Pequannock Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Signs
§ 360-77 Purpose.
The following regulations are adopted to allow for the identification, notification and advertisement of uses of property and of events within the Township of Pequannock in a manner that provides information and safe access for the pedestrian or the motoring public while eliminating clutter and unreasonable distractions. These regulations seek to establish an aesthetic approach to signage based on conformity, relationship to use, location, and the structural context in which a sign is installed.
§ 360-78 Applicability; prohibited signs.
A.
No temporary sign shall be installed unless in conformance with the regulations and permit requirements established herein:
B.
No permanent sign, except as exempted specifically below, shall be placed, painted, created, erected, or structurally modified unless in conformance with the regulations and permit requirements established herein.
C.
The following kinds of signs are not regulated by this article:
(1)
Political signs, flags, emblems or insignia of a county or state or flag of the United States, provided that such flags shall not exceed 60 square feet and are not flown higher than 30 feet measured from the ground.
(2)
Official traffic control devices.
(3)
Signs indicating the location of a court or public office, public park or historic landmark.
(4)
Signs required by law such as the posting of a license or permit.
(5)
Directional signs indicating "entrance," "exit" or "one way" that do not exceed two square feet in area and are less than 24 inches high.
(6)
Decorative flags and balloons as defined herein.
D.
Signs prohibited by this article.
(1)
Billboards or signs posted off the premises of an activity are not permitted in any zone of Pequannock Township, except where permitted as a real estate directional sign or a special event sign.
(2)
Flashing, intermittent intensity or revolving signs shall not be permitted, nor shall any illumined sign of red, green, yellow, or any light placed in a location or manner in which it could be mistaken for a traffic signal or emergency vehicle.
(3)
No person may erect a sign which is affixed to a fence, utility pole, tree or natural object. No sign may be painted directly on the exterior surface of a building or an accessory structure such as a storage tank.
(4)
All other non-defined signs and attention-attracting devices, except as permitted in § 360-81J, which include streamers, strings of pennants, spinners, pinwheels, beacons, inflatables, flashing signs or similar devices, are prohibited,
(5)
No moveable signs shall be permitted except in conjunction with Christmas tree sales.
(6)
It shall be unlawful to utilize a vehicle or trailer as a "structure" to which a sign is attached or placed. Vehicles on which signs are posted (placed, painted upon or erected) and which are parked regularly in a conspicuous location are prohibited.
(7)
Neon signs, that is, signs that are electric ignited neon gas signs, are prohibited.
(8)
Electronic message centers/boards shall be prohibited in all residential districts, all industrial districts and the C-1 Community Business District.
(9)
Window electronic message centers/boards shall be prohibited in all districts within the Township.
(10)
Sign illumination, using LED technology, shall be permitted as back lighting when used as the light source for an electronic message center/board, All other LED lightning shall be prohibited. Section 360-83 provides the regulations governing the use of LED lighting.
(11)
The use of neon or LED outlining of all signs is prohibited in all districts within the Township.
§ 360-79 Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the terms and words set forth below shall be defined as follows:[1]
Business promotion plan that sets forth a planned program for the installation of temporary business signs.
A sign no longer used for its original intent or a sign on a vacant, unoccupied or abandoned property.
Giving, attempting to give, or intending to give any notice or information, or any activity which gives, attempts to give, or intends to give notice, information, or warning.
Sometimes called "Tube man," "Windy man," or "Fly guy," a man-like large inflatable device having huge tube-like sleeves and used to advertise a business.
Any sign on or affixed to any exterior surface of a building, provided such sign does not project beyond six inches from said exterior surface and does not project past any exterior corner of the building.
A structure either detached from or attached to and extending from the enclosed portion of a building and used principally to provide shelter in connection with activities conducted in the principal building. This definition includes but is not limited to fuel station, bank, office and retail store canopies.
Eighteen-inch individually displayed inflatables.
Any temporary sign printed or displayed upon cloth or other flexible material, with or without frames.[2]
Any permanent roofed enclosure including physically related parts.
Specific days set apart during the calendar year for business promotion activity.
A structure either detached from or attached to and extending from the enclosed portion of a building and used principally to provide shelter in connection with activities conducted in the principal building. This definition includes but is not limited to fuel station, bank, office and retail store canopies.
A sign, or portion of a sign, that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged manually, without altering the face or surface of the sign.
The lot or land area associated with a property that is used commercially or is commercially zoned.
An individual flag not exceeding 12 square feet that is not a business sign and which displays no commercial message.
