Springfield Burlington County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XX
Signs
§ 215-107 Definitions.
[Amended by Ord. No. 96-4]
In addition to the definitions set forth in § 215-9, the following definitions shall apply to these regulations:
A single structure having two parallel and directly opposite faces, oriented in opposite directions and spaced no more than 10 feet apart.
The average height of that part of the curb directly in front of the area in question.
An imaginary vertical plane which begins at the curb and extends directly upwards.
Official signs and notices, public utility signs, service club and religious notices, limited to those containing directional information about public places owned or operated by federal, state and local governments or their agencies, publicly or privately owned natural phenomena, historic, cultural, scientific, education and religious sites, and areas of natural scenic beauty or naturally suited for outdoor recreation. Directional signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in area.
To construct, build, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or establish. It shall not include any of the foregoing activities when performed as an incident to the change of advertising message or customary maintenance and repair of a sign structure. Customary maintenance and repair shall not include major physical changes, such as increasing in size or height, or addition of or change in lighting.
Any person who conducts a business separate and distinct from that conducted by any other such entity on the same lot or in the same building.
All signs not attached to any building and held erect by supports whose major purpose is to support such sign.
That which faces a public street or highway.
A public right-of-way improved primarily for vehicles. Unimproved rights-of-way, private roads and drives are not to be regarded as highways, roads or streets.
Any structure or part thereof or device attached thereto or painted or represented thereon, which displays any letter, symbol, trademark, word or similar device used to identify the product made or the activity being pursued by any individual, business, service, commercial or industrial enterprise which is displayed upon the lot or premises occupied by such an enterprise for the purpose of apprising the public of the location of such enterprise or the type of activity in which it is engaged.
Signs and notices erected and maintained by public officers or public agencies within their territorial or zoning jurisdiction and pursuant to and in accordance with direction or authorization contained in federal, state or local law for the purposes of carrying out an official duty or responsibility. Historical markers authorized by state law and erected by state or local government agencies or nonprofit historical societies may be considered official signs.
Signs located on school bus stop shelters, which signs:
Identify the donor, sponsor or contributor of such shelter.
Contain safety slogans or messages, which shall occupy not less than 60% of the area of the sign.
Contain no other message.
Are located on school bus shelters which are authorized or approved by Township, county or state law, regulation or ordinance, and at places approved by the Township, county, state or other agency controlling the highway involved.
May not exceed a total of 32 square feet in area. Not more than one sign on each shelter shall face in any one direction.
Warning or informational signs, notices or markers which are customarily erected and maintained by publicly or privately owned public utilities, as essential to their operations.
Signs and notices, whose erection is authorized by law, relating to meetings of nonprofit service clubs or charitable associations, or religious services, which signs do not exceed eight square feet in area.
A structure, building wall or other outdoor surface, or any device used for visual communication, which is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public, or to display, identify and publicize the name, location and product or service of any person.
That area defined by the outside edge of the frame surrounding the sign, or by the edge of the sign if no frame exists. Where no frame or edge exists, the area shall be defined by a projected, enclosed four-sided, straight sides, geometric shape which most closely outlines such sign.
In addition to the definition of “temporary sign” contained in § 215-9, the following additional definition shall also be applicable: Any sign which primarily advertises, presents information about or calls to the attention of the public or any part of the public an event or occurrences which will take place at an ascertainable time or date and place.
Capable of being seen, whether or not legible, without visual aid by a person of normal visual acuity.
A single structure having two faces in the shape of the letter “V” when viewed from above, with the faces oriented in opposite directions.
Any flat sign of solid face permanent construction, including any sign painted, embossed or applied directly on to a wall, which sign is placed against a building or other structure and attached to the exterior front or rear wall of any building or other structure and which does not extend or project more than 16 inches beyond the surface of the portion of such building or structure to which it is attached.
Any sign attached to a glass area or any sign placed immediately behind a glass area and visible from the outside of such building or structure through such window, aperture or glass area of any door.
§ 215-108 Signs permitted in residential districts.
[Amended by Ord. No. 96-4]
A.
The following types of signs shall be permitted in residential districts:
(1)
Home accessory use sign. Signs indicating professional use, accessory use, home occupation or name signs indicating the occupant of a dwelling and trespassing signs, or signs indicating the private nature of a driveway or premises, provided that the area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet, shall not be of neon and shall be situated within the property lines of the premises it identifies.
(2)
Street signs. Official highway route number signs, street name signs, direction signs and other official traffic signs.
(3)
For-sale signs. Signs advertising the sale or rental of premises, and signs bearing the word “Sold” or the word “Rented,” with the name and address of the person to be contacted. The area on one side of any sign shall not exceed one square foot for each 10 feet of lot frontage, with a maximum of 12 square feet, but no such sign need be less than six square feet. Signs bearing the word “Sold” or the word “Rented” shall be removed within seven days after sale or rental of the premises involved.
