Montgomery City Zoning Code
§ 16-5.13
Signs.
[Ord. #85-482, S 513; Ord. #85-484, S 1; Ord. #88-584, S IV QR; Ord. #88-597, S 1; Ord. #89-628, S 6; Ord. #90-668, S 1; Ord. #91-723, S 1; Ord. #94-817, S 2; Ord. #97-916, S 1; Ord. #04-1170, S 12; Ord. #09-1317, SS 2, 3; Ord. No. 17-1539 § 2; Ord. No. 17-1557 § 2; Ord. No. 17-1558 § 2]
a.
Purpose and Findings. In an effort to promote the general welfare and public safety, it is the purpose of this subsection to establish reasonable regulations for the number, size, location, maintenance and character of all signs on public and private property that are visible from the exterior of any land or structure in the Township of Montgomery. The Township of Montgomery finds that signs are an important and helpful method of communicating a variety of noncommercial and commercial messages and promoting economic development, provided that they do not distract motorists or become a threat to public safety as a traffic hazard, cause a detriment to property values, create visual clutter or pollution or otherwise negatively affect the public safety and welfare.
b. AWNING BILLBOARD CANOPY EVENT LOGO MARQUEE NAMEPLATE SIGN SIGN SIGN, ATTACHED OR WALL SIGN, BLADE SIGN, CAMPAIGN SIGN, COMMERCIAL SIGN, DIRECTIONAL SIGN, FREESTANDING SIGN, ILLUMINATED SIGN, LIGHT BOX SIGN, MONUMENT SIGN, NONCOMMERCIAL SIGN, NONCONFORMING SIGN, PORTABLE SIGN, PYLON SIGN, REAL ESTATE SIGN, SANDWICH BOARD SIGN, SUSPENDED SIGN, TEMPORARY SIGN, WARNING SIGN, WINDOW
Definition.
Shall mean any roof-like cover that projects from a building wall for the purpose of shielding a window or doorway from the elements and that is totally supported by the building from which it projects without support from the ground below.
Shall mean any structure or portion thereof on which lettered or pictorial matter is displayed for advertising purposes and that is located on a building or site other than the building or site to which the advertising relates.
Shall mean any roof-like cover, either freestanding or attached to a building wall, that is supported totally or partially by the ground below.
Shall mean, for the purposes of this section as it relates to temporary commercial signs, any short term, temporary happening or special occurrence that is not part of the ordinary, daily or usual operation of a business or use, including, but not limited, to a political campaign or election, a real estate transaction, a grand opening, a raffle or fundraiser, a seasonal sale or harvest, or a special sales promotion or occurrence.
Shall mean any graphic drawing or trademark containing a pictorial representation and/or limited lettering. Phrases or mottoes shall not be considered part of the logo.
Shall mean any permanent structure attached to a building wall, having horizontal or nearly horizontal top and bottom surfaces, with no vertical group support, that is intended to serve as a covering over the ground below and may be used for the display of changeable lettering.
Shall mean a sign bearing the name and/or address of the principal occupant of a building for emergency, identification and directional purposes.
Shall mean any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors in view of the general public, that is used to advertise, identify, display, promote, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means of visual communication, including words, letters, logos, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images. Displays of the actual products offered by the on-site business visible through a window or temporary holiday displays, holiday decorations or holiday lighting located on a property for no longer than a sixty-day time period shall not be considered signs for the purpose of this section.
Shall mean any sign permanently affixed parallel to the exterior face of a building wall or to an awning, canopy or marquee.
Shall mean a small, pedestrian-oriented sign that projects perpendicular from a structure.
[Ord. No. 17-1557 § 2]
Shall mean any sign that gives notice of a political campaign or expresses support for or opposition to a candidate or question in any special or general election, referendum, or other plebiscite at the Federal, State, County or local level and that is erected for a limited period of time. For the purposes of this section, campaign signs are considered noncommercial signs.
Shall mean any sign that proposes a commercial transaction or advances the economic interests of the speaker.
Shall mean a sign whose message is exclusively limited to guiding the circulation of motorists or pedestrians on the site.
[Ord. No. 17-1539 § 2; Ord. No. 17-1558 § 2]
Shall mean any sign supported by a footing, foundation, uprights or braces placed upon or in the ground and not attached to any building.
Shall mean any sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting, either from within the sign or directed towards the sign.