An electronic or electronically controlled message board where scrolling or moving copy changes are shown on the same message board or any sign which changes the text of its copy electronically or by electronic control more than once per hour.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix and shall also include the painting or lettering of any sign, insignia, or letters painted or otherwise affixed to the outside wall of any building or structure or part thereof.
Any agricultural, horticultural, forest or other product of the soil or water, but not limited to fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, meat and meat products, poultry and poultry products, fish and fish products, grain and grain products, honey, nuts, maple products, apple cider, fruit juices, ornamental or vegetable plants, and nursery products.
An event that is held to celebrate a particular thing or activity.
Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure. Ground signs, monument signs and pole-mounted signs shall be considered freestanding signage.
[Added 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
Light emitting from a luminaire with an intensity great enough to reduce a viewer's ability to see, and in extreme cases causing momentary blindness.
A freestanding sign with no visible support.
[Added 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-17]
A large balloon or inflated material that is used to draw attention to a commercial activity.
A unit of luminous flux. One footcandle is one lumen per square foot. For the purposes of this article, the lumen output value shall be the initial lumen output ratings of a lamp.
The complete lighting system, including the lamp, the fixture and other parts.
A freestanding sign with low overall height.
[Added 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-17]
A sign intended to be used for a period which is longer than 30 days.
A freestanding sign with a visible, single support structure.
[Added 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-17]
A structure or device which displays or intends to display any name, identification, description, illustration or lettering, which is affixed to, or painted on, or erected directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or piece or tract of land and which directs attention to an organization, business, product, individual, or service.
The area of a sign shall be the entire display or total gross advertising area within a single continuous rectangular perimeter enclosing the extreme limit of such display space exclusive of any structural or framing elements; provided, however, and with the exception of a canopy, the structural component surrounding the sign area shall not extend more than one foot beyond any edge of the area permitted in the zone district. The area of a sign with two faces that have no angle between shall be the equivalent of the area of one of the faces.
The area or display surface used for the message.
The height of any sign shall mean the distance between the average grade of the site where the sign is located and the highest structural component. Any change in a site's grade specifically designed to increase the sign's height shall be included as part of the sign's height.
[Amended 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05]
Any sign which flashes, revolves, rotates or swings by mechanical means or uses a change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene.[3]
A sign that is mounted to or painted on or attached to an awning, as defined in this article, that is otherwise permitted by this article.
An on-premises attached sign displayed, attached or incorporated into the surface of an architectural projection from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of non-rigid material and/or fabric or a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable.
A temporary sign made of flexible material such as canvas, sailcloth, plastic or waterproof paper.
A sign which contains a commercial message and which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
A sign which specifically or directly calls attention to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is located, or to which it is affixed.
A sign attached to a canopy, as defined in this article.
A sign or portion of a sign that is devoted to and designed for manually or automatically changeable copy text and graphics. Changeable copy signs do not include time, date and/or temperature signs and electronic message signs as hereinafter defined.
A temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking place during the period of such construction, indicating the names of architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, or similar artisans and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors and similar individuals, or firms having a role or interest with respect to the structure or project.
A temporary sign advertising the development, lease or sale of property prior to development but subsequent to subdivision or site plan approval by the appropriate Township board.
Signs listing the tenants or occupants of a building or group of buildings, The respective professions or business activities may also be included as part of the sign.
A sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic image and/or video, which may or may not include text. Such signs include any sign, or portion of a sign, that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages or uses electronic means to change the sign message. Electronic message signs include but are not limited to signs known as "electronic reader boards," "electronic message center signs" and "commercial electronic-variable message signs." Electronic message signs are not considered flashing signs.
[Amended 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05]
Any emergency, safety, warning or traffic sign installed by or at the direction of a governmental authority or with its approval.
A sign that features artificial illumination from a light source which provides light directly onto the sign face, or portion of the sign face, or its background, which light in then reflected back to the viewer,
A banner sign in the shape of a feather or teardrop that is held taught by a spring tension and supported by a single flexible pole.
A sign in which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and/or color at all times.
A sign containing only the name and occupation or profession of a permitted home occupation/home professional office.
Any display or object capable of being expanded by air or other gas and used on a temporary or permanent basis to advertise a product or event.
A sign containing information relating to direction and/or identification of a use that is installed by or at the direction of a governmental authority or with its approval. An information, directional or identification sign shall not contain any commercial content other than a symbol, name or logo of the establishment it serves.
A sign that features artificial illumination from a light source located behind the sign face and which transmits light through the sign face or portions of the sign face to the viewer. Also known as "backlit illumination." Use of exposed neon tubing and similar lighting shall not be considered an internally illuminated sign.
A sign with a changeable surface display area or changeable message. It can also be in the form of an A-frame sign.
