Millstone Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 15
Signs 1
§ 35-15-1 DEFINITIONS.
[1971 Code § 44A-1; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I; Ord. No. 2015-06 § I]
As used in this chapter:
Any rigid or semirigid material, with or without a sign displayed thereon, situated upon or attached to real property or mobile objects and vehicles outdoors for the purpose of furnishing a background, base or support on which a sign may be posted or displayed.
For determining the permitted size of a sign relative to the face of a building, the face of the building shall be deemed to be the building facade measured vertically from the finished grade at the front entrance of the building to the eaves of the roof, regardless of any overhangs or recesses, and measured horizontally from each edge of the building, regardless of any recesses or projections. Where there are multiple uses within the building, the measurement shall utilize the linear and vertical distances of the building facade fronting on the street and occupied by the individual use.
DIRECTORY OF OCCUPANTS SIGNA sign or plate attached to and/or painted upon the facade of a building listing the tenants or occupants thereof and their respective professions or business activities.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNA sign or device intended to direct or point toward a place or which gives verbal directions of any sort.
IDENTIFICATION SIGNAny sign, symbol, trademark, structure or similar device used to identify the occupant of any structure, the product made or the activity being pursued by any individual business service or industrial activity.
OFFICIAL SIGNAny sign, symbol or device erected and maintained by the Federal Government, the State of New Jersey, the County of Monmouth or the Township of Millstone for the purpose of informing or guiding the public or for the protection and promotion of health, safety, convenience and general welfare; or any sign of a civic, fraternal or religious organization specifically authorized by the Township Committee.
A company in the business of leasing outdoor advertising space and under the licensing power of the Outdoor Advertising Tax Bureau of the Department of Treasury of the State of New Jersey.
GROUND SIGNA self-supporting sign connected to the ground and independent of any other structure, including pylon, pedestal, or individual post-type supports.
PROJECTING SIGNA sign attached to the building wall which neither extends more than 15 inches from the face of the wall nor projects nearer to the ground surface than 10 feet nor projects above the roof line or storefront facade line nor extends beyond the ends of the facade or building.
WALL SIGNA flat sign attached to and/or painted upon a building wall which extends not more than 15 inches from the wall and is not extended above the top or beyond the ends of the facade.
FREESTANDING SIGNAny sign not attached to any building and supported by one or more columns, pedestals, post-type supports or uprights which are firmly imbedded in the ground.
WINDOW SIGNAny representation painted, stenciled, affixed to or hung behind a window or the glass of a door that can be seen from the outside of the building.
The outdoor and/or indoor display of any writing, printing, picture, painting, emblem, drawing or similar device intended to invite or draw the attention of the public to any activity, goods, merchandise, property, business, services, entertainment, amusement or industrial activity or establishment.
§ 35-15-2.1 Signs Permitted in Any Area Without a Permit.
[1971 Code § 44A-2; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 95-12 § I; Ord. No. 05-12 § I; Ord. No. 2015-06 § 2]
Only those signs which are exactly described in this subsection shall be allowed without a permit. Any sign, whether temporary or permanent, not listed or described herein shall require a permit. This permit shall be obtained from the Township Zoning Officer. The following signs shall be permitted within the purview of this subsection:
a.
Directional signs for the convenience of the general public to identify parking areas, loading zones and entrances and exits and similar type signs, which shall not exceed eight square feet in area. Business names or personal names are allowed but shall not include advertising messages.
b.
Traffic signs, whether temporary or permanent, for the purpose of regulating traffic, when installed by persons authorized by the Township, the County, the State or the United States Government.
c.
Transportation signs indicating public transportation stops, including bus stops, when installed by the Township or a public transportation agency.
d.
Historical tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques, and emblems which do not exceed six square feet in surface area and which are installed by government agencies or religious or authorized organizations.
e.
Warning and no trespassing signs, not to exceed two square feet in surface area.
f.
