Monroe Township Middlesex
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
Signs
§ 108-10.1 Signs.
[Amended 3-6-95 by Ord. No. O-3-95-011; 8-5-96 by Ord. No. O-8-96-027; 4-5-99 by Ord. No. O-4-99-015; 6-26-06 by Ord. No. O-6-2006-023; 7-2-12 by Ord. No. O-7-2012-014]
A.
General provisions.
(1)
Any signs not specifically permitted are hereby prohibited.
(2)
No sign shall be located in such a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or intersection.
(3)
Except where otherwise provided, no sign or any part thereof shall be located closer than 20 feet to any lot line.
(4)
All height limitations shall be measured from ground level to the highest part of the sign or its supporting structure, whichever is higher.
(5)
The maximum height for freestanding signs, unless otherwise provided, shall not exceed 10 feet above ground level.
(6)
Except where specifically prohibited, all signs may be double-faced, and the maximum area shall apply to each side. The area of the sign shall include each and every part of the sign, including moldings and frames. Where the sign is supported by a post or pylon whose surface is being used for advertising purposes, the areas of this post, pylon or other supporting members shall be considered as part of the total sign area.
(7)
Wherever the name or advertising message on a sign is divided between a number of panels or parts, the total area of all of the panels or parts shall be considered as one sign, and where a sign consists of individual letters or numbers, the area of the sign shall be considered as the total area of the smallest rectangle or rectangles which can collectively enclose all of the letters or numbers.
(8)
Signs erected flat against the side of a building shall not extend above the height of the vertical wall or cornice to which they are attached.
(9)
No permanent marquees or canopies shall be permitted.
(10)
Unless specifically prohibited, all signs may be illuminated as provided for in subsection E below.
(11)
Whenever a parcel is bordered by more than one street, additional signage may be permitted by the municipal agency, in accordance with the standards of this section, for each major street upon which the parcel fronts.
(12)
Signs shall not be painted on or affixed to water towers, storage tanks, smoke stacks or similar structures.
(13)
No person shall erect a sign on or over any public property or public right-of-way other than traffic directional signs or signs erected by a governmental entity.
B.
Permits.
(1)
Sign permit.
(a)
All signs and advertising displays other than those expressly excluded herein shall require sign permits, renewable annually, from May 1 through April 30. To obtain such permit, the owner of the proposed sign shall make application to the Department of Planning and Zoning. The applicant shall also provide all plans and specifications of the proposed construction as provided below to the Department of Planning and Zoning. The approval and accompanying documentation shall be submitted on or before April 1 of the calendar year for which the permit is sought.
(b)
It shall be the responsibility of the Zoning Officer to determine whether the proposed signs for an existing and conforming commercial business will be in compliance with all the provisions of this section and all other laws and ordinances of the Township and that the same will be erected in such manner as not to constitute any hazard to the public or not likely to cause damage to property. The Zoning Officer shall approve or deny the issuance of the sign permit within 30 days of the receipt by him of the completed application form and fee. In the event that the Zoning Officer approves the issuance of the sign permit, he shall promptly forward the same to the applicant upon payment to the Township of the required fee. In the event that the Zoning Officer denies permission, the Zoning Officer shall so notify the applicant. Upon such denial, the applicant may appeal the determination of the Zoning Officer, pursuant to this article. If the work authorized under a sign permit shall not be completed within one year after the date of its issuance, the permit shall become null and void.
(2)
Sign erection permit.
(a)
Sign erection permits will only be required for all developers requesting directional signs.
(b)
Application for erection permits shall be made in duplicate on forms to be furnished by the Township and shall be accompanied by a fee, check or cash, payable to the order of the Township of Monroe, which fee shall not be returnable for any reason. The application shall contain the following information hereinafter set forth.
[1]
The name, address and telephone number of the owner of the premises upon which the sign is sought to be erected, and if the applicant is a person other than the owner, then the applicant, in addition, shall set forth his, her or its name, address and telephone number as well as his, her or its relationship to the owner.
[2]
The name of the person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign.
[3]
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to which or on which the sign is to be erected, if the applicant is other than the owner.