A sign capable of being moved or relocated, including portable signs mounted on a chassis and wheels or on legs.
A sign which states the name or address, or both, of the occupant of the premises where the sign is located.
An illuminated sign containing a glass tube filled with neon or phosphorus which is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes.
A legal sign existing at the effective date of this article which could no longer be constructed or installed under the terms of this article.
A temporary sign used in connection with a local, state or national election or referendum.
A sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, including only the following: A-frame signs and sandwich board signs.
A sign listing only the name, profession and/or specialty of each practitioner.
A permanent sign which is affixed to a building at a ninety-degree angle and which extends not more than four feet beyond the surface to which it is affixed.
A flush-mounted sign on the vertical surface and canopy, which is the ornamental or protective roof-like structure erected above the pumps of a gasoline station.
Any temporary sign displayed for the purpose of offering for sale, lease or rent the property on which such sign is erected, affixed or otherwise established.
A sign which replaces the message portion or display area of a conforming sign but does alter the structural components. This replacement does not require a sign permit.
A single- or double-faced portable sign that is intended to be used on a sidewalk or pedestrianway in front of the business for which the commercial message is intended. Such a sign shall have a maximum sign height of three feet with a maximum sign dimension of two feet by three feet with a sign area not to exceed six square feet.
A sign advertising a public or quasi-public event that is sponsored by a nonprofit or government agency.
A sign posted in conjunction with a permitted special sale or exhibition.
A sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface.
[Added 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05]
A sign intended to be displayed for a short period of time, as required by this article.
A sign affixed or painted on a vehicle or trailer and parked at a specific location so that its primary purpose is as a commercial message.
An on-premises sign affixed to the wall of any building and completely in contact with the building throughout its greatest dimension, which does not extend beyond the main wall of the building more than 12 inches except in accordance with these regulations.
A sign which is affixed to the inside of any window or glass portion of a door. Window signs occupying less than 50% of the glass area are not regulated by this article.
Any building, edifice, construction, canopy, awning, device or piece of work or other part thereof, or any combination of the related parts.
The occupation, activity, business operation, or industrial operation maintained or engaged in by any person. Where a business or industrial building contains no partitions or dividing walls, the one or more uses maintained or engaged therein shall be considered as one use. Where such business or industrial building is divided by partitions or dividing walls, the one or more uses maintained or engaged in, in each such division, shall each be considered as one use.
A tapered, tubular cloth vane open at both ends and having on the larger end a fixed ring pivoted to swing freely, to show the direction of the wind and used to advertise a business.
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of "A-frame or sandwich sign," which immediately followed this introductory paragraph, was repealed 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05.
[2]
Editor's Note: The definition of "billboard sign," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05.
[3]
Editor's Note: The definition of "sign, attached," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05.
§ 360-80 Permit procedures.
It shall be unlawful for any person to create, erect, alter, place, or relocate any sign as enumerated in § 360-78A and B of this article without obtaining a sign permit from the Department of Construction and Land Use and, when required, a construction permit from the Construction Official.
A.
Procedure for temporary signs. A temporary sign permit allowing the posting of a temporary sign shall be issued by the Zoning Officer upon demonstration that the sign will conform to the regulations enumerated herein.
(1)
Application. The application for a temporary sign permit shall be made on forms provided by the Department of Construction and Land Use and shall contain the following information:
(a)
Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant and the owner of the premises.
(b)
Signature of owner granting permission to make application.
(c)
Blueprints or ink drawings indicating the dimensions of the sign.
(d)
Drawing or description indicating where on the premises the sign is to be installed.
(e)
Adequate assurances that the Township will be held harmless in the event that a temporary sign causes damages.
(f)
The date on which a temporary sign will be installed or removed or a 120-day plan indicating the installation and removal of temporary signs for the current year.
(2)
Fees.
(a)
Political signs, farm product for sale signs, special event signs, and real estate signs except for real estate directional signs shall be assessed no fee for a temporary sign permit.
(b)
Special sales signs and signs for festivals, exhibitions or shows when permitted in conjunction with another permit or license shall be assessed no additional fee.
(c)
The fee for a real estate open house directional sign permit shall be as provided in Chapter 152, Fees.
(3)
The Zoning Officer shall issue a permit for conforming temporary signs within seven business days of receiving a complete application. The permit for a singular temporary sign installation shall be valid for 30 days. The permit for the 120-day plan permit shall be valid until December 31 of the year in which the application is made.
B.
