Pennington City Zoning Code

Promote the safety of users of streets and highways in the Borough by providing adequate, readable signage that has been properly located to allow sufficient decision and vehicular maneuver time.

Reduce distractions and obstructions from signs which would adversely affect traffic safety and to alleviate hazards caused by signs projecting over or encroaching upon public ways.

Discourage excessive visual competition in signage and ensure that signs adequately perform their primary function of orientation and the identification of uses and activities to the public.

Preserve and/or enhance local character and Borough visual design objectives by requiring signage which is:

Develop a fair and workable review and permitting procedure for certain signs.

Words and phrases not defined in this article but defined in § 215-8 shall be given the meanings set forth in such section. Principles for computing sign area and sign height are contained in § 215-35. All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

Words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings set forth in this article:

No sign shall be erected that constitutes a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic because of placement, structure or means of illumination.

Any sign suffering damage or disrepair such as to constitute a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles shall be immediately removed.

No sign shall obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway or other opening from providing required light, air or ingress and egress from any building or structure.

Signs advertising a use no longer in existence or a product no longer available shall be removed within 30 days from the date a use is discontinued or a product is no longer available.

Buildings or structures may not be outlined by illuminated tubing or strings of lights for advertising purposes, except that all buildings shall be permitted strings of lights (moving or fixed displays) between November 1 and January 31 of each year.

No sign shall be attached to trees, fence parts, stumps, utility poles, bridges, rocks or like features not considered to be advertising supports, except where authorized by this article.

The use of professionally lettered and painted wood signs, in a size and style as well as color and shape that will maintain the historic quality and character of the Borough, shall be encouraged.

The contents of any permanent sign shall be limited to property and occupant identification, company emblem and logos and concise messages identifying the use, product or services offered. Although unnecessarily detailed messages, descriptions and graphics are prohibited on such signs, the use of sign symbols historically or traditionally utilized to identify a specific business or activity, e.g. eye glasses, mortar and pestle, clock, barber pole, etc., is encouraged.

A sign may be repainted or relettered or parts may be replaced as necessary.

Permanent signs must be constructed of durable materials, such as wood, plastic or metal, professionally lettered with applied, incised, painted, printed or molded lettering.

Temporary signs must be constructed of materials sufficiently durable to survive, in good condition, the intended period of display. Such materials may include framed fabrics or laminates in addition to those materials suitable for permanent signs. Temporary signs must be professionally lettered and decorated or created from materials having a professional appearance.

Banners must be constructed of fabric, plastic or laminates sufficiently durable to withstand wind and weather without tearing, fraying or otherwise becoming unsightly in appearance.

Sign lighting shall be designed and shielded so as to avoid direct or reflected light or glare falling on adjacent properties or public rights-of-way.

Illumination directed vertically or skyward is prohibited.

Illuminated signs shall utilize nonflashing incandescent or fluorescent light. The light source should not be directly visible, from normal viewing angles, to vehicles or pedestrians.

External ground lighting of signs must not exceed 1/2 foot candle at a distance of two feet from the illumination source.

Internally illuminated signs are permitted in the Highway Business, Office Business and Mixed Use Zones only. The faces of such signs shall be of translucent materials.

Light emission from internally illuminated signs shall not exceed one foot candle at a distance of two feet from any sign surface.

Sign area is the area encompassed by the geometric outline of the sign measured in square feet. A sign with more than one face, all visible when viewed from any one point, shall have an area equal to the sum of all the faces. A sign shall be computed to have one face if identical signs are placed back to back and not more than four feet apart.

Wall signs shall not project more than four inches from the building facade or 12 inches if internally illuminated.

No projecting sign shall extend into a vehicular public way or be less than eight feet above a pedestrian way.

No sign, together with any supporting framework, shall extend to a height above the maximum building height allowed in that zone.

Signs should not cover building architectural details, such as but not limited to arches, sills, moldings, cornices and transom windows.

No wall or window sign shall be located above the first floor level of a multistory structure.

Freestanding signs shall be placed, insofar as practicable, to be perpendicular to the frontage roadway, shall be located in the front yard and shall be no closer to a side lot line than the minimum side yard for the zone location. Sign placement shall consider street and sidewalk safety factors.

Structures on corner lots may place a maximum of two ancillary wall signs on each wall with road frontage, provided that the allowable exterior signage for that zone is not exceeded.