Flags or emblems of religious, educational or governmental organizations or individuals, which flags or emblems shall be flown from supports on the buildings or grounds being occupied by the organization.
g.
Name and number plates on a house, apartment or mailbox, identifying the residents, not to exceed 60 square inches.
h.
Lawn signs identifying residents, not to exceed two square feet in surface area, or if double faced, a total of four square feet for both sides. Such signs shall be nonilluminated, except by a light which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support. No advertising messages are permitted.
i.
Signs posted by governmental agencies or by governmental statute, order or regulation.
j.
Signs which are an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps and milk machines, which shall not exceed two square feet.
k.
Real estate signs announcing the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is located, the sign not to exceed four square feet of surface. If double-faced, the sign shall not exceed eight square feet for both sides. The sign shall be nonilluminated. Such sign shall not be closer to the lot line than 1/2 the distance between the building line and the lot line, as defined by the Zoning Ordinance of the Township. Such signs shall not be located closer to other such signs than one in every 200 feet, measured either along the front of a lot or along the depth of a lot.
l.
Posting signs prohibiting hunting, not to exceed two square feet.
m.
Signs advertising local farm products, not to exceed eight square feet; if double-faced, 16 square feet.
n.
Garage sale signs not to exceed four square feet or eight square feet if double-faced.
o.
Temporary signs for fund-raising or charitable functions or public or political activities. Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall not exceed eight feet in height. Signs shall be removed within 15 days from the termination of the event.
p.
Signs or banners advertising the business or product of a sponsor of a nonprofit organization devoted to providing recreational opportunities for youth under the age of 18 years. Such signs or banners shall be subject to the following restrictions:
1.
Shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
2.
The top of the sign or banner shall not extend higher than five feet from ground level.
3.
Shall only be displayed around the perimeter of the athletic field and such signs or banners must face toward the interior of the athletic field.
4.
May be displayed not more than one week prior to the official opening of the season of the sport they are sponsoring and must be removed not later than one week after the close of such season. In no circumstance shall any such signs or banners be displayed for more than 16 weeks within the calendar year.
5.
Such signs or banners shall not be allowed to fall into disrepair and shall be properly maintained.
q.
Interior window signs, whether temporary or permanent, that are painted, stenciled or otherwise permanently or temporarily affixed to or directly behind a window or the glass of a door, including interior non-flashing neon signs, and that are visible from the outside of the building, provided that each sign does not exceed six square feet in area and that the total area of all window signs does not exceed 20% of the window or glass door area to which the sign(s) is/are affixed or behind.
§ 35-15-2.2 Signs Permitted in a Residential Zone.
[1971 Code § 44A-5; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 01-16 § I; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
The following signs are permitted in a Residential Zone:
a.
An informational sign or bulletin board, which may be illuminated, of not more than 20 square feet in area for a religious or similar public facility or institution, including hospitals, nursing homes, private schools, service organizations, recreational facilities and other such uses, together with incidental signs, which may be illuminated, not to exceed four square feet in area, necessary to provide direction or describe specific buildings in connection with such uses. No signs shall be located nearer to any lot line than 15 feet.
b.
A business sign of not more than two square feet of surface area for a single-faced sign or a total of four square feet for double-faced signs in connection with a business or professional office located in a home.
1.
The sign may be mounted flat against the face of the building or on a single freestanding post, as a lawn sign, and shall not be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the distance between the lot line and the building line.
2.
If the building has more than one use, all names shall appear on one sign, which sign shall have a maximum of eight square feet per side. Such sign may be illuminated and shall state the name of the occupant, his business or profession and house number only. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height above ground level.
c.
A business or store which has been allowed in this area may have one illuminated flat sign against the building, and, if located on a corner, two such signs shall be permitted, one facing each street.
1.
The area of each sign shall not exceed 10% of the area of the side of the building to which the sign is attached or 32 square feet, whichever is the lesser.
2.
