Keansburg City Zoning Code
§ 22-7.24
Signs. 1
[Ord. #1045, § 7.24; Ord. No. 1602]
All signs shall conform to the provisions of this subsection and to the applicable requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
a.
General Objectives.
1.
To protect the public health, safety and welfare by restricting signs which impair the public's ability to receive information, violate privacy, or which increase the probability of accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision.
2.
To encourage signs which promote a desirable visual environment through creative yet orderly design arrangements.
3.
To encourage signs which aid orientation, identify activities, describe local history and character or serve other education purposes.
4.
To encourage the replacement of nonconforming signs by conforming signs through the strict enforcement of the procedures and requirements of this subsection.
b.
Application Procedures. Application for development permit.
1.
Application shall be made to the Administrative Officer (Zoning Officer) for the issuance of a development permit by any person wishing to erect, alter, modify, or expand any sign, except "Exempt Signs".
2.
If the Administrative Officer (Zoning Officer) determines that a sign requires the issuance of a development permit, is not part of an application for site plan, subdivision, conditional use, or variance approval, is permitted as an accessory structure within the zone and meets the applicable Sign Schedule requirements, the officer shall issue a development permit. The applicant may then apply for a sign construction permit and any other permits that may be required.
3.
If the Administrative Officer determines that the proposed sign is part of subdivision, site plan, or conditional use application or that it does not comply with applicable regulations, Sign Schedule requirements or other sign regulations, the officer shall instruct the applicant that Planning Board approval of an application for development is required and the officer shall further advise the applicant which Board has jurisdiction in accordance with the following schedule:
[Amended 5-18-1999 by Ord. No. 1258 ]
Sign Type | Board Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
Signs indicated on plats which are part of a development application before the Planning Board | Planning Board |
Signs not permitted | Planning Board |
c.
General Standards. The following general standards shall apply to all signs:
1.
Prohibited Signs. All signs not specifically permitted are prohibited.
2.
Signs to Relate to Use of Property. All signs, unless specifically stated otherwise in this section, shall relate to the use or occupancy of the property upon which the sign is located.
3.
Modification of Graphic Content. The graphic content of a sign may be modified without obtaining a development permit, provided that the proposed graphic content complies with all applicable provisions of this subsection, except that any condition of approval contained in a resolution of either the Planning Board, which specifies graphic content of the sign, shall require that a new or amended approval be issued by said Board prior to graphic content modification.
[Amended 5-18-1999 by Ord. No. 1258 ]
4.
Illumination.
(a)
Unless specifically stated otherwise in this section, all signs may only be illuminated in accordance with the performance standards found in this section.
(b)
An illuminated sign located on a lot adjacent to or across the street from any residential district and visible from such residential district shall not 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 during those hours.
(c)
No sign shall contain blinking, flashing, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting and shall remain stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times.
(d)
All wiring for permanent illuminated signs shall be installed and maintained so that it is not within public view. The running of wiring or conduit along the exterior wall of a building to access a sign is specifically prohibited except that the Construction Official may permit exterior conduit if in the judgement of the Official there is no practical way to run the conduit so that it is not within public view.
5.
Obstruction of Access Ways. No sign or sign structure shall obstruct a fire escape, door, window, or other required access way. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape, except those signs required by the Municipal Authority.
6.
Obstruction of Window Surface. No sign shall project over, occupy or obstruct any window surface required for light or ventilation by any application by any applicable law, ordinance or regulation.
7.
Traffic Safety.
(a)
No sign shall be maintained at any location where by reason of its position, size, shape, content or color, it may, in the opinion of the Chief of Police, 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.
(b)
No sign which uses the words "Stop", "Look", "Caution", "Danger", or any similar wording, which may confuse or mislead the public, shall be permitted.
8.
Signs in Rights-of-Way. No sign or any part of a sign, except publicly owned or authorized signs, shall be placed in or extend into or over any public right-of-way.
9.
Sign Permanency. All signs shall be securely affixed in a permanent manner to either the ground or building, unless specifically stated otherwise in this subsection.
10.
Signs Affixed to Certain Structures. No sign shall be affixed to any roof, tree, fence, utility pole, or other similar structure nor placed upon motor vehicles which are continually or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous location to serve as a sign, however, nothing is intended to prohibit the placement of signs not exceeding three feet in any dimension, directing traffic or identifying various parking locations within a lot on light poles and utility poles erected therein. Signs painted on pavement surfaces shall be restricted to traffic control markings only.
11.
Advertising Flags, Banners, Pinwheels. No advertising flags, banners, pinwheels, portable signs, or similar advertising devices shall be permitted.
12.
Animated or Moving Signs. No animated or moving signs shall be permitted, except for the required movement of time and temperature displays.
13.
Painted Signs. No sign may be painted directly on the surface of any building, wall, fence or similar structure.
14.