Procedure for permanent signs. A sign permit allowing the erection of a permanent attached sign or any alterations to the size, structural components or the location of an existing attached sign is required and shall be issued by the Zoning Officer, provided the sign size, structural components, location and/or illumination meets the requirements of this article. A sign permit allowing the erection of a permanent freestanding sign or any alterations to the size, structural components or the location of an existing freestanding sign is required and shall be issued by the Zoning Officer upon approval of a sign application by the Planning Board. A sign permit allowing the erection of any permanent sign or any alterations to the size, structural components or the location of an existing sign that does not meet the requirements of this article is required and shall be issued by the Zoning Officer, upon approval of a sign application by the Planning Board.
(1)
Application. The application for a sign permit for a permanent sign shall be made upon forms provided by the Department of Construction and Land Use, in duplicate, and shall contain or have attached the following material or those from the list below as the Director of Planning may require for review:
(a)
Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant and the owner of the premises.
(b)
Statement and signature of the owner of the property authorizing the application.
(c)
Location of the premises where the sign is to be located.
(d)
Blueprints or ink drawings indicating the dimensions of the sign, including framing and any structural components that will be visible to the public.
(e)
A site plan indicating the location on the premises of any proposed freestanding sign and the distance to the roadway.
(f)
A blueprint, photograph, or ink drawing drawn to scale showing the proposed attached sign or canopy sign in relation to the front facade of the building to which the sign will be attached.
(g)
A description of the color, construction techniques and materials of the proposed sign.
(h)
In the case of a new sign for a commercial property where there are existing signs to remain, the applicant shall supply sufficient information regarding the other signs and the potential for additional tenants at the same location to make a determination as to the conformity of the proposed sign.
(i)
In the case of a new sign on a commercial property where there are existing signs, the applicant shall provide photographs showing that the proposed sign shall be consistent with the existing signs.
(j)
In the case of an application to erect a new freestanding sign, a sketch of the landscaping plan for the base of the sign is required and shall include a listing of any species of plants included on the plan.
(2)
Construction permit. Upon approval of a sign permit, the applicant may be required to make an additional application for a construction permit and shall submit information, as needed, to ensure compliance with the relevant construction codes.
(3)
Fees. An application for a sign permit for a permanent sign shall include a fee calculated as provided in Chapter 152, Fees.
(4)
Review and determination.
(a)
The Zoning Officer shall review an application for a proposed sign to determine whether the application is complete and whether the proposed sign will require any variances. After all required application materials have been submitted, the Zoning Officer will, within 30 days of having received a complete application, schedule a hearing on the application before the Planning Board or approve the sign if it is fully compliant with the requirements of this article.
(b)
The Planning Board shall review and decide on applications for new signs and sign variances and shall act on sign applications within 45 days of the referral from the Zoning Officer. The Planning Board shall apply the standards and guidelines established herein but may vary the standards in a case where, because of an exceptional situation, strict application of the standard would result in exceptional or practical difficulty.
(5)
Appeal. An appeal from the decision of the Planning Board shall be made directly to the court of competent jurisdiction. All appeals shall be made in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
C.
Procedure for abandoned signs. A sign permit allowing any alterations to the size, structural components or the location of an existing and permanent attached sign or freestanding sign is required and shall be issued by the Zoning Officer within 30 days of the request, provided the sign size, structural components, location and/or illumination meets the requirements of this chapter. A sign which replaces the message portion or display area of a confirming sign but does not alter the structural components does not require a sign permit.
[Added 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
(1)
Whenever there is a change in occupancy of a building or premises, including any vacancy of such building or premises, the message of any sign or signs which identify or advertise an individual, business, service, product, or other item that is no longer present or available in the building or on the premises shall be removed.
(2)
The manner of removal of sign messages shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
(a)
In the case of a sign with a painted message, the sign message shall be painted over to match the background.
(b)
In the case of a sign with projecting or movable letters or symbols, the letters and/or symbols shall be removed.
(c)
In the case of a sign where the message is contained on a panel that is inserted into the sign frame or structure, the message panel shall be replaced with a blank panel.
(d)
In the case of a sign where the message cannot be removed without also removing the sign structure, the structure shall be removed unless the owner demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer that the sign message could reasonably apply to the next occupant of the building or premises. If the sign message does not accurately identify or advertise the next occupant of the building or premises, or any product, service or other item available at the premises, the sign structures shall be removed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for said occupant.
§ 360-81 Temporary signs.
A.
Real estate signs.
(1)
"For sale/for lease/sold" signs. One sign per lot to advertise the sale or rental of premises upon which the sign is located by the owner or a real estate agent or broker is permitted. The sign is not to exceed an area of six square feet in residential districts or 16 square feet in all other districts. The sign shall be removed within seven days after consummation of a sale or lease transaction.
