Runnemede City Zoning Code
§ 395-18
Signs.
[Amended 12-30-2013 by Ord. No. 13-22; 11-5-2014 by Ord. No. 14-20]
A.
Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, use, type, number, location, size, design, and maintenance of all signs. This section is intended to regulate and control signs and their placement and construction throughout the Borough of Runnemede. Each site plan or subdivision application shall include, where necessary, a sign plan showing the specific design, location, size, height, construction and illumination of proposed signs in accordance with the regulations within this chapter. All signs require a sign permit from the Construction Code Official or Zoning Officer unless specifically exempted, regardless of whether or not the sign is proposed in conjunction with a site plan or subdivision application.
B.
Purpose and intent. The purpose of the sign regulations is to provide a legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signage that will preserve the right of free speech and expression, provide an easy and pleasant communication between people and the built environment, protect the scenic qualities of the Borough, and avoid visual clutter that is potentially harmful to the character of the community, the aesthetics of the Borough, and potentially unsafe for motorists and pedestrians. The sign regulations are intended to minimize the potential for safety hazards, create a more productive, enterprising and professional business atmosphere, and to enhance the architectural and aesthetic character of each zoning district.
C.
Fees. The fee for a sign application and permit is $25. This applies to both permanent and temporary signs.
E.
Grandfather clause. Signs that legally existed prior to the effective date of the sign code section rendering the sign nonconforming are afforded "grandfathered" status and may continue to exist as conforming signs, until such time as they are altered as set forth in Subsection H(3) below.
F.
Exempt signs. The following signs are exempt from the need to secure permits:
(1)
Signs required by law.
(2)
Official government agency signs, including traffic control or police signs, emergency, historical markers, and signs posted by governmental agencies.
(3)
Any sign carried by a person.
(4)
Decorations for any officially recognized holiday, provided that they do not create a fire or traffic hazard and provided that the decorations are removed within 30 days after the holiday.
(5)
Political signs associated with an election or referendum provided that such signs are on private property, and are erected no more than 30 days prior to the election and are removed within seven days after the day of voting.
(6)
Temporary yard or garage sale signs, provided that such signs are erected on private property, are no more than four square feet in area, are erected no more than seven days before the sale and are removed within 48 hours after the sale (and in accordance with Chapter 199).
(7)
Temporary real estate signs on the lot on which the real estate for rent or for sale is located shall be limited to one per lot frontage. The signs may not be more than four square feet and four feet high for residential property and eight square feet and six feet high for commercial property. The real estate sign must be removed within 14 days of closing the sale or rental of the property. Open-house signs are permitted only on the day of the open house and not within the public right-of-way.
(8)
Temporary (30 days or less) banners advertising special community events sponsored by or held by the Borough, county, school district, Fire Department, or other public entity.
(9)
American, state, county and Borough flags.
(10)
No-trespassing signs.
(11)
Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers or names of occupants of premises.
(12)
Directional signs and entrance and exit signs on commercial properties, provided, that such signs do not exceed two square feet in area and do not contain an advertising message, and further provided that the number and location of said signs area approved by the Planning Board pursuant to the Board's procedures.
(13)
Permanent and temporary window signs visible from the exterior of the building, provided that no more than 25% of the total window and door areas may be covered or obscured by window signs.
(14)
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings that do not include letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights.
G.
Prohibited signs. Any other provisions of this section notwithstanding, the following signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts unless otherwise specified:
(1)
Signs which contain or are an imitation or simulation of an official traffic signal, directional, or warning sign erected or maintained by the State of New Jersey, Camden County or Borough of Runnemede.
(2)
Signs that hide or obstruct from view any traffic signal or sign, or that obstruct sight triangles.
(3)
Signs which are designed to move, flash, scroll, or display movement or the illusion of movement, either by mechanical or other means.
(4)
Signs which contain or consist of banners, posters, pennant ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners, or other similarly moving devices (this does not include permitted flags or permitted temporary signs).
(5)
Signs which emit odors or smoke or produce noise or sound.
(6)
Signs located or placed on any tree, telephone or utility pole, or light standard or upon rocks or other natural features.
(7)
Signs projecting above the roof or the main cornice line of the building to which it is affixed.
(8)
Outdoor, off-site commercial advertising signs/billboards and signs located on a lot other than the lot occupied by the use, event, or product which such sign advertises.
(9)
Portable signs, such as those on wheels.
H.
General regulations and requirements.
