A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this article is:
(1) 
To regulate the placement of signs in all zones of the Township of Riverside where signs are permitted so as to create an attractive business environment that promotes permitted commercial enterprises with a minimum adverse impact on the zone plan and the community;
(2) 
To create uniform sign rules in all zone areas where signs are permitted so as to reduce obstructions and hazards to pedestrian and auto traffic which might otherwise be caused by indiscriminate placement and use of signs;
(3) 
To create sign definitions to guide the placement of signs in permitted areas in the Township.
B. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign no longer used for its original intent or a sign on a vacant, unoccupied, or abandoned property.
AWNING or CANOPY
A roof-like covering (which may be temporary or portable) that projects from the wall of a building for the purpose of shielding building openings from the elements. Under no circumstances can an awning or canopy be opaque so that light can shine through it. Awnings and canopies may extend a maximum of six feet from the exterior wall with the building.
BANNER or PENNANT SIGN
Any sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind. National flags, flags of political subdivisions, and symbolic flags not conveying a commercial message of any institution shall not be considered pennant signs or banners for the purpose of this chapter.
BEACON LIGHT
Any light with one or more beams, capable of being directed in any direction or directions or capable of being revolved automatically.
LIGHT REFLECTANCE VALUE (LRV)
The LRV of a color indicates the amount of visible light that a color will reflect. In theory, true black has a LRV of 0% and absorbs all light. While true white has a high reflectance value of 100% and reflects all light. All color samples have an LRV (for example, paint chips contain the LRV on the back of the chip).
ROOFLINE
The juncture of the roof and the perimeter wall of the structure.
SIGN
Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figure, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
SIGN AREA
The area of a sign which is computed by multiplying the greatest width of the sign face by the greatest height of the sign face. The sign area shall include the sign face and any framing, trim or molding, but shall not include the supporting structure.
SIGN MANAGER
The area or display surface used for the message.
SIGN WINDOW
A sign that is applied to or attached to the exterior or interior of a window or located in such a manner within a building that it can be seen from the exterior of the structure through a window.
SIGN, ANIMATED OR MOVING
Any sign or part of a sign, which changes physical position by any movement, or rotation or which gives the visual impression of such movement or rotation.
SIGN, AWNING
A sign that is mounted to or painted on, or attached to an awning that is otherwise permitted by this chapter.
SIGN, BENCH
A sign painted on, located on or attached to any part of the surface of a bench, seat, or chair placed on or adjacent to a public place or roadway.
SIGN, BILLBOARD (aka "off-premises sign")
A freestanding 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.
SIGN, BUS SHELTER
A sign located in or on a bus shelter, which contains a commercial message and 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.
SIGN, CANOPY
A sign that is mounted to, painted on, or attached to a canopy that is otherwise permitted by this chapter.
SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.
SIGN, COMMUNITY INFORMATION
A sign which contains messages of civic groups, places of worship, and local special events which direct attention to a place of worship, social or community facility, event, club, or organization.
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION
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.
SIGN, CONTRACTOR
Any temporary, on-site sign advertising the name or business of a mechanic, contractor, or artisan performing work on the premises where the sign is placed.
SIGN, DEVELOPER
Any temporary on-site or off-premises sign identifying or directing traffic to a particular site or development under construction for an approved period of time longer than 30 days.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL
Signs limited to directional messages, principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, such as "one-way," "entrance," and "exit." Window signs such as those that indicate hours of operation, credit card acceptance, and business affiliations are considered informational signs. No sign with a commercial message legible shall be considered directional or informational.
SIGN, DIRECTORY
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.
SIGN, EASEL OR SIGN BOARD
A temporary sign, which is a portable, fixed copy sign mounted on a freestanding A-frame pedestal, sandwich board, or easel frame, which is placed outside a commercial establishment and does not protrude into the public right-of-way. Any easel or sign board must be removed and taken in doors at the close of business each day. Under no circumstances is an easel or sign board permitted to remain outside a commercial structure when it is closed for business.
SIGN, FACADE
See "sign, wall."
SIGN, FREESTANDING
Any immovable sign not affixed to a building.
SIGN, HOLIDAY DECORATION
Temporary signs, in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental to and customarily and commonly associated with any national, local, or religious holiday or observance.
SIGN, HOME OCCUPATION or SIGN, HOME PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
A sign containing only the name and occupation or profession of a permitted home occupation or permitted home professional office as defined in § 255-42D(6).
SIGN, ILLUMINATED
A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or in the sign or directed towards the sign.
SIGN, INDENTIFICATION
A sign giving the nature, logo, trademark or other identifying symbol; address; or any combination of the name, symbol and address of a building, business, development, or establishment on the premises where it is located.
SIGN, INFLATABLE
Any display or object capable of being expanded by air or other gas and used on a permanent or temporary basis to advertise a product or event.
SIGN, MARQUEE
A permanent canopy or structure mounted over the entrance of a building, bearing a signboard that is mounted, or painted on, or attached and which is otherwise permitted by this chapter.
SIGN, MEMORIAL OR NAMEPLATE
Memorial signs or tablets, names of building and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface, integral to the construction of a building, or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material mounted on the face of a building, bench, bike rack, planter, pavilion, gazebo, or other structure.