(2)
"Open house" sign. One sign, in addition to the "for sale/for lease/sold" sign, may be placed on the subject property. The sign shall not exceed six square feet in size in residential districts or 16 square feet in all other districts.
(3)
Open house directional sign. A maximum of two directional signs per open house are permitted. Said directional signs must be located within a Township right-of-way and are prohibited from being located on private property.
[Amended 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05]
(4)
Realtors shall be required to obtain a yearly permit for placing "for sale," "open house," and open house directional signs throughout the Township of Pequannock. As properties are listed throughout the year, the realtor is required to provide the Township Department of Construction and Land Use with the locations of the "open house" and open house directional signs. This information must be provided by Thursday, 12:00 noon, prior to the open house. For sale/for lease/sold signs are exempt from Department of Construction and Land Use notification.
B.
Land development signs. Signs advertising the sale of property or structures in developments of two or more lots and signs advertising the opening or construction of a new business shall be permitted for a period of up to three months, or until the signing of the contract or transaction of sale or lease of the last lot or structure in the development, or until a certificate of occupancy is issued for a new business, whichever event occurs last. Such signs are renewable for cause by the Construction Official. Such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in size and shall otherwise conform to the sign regulations of the affected district. No such sign shall be permitted until subdivision and/or site plan approval, as required, has been granted by the appropriate Pequannock Township board.
C.
"Building under construction" sign. One sign advertising a building under construction that has received site plan approval and has been issued a building permit is permitted. The sign shall be no larger than 12 square feet. The sign shall be removed within five days after the issuance of the certificate of occupancy or the installation of approved permanent signs, whichever may be sooner.
D.
Farm products sales. A temporary farm products sale sign may be installed during the time period that the products are for sale only. These signs shall not be installed closer than 10 feet to the property line and shall not exceed 36 inches in height.
E.
Festival, exhibition or show signs. One sign indicating the location of a festival, exhibition or show is permitted at the location of the event, one sign indicating the location of a festival, exhibition or show is permitted off site and one directional sign is permitted off site in conjunction with a festival, exhibition or show license issued by the Township Clerk. A festival, exhibition or show sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area at locations that do not front on Route No. 23 or 24 square feet in area when posted along the highway. Any off-site sign indicating the location of a festival, exhibition or show may be located on an electronic message board in accordance with the LED requirements of § 360-83.
F.
Special sales. One sign is permitted in conjunction with a special sale. This shall be a banner sign that is attached to a building and which does not exceed 24 square feet in area.
G.
Christmas tree sales. An A-frame sign shall be permitted in conjunction with a Christmas tree sale, provided that the area does not exceed 15 square feet (each side), that it is placed five feet from the public right-of-way, and that it does not obstruct visibility.
H.
Special event signs. One sign per lot may be installed to announce any educational, charitable, civic, religious or like event, for a consecutive period not to exceed 30 days. No such sign shall exceed six square feet in area; however, special event signs posted along Route 23 shall be limited in number to two signs, one on the northbound side and one on the southbound side, and said signs shall not exceed 24 square feet. Special event banners flown over the Turnpike shall not exceed 100 square feet. No special event sign shall be posted on any lot without permission of the owner of that lot. The posting of these signs on Route 23 or the Turnpike requires the approval of the Planning Board.
I.
Business promotion signs.
(1)
Temporary business signs, wind socks, air dancers, feathers or banners are permitted in the C-1 Community Business District. One banner and one other temporary sign shall be permitted with the total area of all temporary signs not to exceed 12 square feet.
[Amended 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05]
(2)
Temporary business signs, wind socks, air dancers, feathers or banners are permitted in the C-2, C-3 and C-4 Districts. One banner and one other temporary sign shall be permitted with the total area of all temporary signs not to exceed 36 square feet.
(3)
Banners and wind socks must be securely attached to the building where the business being advertised is located. In the case of wind socks, air dancers or feathers, these temporary signs must be appropriately secured to the ground and located on the subject site and not within the right-of-way of any roadway or within any sight triangle.
(4)
A temporary promotional business sign may be posted for a period of 30 days unless it is part of an approved 120-day plan, and then according to the plan.
(5)
No business shall be permitted a temporary or promotional sign installation for any time period in excess of 120 days in one year.
J.
New business promotion. Strings of streamers or pennants, spinners, wind socks, air dancers, feathers or similar devices are permitted to advertise the opening of a new business. These devices may be displayed for a period of 15 days beginning with the day of the opening. In the case of wind socks, air dancers or feathers, these temporary signs must be appropriately secured to the ground and located on the subject site and not within the right-of-way of any roadway or within any sight triangle.
