise attached during display; signs mounted on transportable frames with wheels removed; signs attached or affixed to a chassis or other movable support constructed without wheels.
Governmentally approved highway and directional signs.
A sign containing a commercial message which directs attention to a business, commodity service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
A sign which identifies a principal activity, product or service which is conducted, available, offered or produced on the property where the sign is located, including a sign which exclusively advertises the sale or lease of the property on which the sign is located.
A temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates or issues in connection with any national, state or local election, referendum, or plebiscite.
A sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground (e.g., A-frame or sandwich board signs). The A-frame or sandwich-board-type sign is constructed with two faces which rest at an angle less than 45° to each other.
A sign that is wholly or partially 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 upon a building for support and which projects above the point of a building with a flat roof, the case line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof, or the deckline of a building with a mansard roof.
A sign of greater permanence than a temporary sign, but not intended for year-round identification or advertising use, typically used for the sale of Christmas trees, firewood, Easter flowers, or other similar products of a seasonal nature.
A sign intended to be displayed for a period of time, not in excess of 30 days in any one calendar year, unless an additional period of time is approved. Temporary signs shall be removed within 24 hours of the date specified in the approval.
A sign or a portion of a sign whose sole purpose is to indicate the time and/or temperature.
A sign attached, affixed or painted on a vehicle or trailer, currently registered and tagged that is parked or adjacent to any property, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold or business located on the property.
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 or above the roofline or eaves of the structure.
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 from the exterior or the structure through a window.
§ 225-88 Intent and purpose.
The intent of this article is to provide standards for the regulation of all signs within the various zoning districts of Harrison Township. The purpose of this article is to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication, to encourage signage compatible with the character of a building and integrated with the building's architectural design and other signs on and in the vicinity of the building, to promote creativity in signage design, utilizing high-quality materials and craftsmanship and to develop a distinctive image, to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the Township's ability to attract economic development and growth, to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety, to minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property, to encourage efficient use of signage to avoid visual clutter, and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of the regulations of this article.
§ 225-89 General regulations.
A.
General provisions.
(1)
Any sign hereafter erected in Harrison Township which is exposed to public view shall conform with the provisions of this article and any other ordinance or regulation of Harrison Township, Gloucester County, 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.
(2)
No sign, other than exempt signs, shall be erected without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Officer. Permit applications for signs larger than two square feet in area shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn to scale, showing details of the sign, its size and location on the building and/or lot. A color photograph of each existing sign on the property shall be submitted with the permit application. Permits for window signs shall be valid as long as there is no change in the area, location and type of such signs which have been authorized by permit. Fees for sign permits shall be paid in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the Township Committee.
(3)
All signs, flags, and banners, as provided for in this article, shall be kept in a proper state of repair, in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code, Property Maintenance Code,[1] and other pertinent regulations. Signs which fall into such a state of disrepair as to become unsightly or to pose a threat to public safety may be removed by the Township at the owner's expense, 30 days following notice by certified mail to the owner of record.
(4)
No sign other than traffic or similar official signs shall be erected within or project over the right-of-way of any public street or sidewalk, except as hereinafter provided.
(5)
No sign shall be erected that is of such character, form, shape or color that it imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device, or that has any characteristics which are likely to confuse or dangerously distract the attention of the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
(6)
No exposed raceways or ballast boxes.
(7)
Sign company names or stamps shall be concealed.
(8)
To the maximum extent possible, all wiring associated with signs shall be installed and maintained so as not to be in view of the public.
(9)
Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible. Burned-out lamps, failing ballasts or other necessary electrical components shall be replaced within two weeks.
(10)
No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any streets improved for vehicular traffic within the triangular area formed by the right-of-way lines and a line connecting them at points 25 feet from their intersection unless the topmost portion of said sign is less than 2.5 feet. In no case shall any sign be so erected that it impedes the vision of motorists or pedestrians, or otherwise endangers their safety.
(11)
No mobile signs, bench signs, vehicle signs, or portable signs shall be permitted except as hereinafter provided. No animated or moving signs, other than time and temperature signs, or signs that emit smoke, vapor, or noise shall be permitted. No signs which blink, flash, move, or appear to move in any fashion, rotate, oscillate, gyrate or which outline the rooflines, doors, windows, or wall edges by illuminated tubing or strings of light for advertising purposes shall be permitted. No sign, banner, pennant, streamer, balloon or similar devices constructed of cloth, light fabric, cardboard or other like material, except as hereinafter provided.
No whirling or similar lighting device shall be displayed for attention-getting purposes outside a building except where the Combined Planning Board shall authorize such a use on a temporary basis. No sound-generating devices shall be included in any sign. No signs shall be permitted on accessory buildings and painted on sidewalks or curbs. Signs that produce glare or use bare bulbs, such as exposed neon and other exposed tube signs, as well as signs that use bright day-glo or fluorescent colors, shall be prohibited.