(1)
Any sign hereafter erected in Runnemede Borough which is exposed to public view shall conform with the provisions of this article and any other ordinance or regulation of Runnemede Borough, Camden County, or the state or federal government relating to the erection, alteration or maintenance of signs. In the event of conflicting regulations, the most restrictive regulation shall prevail. Signs shall be considered accessory uses in all zoning districts when placed in association with a principal use on the same site and when placed in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
(2)
Sign plan requirements. No sign other than exempt signs shall be erected without first obtaining a permit from the Code Official. Permit applications for signs larger than two square feet in area shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn to scale, showing details of the sign including dimensions and size, materials, and method of illumination. For facade signs the location on the building must be identified. For freestanding signs, the location on the lot and setbacks from the property lines must be shown. A color photograph of each existing sign on the property shall be submitted with the permit application.
(3)
Nonconforming signs that are structurally altered, relocated or replaced shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. A change in copy for a permitted sign is not an alteration or replacement in accordance with this subsection. Nonconforming signs must be maintained in good condition. If the use of a nonconforming sign ceases for a period of more than 180 days or if the premises upon which the nonconforming sign is located is abandoned, the nonconforming sign must be removed.
(4)
All signs, flags, and banners as provided for in these regulations shall be kept in proper state of repair, in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code and other pertinent regulations. Signs that fall into a state of disrepair so as to become unsightly or to pose a threat to public safety will receive a warning via certified mail from the Zoning Officer, and if after 30 days the sign has not been removed, it may be removed by the Borough at the owner's expense.
(5)
No sign other than official traffic or other similar official signs shall be erected within or project over the right-of-way of any public street or sidewalk except as provided herein.
(6)
Signs shall not be located at the intersection of any streets within the triangular area formed by the right-of-way lines, and a line connecting them at points 25 feet from their intersection. No sign may be placed within a sight triangle as defined by Camden County standards and no sign shall impede or endanger the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
(7)
Illuminated signs in residential zoning districts and in all districts when the lot is immediately adjacent to (including directly across a street) a residential district, must be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This does not apply to residential name plates.
(8)
All ground (monument) and freestanding signs must be a minimum of 50 feet from the nearest other freestanding sign.
(9)
Electronic message signs are permitted in Commercial, General Office, SED, Limited Access and Quasi-Public Zones. They are not permitted in R-1, R-2, or R-3 Zones.
[Amended 11-7-2018 by Ord. No. 18-11]
(10)
Architectural details may extend up to 18 inches on the sides and top of the sign (but may not exceed the permitted height). For monument or ground signs, the architectural base may be up to 36 inches above grade. More expansive walls or architectural elements require site plan approval.
(11)
Facade/wall signs shall be attached to the face of the building in a plane parallel to such face and projecting not more than 12 inches and shall not extend higher than the top of the parapet. Wall signs shall not cover any doors or windows, nor shall they extend beyond the ends of the wall.
(12)
Ground or freestanding signs must have the address of the site identified on the sign.
(13)
The size of any sign shall be computed by multiplying its greatest height by its greatest length, exclusive of supporting structures. See also the definition of "sign area."
(14)
Signs advertising an establishment or use no longer in existence or a product no longer available shall be removed within 14 days.
(15)
Each sign may have a principal message identifying the name of the business and the service offered. Additional advertising of products and services is not permitted on the sign.
(16)
There should be a consistent sign design theme throughout a particular project. The design theme should include style of lettering, illumination, color, height, construction material, size, and type of sign structure. Color of letters and background should be considered in relation to the color and material of the buildings and where the signs are proposed to be located. Signs should be a subordinate feature of the plan relative to the principal structure. The design of a sign must be integrated into the design of the building to which it relates.
(17)
Each business may have one sign in addition to any permitted permanent signs. Maximum sign size shall not exceed 36 inches by 24 inches and shall promote the business on the business site. The sign shall be unattached and displayed in a safe, secure and approved manner.
[Added 4-7-2020 by Ord. No. 20-04]
(18)
Corner properties may have two signs, one on each street.
[Added 4-7-2020 by Ord. No. 20-04]
I.
Temporary signs requiring a permit.
(1)
A temporary sign may be erected for residential developments, commercial sites and office zones, provided that the owner must obtain a permit. The signs must be in good repair and may not exceed 24 square feet.