Shall mean a sign with an indirect source of light which illuminates a sign by shining through a translucent surface of a sign, including plastic signs, lit from an internal light source.
[Ord. No. 17-1557 § 2]
Shall mean a freestanding sign supported primarily by an internal structural framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features other than support poles.
[Ord. No. 17-1539 § 2; Ord. No. 17-1558 § 2]
Shall mean any sign that conveys a message that does not propose a commercial transaction or advance the economic interests of the speaker, including but not limited to signs for charitable, cultural, community, religious or political events or interests of a noncommercial nature.
Shall mean any sign that existed prior to the effective date of this subsection and that does not comply with the provisions of this subsection.
Shall mean any sign that is fixed on a movable stand, self-supporting without being firmly imbedded in the ground or permanently attached to a building, awning, canopy or marquee, designed to be transported and supported by other objects, mounted on wheels or movable vehicles, or made easily movable in some other manner.
Shall mean a freestanding sign other than a pole sign, permanently affixed to the ground by supports, but not having the appearance of a solid base.
[Ord. No. 17-1557 § 2]
Shall mean any sign that advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which it is located, or portion thereof, including "open house", "under contract", "sold", or "too late" signs, or signs otherwise indicating in some manner that a property has been sold. For the purposes of this subsection, real estate signs are considered commercial signs.
Shall mean an advertising or business ground sign constructed in such a manner as to form an "A" or a tent-like shape, hinged or not hinged at the top; each angular face held at an appropriate distance by a supporting member.
[Ord. No. 17-1539 § 2; Ord. No. 17-1558 § 2]
Shall mean any sign hanging or suspended from a building wall, awning, canopy, marquee or roof overhang, whether parallel, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular thereto, rather than an attached sign.
Shall mean any freestanding, attached or interior window sign that is listed in Subsection 16-5.13h of this subsection and is erected for a limited period of time.
Shall mean any sign that functions to provide a warning of a dangerous condition or situation that might not be readily apparent or that poses a threat of a serious injury (e.g., gas line, high voltage, condemned building, etc.) or that functions to provide a warning of a violation of law (e.g., no trespassing, no hunting allowed, no solicitation, etc.)
Shall mean any representation painted, stenciled, or affixed to a window or the glass of a door that can be seen from the outside of the building.
c.
Required Sign or Construction Permit.
1.
Unless otherwise specifically noted in this section, any sign in the Township of Montgomery shall require a sign permit from the Township Zoning Officer prior to the erection, re-erection, construction, placement or location of any sign in the Township of Montgomery. Where a construction permit is required by State law, the Township Zoning Officer shall first review the sign application and plans for conformance with the subsection provisions prior to referring the application to the Township Construction Official for the issuance of a construction permit.
(a)
The Township Zoning Officer shall issue a sign permit for any sign that has been approved by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, as the case may be, as part of an approved development application.
2.
All plans shall be submitted with the appropriate application form and fee and shall include the following details:
(a)
A scaled drawing of the proposed sign, indicating the dimensions, the type and materials to be used in its construction, the wording and any artwork, including letter height, typeface and color;
(b)
Any proposed lighting, indicating the power and type of light and a detail of the light fixture;
(c)
The mechanism and materials to be used for supporting, erecting, anchoring or attaching the proposed sign;
(d)
For attached or suspended signs, the plans shall include a scaled drawing of the entire facade elevation of the building or structure to which the sign is to be attached, with the proposed location and mounting height of the sign clearly indicated;
(e)
For freestanding signs, the plans shall include a scaled drawing of the property, with the proposed location, setbacks and mounting height of the sign plotted thereon, as well as the location and type of any proposed landscaping; and
(f)
Any other information required by other local, State or Federal law.
2.1.
Upon review of the submitted plans, the Township Zoning Officer shall promptly issue the sign permit for the sign, but in no event, no later than 10 days after the filing of the sign application, provided it meets all applicable requirements of the subsection and all required fees have been paid. When a construction permit is required for a sign by State law, the Township Construction Official shall issue a construction permit once the Township Zoning Officer has issued the sign permit for the sign, provided it meets any other applicable codes and all required fees for a construction permit have been paid.
3.
For temporary signs, only one application for a temporary sign permit may be submitted at any one time to the Township Zoning Officer by a property owner, or in the case of a multi-tenant building, by a tenant. Another application for a temporary sign permit may not be submitted by the same property owner or tenant while said property owner or tenant has an active temporary sign permit on file with the Township or they have a temporary sign still erected.