§ 360-82 Permanent signs.
A.
Signs in residential districts.
(1)
Permitted signs. The following kinds of signs are permitted in residential zone districts: a freestanding or attached sign identifying the name of the occupant, an attached sign identifying a permitted home occupation, an attached or freestanding sign identifying a professional use, and signs approved by the Planning Board for a conditional use.
(2)
No more than one permanent sign is permitted on any residentially used lot.
(4)
A permanent sign in a residential zone, except a sign attached to a mailbox, shall not be closer than 10 feet to a property line and, except for professional use signs, shall not exceed 36 inches in height. The height for a professional use sign shall not exceed 48 inches or four feet.
(5)
Except for a conditional use approved by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, no sign in residential areas shall be internally lit.
B.
Signs permitted in business districts.
[Amended 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05; 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
(1)
C-1 Community Business District, CBD-1 and CBD-2 Business Districts.
(a)
Signs permitted: ground or monument signs, freestanding signs, projecting signs, attached or awning signs, menu board signs, A-frame or sandwich board signs, window signs and banners. All other signs not listed herein are prohibited.
(b)
Number of signs: two signs, one of any category of sign listed above, shall be permitted for each use. (Temporary signs and window signs occupying less than 50% of the glass area are exempt from this count.) One permanent freestanding sign is permitted for each commercial property, and where there are many uses on said property the freestanding signage for each use must be accommodated on one sign.
(d)
No freestanding sign shall be closer than five feet to the right-of-way or exceed a height of nine feet. A freestanding sign shall be permitted only where there is a ten-foot front yard setback and where landscaping has been provided. The determination as to adequate space and landscaping will be made by the Planning Board during review of the sign application.
(e)
No attached sign or projecting sign shall be installed that projects above the roofline of the structure or facade to which it is attached.
(f)
With the exception of a sign advertising a business while it is open, no sign shall be illuminated between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Sign lighting shall not produce glare.
(g)
One sandwich board or A-frame sign shall be permitted to be located within the front yard setback or on the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the corresponding commercial use, provided the sidewalk has a minimum width of five feet. Such a sign shall have a maximum sign height of three feet with a maximum sign width of two feet by three feet with a sign area not to exceed six square feet. Such sign may be placed in the front yard or on the sidewalk between 8:00 a.m. and dusk. Such sign shall not be decorated with balloons, streamers, flags or similar embellishments or be lighted with any electronic devices.
(2)
C-2 Highway Commercial District and C-3 and C-4 Regional Commercial Districts.
(a)
The following kinds of signs are permitted in the C-2 Highway Commercial District and C-3 and C-4 Regional Commercial Districts: freestanding signs, attached or awning signs, electronic message centers/boards, and window signs and banners. Electronic message boards are regulated by § 360-83 of this article.
(b)
One freestanding sign is permitted for each commercial property, and where there are many uses on said property the freestanding signage for each use must be accommodated on one sign. One attached sign or one awning sign is permitted for each use. (Temporary signs and window signs up to 50% of the window are not included in this count.)
(c)
Sign area.
[1]
Freestanding signs in shopping centers shall be permitted as follows:
[a]
One freestanding sign per main driveway entrance to identify the shopping center and the occupants therein, not to exceed 100 square feet. The total area of such signs shall not exceed 200 square feet, and signs shall not be closer to one another than 1,500 feet.
[b]
No such sign shall exceed 24 feet in height.
[c]
Such signs shall be located so that the plane of the largest surface area of such sign is perpendicular to the road and set back at least 1/2 the distance of the required front yard depth of the zoning district in which the sign is located, and no sign shall encroach upon the side yard setbacks.
[d]
The freestanding signs herein provided for shall be in lieu of all other freestanding signs in this section.
[2]
Attached or awning signs.
Area of Storefront (square feet) | Sign Area in Square Feet |
|---|---|
0 to 600 | 40 |
601 to 1,000 | 50 |
1,001 to 2,000 | 50 or 5% of facade whichever is larger |
2,001 to 4,000 | 100 or 4% of facade whichever is larger |
4,001 to 6,000 | 160 or 3.5% of facade whichever is larger |
8,000 up | 210 |
[3]
Electronic message centers/boards are permitted in conjunction with an attached or freestanding sign but must be accommodated so that the area of all signage does not exceed the total area permitted. Electronic message boards are regulated by § 360-83 of this article and the following:
[a]
An electronic message center/board shall not exceed three feet in height and nine feet in width.
[b]
The area of the electronic message center/board shall not exceed the permitted sign area or 18 square feet, whichever is less.
[c]
The message center/board background shall be black with light-colored text, typically white, yellow or red.