(12)
Principal architectural features of a structure shall not be obscured by any sign or its supporting structures or braces.
(13)
Signs, including bracing and support structures, shall be compatible with a structure to which they are attached in both overall design and materials.
(14)
Inflatable or similar such signs shall be prohibited.
(15)
No sign shall be placed or posted on any tree, telegraph, fence and fence post, electric light, or public utility pole or similar structures, or upon rocks or other natural features.
(16)
No sign shall be erected containing a message that states or implies that property may be used for any purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which said sign is located under the provisions in this chapter.
(17)
Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this article, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies that may be imposed under this chapter, the Township shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
(18)
A truck, trailer or other vehicle, moving or nonmoving, not used for normal day-to-day operations of a business, or not regularly moved for business-related purposes, shall be prohibited from use as a sign.
(19)
No off-premises signs shall be permitted in any zoning district of the municipality, except as shall be provided herein.
(20)
The following signs are exempt from the need to secure permits:
(a)
Decorations for a recognized officially designated holiday, provided that they do not create a traffic or fire hazard, and provided that provision is made for the removal within 30 days after the holiday.
(b)
Official signs.
(c)
Memorial or historic markers when approved by the Combined Planning Board, and when not more than two square feet in area.
(d)
Political signs as per § 225-89B(21).
(e)
Temporary yard or garage sale signs. Such signs may not exceed four square feet; may not be erected more than seven days prior to such sale; and must be removed within 48 hours after the sale. No premises shall be permitted to erect such signs more than twice in any calendar year.
(f)
Temporary real estate signs and signs of contractors, mechanics, painters, paperhangers and/or artisans, on the lot on which the real estate for rent or sale is located, or the lot on which the contracting work is being performed, shall be limited to one per lot for each contracting entity actively engaged in performing the service on or for the premises where the sign is placed. Said signs may not be larger than six square feet nor more than four feet high. They must be removed within seven days of the sale or rental of the premises or completion of the work to which the sign relates. A temporary sign may also be placed by a real estate broker (or any resident selling his or her own residence) advising the public of an open house on the tax lot. This sign shall be displayed only on the day of the open house, and shall not include balloons or lighting or sound-generation equipment, and may include the hours of the open house. Temporary signs in the Industrial Zoning District shall be required to first obtain a sign permit and comply with the requirements of § 225-95 of this article.
(g)
Flags as provided for in this article.
(h)
Nonprofit and/or noncommercial temporary signs and banners which promote an activity, event or festival of a governmental agency, house of worship, charitable or fraternal organization or agency with prior governmental approval by the Township Committee or Township Administrator. The duration the sign or banner may be posted shall be at the discretion of the Township Committee or Township Administrator, however, not to exceed 30 days from the approval date. Banners may project over a right-of-way.
[Amended 10-17-2016 by Ord. No. 26-2016]
(21)
Permanent development identification signs shall only contain the name of the development and may not include other information, specifically including but not limited to the name of the developer or development company.
(22)
After a tenant has vacated the premises, the owner shall be responsible for the removal of all prior tenant signage and restoration of areas where such signage was located to the original condition, including painting and patching, if necessary.
(23)
Changeable copy and marquee signs shall be prohibited.
(24)
Digital and/or electronic signs or message boards of any type, including billboards, shall be prohibited.
(25)
Lighted signs.
(a)
Internal illumination of signs shall not be permitted.
(b)
Backlit signs shall not be permitted.
(c)
All signage lighting shall be limited to direct lighting, either from the top of the sign face as a "goose neck" configuration directed in a downward direction or as "grounded-mounted" fixtures that are directed in an upward direction.
[Amended 4-20-2015 by Ord. No. 4-2015]
(d)
The color of all fixtures and support elements for the light fixture shall be black.
[Amended 4-20-2015 by Ord. No. 4-2015]
(e)
Individual fixtures shall be a maximum of 1,100 lumens (equivalent to 75 watt incandescent, 18 watt LED, 18 watt fluorescent, or 53 watt halogen bulbs).
[Added 4-20-2015 by Ord. No. 4-2015]
(f)
There shall be a maximum of three individual fixtures per sign face.
[Added 4-20-2015 by Ord. No. 4-2015]
(g)
Individual fixtures shall have a maximum head size of five inches by five inches by seven inches.
[Added 4-20-2015 by Ord. No. 4-2015]
(h)
Ground-mounted fixtures shall have a maximum total height of 12 inches and shall be screened from public view by low-growing plant material approximately 12 inches in height.