The business or store, instead of having a sign affixed to the building, may have an illuminated freestanding sign which shall not exceed 10 feet in overall height.
d.
1.
In the case of a residential development under construction, not more than two nonilluminated, temporary, freestanding real estate signs of not more than a total combined area of 32 square feet of sign surface may be permitted. The sign shall not exceed eight feet in height. Sign approval must be obtained as part of the subdivision or site plan approval or as a freestanding sign not included in a subdivision or site plan approval. The approval shall limit the sign life to the period that the development is covered by a performance bond or three years, whichever is less. The Board issuing the approval may extend this interval for good cause. No sign shall be erected until preliminary development approval. Such signs shall be kept in good repair and shall be located on the site where construction is taking place.
2.
No signs indicating or displaying directions to a residential subdivision shall be erected, temporary or otherwise.
3.
No signs advertising banks or other financial funding institutions or services shall be erected.
e.
The rental or sales office of such residential development may have one illuminated sign identifying it as a rental or sales office only. Such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet for a single-faced sign or 24 square feet for a double-faced sign.
1.
No freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the distance between the lot line and the building line.
2.
The overall height of any such sign shall not exceed five feet above ground level.
3.
Each such sign shall be removed no later than 10 days from the date that the homes or units planned for the development have been sold or rented.
§ 35-15-2.3 Signs Permitted in Neighborhood Commercial and Highway Commercial Zones.
[1971 Code § 44A-6; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 01-26 § II; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
The following signs are permitted in the Neighborhood Commercial and Highway Commercial Zones:
b.
Each business or commercial use may have one illuminated flat sign displayed on the face of the building. If the property is located on a corner lot, one sign shall be permitted on each side of the building facing each street. The total area of said sign shall not exceed 10% of the area of the face of the building to which the sign is attached or 60 square feet, whichever is less. The aforesaid sign shall advertise only the business and product occupying the space.
c.
Each business or commercial use may display one freestanding illuminated sign. Such sign shall advertise only the business or use occupying the space. The size of the sign face or faces shall be determined by the linear dimension of the side of the lot facing the street or highway in accordance with the following table:
Chart A | ||
|---|---|---|
Frontage (feet) | Type of Sign | Maximum Size (square feet) |
Up to 50 | 1 single-faced | 32 |
1 double-faced | 32 for each face | |
Up to 100 | 1 single-faced | 64 |
1 double-faced | 64 for each face | |
100 and over | 1 single-faced | 96 |
1 double-faced | 96 for each face | |
1.
No sign shall be closer than 15 feet to any lot line or building line.
2.
A ground sign more than 60 square feet in area shall not exceed 22 feet in height above adjacent roadway grade or adjacent finished grade, whichever is less. A ground sign of 60 square feet or less shall not exceed 18 feet in height.
d.
Two single faced, freestanding, nonilluminated, temporary real estate signs may be displayed, which signs shall not exceed 32 square feet of surface area for each sign. In lieu thereof, there shall be permitted one double-faced sign which shall not exceed 32 square feet of surface area for each face. The sign or signs shall pertain only to the sale, lease or rental of the property on which it is located. Lots having a frontage of 400 feet or greater may display two single-faced signs which shall not exceed an area of 64 square feet each or, in lieu thereof, one double-faced sign, each face of which shall not exceed 64 square feet in surface area. No such sign shall be closer than 15 feet to any lot line.
§ 35-15-2.4 Signs Permitted in Planned Multiple Store Shopping Areas.
[1971 Code § 44A-7; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 01-26 § II; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
a.
If the center faces upon more than one street, there shall be permitted one sign for each street adjoining the center; provided, however, that no sign shall be closer to any other sign than 300 feet.
b.
No sign shall be closer than 15 feet to any lot line.
c.