(4)
Contractor’s signs. Signs of mechanics and artisans, but only during the period of time such persons are performing work, provided that such signs shall be erected only on the premises where such work is being performed, that the area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, and that such signs shall be removed promptly upon completion of work.
(5)
Subdivision signs.
(a)
One permanent freestanding sign for each major subdivision, provided such sign shall not exceed 64 square feet in area on each side. Such signs shall not be closer than 25 feet to the street right-of-way.
(b)
Signs advertising major subdivisions which have received final approval by the Township shall not exceed two in number on any one street or highway, shall not be erected in districts zoned as residential, shall not exceed an area of 256 square feet on each side, and shall not exceed a maximum height of 25 feet above the average ground level in the immediate area of the sign. The location, size and design of such signs shall not constitute a public hazard or be detrimental to the value of adjoining lands and premises, and such signs shall be removed when 90% of the lots have been sold by the developer.
(6)
No-trespassing signs. Signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling trespassing upon particular premises, or indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises, provided that the area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(7)
Name signs. Signs indicating the name of a particular organization, farm or estate, provided that the area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(8)
Roadside stands. Signs advertising roadside stands selling farm products, produce and related products, provided that such signs shall not exceed four in number, shall not exceed an area of 10 square feet on each side of each sign, and shall not be located in any public right-of-way. Such signs must be removed during seasons when products are not offered for sale.
(9)
Painted barn signs. Signs attached to or painted on the wall of a barn or similar farm building, provided that such signs shall not exceed 20% of the total single wall area, including windows and doors.
B.
Number of signs permitted. No more than one permanent sign per lot shall be permitted, unless otherwise specified, for each use permitted in these zones.
§ 215-109 Signs permitted in neighborhood commercial districts.
The following types of signs shall be permitted in neighborhood commercial districts:
A.
Identification signs. Each commercial use may have one identification sign located on or attached to the principal facade of the use. Such sign shall not project more than two feet beyond the building line and shall not exceed 40 square feet in area.
§ 215-110 Signs permitted in industrial districts.
[Amended by Ord. No. 96-4]
The following types of signs shall be permitted in industrial districts:
A.
Facade signs. The main business sign of an industrial use, located on the principal frontage or facade of the building occupied by such permitted use, shall not exceed 200 square feet in area.
B.
Freestanding signs. Each permitted industrial use may have one freestanding sign, provided such sign shall not exceed 150 square feet in area on any one side, shall not exceed 25 feet in height and shall be erected within the property lines of the premises to which it relates. All refuse and paper shall be kept constantly removed from the ground spaces at least five feet in all directions around the sign, and any grass shall be trimmed to not more than six inches in height.
C.
Temporary signs. One temporary sign advertising the sale or rental of real estate on which it is located, provided that the area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed an area of 64 square feet.
D.
Limitation on signs. Signs for an industrial use shall not exceed two in number on any one street or highway, shall not be erected in districts zoned as residential, shall not exceed an area of 64 square feet on each side and shall not exceed a maximum height of 15 feet above the average ground level in the immediate area of the sign. The location, size and design of such sign shall not constitute a public hazard or be detrimental to the value of adjoining lands and premises.
§ 215-111 General provisions and requirements.
[Amended by Ord. No. 96-4]
A.
Permit required. All signs hereafter erected, constructed, altered or maintained, except permitted signs for private residences and temporary signs, shall require a sign permit.
B.
Permit application. All application for sign permits shall be made to the Construction Code Official.
C.
Conformance to regulations. Any sign hereafter erected or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this section and any other ordinance or regulation of Springfield Township not inconsistent herewith. All freestanding signs and attached wall signs shall conform to the structural requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.
D.
Height. Maximum height for freestanding signs, unless otherwise provided in this section, shall not exceed 25 feet.
E.
Location.
(1)
All signs must be located within the property lines of the property on which they are placed, unless otherwise specifically provided.
(2)
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street by obscuring the view.
(3)
No sign or sign structure, other than official traffic signs, shall be erected within the lines of any street right-of-way, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of the Township of Springfield.
(4)
No sign or sign structure shall be located in such a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or highway intersection, or in such a manner as to materially impede the view of the intersection of a street or highway with a railroad grade crossing.
(5)
No sign or sign structure shall be placed on private or public property without the written consent of the owner or agent thereof.
(6)
No point of any sign, including trim, border and supports, shall be located within 10 feet of any property line.
F.
Corner properties. Where a business structure is located at the intersection of two public streets, an additional sign may be erected or inscribed upon the side wall on the side street, provided that such sign shall conform to the requirements for the sign permitted on the facade or principal frontage.
G.
Rear and side wall signs. Where the side or rear of business structure adjoins a public parking area or a private parking area intended for the use of the structure in question, signs may be placed or inscribed on such side or rear wall to identify the business or uses in the structure and access thereto. Such signs shall not exceed 20% of the wall area, including windows and doors, of the wall upon which the sign is inscribed. Such signs shall not be illuminated. Except as permitted in this section, no signs shall be permitted to be placed or inscribed on a side or rear wall of a structure.