[Added 4-20-2015 by Ord. No. 4-2015]
(i)
Gooseneck lighting shall not project more than 18 inches from the sign face.
[Added 4-20-2015 by Ord. No. 4-2015]
(j)
All lighting shall be directed onto the sign face.
[Added 4-20-2015 by Ord. No. 4-2015]
B.
Regulations for particular types of signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs, except for directional signs, shall comply with the following:
(a)
Freestanding signs shall be permitted only in the front yard of lots containing a minimum street frontage of 150 feet, except in the Historic District and the Main Street District, where there shall be no minimum street frontage.
(b)
No sign shall be erected closer to the street line than 15 feet or 1/2 the distance between the street right-of-way line and the building line at its closest point, whichever is less, except as otherwise permitted by this article.
(c)
A freestanding sign and a projecting sign shall not be utilized together to identify the same establishment on the same street frontage.
(2)
Projecting signs, when permitted, shall comply with the following:
(a)
No such sign shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(b)
No part of the sign shall be less than eight feet nor more than 12 feet above ground or walkway level.
(c)
Not more than one projecting sign per establishment per street frontage shall be permitted.
(d)
No projecting sign shall be permitted within 25 feet of another.
(e)
Projecting signs may not be lighted.
(3)
The total area of all window signs, unless further restricted by district regulations, shall not exceed 25% of the glass area of the window in which placed.
(4)
No roof sign shall be permitted, and no sign shall project above the main cornice line of the building to which a sign is affixed.
(5)
Time and temperature signs shall be permitted in any district in which commercial or industrial uses are permitted, provided that they do not encompass more than 20% of allowable area for the type of sign upon which they are placed.
(6)
Canopy signs.
(a)
Canopy signs are only permitted in conjunction with gasoline service stations and similar commercial uses where the canopy is required to provide cover and protection for outdoor equipment and service areas.
(b)
No more than one canopy sign shall occur in any yard area.
(c)
No part of the canopy sign shall be less than 12 feet nor more than 20 feet above ground level.
(d)
A canopy sign may not encroach in any required yard area.
(e)
The area of a canopy sign shall not exceed 50% of the area of the canopy face or 50 square feet, whichever is less.
(7)
Awning signs.
(a)
Awning signs may not be used in conjunction with wall signs.
(b)
Signs on awnings may only occur on the vertical hang of the awning, which is generally parallel with the building frontage. In the case of a curved awning, the sign shall occur in the lower half of the awning.
(c)
The area of an awning sign shall not exceed 20% of the entire portion of the building covered by the awning in its extended position, and in no case shall be larger than the area otherwise permitted for wall signs.
(d)
No part of the awning shall be less than seven feet above ground or walkway level, unless greater clearance is required by the building code, but not greater than 12 feet or higher than the first floor of the building, whichever is less. It shall not extend above the eaves or parapet of the building.
(e)
Awnings shall not be internally illuminated.
(f)
Awnings shall be regularly cleaned and kept free of dust and visual defects.
(g)
No part of an awning sign shall extend within two feet of the property or end wall of a building.
(8)
Directory signs.
(a)
The sign shall be located within the site so as to allow motorists to leave the flow of traffic and safely read the directory, or shall be placed at the main entrance to a building.
(b)
The sign may contain a map of the site or floor plan diagram, as the case may be, indicating the location of the offices, businesses, or residential buildings listed on the directory.
(c)
Any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in sign area.
(d)
No more than one sign per entrance driveway or main entrance to a building shall be permitted.
(e)
A freestanding directory sign shall not exceed six feet in height nor be placed closer than 25 feet to the curbline of a public street.
(9)
Seasonal signs.
(a)
The item or products sold must be grown on the property where it is being sold.
(b)
No more than two signs per lot shall be permitted.
(c)
No sign shall exceed eight square feet in area.
(d)
Any such sign shall not be displayed for a period exceeding 60 days within one calendar year.
(e)
Seasonal signs shall be permitted in any zoning district, provided that the use to which it relates is permitted within that zone.
(10)
Signs for legal farm markets. Farm markets shall be entitled to:
(a)
Two wall signs, one may be located on the front of the building, and one may be located on the side of the building. Each sign shall not exceed 50% of the signable facade area, or 60 square feet.
(b)
One permanent freestanding sign, not to exceed 16 square feet in area.
(c)
One changeable copy sign, not to exceed 24 square feet. Changeable copy signs may not be lit.
(d)
Four temporary signs, including product signs, which signs may be double sided but which may not exceed six square feet for each side of the sign. Temporary signs may be located off site with the permission of the property owner. Temporary signs must meet all other provisions set forth within the general provisions of this chapter and shall not be displayed for a period exceeding nine months in a calendar year.
(11)
Flags.
(a)
One flag for each storefront or building.