4.
Where a sign permit is required for a temporary sign, the sign must be erected or installed within 45 days of the date of issuance of said permit, or the sign permit shall expire. Upon expiration of said permit, the applicant shall be required to submit a new application form and fee, and the application shall proceed as a new application.
d.
General Sign Provisions Applicable to All Signs in All Zoning Districts. No sign shall be erected, displayed, altered or replaced that is not in accordance with the standards established in the subsection. No sign shall be placed on or attached to a building or erected on a lot for any purpose unless specifically permitted herein.
1.
Attached Signs. Attached signs shall be firmly attached to the exterior wall of a building, shall project not more than six inches from the building and shall be positioned in the architectural sign band on the building facade, if provided. No attached sign shall be located on a roof, dormer or second story wall area or window, except that attached signs may be permitted on the second or higher story wall of a building in the SB, HC, REO, LM and PPE Districts, provided that only one use occupies all floors of that portion of the building.
2.
Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be supported by one or more columns or uprights that are firmly imbedded in the ground; exposed guy wires, chains or other connections shall not be a permitted support of a freestanding sign. Unless otherwise noted in the subsection, the area and yard requirements for accessory structures shall not apply to permitted signs; freestanding signs may be erected in the required front yard areas.
3.
Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall be securely suspended perpendicular to the building from a roof over a common walkway in a multiple use building or from a support attached to the wall face of a building. Suspended signs shall be no closer than eight feet to the finished grade below.
4.
Sign Height. No freestanding sign shall be higher than eight feet and no attached sign shall be higher than 20 feet, measured to the top of the sign from the grade beneath the sign, except that no sign shall exceed any lesser height specifically set forth elsewhere in the subsection. The sign shall not be located on a mound or berm unless specifically approved by the Planning or Zoning Board.
5.
Sign Location. No portion of any sign shall be located on, within or suspended over a public right-of-way or any Township-owned property, unless specifically approved by the Township Committee. No sign of any type shall be permitted in a sight triangle easement or permitted to obstruct driving vision, traffic signals, street signs, traffic directional and identification signs, other places of business, other signs or windows of the building on which they are located, or sight visibility at a driveway intersection with a street.
6.
Illuminated Signs. Internally illuminated signs or exterior lights that illuminate signs shall be arranged in a manner to prevent any light or glare from shining or reflecting upon any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property and from creating any sky glow.
(a)
If a sign is to be internally illuminated, at least 75% of the background around the letters and any logo on the sign shall be opaque and shall not be illuminated. Dark, opaque backgrounds with light colored lettering or symbols that are backlit are preferred to minimize detrimental effects.
(b)
If a sign is to be externally illuminated, then the lighting shall be provided either from below the sign by ground mounted lights or from above the sign by lights attached to the top of the sign. The lights shall be focused directly and completely onto the sign face, with appropriate and necessary shielding on the top, sides, and if necessary, bottom of the fixture to prevent any sight of the light source from any street, sidewalk or neighboring property.
(1)
Exterior lighting to be provided by ground mounted lights shall be permitted by incandescent spotlights only where the sign has no visible clearance under the sign or where there is sufficient landscaping planted under the sign to block light under the sign.
(2)
The lights shall be mounted in or on the ground so that they are securely fixed, both in their location and their angle of illumination, in order to focus the light onto the face of the sign and away from the street. V-shaped signs allow the lights to be focused away from the street.
(3)
No exterior light shall exceed 100 watts. The use of mercury vapor lighting is prohibited.
(c)
Light emission from any sign lighting shall not exceed one foot candle at a distance of two feet from the sign surface.
(d)
Unless otherwise permitted by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, as the case may be, illuminated signs or the exterior lights that illuminate signs shall be turned off by the close of business of the use(s) advertised or identified on the sign or by 11:00 p.m., whichever is later.
7.
Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming signs may be continued in use, but may not be enlarged, relocated, altered, rebuilt, extended or made less conforming. An attached nonconforming sign may be temporarily removed from the exterior face of a building wall to allow for the maintenance, cleaning, painting or repair of the exterior building wall, provided that the sign is reattached in the same location within 60 days of its removal. If the sign is not reattached in the same location or within the sixty-day time period, the sign shall be required to conform to the provisions of this section.
8.