[4]
Attached to each copy of the application shall be a sketch plat prepared by the applicant or on his behalf, which shall include the following information:
[a]
The location of the premises on which the sign is to be erected, in relation to surrounding properties, and showing the Tax Map block and lot numbers of said premises, along with the names of the owners of all adjoining properties and their respective Tax Map block and lot numbers and the names of all streets which abut said premises.
[b]
The location and dimensions of all boundary lines of the premises.
[c]
The location and dimensions of all buildings and structures, including existing signs, on said premises, showing their respective setbacks from the boundary lines.
[5]
Also attached to each copy of the application shall be an additional sketch prepared by the applicant or on his behalf which shall include the following information:
[a]
A diagram of the proposed sign, with all of its dimensions and height above ground shown and a description of the message, trademark, symbol or insignia to be contained thereon. Sample signs which are considered aesthetically acceptable by the Township of Monroe are shown on the reverse side of the application form.
[b]
The method and materials of construction of said sign, including the mode of illumination, if any, and the manner in which it will be connected to the ground or building. In any business, commercial or industrial zone, this information shall be supplied by virtue of being set forth in blueprint plans.
(3)
Nonconforming signs.
(a)
Continuance. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the lawful use of any sign existing at the date of the adoption of this chapter may be continued, although such sign does not conform to the regulations specified by this section for said sign; provided, however, that no nonconforming signs shall be enlarged, extended or increased or changed in material, character, location or illumination.
(b)
Abandonment. A nonconforming sign shall be presumed to be abandoned when there occurs a cessation of any use or activity pursuant to this chapter. Abandonment will also be presumed if the time period provided under the annual sign permit has elapsed, without an application for renewal being received by the Office of Planning and Zoning. The Township will not be responsible for notification of renewal.
(c)
Restoration. If any nonconforming signs shall be destroyed by reason of windstorm, fire, explosion or other act of God or the public enemy, to an extent greater than 50% of its original form, said sign shall not be rebuilt or reconstructed except in conformance with the provisions of this section.
(d)
Reversion. No nonconforming sign shall, once changed into a conforming sign, be changed back again into a nonconforming sign.
C.
Construction.
(1)
All signs shall conform to the structural requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
(2)
Freestanding signs shall be supported by posts or pylons of durable materials which may include concrete, steel, treated wood, other suitable materials or any combination of the same. Supports for freestanding signs shall be set securely in the ground or concrete so that the sign will be capable of withstanding high winds. No other bracing or guy wire shall be permitted.
(3)
Any sign attached flat against the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable material and attached securely to the building with non-rusting metal hardware. When a sign is to be installed on a masonry building, holes shall be drilled in the masonry and proper non-rusting hardware of the expansion type shall be used. The use of wood or fiber plugs is prohibited. Freestanding signs shall be set securely in the ground or concrete so that the sign will be capable of withstanding high winds. No other bracing or guy wire shall be permitted.
D.
Maintenance. If the Zoning Officer shall find that any sign is unsafe, insecure or in need of repair or is not maintained in proper painted condition, the Zoning Officer shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If the permittee fails to repair or remove it within 10 days after such notice, such sign may be deemed a violation of this article and may be removed by the Zoning Officer, or a person appointed by the Zoning Officer, at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which the sign is located. The owner of any sign or other advertising structure in the Township shall have the same painted at least once every two years in all its parts, including the supports of said sign. Any parts consisting of rustless metal and so manufactured as not to require painting need not be painted, except that, if once painted, the same shall be maintained as other painted signs.
E.
Illumination.
(1)
Wiring for illuminated signs shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Electrical Code of the Township. Any fee for an electrical inspection shall be in addition to the fee provided for in the sign permit.
(2)
Where illuminated signs are permitted, illumination may be provided by incandescent floodlights, spotlights or ordinary incandescent bulbs; fluorescent tubes; mercury vapor; metal halide, quartz or high pressure sodium lamps. Neon lights are specifically prohibited for all exterior uses. Regardless of the type of illumination employed, all illuminated signs shall be properly shielded and so located as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon motor vehicle traffic and so as not to cause a nuisance to residents of the area. Intensity of illumination shall be in accordance with the following:
(a)
For the purposes of determining the maximum illumination of a sign or signs, existing areas are classified as either low or high illumination areas. A "low illumination area" is defined as a place where at night the average maintained footcandle (f.c.) level is equal to or less than 1.5 footcandles. A "high illumination area" is defined as a place where at night the average maintained footcandle level is greater than 1.5 footcandles.