(b)
Maximum size shall be three feet by five feet.
(c)
The flag shall be installed so that the bottom edge of the flag shall be at least seven feet above the pavement, walkway, sidewalk, and/or step.
(d)
The flag shall be displayed on a flagpole mounted to the exterior of a building or storefront or mounted freestanding.
(e)
A sign permit is not required for the display of a flag.
(f)
A certificate of appropriateness is not required for the display of a flag.
(g)
This subsection does not apply to the display of a flag of the United States of America or the State of New Jersey.
(h)
This subsection does not apply to and does not prohibit and/or regulate the display of flags on a single-family residence or multifamily residence that is not operating a business, nor does it apply to any federal, state, or local governmental structure or building.
(12)
Food-service establishments shall be permitted to display one of the following additional signs:
(a)
A bill of fare of food and/or beverage offerings on a freestanding sign, easel, or on a wall-mounted board, or a display case mounted on the exterior of the restaurant building facade. Such display case shall not exceed three square feet in area, and shall contain only bill-of-fare signs or menu signs.
(13)
Institutional signs.
(a)
Any such sign to be located within an historic district or on an historic site must obtain a certificate of appropriateness.
(14)
Temporary business signs.
(a)
All temporary business signs shall require a permit issued by the Combined Planning Board of the Township of Harrison. No permit fee is required. The applicant shall submit a completed application to the Combined Planning Board for review and approval. Upon approval, the temporary business sign may be displayed for the date(s) specified on the application.
(c)
Temporary business signs are permitted subject to the following requirements:
[1]
Temporary business signs are permitted in the following zoning districts:
[2]
No sign regulated by this Subsection B(14) shall be located upon any public street, alley, sidewalk, right-of-way, easement, or other governmental property.
[3]
No sign regulated by this Subsection B(14) shall be posted without the consent of the owner of the premises upon which the sign is posted.
[4]
Any such sign found to be in an unsafe or deteriorated condition must be removed within two calendar days of receipt of notice by the Zoning Official.
[5]
No sign regulated by this Subsection B(14) may exceed in size 24 square feet in area.
[Amended 10-20-2014 by Ord. No. 30-2014]
[7]
Any such sign shall be located entirely on premises only.
[8]
Any such sign must be located on the same zoning lot as the business or event advertised on the sign.
[10]
A “Best of Gloucester County” banner may be permitted if awarded to the owner of the business by the Gloucester County Board of Freeholders. Such temporary banner may not be displayed for a period more than eight months following the date of the award, and shall comply with the other requirements in this Subsection B(14).
[Added 10-20-2014 by Ord. No. 30-2014[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the renumbering of former Subsection B(14)(c)[10] as Subsection B(14)(c)[11].
[11]
Every temporary business sign shall be removed within 24 hours of the date specified in the approval.
(16)
Signs permitted in conjunction with the granting of a use variance or site plan application:
(a)
The granting of a use variance shall include the right to signage as follows:
[1]
One freestanding sign may be erected for each street frontage.
[2]
In no case shall the total area of such sign exceed two square feet in area.
[3]
No freestanding sign shall exceed three feet in height.
[4]
Such signs shall not be illuminated.
[5]
Any such sign to be located within an historic district or on a historic site must obtain a certificate of appropriateness.
(17)
Portable signs shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
Portable signs shall be permitted only in the Historic District of the Township unless otherwise specifically permitted by ordinance and must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission.
(b)
Portable signs in the Historic District may be in the form of a black chalkboard easel (A-frame or sandwich board) type sign which shall be constructed of wood and shall not exceed 2 1/2 feet in width and four feet in total height, including a minimum of six inches for the legs of the sign, each side as measured from the ground to the top of the sign.
(c)
Portable signs may be displayed only during business hours of operation and must be removed from public view at the close of business.
(d)
Only one portable sign shall be permitted per lot.
(e)
The portable sign must be located upon the lot it services. The sign shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular flow.
(f)
Portable signs shall not obstruct any driveway or obstruct the sight lines of motorists entering and exiting a driveway.
(g)
Portable signs shall not be internally or externally illuminated or include any lighting or sound-generation equipment.
(h)
Portable signs shall be designed with a theme related to the individual businesses or zone district in which they are located and must be painted or otherwise finished.
(i)
Portable signs shall not be attached or strapped to any pole, tree, fire hydrant or any other stationary fixture.
(j)
Political signs are exempt from this section.
(18)
Political signs.
(a)
Political signs may be erected and maintained in any zone within the Township without a sign permit or payment of fees.
(b)
Any such sign shall only be permitted on private property with the permission of the property owner.
(c)
Political signs are permitted for a period commencing 30 days prior to the election and four days subsequent to the election.