Sign Area. The area of a sign shall be measured around the edges of a framed or enclosed sign or, where the sign has no frame or enclosure, by the area utilized by isolated words and/or symbols, including the background whether open or enclosed, as framed by a tight rectangle around all of the letters and graphics; in either case, the area of the sign shall not include any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.
9.
Signs With Two Exposures. Flat signs, or v-shaped signs with less than 30° angle, shall be measured for area by using the surface of one side of the sign only. Both sides of the sign may be used.
10.
Window Signs. Interior window signs that are painted, stenciled or otherwise permanently or semi-permanently affixed to or directly behind a window or the glass of a door and that are visible from the outside of the building shall be considered in the computation of sign area, unless such window signs do not exceed two square feet in aggregate area or are temporary window signs in accordance with Subsection 16-5.13h6 of this section.
11.
Wording, Numbering and Logos on Signs. The wording, numbering and logos of all signs shall be clearly written and legible in order to identify uses and proprietorship in emergency situations. No more than 25% of the sign area of any permitted sign shall include a logo, symbol, design, and/or picture; the remainder of the sign area shall contain words, numbers and/or background area only.
12.
Street Addresses on Signs. All freestanding signs shall reflect the street number of the address for the property upon which it is located, except for shopping centers and other complexes or where the address is clearly displayed elsewhere on the property and is readable from the public road upon which it fronts.
e.
Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts. The following signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts:
1.
Animated, moving, fluttering and illusionary signs or rotating signs or signs using mechanical or electrical devices to revolve, flash or display movement, intermittent illumination or the illusion of movement.
2.
Signs that have any lighting or control mechanisms that cause radio, television or phone interference.
3.
Signs with red, green, blue or amber illumination in a beam, beacon or flashing form resembling an emergency light, safety or warning device or traffic signal.
4.
Billboard signs.
5.
Signs painted on a building wall, sidewalk or curb.
6.
Signs located on or above the roof of a building or extending above the top or beyond the ends of an awning, canopy, marquee, or mansard roof.
7.
Attached or suspended signs that are affixed to any tree, fence, or any electrical, telephone or other public utility pole.
8.
Portable signs, except as expressly permitted in this section.
9.
Signs that advertise a product that is not the principal use of the subject property.
f.
Signs Permitted in All Zoning Districts. The following signs shall be permitted in any zoning district as a matter of law or for the purpose of providing information necessary to the public and to emergency personnel. These signs are permitted without the need to obtain a sign or construction permit and shall not be considered when calculating the total sign area otherwise permitted on the subject property:
1.
Flag of a Political or Governmental Jurisdiction. The flag of a political or governmental jurisdiction shall be permitted, provided it is displayed in accordance with established laws and customs.
2.
Traffic Signs. Permanent traffic signs, railroad crossing signs, danger signs and temporary emergency or safety signs required for governmental or public utility employees to complete their official work shall be permitted.
3.
Historic Plaques. Unlighted historic building plaques for buildings that have been designated as historic shall be permitted, provided the subject signage conforms to all applicable historic preservation ordinances.
4.
Street Signs. Street signs shall be permitted, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
At the expense of the developer, if applicable, at least two street signs shall be placed at each four-way street intersection and at least one street sign shall be placed at each "T" intersection. Street signs shall be installed as approved by the Township Engineer and the Director/Chief of Police.
(b)
All street signs shall be installed free of visual obstruction, shall be placed so as not to obstruct sight distances and shall be located under light standards, if present, so that the street name is clearly visible.
(c)
Unless otherwise specifically approved as part of a submitted subdivision or site plan application for development, the design of street signs shall be of the type and style found throughout the Township of Montgomery; shall be of the same uniform size and color; and shall read horizontally and not vertically. The lettering and background for the signs shall be of sufficiently contrasting colors to facilitate easy readability.
(d)
If street signs are designed differently than those installed elsewhere in the Township of Montgomery and are approved, upon request of the applicant, by the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Adjustment, as the case may be, as part of a site plan or subdivision application, the applicant must make provision for the maintenance and/or replacement of said signs by an entity other than the Township of Montgomery.
5.
Information, Direction and Warning Signs. For the purpose of providing necessary traffic circulation directions and public safety information, customary and typical street number designations, postal boxes, "private property" signs, on-site directional signs, parking signs, warning signs and other similar signs shall be permitted, provided they do not exceed two square feet in area and do not display any type of advertising.
6.
Nameplate Signs. For the purposes of providing identification information to the public, one nameplate sign per lot, bearing the name and/or address of the principal occupant only and not exceeding six inches in height and 18 inches in length, shall be permitted on a property.
g.