[Amended 11-7-2018 by Ord. No. 18-11]
(2)
Temporary "grand opening" or special "sale" signs are permitted for commercial uses, including occupants of a shopping center, on a limited basis. Such sign may not exceed 24 square feet. Each site or use may display such signs for not more than a total of six weeks out of a calendar year. The sign must comply with all requirements to protect the public health and safety.
J.
Sign standards for residential zones and residential uses.
(1)
Name plate and address. Single-family residential lots may erect a name plate and/or address not exceeding 1.5 square feet in an area situated within the property lines and not exceeding three feet in height.
(2)
Sale and rental. No more than one nonilluminated temporary real estate sign indicating the prospective or completed sale, lease, or rental of the premises upon which it is located, which conform to the following:
(3)
Residential subdivision. Permanent identification signs for major subdivisions or multifamily residential developments shall conform to the following:
(a)
Size shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and six feet in height.
(b)
One sign per street frontage (frontage of the development on an arterial road) is permitted or one sign per entry into the development, provided that the entrances are separated by a minimum of 300 feet, with a maximum of two signs.
(c)
Signs must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the right-of-way.
(d)
Development signs that are proposed within a median must be shown on the final subdivision plan.
(e)
For fee-simple subdivision developments, development signs should be placed on land owned and maintained by a homeowners' association or must be placed in a sign easement dedicated to the HOA for maintenance of the sign.
(4)
Projects under development. A sign indicating development of premises by a builder, construction company, or developer shall conform to the following:
(a)
Size shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and six feet in height.
(b)
Signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage or one sign for every 300 feet of street frontage with a maximum of two signs.
(c)
The sign shall not be erected until the site plan or subdivision application is approved by the Planning or Zoning Board.
(d)
The sign shall be removed once the project is completed or upon the issuance of the final C.O.
K.
Signs for public, semipublic, and institutional uses. The following standards apply to signs for public, semipublic, and institutional uses, such as public or parochial schools, churches or places of worship, playgrounds, parks, government buildings, utility uses, etc.
(1)
One freestanding monument sign is permitted per street frontage to identify the site.
(2)
Maximum sign area for freestanding monument sign is 24 square feet.
(3)
Maximum freestanding sign height is eight feet.
(4)
Minimum setback from property lines is 10 feet.
(5)
In addition to the twenty-four-square-foot maximum, a changeable copy or electronic message board a maximum of 16 square feet in area may be included as part of the sign (must be attached and not a separate sign) for public schools, public parks and playgrounds, churches, libraries, and government buildings only.
(6)
One facade sign is permitted per street frontage, not to exceed 32 square feet in area.
L.
Signs for the General Office (GO) Zone.
(1)
Each business establishment with access from the outside shall be permitted one facade sign located on or attached to the principal facade of said establishment on each street frontage.
(2)
Facade signs may not exceed 15% of the principal facade area or 40 square feet, whichever is less.
(3)
Each site may have one freestanding monument style sign per street frontage, not to exceed 20 square feet and six feet in height.
(4)
Freestanding signs must be set back a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way and a minimum of 10 feet from side property lines.
(5)
Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Internal illumination for signs must be designed so that only the letters (copy) are translucent and the remainder of the sign is opaque. External illumination must be directed at the sign as not to cause glare.
(6)
A total increase in size and height of up to 10% may be allowed for monument or ground signs that are designed with carved or sandblasted copy and borders and a brick or stone base that complement the building design.
(7)
The base of a freestanding or monument sign shall have a landscaped area around the base, a minimum of 1.5 times the area of the sign. For example a twenty-four-square-foot sign must have a minimum thirty-six-square-foot landscaped area consisting of evergreen shrubs, ground cover, flowers, or other plant material.
M.
Signs for Commercial (C) and Special Economic Development (SED) Zones.
(1)
Retail, restaurant, and service uses.
(a)
Each business establishment on the ground floor of a structure may have one facade sign located or attached to the principal facade of said establishment on each street frontage and one freestanding sign on each street frontage.
(b)
Buildings that have secondary facades visible from public areas from multiple directions within a site may have a second facade sign facing the parking area or internal access drive. The second facade sign may not be at the rear of a building when the rear is primarily a service and loading area.
(c)
Facade signs may not exceed 15% of the principal facade area or 80 square feet, whichever is less. Retail stores containing more than 20,000 square feet GLA may have a facade sign not exceeding 100 square feet.
(d)
Each freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet for each 50 feet of roadway frontage or 80 square feet, whichever is less.