(e)
A political sign shall not exceed an aggregate of 12 square feet.
(f)
Political signs shall not be placed on public property, which is defined as all publicly owned property, including streets, rights-of-ways, easements, and everything affixed thereto and thereover.
§ 225-90 Signs in residential districts.
In all residential zoning districts, signs are permitted for the following purposes only, and only under the following conditions:
A.
General provisions.
(1)
No freestanding sign shall exceed eight feet in height.
(2)
Only the following signs may be illuminated and then only in such a manner that the source of light shall not be visible from the street or from any normal vantage point:
(a)
An identification sign of establishments whose services in an emergency are considered essential to public health, safety and welfare.
(b)
An identification sign of a school, church, club, residential development or neighborhood, or a use other than an individual dwelling, provided that said sign is illuminated only between the hours of dusk and midnight, prevailing time.
B.
Identification signs.
(1)
Signs identifying a home occupation shall not be permitted.
(2)
Permitted use signs. Signs identifying a school, college, church, hospital, sanitarium, municipal building, club or other permitted use other than an individual dwelling or a use accessory to a dwelling, provided that such signs whether erected as wall signs or freestanding signs do not exceed a total area along any one street equal to one square foot for every 10 linear feet of street frontage or 24 square feet, whichever is less.
C.
Directional signs.
(1)
Directional signs may be erected only in conjunction with a school, college, church, hospital, sanitarium, municipal building, farm, club, or other permitted use other than a dwelling or use accessory to a building, and may be erected only on the lot to which it relates.
(2)
No directional sign may exceed four square feet in area.
D.
Seasonal signs as controlled by the general regulations.
E.
Residential development signs.
(1)
Permanent development identification signs:
(a)
May not exceed eight feet in height.
(b)
May be either wall-mounted or freestanding.
(c)
May not exceed a total area along any one street equal to one square foot for every 10 linear feet of street frontage or 24 feet, whichever is less.
(d)
May be illuminated, provided that said signs are illuminated only between the hours of dusk and dawn. Such lighting must be shielded.
(e)
Must be described in the development application, and shall be sufficiently described as part of the development application to enable review by the Township to determine conformance with these standards.
(2)
Temporary sales signs for developments (on premises).
(a)
May indicate the name of the development, developer, financier and major contractor.
(b)
May not exceed eight feet in height.
(c)
May not exceed a total area along any one street equal to one square foot for every 10 linear feet of street frontage or 24 square feet, whichever is less.
(d)
May be illuminated only between the hours of dusk and midnight, prevailing time.
(e)
Shall be limited to one per development.
(3)
Directional signs for developments (off premises).
(a)
No more than two off-premises directional signs shall be permitted per development.
(b)
Each sign may not exceed 540 square inches (18 inches by 30 inches).
(c)
Sandwich board signs shall be permitted.
(d)
Off-premises signs shall be limited to one per tax lot.
(e)
Directional signs may be displayed only on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(f)
A sign permit must be obtained for each directional sign. The application shall include a written statement from the property owner indicating consent. Copies of any permits required by outside agencies must be provided with the application. Sign permits for off-premises directional signs must be renewed annually.
(g)
Off-premises directional signs may not be illuminated.
(h)
Directional signs shall not be permitted within an historic district or on an historic site.
(4)
"Sample," "Model," and "Office" signs shall be limited to one per lot on which a certificate of occupancy has been issued for a sample, model, or office. Each sign shall not exceed two square feet in area.
(5)
Flags: One per development, designating "OPEN," not to exceed three feet by five feet. Such flag must be firmly anchored. Such flag shall not be illuminated. Such flags must be removed prior to the issuance of the last certificate of occupancy within the development.
§ 225-91 Signs in Professional Office or Professional Office Overlay Districts.
In addition to those signs otherwise allowed in residential districts, the following signs shall be permitted in Professional Office or Professional Office Overlay Districts:
A.
One freestanding sign not to exceed 16 square feet on each side, or one wall-mounted sign not to exceed six square feet. The use of interior directory signs is encouraged.
B.
Where a single tax lot with frontage only on one public right-of-way has multiple entrances or uses, each with a separate entrance, such entrance is entitled to either one wall sign not to exceed two square feet or one window sign not to exceed 25% of the area of the window.
C.
Signs within an historic district or on an historic site shall comply with the design standards of § 225-92.
D.
A freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of six feet.
§ 225-92 Signs in the Historic District.
A.
General provisions.
(1)
All signs in the Historic District shall be made of wood, stone or an alternate durable material.
(2)
A certificate of appropriateness must be obtained prior to the installation of all signs except as otherwise noted in this article.
(3)
No internal illumination of signs shall be permitted in addition to no flashing or animated signs, signs which visually interfere with traffic, neon signs and any moving text or messages.