Signs Permitted in Individual Zoning Districts. For permitted signs and applicable requirements in each individual zoning district, see the zoning provisions in the specific subsection under each zoning district in Section 16-4, for Conditional Uses in Subsection 16-6.1, for Optional Development Alternatives in Subsection 16-6.5, for Home Occupations in Subsection 16-6.7h3, and for Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Subsection 16-6.9n of the section.
h.
Permitted Temporary Signs.
1.
Temporary External Signs. One temporary noncommercial or commercial sign, either freestanding or attached, is permitted to be erected on a lot at any one time and in accordance with the following:
(a)
All temporary signs shall be nonilluminated and shall be legibly and neatly painted and, if they are freestanding, they shall be firmly imbedded in the ground and securely anchored for aesthetic and safety purposes. Temporary signs shall be constructed of wood, metal or heavy plastic if they are to be erected for more than three days, except that campaign signs may be constructed of other rain resistant material.
(b)
All temporary signs shall be removed within 30 days from the date of their installation, except that, in the case of temporary commercial signs only, all such signs shall be removed within five days after the close or end of the advertised event or within 30 days from the date of their installation, whichever date is earlier, and except as follows:
(1)
Seasonal agricultural signs noticing the sale of a seasonal agricultural product from a permitted farm, roadside farmstand or farm market may be erected during the harvest season of the particular produce being sold from the farm, roadside farmstand or farm market but shall be removed within five days after the conclusion of the crops' harvest season.
(2)
Temporary real estate signs may be displayed for longer than 30 days since the duration of the need for a real estate sign may vary from other types of temporary commercial signs, provided that all real estate signs shall be removed at the expense of the advertiser within five days after the closing of title on the property, the termination or completion of the matter of business being advertised, the execution of a lease, or, in the case of residential subdivisions, when 95% of the lots have been initially sold.
(3)
Except for campaign signs, any temporary sign not constructed of wood, metal or heavy plastic shall be removed after three days as set forth in Subsection 16-5.13h1(c) above.
(4)
Campaign signs are not subject to the thirty-day limitation set forth above but shall be removed no later than five days after the election.
(c)
Any person posting such a sign shall receive the consent of the owner of the property upon which the sign is to be located and shall be responsible for compliance with these provisions as well as the removal of the sign and any damage to person or property caused by its placement or movement. For multitenant facilities, signs may be located away from the use, with the consent of the landlord or owners' association, provided all of the provisions of this subsection are met.
(d)
For multi-tenant buildings, tenants may share space on any temporary sign, provided that the duration of their events run concurrently, the information conveyed on the sign is legible, and all other provisions of this section are met.
(e)
Temporary Signs in Residential Zoning Districts.
(1)
Only one temporary sign, either freestanding or attached, not exceeding six square feet in area and three feet in mounting height may be erected on a property, except that prior to any municipal, County, State, national, special or general election, referendum or plebiscite, one temporary campaign sign for each candidate, party and issue, either freestanding or attached, may be erected on any lot.
(2)
All temporary signs shall be out of any street rights-of-way and easements, shall not impede pedestrian traffic or interfere with sight triangles, shall be set back at least 10 feet from all side property lines and shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this section.
(3)
No sign permit is required.
(f)
Temporary Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts.
(1)
One temporary noncommercial or commercial sign, either freestanding or attached, not exceeding 20 square feet in aggregate area and five feet in mounting height may be erected on a property, except that prior to any municipal, County, State, national, special or general election, referendum or plebiscite, one temporary campaign sign for each candidate, party and issue, either freestanding or attached and not exceeding six square feet and three feet in height, may be erected on any lot.
(2)
All temporary signs shall be out of any street rights-of-way and easements, shall not impede pedestrian traffic or interfere with sight triangles, shall be set back at least 10 feet from all driveways, street right-of-way and other property lines and shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this section.
(3)
The use of a plastic or cloth flag, string of pennants, a banner, or balloons, not exceeding the total dimensions set forth above, shall also be permitted as the temporary commercial sign, provided that they are hung only on a finished facade of the building actually occupied by the business or use presenting the advertised commercial activity or use and in such a manner that the lowest portion of the display is at least 15 feet above ground level but no higher than 20 feet.
(4)
All temporary signs require a sign permit and $10 fee, except for signs six square feet or less in size. Nonprofit organizations are exempt from paying the sign permit fee.