No sign shall exceed 20% of the area of the face of the building or face of the space being occupied for the first 500 square feet of such facing. Such sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in size for a building which does not exceed 1,000 square feet in face area. In the event the face area of the building exceeds 1,000 square feet, the sign affixed to such building shall not exceed 10% of such building face area. The term face of the building as used herein shall mean that part of the building containing the front entrance to the building. Such sign shall advertise only the business or use occupying the space.
§ 35-15-2.5 Signs Permitted in the Business Park.
[1971 Code § 44A-8; Ord. 9-3-74; New; Ord. No. 01-26 § II; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
The following signs are permitted in the Business Park Zone:
b.
An occupant of a planned industrial park or of a separate industrial use may display flat signs or letters on its building to identify the company and its principal products.
c.
Each industrial use or occupant in this zone may display one freestanding sign identifying the company and its principal products in accordance with the standards established in Chart A herein. In the case of a business use abutting a State highway, such sign or signs may have an area and be of a size in accordance with the chart set forth in § 35-15-2.3b. Any such industrial use or occupant which faces upon more than one street may display one such sign for each such street which shall not exceed 96 square feet. No freestanding sign shall exceed 35 feet in height above ground level. No freestanding sign shall be located closer than 15 feet to any property line or building line.
d.
A planned industrial park shall be permitted one freestanding sign, to identify the industrial park, not exceeding 96 square feet in size. Such identification sign may be illuminated and may be single-faced or double-faced. The structure on which such identification sign is located may also provide for the identification of the tenants and/or occupants, since each shall not exceed 80 square feet in size for each surface area of such tenant or occupant sign.
e.
Industrial uses may display entrance, exit, shipping and receiving directional signs which may be illuminated. No such sign shall exceed 16 square feet in surface.
f.
One temporary real estate sign shall be permitted to advertise a property for sale, rental or lease. Such sign shall be located only on the aforesaid property which is for sale, rental or lease. The sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in surface area if it is a single-faced sign or 100 square feet if a double-faced sign. Such sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height above ground level. Such sign shall not be closer than 15 feet to any lot line. The sign shall be removed within 30 days from sale, rental or leasing of said property.
§ 35-15-2.6 Signs Permitted in the Planned Commercial Development Zone.
[Ord. No. 2015-06 § 3]
All signs permitted in § 35-15-2.5 for the "BP" Business Park Zone shall be permitted in the Planned Commercial Development Zone.
§ 35-15-2.7 Signs Permitted in the Recreation Camp Zone.
[Ord. No. 2015-06 § 3]
The following signs are permitted in the Recreation Camp Zone:
a.
One ground sign, which may be illuminated, not exceeding 25 square feet in area and six feet in height, may be permitted for a recreation camp at each public entrance into the camp.
b.
Incidental signs, which may be illuminated, not exceeding four square feet in area, may be permitted if found by the approving Board or by the Zoning Officer to be necessary to provide direction or describe specific buildings in connection with such uses.
c.
Additional signage within the interior of the site may be approved by the approving Board or by the Zoning Officer for directional purposes or other good cause shown by the applicant.
d.
No signs shall be located closer than 15 feet to any lot line.
§ 35-15-3 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
[1971 Code § 44A-3; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I; Ord. No. 2015-06 § 4]
The following signs or types of signs shall be prohibited in all areas of the Township:
a.
Signs using red, amber, or green lights placed within 100 feet of traffic control signals.
b.
Moving or revolving signs and signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating, flicker, tracer and sequential lighting, but shall not include time and temperature signs or any other signs expressly permitted elsewhere in the ordinance.
c.
Signs using reflective material which sparkles, glitters or reflects lights in such a manner as to be deemed by the Zoning Officer and Police Official of the Township to be a traffic hazard.
d.
Any sign which, in the judgment of the Zoning Officer and Police Official, is a traffic hazard.
e.
Signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene nature.
f.
Signs using wording such as "stop," "look" or "danger" which are placed in a manner or position which, in the judgment of the Zoning Officer and the Police Official, interferes with traffic or acts as a traffic hazard.
g.