(4)
Flags shall be permitted as controlled by the general regulations.
(5)
Freestanding signs shall be integrated with the landscaping for the site.
(6)
Institutional signs shall be permitted as controlled by the general regulations.
(7)
Signs shall be permitted in conjunction with the granting of a use variance as controlled by the general regulations.
B.
Number of signs. In an historic district, no more than two standard identification signs for commercial uses, each of a different type, shall be permitted per property, from the following list below. Up to three standard signs shall be permitted for a property with more than one principal building or on a property with more than one street frontage. In addition to the standard signs, a restaurant or other eating establishment may erect one additional facade or wall sign for the placement or display of a menu or other bill of fare, provided that such a sign does not exceed four square feet in area.
C.
Standard signs. There are six standard signs permitted in the Historic District: freestanding, awning, projecting or hanging, facade or wall, window and freestanding directory.
(1)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
One freestanding sign may be erected for each street frontage.
(b)
The total area of all such signs shall not exceed a total area along any one street equal to one square foot for every 10 linear feet of street frontage or 30 square feet, whichever is less.
(c)
No freestanding sign shall exceed six feet in height.
(d)
Freestanding signs shall be set back from the sidewalk five feet, or 10 feet from the curbline if there is no sidewalk. Such signs shall not be placed within any public right-of-way or sight triangle.
(e)
No freestanding sign may be erected in the side yard setback in the district in which such is located.
(f)
A freestanding sign and a projecting sign shall not be utilized together to identify the same establishment of the same frontage.
(g)
A freestanding sign shall not be permitted on the same property with a directory sign.
(2)
Awning signs.
(a)
Awning signs may not be used in conjunction with wall signs.
(b)
Signs on awnings may only occur on the vertical hang of the awning, which is generally parallel with the building frontage. In the case of a curved awning, the sign shall occur in the lower half of the awning.
(c)
The area of an awning sign shall not exceed 20% of the entire portion of the building covered by the awning in its extended position, and in no case shall be larger than the area otherwise permitted for wall signs.
(d)
No part of the awning shall be less than seven feet above ground or walkway level, unless greater clearance is required by the building code, but not greater than 12 feet or higher than the first floor of the building, whichever is less. It shall not extend above the eaves or parapet of the building.
(e)
Awnings shall not be internally illuminated.
(f)
Awnings shall be regularly cleaned and kept free of dust and visible defects.
(g)
No copy of an awning sign shall extend within two feet of the party or end wall of a building.
(3)
Projecting or hanging signs.
(a)
No such sign shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(b)
No part of the sign shall be less than seven feet above ground or walkway level, unless greater clearance is required by the building code, but not greater than 12 feet or higher than the first floor of the building, whichever is less. It shall not extend above the eaves or parapet of the building.
(c)
Not more than one projecting sign per establishment per street frontage shall be permitted.
(d)
No projecting sign shall be permitted within 25 feet of another.
(e)
Projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(f)
Sign supports and brackets shall be compatible with the design and scale of the sign.
(g)
No projecting or hanging sign shall have a sign face (see § 225-87, sign area measurement) that has a thickness of less than two inches.
(h)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(4)
Facade or wall signs.
(a)
The total area of all facade or wall signs placed on or facing any one street frontage on any lot shall not exceed the lesser of 25% of the signable facade area of the ground floor to which it relates or 20 square feet.
(b)
Each establishment with a direct entrance to the outside shall be entitled to a wall sign, provided that such sign or signs do not exceed the total permissible sign area above.
(c)
Multiple uses without a direct entrance to the outside may be identified by means of a directory wall sign in accordance with § 225-89B(8).
(d)
A facade or wall sign shall be located where architectural features or details suggest a location, size or shape for the sign. No facade or wall sign shall cover any window or part of a window, nor shall it extend beyond the highest point of a roofline, parapet, or mansard roof.
(e)
A new facade or wall sign shall generally be placed on the building consistent with sign locations on adjacent buildings.
(5)
Window signs.
(a)
The total area of all permanent window signs shall not exceed 25% of the glass area of the window in which placed.
(b)
Permanent window signs shall be limited to individual letters placed on the interior surface of the window and intended to be viewed from the outside. Glass-mounted graphic logos may be applied by silk screening. Any painted area of any window shall be construed as window lettering or signs, whether or not such area actually contains lettering or advertising.
(c)
Permanent window signs shall pertain only to the establishment occupying that portion of the premises where the window is located.
(d)
The text or sign copy of a permanent window sign shall be limited to the business name and brief message identifying the type of product or service or pertinent information (e.g., "reservations required" or business hours).
(e)
Interior signage, other than window signage, that is clearly visible and positioned to be readily seen from the outside of the building, shall be prohibited.