2.
Temporary Interior Window Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts. Temporary, readily changeable interior window signs are permitted in all nonresidential zoning districts, provided that the sign(s) shall not exceed 50% of the total window area of the window in which it is located and shall be displayed for a period not to exceed 30 days. Temporary window signs shall not be considered in computing the allowable sign area otherwise permitted or in the number of temporary signs on a lot and shall not require a sign or construction permit.
3.
Temporary Construction Signs. For the purpose of conveying emergency contact information and identification of property, construction signs may be temporarily erected upon a property being developed in any zoning district in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
At the start-up of construction, one nonilluminated, freestanding sign not exceeding 20 square feet in area and five feet in height, which advertises the prime contractor/builder, subcontractor(s), architect, financing institution, address, block and lot number and/or similar information necessary for emergency purposes or for identifying the location of the construction site, may be erected during the period of construction of an approved site plan or major subdivision on property for which subdivision or site plan approval has been granted, beginning with the issuance of a construction permit and concluding with the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy or one-year whichever is less.
(b)
The subject sign must be located on the site where the construction is taking place and in proximity to the entrance to the site, and shall be located out of any existing or proposed street or easement and set back at least 15 feet from all street right-of-way and other property lines. (See Subsection 16-6.8e for other requirements relating to temporary construction trailers and signs).
(c)
Said sign shall be removed if construction activity ceases for a period of six consecutive months.
(d)
Signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of properties or structures shall conform to the provisions for temporary real estate signs set forth in Subsection 16-5.13h1 of this section.
(e)
All such signs require a sign permit and fee for the sign permit.
i.
Maintenance of Signs. All signs, together with all their supports, braces, hooks, anchors, and other fastening devices, shall be of substantial and sturdy construction with durable materials, shall be kept in good repair, and shall be painted or cleaned as often as necessary to maintain a clean, neat, safe and orderly appearance. Additionally, the area surrounding the sign and the mounting area on the ground level beneath permitted freestanding signs shall be maintained in a clear, neat, safe, and orderly condition and shall not be allowed to become dilapidated or unsightly.
1.
Any sign that is or is becoming dangerous or unsafe in any manner whatsoever shall be repaired and made safe in conformity with this subsection, or such sign shall be removed by the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of the building, property or land upon which such dangerous or unsafe sign is located.
2.
Should written notice be given by the Township Zoning Officer, or Construction Official if the sign is under his/her jurisdiction, to an owner, lessor, agent or occupant of a building that a sign is or is becoming dangerous or unsafe, said notice shall require appropriate remedial action to be taken within 10 days from the date of service of the notice, or within a lesser time as shall be specified in the notice in cases where the danger to the public health, safety and general welfare is more imminent. The Township Zoning Officer or Construction Official may cause any sign or advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
3.
Failure to keep a sign in good repair for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days shall constitute abandonment, and such sign may not then be replaced or reused, but must be removed or be made conforming.
j.
Illegal Signs and Penalties.
1.
Any permanent sign erected or applied in violation of this subsection shall be removed by the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of a building within five business days after receipt of written notification by the Township Zoning Officer or Construction Official, and any temporary sign erected or applied in violation of this subsection shall be removed by the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of a building within two business days after receipt of either verbal or written notification by the Township Zoning Officer.
2.
If the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of a building fails to remove the sign or remedy the violation within the stated time period, such sign may be removed or altered by the Township Zoning Officer or Construction Official to comply with the provisions of this subsection at the expense of the owner of the property upon which the sign is located. The Township Zoning Officer or Construction Official shall notify, in writing, the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of the building of the date of the sign removal and the procedure for retrieving the sign.
3.
Signs removed by the Township Zoning Officer or Construction Official shall be held by the municipality for 10 days to allow the owner of said sign to retrieve the sign and pay any costs associated with its removal prior to the disposal of the sign. The Township Zoning Officer or Construction Official shall refuse to issue a permit to any permittee or owner who refuses to pay costs as assessed.
4.
The Township Zoning Officer may remove without prior written notification any sign which is placed illegally within any street right-of-way or sight triangle easement in such a manner as to impair public safety, provided that written notice of the removal is provided to the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of a building on the day of removal.
5.
Noncompliance with any of the provisions or requirements of this subsection shall constitute a violation thereof, and any person who so violates this subsection may, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine in accordance with Subsection 16-10.6a of this chapter. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.