(e)
Each freestanding sign must be set back a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way (property line) and shall not exceed 18 feet in height. The support structure must be designed with brick, stone or other architectural material to complement the building and site.
[Amended 11-7-2018 by Ord. No. 18-11]
(f)
A total increase in size of up to 10% may be allowed for monument or ground signs that do not exceed eight feet in height and are designed with carved or sandblasted copy and borders and a brick or stone base that complement the building design.
(g)
Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Internal illumination for signs must be designed so that only the letters (copy) are translucent and the remainder of the sign is opaque. External illumination must be directed at the sign as not to cause glare.
(h)
The base of a freestanding or monument sign shall have a landscaped area around the base, a minimum of 1.5 times the area of the sign. For example a twenty-four-square-foot sign must have a minimum thirty-six-square-foot landscaped area consisting of evergreen shrubs, ground cover, flowers or other plant material.
(i)
Where a freestanding sign is not proposed in the C zone (such as when the building is close to the right-of-way), a business may instead install a hanging sign to identify the business for pedestrians. The hanging sign may not exceed four square feet and the bottom of the sign must be a minimum of seven feet above the ground.
(2)
Signs for shopping centers or planned commercial developments.
(a)
Shopping centers or commercial developments with more than one use on a site are permitted one multiple-occupancy monument/ground or freestanding sign per street frontage, which may include tenant panels. Individual tenants or occupants may have wall or facade signs or other attached signs as described below, but may not have individual ground or freestanding signs.
(b)
Maximum area for a freestanding sign for a shopping center is 25 square feet for every 50 feet of roadway frontage, not to exceed 125 square feet.
(c)
Minimum setback from the right-of-way for a freestanding sign is five feet and the maximum height is 16 feet. The support structure must be designed to with brick, stone or other architectural material to complement the building and site.
(d)
Facade signs may not exceed 15% of the principal facade area or 80 square feet, whichever is less. Retail stores containing more than 20,000 square feet GLA may have a facade sign not exceeding 100 square feet.
(e)
A total increase in size of up to 10% may be allowed for monument or ground signs that do not exceed eight feet in height and are designed with carved or sandblasted copy and borders and a brick or stone base that complement the building design.
(f)
Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Internal illumination for signs must be designed so that only the letters (copy) are translucent and the remainder of the sign is opaque. External illumination must be directed at the sign as not to cause glare.
(g)
The base of a freestanding or monument sign shall have a landscaped area around the base, a minimum of 1.5 times the area of the sign. For example a twenty-four-square-foot sign must have a minimum thirty-six-square-foot landscaped area consisting of evergreen shrubs, ground cover, flowers, or other plant material.
(3)
Signs for office and industrial use.
(a)
Each office or industrial structure is permitted one facade sign identifying the name of the building, located on or attached to the principal facade on each street frontage.
(b)
Any individual business within an office or industrial structure may only have its own facade sign if there is direct public access from the building to the outside.
(c)
Facade sign size shall not exceed an area equal to or less than 10% of the principal facade area (including window and door area) on which they are displayed, or a maximum of 80 square feet.
(d)
Freestanding sign. Each office or industrial building may have one ground/monument sign on each street frontage, set back a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way and 10 feet from side property lines. The maximum freestanding sign area is 30 square feet and the maximum height is eight feet.
(e)
A total increase in size and height of up to 10% may be allowed for monument or ground signs that are designed with carved or sandblasted copy and borders and a brick or stone base that complement the building design.
(f)
Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Internal illumination for signs must be designed so that only the letters (copy) are translucent and the remainder of the sign is opaque. External illumination must be directed at the sign as not to cause glare.
(g)
The base of a freestanding or monument sign shall have a landscaped area around the base, a minimum of 1.5 times the area of the sign. For example a twenty-four-square-foot sign must have a minimum thirty-six-square-foot landscaped area consisting of evergreen shrubs, ground cover, flowers, or other plant material.
(4)
Menu signs for permitted drive-through restaurants. Drive-through restaurants are permitted one menu sign, which may include the name and logo of the restaurant to which the drive-through is attached, and shall conform to the following:
(5)
Signs for gasoline filling stations.
(a)
Where a gasoline filling station has been permitted by zoning or by variance, a sign is permitted on the canopy covering the gas pump islands.
(b)
One sign is permitted per street frontage, and the maximum permitted area per sign is 16 square feet.
(c)
The minimum clearance under the sign and canopy is 10 feet.