[d]
If lighting is proposed, all freestanding signs shall be internally illuminated. The minimum amount of light required to allow the sign to be readable shall be used and it shall be appropriate for the character of the site and the surrounding land uses. The use of LED lighting shall be in compliance with § 360-83.
(d)
The height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 24 feet and the horizontal edge of the display area shall be a minimum of seven feet from the ground. A freestanding sign shall be set back 10 feet from the public right-of-way.
(e)
The upper horizontal edge at an attached or awning sign shall not be installed higher than the extent of the vertical wall to which it is attached or 24 feet, whichever is less.
(f)
Both internal and external sign lighting is permitted; however, lighting shall not produce glare.
(3)
Signs permitted at gasoline stations.
(a)
The following kinds of signs are permitted at gas stations: freestanding signs, attached or pump island canopy signs, signs over entrance bays, customary lettering or other insignia which are a structural part of the gasoline pump, a credit card sign, a sign indicating the location of a waste oil recycling facility, and banner signs.
(b)
The number of signs shall be limited as follows: one freestanding sign, four attached signs, provided that three of these are permitted only if attached to a pump island canopy, one sign over each bay, one credit card sign, one oil recycling facility sign and pump signs as required by law. Electronic message boards are regulated by § 360-83 of this article.
(d)
No freestanding sign shall be located closer than five feet to the right-of-way and no freestanding sign shall exceed 24 feet in height or shall have the lowest edge of the display area closer than 10 feet to the ground.
(e)
No attached sign shall be permitted that is higher than the vertical wall to which it is attached.
(f)
Internal and external lighting is permitted. LED lighting may be used for the display of fuel prices in accordance with § 360-83.
(g)
A credit card sign or a sign advertising the location of a waste oil recycling facility may be attached to the building facade.
C.
Signs permitted in industrial districts.
[Amended 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
(1)
The following kinds of signs are permitted in industrial zone districts: freestanding signs and attached signs. In the I-2 Zone District, pole-mounted signs shall be prohibited.
(2)
No more than one attached sign and one freestanding sign is permitted for any use. No more than one freestanding sign is permitted for each commercial property, and where there is more than one use on said property the freestanding signage for each use must be accommodated on one sign.
(4)
No permanent sign shall be installed closer than 10 feet to the property line or higher than the extent of the vertical wall.
(5)
External and internal lighting is permitted in industrial zones; however, no sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(6)
Electronic message centers/boards are specifically prohibited.
D.
Signs permitted for institutional uses.
(1)
The kinds of signs that are permitted at schools and churches or at other institutions of a public or quasi-public nature are as follows: freestanding signs, attached signs, and changeable letter signs.
(2)
The number of signs shall be limited as follows: one freestanding sign and one changeable letter sign and one attached sign are permitted on an institutional building.
(3)
The size of signs permitted in conjunction with an institutional use shall not exceed the following dimensions:
(a)
Freestanding: 20 square feet.
(b)
Attached: 1% of building facade.
(c)
A changeable letter sign shall not exceed nine square feet, except that if it is installed in conjunction with a freestanding sign, the total area of the freestanding sign and changeable letter sign shall not exceed 30 square feet.
(4)
No freestanding signs shall exceed eight feet in height nor shall they be located closer than 20 feet to any property line. No attached sign shall be installed such that the top edge is higher than 14 feet measured from the ground.
(5)
External and internal lighting is permitted; however, no sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(6)
Electronic message centers/boards are specifically prohibited.
E.
Directional signs.
(1)
Signs that indicate the location of churches, schools or similar institutional uses shall be allowed at a location other than that of the institutional use provided that these signs are approved by the Planning Board.
(2)
A directional sign shall not exceed three square feet and shall not be posted without permission of the owner of the property where the sign will be installed.
§ 360-83 Light emitting diode (LED) signs.
A.
Movement, including flashing, scrolling or rotating so as to draw attention, is prohibited.
B.
The following regulations shall apply to an electronic message board:
(1)
The background of the electronic message area shall be black.
(2)
Electronic messages (text and logos) must be static or depicted for a minimum of one hour.
(3)
The electronic message area shall be restricted to the bottom portion of the allowable sign.
(4)
Electronic messages (text and logo) shall be of one color and shall be red, green or amber in color.
(5)
Animated signs, signs that change, image signs, video signs or tri-vision signs shall be prohibited.
(6)
The maximum brightness level for electronic message boards and fuel price signs shall not exceed 0.2 footcandle over ambient light levels measured within 150 feet of the source.
(7)
The owner/user shall reduce the level of brightness if determined by the Township that the light level exceeds the levels specified.