Any sign which causes confusion with existing governmental or duly authorized signs.
h.
Signs causing radio, television or other communication system interference due to light or control mechanisms.
i.
Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes or stairways or keeping light or air from windows used in living quarters.
j.
Flags, banners, strings of banners, pinwheels, A-type signs, sandwich type signs, sidewalk signs, curb signs or similar advertising devices.
k.
Any sign spanning a public street, except those temporary signs advertising or drawing attention to a legitimate and recognized charitable or fund campaign or official Township function.
l.
Signs on poles maintained by public utilities or on trees and fences or attached to signs or buildings owned by other persons.
m.
Any series of two or more signs placed along a street or highway, all carrying a single advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.
n.
Signs posted in any fashion on poles, posts, trees, sidewalks, curbs or on any Township property.
o.
Exterior moving signs of any kind.
p.
Outdoor neon signs in which the neon tube is directly exposed to view.
q.
Signs which project beyond the property line.
§ 35-15-4.1 Permit Required.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
All signs and advertising displays other than those expressly excluded in § 35-15-2.1 of this article shall require sign permits.
§ 35-15-4.2 Application.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
To obtain the permit the owner of the proposed sign shall make application to the Zoning Officer on forms provided by him. An applicant shall also provide the Zoning Officer with a sketch of the proposed construction and shall pay the subscribed fee.
§ 35-15-4.3 Fees.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 88-11 § 1; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
The fee for signs shall be the fee stated in § 5-35 of the Revised General Ordinances.
§ 35-15-4.4 General Regulations.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
a.
When the name or advertising message is divided between a number of panels or parts, it shall be considered as one sign. When the sign has been installed, the Zoning Officer shall be notified so that he may make a final inspection.
b.
After a permit has been obtained, the copy (wording or pictures) on a sign may be changed without the necessity of obtaining a new permit or payment of additional fees, provided such change does not create a violation of § 35-15-3 of this article. If the sign becomes the property of another person, no new permit shall be required for the term of the existing permit.
c.
No sign may be enlarged without obtaining a new permit.
§ 35-15-4.5 Revocation of Permits.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
a.
A permit to erect or maintain a sign may be revoked for any one or more of the following causes:
1.
Whenever the application used in obtaining a permit is false or misleading.
2.
Whenever any of the provisions of this article are violated.
3.
Whenever a licensed structure is not being maintained in a safe, sound and good condition.
4.
No permit will be revoked for any of said causes until a five-day notice has been given the permittee, which five-day notice shall be served either personally or by certified mail. Any permittee will be given a hearing thereon by the Zoning Officer if promptly requested within the five-day period. Such request shall be in writing and addressed to the Township Zoning Officer.
5.
If the permit for a sign is revoked, the permittee shall remove the sign, advertising structure or space within 30 days of written notification of the revocation unless an appeal is initiated within the 30 days.
§ 35-15-5.1 Construction of Freestanding Signs.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
a.
Freestanding signs shall be supported by posts or pylons of durable materials which may include concrete, steel, treated wood or other suitable material, or any combination of same. Posts or pylons for freestanding signs shall be set securely in the ground or concrete so that the sign will be capable of withstanding high winds, and further, in accordance with the State Uniform Construction Code, which Code is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth at length.
b.
Only the basic supports, which include posts or pylons, shall be permitted; other bracing from the ground to the sign or sign post, approved by the Construction Official, shall be allowed.
c.
Where a freestanding sign is subject to damage by cars or trucks, as in the case of a sign located in or near a parking area, loading area or driveway, such structure shall be sufficiently reinforced at its base to minimize the possibility of damage; or a curbed enclosure or island shall be provided within which such sign shall be located.
d.
Where a sign is supported by a pylon whose surface is being used for an advertising message, the area of the pylon shall be considered as part of the total allowable sign surface.
e.