Ground signs shall be appropriately landscaped at the base of such signs. Appropriate landscaping is defined as flowers, shrubs, ground cover and landscape techniques used in the following manner:

Evergreen plant materials shall be required for all landscaping serving concealment and/or shielding purposes.

Signs not accessory to the business or use conducted on the property.

Mechanically moving signs, inflatable signs, neon signs, light-emitting-diode (LED) signs, unshielded bulb signs, flashing signs and animated signs of any kind and signs containing reflective elements except that neon or LED signs are permitted as interior signs in the Highway Business Zone.

A sign that, if in the opinion of the Zoning Officer, is of such a design or location that it would interfere with, compete for attention with or might be mistaken for a traffic signal, sign or device. This includes arrow devices and the word "stop".

A sign that is located within the triangular area bounded by the intersection of two edges of pavement and a line connecting points on such edges of pavement and 30 feet distance from their intersection, or is so located that it would obstruct any driveway sight lines.

Billboards.

Banners, spinners, pennants, streamers and other moving objects, and inflatable signs used for advertising purposes, whether containing a message or not.

Search light displays unless authorized by a temporary sign permit as part of a grand opening promotion or special event.

Signs erected within or over the right-of-way of any public street.

Signs using fluorescent-type paint.

Any sign not specifically permitted by this article.

Signs located within the interior of a structure or property which do not attract the attention of the public from a public right-of-way or an adjoining property, permitted without restriction.

Official notices, legal notices and signs required by law.

Public service signs as aids to safety or service and standard traffic directional signs.

Flags, emblems or other insignia of a nation, state, county, municipality, school or religious or patriotic group.

A single wall sign for a recognized nonprofit service organization, such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, YMCA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Such sign shall not exceed 10 square feet in area.

A single ground sign for public and semipublic facilities, such as schools, churches, hospitals, libraries and public recreational facilities. Such a sign shall not exceed 10 square feet in area or six feet in height.

Residence designation signs and historic plaques not exceeding one square foot in area per sign. Informational signs, such as "Beware of Dog" of "Entry in Rear," shall not exceed one square foot in area per sign.

Signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or other premises and signs controlling the use of private property, such as prohibition of hunting or fishing. Such signs shall not exceed one square foot in area per sign and may be posted on fences or trees.

A single wall sign indicating a permitted home occupation not exceeding one square foot in area. Alternatively, such signs may be attached to a mailbox, and if so used, the total mailbox sign area shall not exceed two square feet in area.

A single ground sign for private clubs and private recreational facilities. Such a sign shall not exceed four feet in height nor six square feet in area.

A single ground sign at one entry location of multifamily residential developments in excess of 50 units. Such sign shall not exceed four feet in height nor six square feet in area. Multifamily residential developments in excess of 100 units may have one such sign at each vehicular access point.

Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, provided that such signs contains no advertising matter or messages other than a logo. Such signs may be internally illuminated, and each shall not exceed two square feet in area.

Signs on permitted exterior vending machines which shall not exceed 10% of the front face of the machine, and the sign message shall be limited to the name of the product offered and instructions for operating the machine.

Signs for private garage sales which shall be removed immediately following the conclusion of the sale.

Awning signs for all nonresidential uses, provided that sign size does not cause the sum of all exterior signage to exceed 10% of the ground floor entry facade.

Real estate signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises or property upon which they are located. Such signs shall be removed within seven days of the completion of sale or rental transaction and shall be restricted in size and number as follows:

Campaign signs announcing or advertising any political, education, charitable, civic, professional, religious or like campaign or event. Such signs shall be permitted up to one month prior to the election or event being advertised, shall not exceed 12 square feet in area, shall not be located within a public right-of-way and shall be removed within seven days of the conclusion of the election or event. The prohibition of off-premises signs does not apply to campaign signs located on private property.

Contractor/developer signs on construction sites for the duration of the construction period or two years, whichever is the shorter period of time. They shall not exceed six feet in height nor 12 square feet in area. They shall be removed within four days after the completion of the construction work or upon request for a certificate of occupancy for any phase of the construction. Not more than one sign shall be located on each street frontage.

Flags and buntings exhibited to commemorate state or national patriotic holidays or events.

Signs, banners, pennants and similar attention-getting devices for special events and for grand openings upon application to and approval by Borough Council or by its designated representative.

Unless otherwise restricted, decorative banners not exceeding 12 square feet, permitted in all zones.

Those signs permitted in § 215-39, as applicable.