H.
Limitations. Except as otherwise specifically provided for, not more than one sign shall be permitted for each use or activity. No part of any sign shall extend above the top or beyond the ends of the wall surface upon which it is placed.
I.
Marquees and canopies. No permanent marquees or canopies extending over a required front yard or over a public walk shall hereafter be erected, except in connection with entrances to theaters, hotels and similar buildings. Business signs placed on such marquees or canopies shall conform to the type and area requirements as herein noted. The area of such signs shall not exceed the maximum aggregate permitted on the facade of the building permitted for such use.
J.
Official signs. Official signs erected by the Township, county, state or federal government shall be permitted in all districts.
K.
Identification signs.
(1)
One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted for schools, churches, hospitals or similar institutions and for clubs and lodges, provided that the area shall not exceed 64 square feet on each side and that it shall be erected within the property lines of the premises which it identifies.
(2)
Identification signs shall be permitted on the principal facade of schools, churches, hospitals or similar institutions and of clubs and lodges, provided that the area of such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
L.
Gasoline stations. Gasoline filling stations, in addition to the main business sign, may display one freestanding sign advertising the name of the station or the principal products sold on the premises, including any special company or brand name, insignia or emblem, provided that such sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area on each side, shall be erected within the property line and shall not exceed a maximum height of 20 feet above the ground.
M.
Floodlights. Floodlights at ground level, or located within 12 feet of ground level, shall be so located and shielded as to prevent any glare or blinding effect upon any lane of moving traffic.
N.
Flashing signs. No sign shall be of flashing type, which shall include any illuminated sign on which the intensity and color of the light is not maintained constant when in use. No illuminated sign shall have a flashing, moving, rotating, oscillating, shuttered or similar device. Signs of which all or any part is in motion by any means, including fluttering, rotating, revolving or other moving devices, are prohibited.
O.
Nonconforming uses. Signs for each lawful nonconforming use shall be subject to and regulated by the provisions herein established for the district in which such use would be a conforming use.
P.
Temporary signs.
(1)
In all districts there shall be allowed temporary signs announcing or advertising any political, educational, charitable, civic, professional, religious or like campaign or event for a consecutive period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year. All such temporary signs shall be removed at the termination of the thirty-day period by the organization or individuals responsible for the posting of such signs or on behalf of whom such signs were posted.
(2)
Temporary signs shall not be, and shall not be considered as, included within the requirements relating to temporary structures and temporary construction as set forth in the Uniform Construction Code.
Q.
Maintenance. Every sign permitted by this section shall be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated shall be removed at the expense of the owner or lessee, on order by the Zoning Officer after a determination of dilapidation has been made.
R.
Color limitation. No sign which is within 200 feet of a traffic control light shall contain or employ either the colors red, orange-red, green or blue-green directly illuminated or in high reflection.
S.
Signs on windows or doors. No sign shall be attached to the outside face of any window or the glass panel of any door except for permanent lettering, provided no letter including the blocking and background is greater than six inches in vertical height or six inches in horizontal width.
T.
Double-sided signs. In the event a double-faced, back-to-back or “V” type sign is used, each side shall be considered a component in determining the total square feet area.
§ 215-112 Prohibited signs.
The following are prohibited:
A.
Flashing lights. No rotating beam, beacon or flashing illumination shall be used in connection with any sign display.
B.
Radio or television interference. Signs with any lighting or control mechanism which may cause radio or television interference.
C.
Safety or ventilation obstruction. Any sign so erected, constructed or maintained as to obstruct or be attached to any fire escape, window, door or opening used as a means of egress or ingress or for fire-fighting purposes, or placed so as to interfere with any opening for ventilation required by law.
D.
Traffic distractions. Any sign which is of such a form, character or shape as to confuse or dangerously distract the attention of the operator of a motor vehicle.
E.
Serial signs. Any advertisement which uses a series of two or more signs or units placed in a line parallel to the highway or in similar fashion, all carrying a single advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.
F.
Mock official signs. Signs which in anyway simulate official, directional or warning signs erected or maintained by the State of New Jersey, county or Township, or by any railroad or public utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of the public health or safety.
G.
Nonresident activity. Signs advertising any business or industry not conducted within the Township.
H.
Traffic glare. Signs which are not effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled way or which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or which otherwise interfere with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle, are prohibited.
I.
Obstructing traffic vision. Signs located in such a manner as to obscure or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device or obstruct or interfere with the driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
J.
Upon natural features. Signs which are erected or maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.
K.
Temporary signs. Temporary signs, except as otherwise provided in this article, unless approved for a specific length of time. All such signs shall be removed at the termination of the time limit.
§ 215-113 Abandoned signs or uses; removal.
All signs and sign structures which are abandoned, which are in a state of disrepair or which advertise a business no longer conducted or a product no longer sold shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structures or land upon which such sign may be found within 10 days after written notification from the Zoning Officer, and upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the Zoning Officer shall cause the removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or structure or lot to which such sign is attached.