Molding or frames shall not be considered as part of the sign surface; provided, however, that no advertising legend shall appear thereon.
f.
All sign backings and supporting structures shall be painted poster green or equivalent.
§ 35-15-5.2 Construction of Signs Erected Flat Against Buildings.
[1971 Code § 44A-4, Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
a.
Any sign to be attached flat against the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable materials. The sign shall be attached securely to the building with non-rusting metal hardware.
b.
When a sign is to be installed on a masonry building, holes shall be drilled in the masonry and proper non-rusting metal hardware of the expansion type shall be used. Wood plugs shall not be used in the drilled holes. Moldings or frames shall be considered as part of the total allowable sign area.
§ 35-15-5.3 Signs Consisting of Individual Letters.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
The area of a sign consisting of individual letters or figures shall be considered as the total area of the smallest rectangle or rectangles which can enclose each letter or figure individually.
§ 35-15-5.4 Illumination.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
a.
Wiring of illuminated signs shall meet the electric standards of the Township.
b.
Where illuminated signs are permitted, illumination may be provided by floodlights, spotlights, ordinary incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes or mercury vapor lamps. However, regardless of type of illumination employed, the sign shall be properly shielded and located so as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon any line of moving traffic and so as not to be offensive to residents of the area.
c.
Nonconforming illumination, whether used for existing signs or new signs, shall be corrected within 30 days from the mailing to the owner, by the Construction Official, of a written notice to correct. Failure to correct the illumination so as to make it conform with the requirements of this article shall result in the removal of the nonconforming sign at the expense of the owner of the same.
§ 35-15-5.5 Temporary Signs of Permanent Type Materials.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
§ 35-15-5.6 Temporary Signs for Commercial Establishments.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
No commercial establishment shall be permitted to have more than two 40 square foot signs for the purposes of promoting sales of seasonal type products. Such signs may be displayed outside the building itself.
§ 35-15-5.7 Nonconforming Signs.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
Existing permanent type signs or displays which do not conform to the requirements or standards provided in this article may be displayed and maintained or the copy (wording or pictures) may be changed, provided that such signs are properly maintained. In the event, however, that the signs or displays are not maintained or are established to be unsafe or in a state of neglect by the Zoning Officer, and in the event that the condition has not been corrected within 30 days from the time that the owner has been notified, in writing by the Zoning Officer, of the condition, the sign or signs shall be removed at the expense of the owner, and no permit shall be issued for a similar nonconforming structure.
§ 35-15-5.8 Maintenance of Signs.
[1971 Code § 44A-4; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
All signs or displays shall be maintained. In the event that any sign or display is not maintained or is permitted to become unsafe, in the judgment of the Zoning Officer, or in the event that the maintenance contract provided for is permitted to expire, and the owner of the sign does not correct this situation, the Zoning Officer may allow up to 30 days to either correct the situation or remove the sign. If the sign is removed, it shall be at the expense of the owner.
§ 35-15-6 OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS ALONG INTERSTATE ROUTE I-195.
[Ord. No. 05-12 § I; Ord. No. 05-42 § 1]
a.
Purpose. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-39g of the Municipal Land Use Law, the purpose of these ordinance provisions is to regulate the location, placement, size and design of outdoor advertising signs along Interstate Route I-195 in Millstone Township in a manner that balances the need for such signage to stimulate economic and commercial activity within the State of New Jersey and the steadfast goal of Millstone Township to maintain the rural character of the Township.
b.
Definition. For the purposes of this Land Use and Development Regulations Ordinance, an "outdoor advertising sign" means a sign required to be permitted by Millstone Township pursuant to P.L. 1991, c.413 (C.27:5-5 et seq.).
c.
Where Permitted. Outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted only on those lots within the "BP" Business Park zoning district in Millstone Township which directly abut Interstate Route I-195.
d.
Additional Location Criteria. In addition to being located on lots within the "BP" zoning district which directly abut Interstate Route I-195, the following additional criteria for the location of any outdoor advertising sign shall be met:
1.