Sparkling and Glittering Signs. No sign may utilize reflection enhanced or fluorescent colors or contain any material which sparkles, reflects or glitters, however, nothing herein is intended to prohibit the use of reflective paint on signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a property.
15.
Sign Measurement.
(a)
Area to be included. 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 sign face and provided that such structure or bracing has a total horizontal projected width less than 20% of the sign width or six inches. Where a sign has two sign faces back-to-back and parallel to each other, the area of only one face shall be included in determining the area of the sign.
(b)
Area of Signs with Backing. The area of all signs with backing shall be measured by computing the area of the sign backing.
(c)
Area of Signs without Backing. The area of all signs without backing shall be measured by computing the area of the smallest geometric figure which can encompass all words, letters, figures, emblems and other elements of the sign message with a clearance of at least four inches from any such element.
(d)
Height of Signs. Sign height shall be measured between average grade and the highest point of the highest element of the sign.
16.
Multiple Sign Faces. No sign may contain more than one sign face, except that two sign faces back-to-back and parallel to each other (no angle between sign faces) (commonly known as a double faced sign) shall be permitted. No double faced sign shall be greater than 18 inches in thickness as measured between sign faces.
17.
Graphic Content Coverage. The maximum coverage of any sign face by graphic contents shall not exceed 60%.
d.
Permitted Signs.
1.
Exempt Signs. The following signs shall be exempt from the requirement of obtaining a development permit.
(a)
Governmental signs; erected or authorized by a governmental unit.
(b)
Nameplate signs; provided that such signs are limited to no more than one wall or ground sign per occupancy; are no more than 75 square inches in area; are nonilluminated, or externally illuminated; and, it a ground sign are no more than three feet in height.
(c)
Warning signs; provided that such signs are limited to no more than two wall or ground signs per occupancy; are no more than three square feet in area each; are nonilluminated; and if a ground sign are no higher than three feet in height.
(d)
Construction signs; provided that such signs are limited to no more than one wall or ground sign per parcel; are no more than 32 square feet in area; are nonilluminated; and are maintained for no more than 14 days following the conclusion of the construction in question.
(e)
Temporary window signs; provided the area of window signs displayed does not exceed 25% of the area of the window in which they are shown.
(f)
Special events signs; provided that there are no more than three placed in any business at any given time and they are nonilluminated, and are maintained for a period of no longer than 45 days before the applicable event nor more than three days after such event.
(g)
Real estate signs; provided that such signs are limited to no more than one wall or ground sign per property; are not more than six square feet in area per residential lot; are no higher than six feet if a ground sign. Use of the word "sold" or any other notation to indicate that the real estate is no longer on the market is specifically prohibited.
(h)
On-site informational signs; provided that each sign is limited to a wall, window or ground sign of not more than two square feet in area and not more than seven feet in height above grade. The sign may include a business name or logo but shall not include any advertising message. In locations where more than one business share a common vehicular access, signs marking entrances and exits shall contain only the name of the shopping or business center. Multiple signs identifying each tenant or use are specifically prohibited.
(i)
Flags and emblems of a government or of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization.
(j)
Private sale and event signs; provided that such signs are no more than six square feet in area; are located entirely on the premises where such sale or event is to be conducted or on other private property pursuant to the owner's consent; are clearly marked with the name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the removal of such sign; are erected not more than 36 hours in advance of such sale or 45 days in advance of such event; and are removed on the day following the conclusion of such sale or event. No more than four signs may be placed on any business property nor more than one on any residential property.
(l)
Traffic signs and signals. Temporary or permanent traffic, signs and signals installed or authorized by the Borough, County, or State for the purpose of directing and regulating the flow of traffic.
(m)
Public transportation signs. Signs indicating public transportation stops when in-stalled or authorized by the Borough or a public transportation authority or agency.
(n)
Vacated property signs. Provided that only one such sign shall be provided either affixed to a building wall or located within a window; not exceeding six square feet in area; nor displayed for longer than 60 days following vacating the property.
(o)
Signs on machines. Signs which are an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps, milk and ice machines, provided that they do not collectively exceed three square feet in area per machine.
(p)
Interior signs. Signs which are located within buildings and not within 18 inches of a window visible from a public street or public parking facility.
(q)
Political signs. It is recommended that such signs are not more than 12 square feet in area if located in a nonresidential district or more than six square feet in area if located in a residential district; are limited to not more than one per lot; are located entirely on private property pursuant to the owner's consent; are clearly marked with the name, address, and telephone number of the person responsible for the removal of such sign; are erected not more than 45 days prior to such election; and are removed within 14 days following such election.
(r)
Historical or architectural designation signs; provided that such signs are limited to no more than one wall or ground sign per occupancy; are no more than six square feet in area; are not illuminated and contain no commercial advertising.
(s)
Home occupation signs; provided that such signs are limited to no more than one wall sign per occupancy; are no more than one square foot in area; and are nonilluminated.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Schedule of Sign Regulations is included as an attachment to this chapter.