(f)
Temporary window lettering or signs advertising special sales events shall be removed within two days following the advertised event or within 30 days after erection, whichever is earlier. Such temporary window lettering or signs, in conjunction with any permanent window lettering or sign, shall not cover, in the aggregate, more than 50% of the window area.
(g)
Window signs indicating that an establishment is "open" or "closed" for business shall be permitted. They shall be limited to a maximum of one square foot in area and no more than one such sign per business. These types of signs shall be considered accessory to permitted permanent window signs and shall not be included in permanent or temporary window sign calculations.
(7)
The following signs shall also be permitted:
§ 225-93 C-1, C-2 and Village Business Commercial Districts.
In C-1, C-2 and Village Business Commercial Districts, signs are permitted for the following purposes only, and only under the following conditions:
B.
Identification signs for commercial uses.
(1)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
One freestanding sign may be erected for each street frontage that contains at least 150 feet of street frontage.
(b)
In no case shall the total area of a sign exceed one square foot for each three linear feet of street frontage or 80 square feet.
(c)
The provisions of § 225-89B(1) shall apply.
(2)
Wall signs.
(a)
The total area of all wall signs placed on or facing any one street frontage on any lot shall not exceed the lesser of one square foot for each linear foot of face of building facing the road, or 24 square feet.
(b)
Each establishment with a direct entrance to the outside shall be entitled to a wall sign, provided that it does not exceed the total area requirement above.
(c)
Multiple uses without direct outside entrance may be identified by means of a directory sign, in accordance with § 225-89B(8).
(3)
Projecting signs: The total area of a projecting sign used to identify a single commercial use or establishment shall not exceed four square feet.
(4)
Awning signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
(5)
Canopy signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
(6)
Window signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
C.
Identification signs for the uses in § 225-90B of this article shall conform to the requirements thereof.
F.
Seasonal signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
G.
Temporary development signs.
(1)
Signs giving notice of the sale or rental of the property on which the sign is located, provided that:
(2)
Any such sign shall not remain for a period to exceed two years from the date of the zoning permit issuance.
(3)
The developer and/or property owner shall keep the sign in a proper state of repair, in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code, Property Maintenance Code, and other pertinent regulations. Signs which fall into such a state of disrepair as to become unsightly or to pose a threat to public safety may be removed by the Township at the owner's expense, 30 days following notice by certified mail to the owner of record.
§ 225-93.1 Main Street District.
A.
General provisions.
(1)
All signs in the Main Street District shall be made of wood, stone or an alternate durable material.
(2)
No internal illumination of signs shall be permitted.
(3)
Flags shall be permitted as controlled by the general regulations.
(4)
Institutional signs shall be permitted as controlled by the general regulations.
(5)
Signs shall be permitted in conjunction with the granting of a use variance as controlled by the general regulations.
B.
Identification signs for commercial uses.
(1)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
One freestanding sign may be erected for each street frontage.
(b)
The total area of all such signs shall not exceed a total area along any one street equal to one square foot for every 10 linear feet of street frontage or 24 square feet, whichever is less.
(c)
No freestanding sign shall exceed six feet in height.
(d)
Freestanding signs shall be set back from the sidewalk five feet, or 10 feet from the curbline if there is no sidewalk. Such signs shall not be placed within any public right-of-way or sight triangle.
(e)
No freestanding sign may be erected in the side yard setback in the district in which such is located.
(f)
A freestanding sign and a projecting sign shall not be utilized together to identify the same establishment on the same street frontage.
(2)
Wall signs.
(a)
The total sign area of all wall signs placed on or facing any one street frontage on any lot shall not exceed the lesser of 25% of the signable facade area of the ground floor to which it relates or 20 square feet.
(b)
Each establishment with a direct entrance to the outside shall be entitled to a wall sign, provided that such sign or signs do not exceed the total permissible sign area above.
(c)
Multiple uses without a direct entrance to the outside may be identified by means of a directory wall sign in accordance with § 225-89B(8).
§ 225-94 Signs in the C-4, C-6, C-56 and C-55 Districts.
In the above districts signs are permitted for the following purposes only, and under the following conditions:
B.
Size, location and number of permitted signs.
(1)
Lots not part of a planned community shopping center.
(a)
One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted for each lot not part of a planned community shopping center which has 150 feet or more of frontage on a public street. A lot which has frontage on two streets may have a second sign, provided that it has 150 feet or more of frontage on the second street. In no case shall the total sign area exceed one square foot for each two linear feet of street frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is less.
(b)
No freestanding sign shall be located closer than 25 feet to a street line nor within 15 feet of a side lot line.
(c)
The total area of all wall signs placed on or facing any one street frontage on any lot shall not exceed 50% of the signable facade area of the ground floor of the portion of the building which it occupies or 80 square feet, whichever is less.