(b)
For externally lighted signs, the following shall apply:
Maximum Illumination (Watts per sq. foot) | ||
|---|---|---|
Lamp Type | Low Illumination Area | High Illumination Area |
Incandescent | 7.1 | 14.3 |
Quartz | 7.1 | 14.3 |
Fluorescent | 2.1 | 4.2 |
Mercury vapor | 2.1 | 5.7 |
Metal halide | 1.6 | 3.2 |
High pressure sodium | 1.4 | 2.9 |
(c)
For internally lighted signs, the following shall apply:
Maximum Illumination (Watts per sq. foot) | ||
|---|---|---|
Lamp Type | Low Illumination Area | High Illumination Area |
Fluorescent | 8.0 | 12.0 |
Incandescent | 27.2 | 40.0 |
(3)
Whenever the Zoning Officer determines that the lighting on any sign now or hereafter erected constitutes a safety hazard to motor vehicle traffic in the vicinity, he shall serve written notice of his determination upon the property owner and owner of the sign, directing them to correct the condition within 15 days from the date of the mailing of the notice. Failure to correct the condition or file an appeal within the time specified shall constitute a violation of this section by both the sign owner and property owner.
F.
Signs permitted without a permit. The following signs shall be permitted in any zone in the Township without a permit:
(1)
On-site nonilluminated directional signs identifying parking areas, loading zones, entrances, exits and similar locations. The signs may include a business name or professional name but shall not include any advertising message and shall not exceed three square feet.
(2)
Temporary and permanent traffic signs and signals installed by the Township, county or state for the purpose of directing and regulating the flow of traffic.
(3)
Signs indicating public transportation stops when installed by the Township or a public transportation utility.
(4)
Historical tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems which do not exceed six square feet in area and which are installed by government agencies or civil religious organizations.
(5)
Warning and no-trespassing signs, not exceeding three square feet in area.
(6)
Flags or emblems of public interest, religious, educational, civic or governmental organizations flown from supports on the buildings or grounds occupied by the organization and the American flag whenever and wherever flown in accordance with the law and rules promulgated by the federal government, provided that their size does not exceed eight feet by 10 feet.
(7)
The name and number plates identifying residents and affixed to a house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding 50 square inches in area.
(8)
Lawn signs identifying residents, not exceeding one and one-half (1 1/2) square feet in area for each side. The signs shall not contain any advertising message and shall be nonilluminated, except by a light which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support.
(9)
Signs posted by governmental agencies or pursuant to governmental statute, order or regulation.
(10)
Signs which are an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps, milk machines, soda machines and ATM machines provided that they do not exceed the height or width of the machine on which they are located. No additional signs shall be provided at the facility or added to the machine beyond the height or width of the machine.
(11)
Real estate signs, announcing the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is located, such sign not to exceed four square feet in area. If double-faced, the sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area for both sides. The sign shall be nonilluminated. Such sign shall not be closer to the line than 1/2 the distance between the building line and the lot line, as defined by this chapter. 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.
(12)
Temporary signs or other advertising materials attached to a window shall be removed at the expiration of the event for which it was erected or posted. No more than 20% of the square footage of any single window or single window display area shall be devoted to signs or other advertising material attached thereto or otherwise exposed to public view.
(13)
Temporary signs for advertising public functions or fund-raising events for charitable or religious organizations shall be permitted for a period of 21 days prior to and during the event and shall be removed within five days after the event. The sign shall be nonilluminated, not larger than 12 square feet in area, not exceeding eight feet in height and may be erected flat against the building or freestanding.
(14)
Temporary political signs, no greater than 20 square feet in size, shall be permitted no earlier than 45 days prior to an election and shall be removed within 10 days after the election. No sign shall be placed on trees, fences, utility poles or light poles, or attached to other signs.