(8)
The electronic message area shall be programmed to dim and brighten automatically in response to changes in ambient light.
(9)
Prior to issuance of a permit for the sign, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer or installer that the light intensity has been preset to automatically adjust the brightness to these levels or lower. Reinspection and recalibration may be periodically required by the Township in its reasonable discretion, at the permittee's expense, to ensure that the specified brightness levels are maintained at all times.
(10)
The electronic message area shall be controlled electronically by a computer or other similar device that has a manual override.
(11)
The electronic message area, exclusive of the time and temperature, shall be turned off at all times when the business or use that it serves is closed. LED signs may remain on until 11:00 p.m. The display of time and temperature is exempt from this requirement. LED signs that display fuel prices are exempt from this requirement.
(12)
The electronic message area shall either freeze or go blank in the event of a malfunction.
(13)
LED signs shall only be permitted in the C-2, C-3 and C-4 Zoning Districts of the Township. LED signs in the C-1 District are only permitted associated with the fuel pricing signs in accordance with Subsection B(19).
(14)
LED signs shall only be allowed as freestanding ground signs and shall not be in addition to the number of permitted freestanding signs.
(15)
No LED sign shall be located within 100 feet of a residential use.
(16)
LED signs shall only display promotional messages of a good or service that is being offered at the place of business on the specific site/lot that the sign is located, with the exception of advertisements for community events and events for local recreation and civic organizations.
(17)
Only static messages may be provided on electronic message centers/boards, exclusive of time and temperature which may change as required. Such messages may only be changed every hour.
(18)
In all nonresidential districts, fuel prices on signs at gas stations may be displayed in electronic numbers in lieu of changeable copy numbers.
(19)
Signs used to display fuel prices shall be for the exclusive use of the display of fuel prices and not display any other type of message or advertisement. Signs that display fuel prices may not change until a change in the price of fuel has occurred. The fuel price displayed on an electronic message board shall not scroll, move or flash and must be static. The fuel prices shall not exceed 12 inches in height in the C-2, C-3, and C-4 Districts and eight inches in the C-1 District. All fuel prices shall be either red or green in color.
§ 360-84 General sign guidelines.
A.
There shall be uniformity of signage on each lot.
[Amended 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05]
B.
Letters of adequate size to be legible at highway speeds shall be used.
[Amended 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05]
C.
Freestanding signs should be supported on a base designed to match building materials and architectural design.
D.
No more than two colors should be utilized on any one sign.
E.
C-1, CBD-1 and CBD-2 District guidelines.
[Amended 4-27-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-05; 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16]
(1)
Signs should be located at pedestrian level.
(2)
Attached signs should be no more than two feet high and located below the second floor level of the building.
(3)
Wood and metal sign materials are recommended.
(4)
External lighting is preferred as is a "colonial" style and colors.
(5)
Replacement of nonconforming signs with conforming signs in furtherance of improving the business district shall be encouraged.
§ 360-85 Nonconforming signs and sign structures.
A.
A sign that has been approved by the Planning Board and been issued a building permit prior to the date of this article shall be a nonconforming sign which may be repaired or replaced upon demonstration to the Director of Planning of such legal preexisting status.
B.
A nonconforming sign or sign structure which is destroyed or damaged by any casualty may be restored within three months after such destruction or damage.
C.
A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall be removed within 90 days if the building containing the use to which the sign is accessory is demolished or destroyed to an extent exceeding 50% of the building's appraised value.
§ 360-86 Sign maintenance and repair.
If the Zoning Officer or Construction Official finds that a sign is in need of repair due to graffiti, faded conditions, is without an insert or has broken parts or because it is unsafe or insecure, the Zoning Officer or Construction Official may cause sign maintenance or repair. In such instances, a notice of violation will be mailed to the property owner and, where applicable, the owner of the business. The responsible person will have 10 days to complete the repair or such time as agreed to by the Zoning Officer and shall notify the Zoning Officer as to when the repair has been accomplished. Failure to complete the work or to notify the Zoning Officer within the specified time frame will subject the responsible party to further legal action and fines as described below.
§ 360-87 Violations and penalties.
A.
Permanent signs. Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this article pertaining to permanent signs and failing to abate said violation within the time frame agreed to by the Zoning Officer is subject, upon conviction, to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days at the discretion of the court. Every day that a violation continues after the expressed amount of time provided to remedy the violation shall be deemed a separate offense.
B.
Temporary signs. Any person, firm or corporation convicted of violating any provision of this article pertaining to temporary signs shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 nor less than $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and $200 for the third and any subsequent offense. Every day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate violation of this article.