For the Pennington school campus, all signs that are required for school operations, and that conform to the applicable provisions and restrictions of this article, are permitted. In addition, the following signs are permitted:

Signs permitted in § 215-39, as applicable.

One wood or wood-appearing wall or shingle sign which may be placed or inscribed upon the entry facade of a building for each permitted nonresidential use or activity. Wall signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in area and shall not project more than four inches in front of the facade nor above the highest point of the facade upon which located. Shingle signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in area and shall not project more than three feet from the building facade. Shingle signs that project over a sidewalk or other walkway area shall provide at least an eight-foot clearance between the walkway and the underside of the sign. Signs may be illuminated by external nonflashing light which shall be shielded to prevent glare in a public street or adjacent area.

Freestanding signs in the Office-Residence and Town Center Buffer Zones. Where the nearest point of the entry facade is situated not less than 10 feet from the street line, one freestanding sign is permitted in lieu of a shingle sign. Such signs shall be subject to the following provisions: maximum 10 square feet in area on either of two sides, not more than one square foot to identify each occupant, not higher than seven feet from finished grade to top of sign not less than two feet from the street line, nor shall the sign encroach on the sidewalk. Lighting devices attached to such signs shall project not more than 12 inches from either face of the sign.

Wall mounted directory-of-occupants signs not exceeding five square feet in area are permitted for multiunit buildings and properties.

In addition to the above signs, P-O Zone uses are permitted the following signs:

Signs permitted in § 215-39 as applicable.

Sidewalk sales signs and restaurant menu boards. Such signs shall not exceed six square feet on any one face, shall be limited to one such sign per use, shall be on display only during business hours, shall not block a public way and shall not exceed five feet in height.

One wood or wood-appearing wall or shingle sign may be placed or inscribed upon the entry facade of a building for each permitted nonresidential use or activity. Wall signs shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the ground floor facade upon which it is placed and shall not project more than four inches in front of the facade. Shingle signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall not project more than three feet from the building facade. Shingle signs that project over a sidewalk or other walkway area shall provide at least an eight-foot clearance between the walkway and the underside of the sign. Signs may be illuminated by external nonflashing light which shall be shielded to prevent glare in a public street or adjacent area.

Interior signs. All signs located on the interior side of a window and intended to be visible from the exterior of the building and located within a distance of 24 inches from the inside face of the glass shall total not more than 40% of the glass area of the window behind which they are placed.

Awning signs shall be permitted, but the area of such signs shall be included in the total allowable sign area in Subsection C above.

Banks may display, in addition to the above applicable signs, one wall sign not exceeding six square feet in area, indicating the availability of an automated teller machine.

Up to two nonilluminated ancillary signs are permitted for each nonresidential use or activity, but the area of such signs shall be included in the total allowable sign area in Subsection C above. Due to the nature of older buildings in these zones, these signs may be attached to the building facade or to railings, roof supports or vestibule structures.

Where the nearest point of the entry facade is situated not less than 10 feet from the street line, a freestanding sign is permitted in lieu of a shingle sign. Such signs shall be subject to the following provisions: maximum 10 square feet in area on either of two sides, not higher than seven feet from finished grade to top of sign, nor less than two feet from the street line, nor shall the sign encroach on the sidewalk. Lighting devices attached to such signs shall project not more than 12 inches from either face of the sign.

Signs permitted in § 215-39 as applicable.

One sidewalk or A-frame-type sign and one temporary banner-type sign shall be allowed at any one time, provided that the sidewalk sign does not exceed 15 square feet on any one side, and the banner sign does not exceed 30 square feet on any one side. These signs must not be permanently installed but must be secured in a safe manner and not be within the public right-of-way. Banner-type signs shall not be displayed for more than 60 days in any one year, in accordance with the requirements of § 215-46D.

One freestanding sign, which shall be permitted for each principal structure, shall not exceed 50 square feet, plus 10 square feet for each separately operated use or activity in the structure, if there be more than one, provided that such use has its own separate exterior entry. In no case shall any sign exceed 100 square feet in area on either of two sides. Such signs shall not be located within five feet of a street line. Such signs shall not be more than 19 feet in height from grade to the top of the sign. One additional sign may be permitted at a secondary entrance driveway but shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.

One wall sign may be placed or inscribed upon the entry facade of a building for each permitted use or occupant, provided that such use has its own separate exterior entry. Such signs shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the ground floor entry facade area of the building or portion thereof devoted to such use or activity and shall not project more than 12 inches in front of the facade of the building. Such signs may be illuminated.