(15)
Pathmarking signs for garage sales, provided that not more than two signs not exceeding two square feet in size are posted no earlier than one day before the beginning of the sale and are not otherwise prohibited in subsection G below. All signs for pathmarking to garage sales shall be provided with the address and the date of the garage sale.
(16)
Artisans' signs.
(a)
Signs of builders, electrical contractors, painters and other artisans may be erected and maintained during the period in which such persons are performing work on the premises, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet in area.
[1]
Such signs shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work.
(17)
Private driveways. Signs indicating the private nature of a driveway, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(18)
Open house event signs may be permitted for a 48 hour period.
(19)
Public utilities signs, such as warning signs, informational signs or markers, which are customarily erected and maintained by publicly or privately owned public utilities and are essential to their operation.
(20)
Signs and notices whose erection is permitted by law, relating to meetings of nonprofit service clubs, charitable associations or religious groups.
(21)
Public service signs authorized or approved by Township, county or state law, regulation or ordinance at places so approved by the Township, county or state agency controlling the roadway involved.
G.
Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zones in the Township:
(1)
Signs using red, yellow and green lights which, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, interfere with the operation of any traffic control signal.
(2)
Moving or revolving signs and signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting.
(3)
Signs using outside neon lights or any material which sparkles or glitters, but nothing herein contained is intended to prohibit the use of reflective paint on signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a lot or parcel.
(4)
Any sign which, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, unreasonably tends to distract drivers or otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
(5)
Roof signs.
(6)
Signs or advertising matter which can be construed to be indecent or obscene in nature.
(7)
Signs using words, such as "stop," "look," "danger," etc., which are placed in a manner or position which, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, constitute a traffic hazard or otherwise interfere with the free flow of traffic.
(8)
Signs which attempt to imitate or otherwise cause confusion with existing signs erected by any governmental board, body or agency.
(9)
Except where specifically permitted, signs advertising a product or service not sold on the premises, signs advertising or directing attention to another premises and any other signs unrelated to the premises on which the sign is erected.
(10)
Signs causing interference with radio or television reception.
(11)
Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes or stairways or keeping light or air from windows used for living quarters.
(12)
Flags, banners, strings of banners, pinwheels, A-type signs, sandwich-type signs, sidewalk signs, curb signs and similar advertising devices.
(13)
Any commercial sign or banner spanning a public street.
(14)
Signs placed on awnings, trees, fences, utility poles or light poles, signs attached to other signs and signs placed upon motor vehicles which are continuously or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous location to serve as a sign, but nothing herein contained is intended to prohibit the placement of signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a lot or parcel on light poles and utility poles erected therein.
(15)
Any series of two or more signs placed along a street or highway carrying an advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.
(16)
A sign on a motor vehicle, truck or trailer, whether or not operational and whether or not self-propelled, which is used or parked or designated to be parked for advertising purposes. Specifically exempted from this section are those signs, nameplates or letters affixed to or printed upon commercial vehicles regularly used in the course of business for regular deliveries, pickups or other such purposes and/or in compliance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:4-46. Specifically included are signs on vehicles, trailers and the like which have as their prime purpose the advertising of goods, wares or services of a business which are maintained in a stationary manner at one or more locations for extended periods of time.
(17)
Billboards and other advertising signs, fixed or portable display shall be prohibited in all districts.
(18)
Construction and/or development signs attached to any pole or utility pole directing traffic to a specific location or development.
H.
The following signs are permitted in residential zones with a permit issued by the Department of Planning and Zoning:
(2)
Signs in connection with each housing or land development, as follows:
(a)
At the main entrance to the development, two nonilluminated freestanding signs which shall state the name of the development and no other advertising material. Each sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in area and eight feet in height.
(b)
At each entrance other than the main entrance, one nonilluminated freestanding sign not exceeding 15 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height.
(c)
At the rental or sales office of the development, one freestanding illuminated sign advertising the office, not to exceed 15 square feet in area and not more than five feet in height.
I.