(d)
Awning signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
(e)
Canopy signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
(f)
Window signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
(2)
Planned community shopping centers.
(a)
One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted on each public street, provided that the development has a minimum of 300 feet of frontage on the street. The maximum permitted sign area shall be 120 square feet.
(b)
No freestanding sign shall be located closer than 25 feet to a street line nor within 15 feet of a side lot line.
(c)
The total area of all wall signs placed on or facing any one street frontage on any lot shall not exceed 50% of the signable facade area of the ground floor of the portion of the building which it occupies or 80 square feet, whichever is less.
(d)
Principal tenants leasing more than 20% of the total gross leasable floor area of the development may have one or more wall signs, the total sign area of which shall not exceed 20% of the signable facade area with no one sign in excess of 100 square feet of sign area.
(e)
Awning signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
(f)
Canopy signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
(g)
Window signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
E.
Seasonal signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
F.
Temporary development signs.
(1)
Signs giving notice of the sale or rental of the property on which the sign is located, provided that:
(2)
Any such sign shall not remain for a period to exceed two years from the date of the zoning permit issuance.
(3)
The developer and/or property owner shall keep the sign in a proper state of repair, in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code, Property Maintenance Code,[1] and other pertinent regulations. Signs which fall into such a state of disrepair as to become unsightly or to pose a threat to public safety may be removed by the Township at the owner's expense, 30 days following notice by certified mail to the owner of record.
§ 225-95 Planned Industrial District.
In industrial zoning districts, signs are permitted for the following purposes only, and only under the following conditions:
B.
Identification signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted on each public street, provided that the development has a minimum of 150 feet of frontage on the street. The maximum permitted sign area shall be 24 square feet per sign.
(b)
In the case of a complex of three or more office buildings constructed, operated and identified as a unified project, one freestanding sign identifying the complex may be erected on each street that the development adjoins, provided that there is a minimum of 300 feet of street frontage, and provided further that the street offers direct vehicular access to the development. The maximum permitted sign area of the project identification sign shall be 50 square feet per sign, and shall not be permitted in conjunction with any other freestanding identification signs.
(2)
Wall signs. Wall signs identifying the building or uses of the building upon which it was placed, provided that no more than one such sign is placed upon any building facade, and provided that the total area of any such sign shall not exceed 40% of the signable facade area of 20 square feet, whichever is less.
D.
Temporary signs.
(1)
Signs giving notice of the sale or rental of the property on which the sign is located, provided that:
(2)
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters, paperhangers or artisans performing work on the property upon which the sign is erected, provided that:
(a)
The area of such sign shall not exceed six square feet on each side;
(b)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected on, adjacent to or facing each street upon which the property fronts; and
(c)
Such signs are erected and maintained only during the period that such persons are performing work on the premises upon which the sign or signs are erected and not to exceed two weeks.
E.
Directory signs: in accordance with the general regulations.
F.
Seasonal signs: as controlled by the general regulations.
§ 225-96 Nonconforming signs.
A.
All signs erected prior to the enactment of this article or subsequent amendments, which are not in conformity with the provisions thereof, shall be deemed nonconforming signs as governed by Article XIX.
B.
Any replacement of nonconforming signs, including change in copy, structural supports, and/or mechanical facilities, shall be made in strict compliance with the provisions of this article.
C.
For the purpose of regulation and enforcement, the Zoning Officer shall, within six months of the adoption of this amendment, make a video recording or photograph of all streets in the Township, showing all signs in existence at the time of adoption of this amendment, and in the statutory time period following. Without acceptable evidence to the contrary, the absence of a sign on the video recording or photograph shall be deemed to indicate that the sign did not exist at the time of adoption and is not, therefore, a legal nonconforming sign.
§ 225-97 Abandoned signs.
A.
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him, a sign which has been abandoned. An abandoned sign for the purpose of this article is a sign located on and/or related to the use of a property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more; any sign which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant in business; or any sign which related to a time, event, or purpose which is past. Any such abandoned sign shall be abated by the owner or person controlling the property within 30 days of the date of abandonment as herein defined.
B.
Any sign identifying an abandoned use, as provided for by this article, shall itself be considered to be abandoned.
§ 225-97.1 Permanent signs on municipal property.
A.
The Township Committee may authorize the erection of permanent signs on any Township property utilized for a municipal purpose without the necessity of site plan review or approval by the Combined Planning Board of the Township of Harrison.
B.
All permanent signs erected on municipal property must conform to the provisions of this chapter and any other ordinance or regulation of Harrison Township, the County of Gloucester, or the state or federal government relating to the erection, alteration, or maintenance of signs.