No outdoor advertising sign shall be located within 500 feet from any residential zoning district, except that this provision shall not apply to any residential zoning district boundary line located within the Interstate Route I-195 right-of-way;
2.
No outdoor advertising sign within 500 feet of an interchange of the Interstate highway; and
3.
No outdoor advertising sign shall be located within 1,000 feet from any other outdoor advertising sign.
e.
Size, Height and Setback Requirements. The design of any outdoor advertising sign shall meet the following size, height and setback requirements:
1.
Each sign face shall not exceed 672 square feet in area;
2.
The maximum width of each sign face shall not exceed 48 feet and the maximum height of any sign face shall not exceed 14 feet;
3.
"V-type" signs, which have two sign faces in the shape of the letter "V" when viewed from above, with the faces oriented in opposite directions, are permitted;
4.
The sign face, or faces in the case of "V-type" signs, shall be supported by a single steel pole which, together with the sign face(s), shall not exceed a total height of 40 feet measured from the grade of the paved portion of Interstate Route I-195 closest to the base of the pole or a total height of 50 feet measured from the grade at the base of the pole, whichever measurement results in the lowest pole height;
5.
No portion of any sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to the right-of-way line of Interstate Route I-195 nor closer than 100 feet to the paved cartway of the interstate highway; and
6.
No portion of any sign shall be located closer than 150 feet to any other lot line, provided that the 500-foot setback requirement indicated in § 35-15-17d1 hereinabove shall apply when the subject lot line is a zone boundary line with any residential zoning district other than a residential zone boundary line located within the Interstate Route I-195 right-of-way.
f.
Other Design Requirements. In addition to the size, height and setback requirements indicated in § 35-15-6e hereinabove, the following additional design requirements shall be met:
1.
Illumination of any sign face shall be shielded to prevent the light source from being seen from any direction;
2.
No illumination of any sign shall occur between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
3.
The sign shall be kept in a well-maintained condition at all times; and
4.
The rear of all sign faces and the supporting structure for "V-type" signs shall be finished for aesthetic purposes.
g.
Prohibited Sign Designs. The following types of outdoor advertising signs are prohibited:
1.
Signs which contain, include or are illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, scrolling or moving light or lights;
2.
Multiple message signs which change the message or copy electronically or by the movement or rotation of panels or slats; and
3.
Embellishments, cutouts and/or extensions to a sign which in any way increase the size of the sign beyond the maximum permitted forty-eight-foot by fourteen-foot dimensions.
§ 35-15-7.1 Interpretation.
[1971 Code § 44A-11; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
The provisions of this article are the minimum requirements for promotion of health, safety and public welfare; and whenever the requirements of this article are at variance with the requirements of any other lawfully adopted rules, regulations or ordinances, the most restrictive or that imposing the highest standards shall govern.
§ 35-15-7.2 Variations.
[1971 Code § 44A-12; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
Variations from the requirements contained in §§ 15-2.3 through 15-2.5 hereof shall be permitted upon application to and approval of the Township Committee through the Zoning Officer.
§ 35-15-7.3 Commercial Outdoor Advertising Signs and Billboards.
[1971 Code § 44A-9; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I; Ord. No. 05-46 § I]
Any existing billboard and poster panel may be maintained, altered or rebuilt in its existing location, but any billboard or poster panel which is hereinafter razed, demolished or obliterated shall not be replaced in any form or in any location.
§ 35-15-8 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.
[1971 Code § 44A-10; Ord. 9-3-74; Ord. No. 05-12 § I]
A violation of any of the provisions of this article shall result in a penalty of up to $50 for the first offense or loss of privilege of displaying the sign or signs in question for a period of one month, or both. For a second offense or any subsequent offense, the penalty shall be a maximum of $150 or a loss of privilege of displaying the sign or signs for a period of up to six months, or both.