As an alternative to the permitted wall signs in Subsection D above, one-story structures are permitted externally illuminated roof signs of equivalent size, provided that such signs do not extend more than six feet above the eave line of the structure.

Interior signs. All signs located on the interior side of a window and intended to be visible from the exterior of the building and located within a distance of 24 inches from the inside face of the glass shall total not more than 20% of the glass area of the window behind which they are placed and together with a facade wall sign shall not exceed 10% of the ground floor entry façade area as required by § 215-43D. No interior sign lighting shall exceed one footcandle, measured at a distance of two feet from the light source.

Banks may display, in addition to the above applicable signs, one wall sign not exceeding six square feet in area, indicating the availability of an automated teller machine.

Gasoline service stations may display, in addition to the above applicable signs, the following:

As an alternative to the permitted freestanding sign, gasoline service stations may locate the area of such permitted signage on the facades of a permitted fuel pump canopy structure. For gasoline service stations permitted by a use variance, the signage authorized by the Planning Board acting as a Board of Adjustment shall apply.

In addition to the above applicable signs, each permitted nonresidential use may be permitted one neon or LED sign located on the inside of display windows only. Such sign shall be considered in interior sign, subject to the limitations in Subsection F above.

Up to two ancillary signs shall be permitted for each nonresidential use or activity, but the area of such signs shall be included in the total allowable sign area in Subsection D above.

Banners, flags and pennants and other moving signs used for advertising purposes, whether containing a message or not, may be permitted to advertise special events, including but not limited to grand openings, special sales, and promotion of seasonal events or products, provided the following conditions and procedures are followed:

Signs permitted in § 215-39, as applicable.

One freestanding sign, which shall be permitted for each principal structure, shall not exceed 50 square feet, plus 10 square feet for each separately operated use or activity in the structure, if there be more than one, provided that such use has its own separate exterior entry. In no case shall any sign exceed 100 square feet in area on either of two sides. Such signs shall not be located within five feet of a street line. Such signs shall not be more than 19 feet in height from grade to top of the sign. One additional sign may be permitted at a secondary entrance driveway but shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.

One wall sign may be placed or inscribed upon the entry facade of a building for each permitted use or occupant, provided that such use has its own separate exterior entry. Such signs shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the ground floor entry facade area of the building or portion thereof devoted to such use or activity and shall not project more than 12 inches in front of the facade of the building. Such signs may be illuminated.

Multiunit properties are permitted one freestanding directory-of-occupants sign, not exceeding 40 square feet in area nor 10 feet in height. This sign may be illuminated by external nonflashing light which shall be shielded to prevent glare in a public street or adjacent area.

Up to two ancillary signs shall be permitted for each nonresidential use or activity, but the area of such signs shall be included in the total allowable sign area in Subsection B above.

Signs permitted in § 215-39, as applicable.

One wall sign may be placed or inscribed upon the entry facade of a building for each permitted nonresidential use or activity. Said sign shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the ground floor facade upon which it is placed and shall not project more than 12 inches in front of the facade.

One sidewalk or A-frame-type sign and one temporary banner type sign shall be allowed at any one time, provided that the sidewalk sign does not exceed 10 square feet on any one side, and the banner sign does not exceed 20 square feet on any one side. These signs must not be permanently installed but must be secured in a safe manner and not be within the public right-of-way, and banner type signs shall not be displayed for more than 60 days in any one year, in accordance with the requirements of § 215-46D.

One shingle sign shall be permitted for each permitted nonresidential use or activity. Such signs shall not exceed 10 square feet on any one side, and this sign area shall be included in the maximum permitted under Subsection B above.

Up to two ancillary signs shall be permitted for each nonresidential use or activity, but the area of such signs shall be included in the total allowable sign area in Subsection B above.

It shall be unlawful to erect, maintain or display a new sign or an addition to an existing sign without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Officer, based upon an application in writing, except as specifically set forth herein.

The following signs are exempt from the application and permit requirements of Subsection A above:

Rules for existing signs. All existing signs must comply with all provisions of this article, except as follows:

Prior to the display of any temporary sign, a notice must be filed with the Zoning Officer indicating the purpose and location, showing the text, identifying the first and last day of intended display and the cumulative total of temporary sign display days for that business, for the calendar year, as of the end of the requested display period. Copies of the notification form are available from the Borough Clerk at no charge.

All signs requiring zoning permits: $25.

All signs requiring building permits: pay applicable fee.[1]