The following signs are permitted in LI-Light Impact Industrial Zone with a permit issued by the Department of Planning and Zoning:
(1)
One freestanding entry sign located on each street providing access to the limited industrial research or office project. Where this zone is not surrounded by or adjacent to residential zones, the applicable freestanding sign standards of the adjacent zone shall apply. Where residential zones abut the zone, one freestanding sign, not exceeding 25 square feet in area nor 10 feet in height, shall be permitted.
(2)
Each use in an LI Zone may erect one freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area nor 10 feet in height; provided however, that where more than one use exists in a building, or where two or more buildings share common site elements or are located on the same lot, as indicated on an approved site plan, only one freestanding sign shall be permitted.
(3)
One façade sign for each building may be placed or inscribed upon one fascia of the building. Said signs shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the façade upon which the sign is to be located, but not to exceed 100 square feet.
(4)
Nonilluminated directional signs, none of which shall exceed 25 square feet in area nor eight feet in height, may be permitted by the municipal agency so as to facilitate interior traffic flow.
J.
The following signs are permitted in the PO/CD-Planned Office/Commercial Development Zone with a permit issued by the Department of Planning and Zoning: one façade sign may be placed or inscribed upon the front façade of a building for each permitted use or activity. Said signs shall not exceed an area of one square foot for each two feet in width of the front of the building or portion thereof devoted to such use or activity.
K.
The following signs are permitted in the N-C-Neighborhood Commercial Zone with a permit issued by the Department of Planning and Zoning:
(1)
One façade sign may be placed or inscribed upon the front façade of a building for each permitted use or activity. Said signs shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the front wall area of the building or portion thereof devoted to such use or activity, but shall not exceed 40 square feet in area.
L.
Signs permitted in the H-D-Highway Development Zone with a permit issued by the Department of Planning and Zoning:
(1)
One façade sign may be placed or inscribed upon the front façade of a building for each permitted use or activity. Said sign shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the front wall area of the building, or portion thereof, devoted to such use or activity.
(2)
Each use in an H-D Zone may erect one freestanding sign in accordance with the table shown below; provided however, that where more than one use exists in a building, or where two or more buildings share common site elements or are located on the same lot as indicated on an approved site plan, only one freestanding sign shall be permitted.
(a)
The maximum size of the sign shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
Street Frontage (feet) | Maximum Height (feet) | Maximum Size of Sign Face (square feet) | Maximum Setback (percent of building setback) |
|---|---|---|---|
Up to 500 | 10 | 50 | 75 |
500 to 700 | 12 | 50 | 75 |
Over 700 | 15 | 50 | 75 |
(b)
For sites with more than one use, an additional 10 square feet may be added for each additional use, provided that in no case shall any such sign exceed 100 square feet.
M.
The following signs are permitted in the CC Community Commercial Zone with a permit issued by the Department of Planning and Zoning:
(1)
One façade sign may be placed or inscribed upon the front façade of a building for each permitted use or activity. Said sign shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the front wall area of the building, or portion thereof, devoted to such use or activity.
(2)
Freestanding signage shall be a monument sign with a maximum height of eight feet and a maximum area of 100 square feet. Only one freestanding sign shall be permitted.
(3)
Freestanding signage shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the property line.
N.
Directional signs for development locations shall be allowed with the following conditions:
(1)
A permit must be obtained annually from the Department of Planning and Zoning in accordance with subsection B(1) of this section.
(2)
No directional sign shall exceed four feet by nine inches.
(3)
All directional signs located within the Township will be a standard blue color.
(5)
Only one directional sign shall be permitted at any of the six intersection locations selected by the developer.
(6)
Nothing in this section shall prevent the Zoning Officer from posting directional signs, in addition to those posted pursuant to a permit obtained under this article, if the Zoning Officer, in his discretion, deems same necessary and in the best interest of the public.
O.
State requirements. All signs to be erected in the Township must comply with all state statutes.
P.
Fees.
(a)
Developer directional signs shall pay a one-time application fee of $75 per sign and a twenty-five dollar ($25) annual fee per sign.
(b)
All signs, other than developer directional signs, less than 100 square feet shall pay a one-time application fee of $50 per sign.
(c)
All signs other than developer directional signs, greater than 100 square feet shall pay a one-time application fee of $200 per sign and a thirty-five dollar ($35) annual fee per sign.