SIGN, MOBILE
Any sign designed to be transported, including signs transported or mounted on a trailer or wheels that do not contain any interior volume for storage or transportation.
SIGN, NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTIFICATION
Signs which identify any type of housing development, by name. No advertising for real estate agents, developers, contractors, builders, architects or others is permitted on neighborhood identification signs.
SIGN, NONCONFORMING
Any sign that does not conform to the regulations of this chapter.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES
See "sign, billboard."
SIGN, PLACARD
A sign made of vinyl, cardboard, paper, plastic, or other similar materials that is either hand-drawn or preprinted and typically supplied by a manufacturer, purveyor, distributor, or similar entity.
SIGN, POLITICAL
A temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates or issues in connection with any national, state or local election.
SIGN, PORTABLE
A sign that is not permanent, whether affixed to, freestanding on or at a building, structure or the ground.
SIGN, PROJECTING
A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and which projects more than 12 inches from such building.
255 Projecting Sign.tif
SIGN, PUBLIC UTILITY
A sign pertaining to identification, warning, or other public utility use or location.
SIGN, REAL ESTATE
A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located.
SIGN, ROOF
A sign mounted on or above the roof of a building. A sign that projects above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat roof, above the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable, or hip roof, or above the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.
SIGN, SPECIAL EVENT
See "sign, temporary."
SIGN, SUSPENDED
A sign hanging down from a marquee, awning, canopy, porch, or roof overhang that would exist without the sign.
255 Suspended Sign.tif
SIGN, TEMPORARY
A sign ordinarily constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, plastic, plywood, or other lightweight material intended to be displayed for a short period of time, normally less than 30 days, exclusive of construction signs, contractor signs, and developer signs. Temporary signs also include any sign, notwithstanding its material construction, designated as "temporary" in this chapter.
SIGN, TIME AND TEMPERATURE
A sign or a portion of a sign whose sole purpose is to indicate the time and/or temperature.
SIGN, TRAILER
Any sign designed to be transported and affixed either temporarily or permanently on any registered trailer typically used in the course of business for deliveries and transport of services, goods, persons, or materials.
SIGN, VEHICLE
A sign affixed or painted on a vehicle or trailer and parked at a specific location for a period of four or more days so that its primary purpose is as a commercial message.
SIGN, WALL
A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and which does not project more than six inches from such building or structure.
SIGN, WARNING
Any announcement or admonition sign such as, but not limited to "beware of dog," "private property," "no trespassing," "no hunting," or advising the public of the use of herbicides, pesticides or any other hazardous material.
SIGNABLE FACADE AREA
The rectangular, continuous area on the wall of a building, which extends from the top line of windows and doors on the first floor, and the bottom line of the second floor windows, roof, or cornice above, in an area that is uninterrupted by windows, architectural details, or openings.
255 Signable Facade Area.tif
TRAILER
A structure standing on wheels, towed or hauled by another vehicle, and used for short-term human occupancy or as a temporary office or for the transport of materials, goods, or objects.
C. 
Applicability.
(1) 
All signs within the Township of Riverside shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
(2) 
No sign shall be placed on, or attached to a building, or erected independently, for any purpose other than to advertise a permitted business or use conducted on the same premises unless specifically permitted or exempted herein.
(3) 
Jurisdictional permits may be required from the following agencies including, but not limited to, the County of Burlington, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and/or the New Jersey Pinelands Commission.
D. 
Approvals required.
(1) 
Each application for development shall include a sign plan depicting a visual rendering of the designed message, trademark, symbol, or insignia, which contains the location, size, dimensions, colors, materials, height above ground, construction, and type of illumination of the proposed sign(s) in accordance with these regulations.
(2) 
Any sign hereafter erected in Riverside Township which is exposed to public view shall conform to the provisions of this chapter and any other ordinance or regulation of Riverside Township, the County of Burlington, the State of New Jersey or the federal government relating to the erection and maintenance of signs. In the event of conflicting regulations, the most restrictive regulation shall prevail.
(3) 
No existing sign shall be enlarged, rebuilt, replaced, structurally altered, or relocated except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(4) 
All signs, whether properly permitted or not, shall be safely and decorously maintained at all times. Failure of the owner or lessee of any premises to safely and decorously maintain any such sign and/or sign structures shall constitute a violation of this chapter. Such violation may result in the Township removing the sign at the building owner or lessee's expense.
(5) 
All development applications shall include all proposed signs to be approved by the Riverside Township Planning Board.
(6) 
In applications where only sign modification is sought and no other site modifications are proposed, any sign exceeding the maximum area, height, or otherwise not in conformance with the requirements of this section shall require application and approval for minor site plan by the Riverside Township Planning Board.
(7) 
No sign, other than exempt signs, shall be erected without first obtaining an approved zoning application from the Zoning Officer. Applications shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn to scale or dimension, showing details of the sign, type of illumination, type of materials, colors, its size, and location on the building and/or lot. Permits for window signs and changeable copy signs shall be valid as long as there is no change in the sign area, location, and type of such signs that have been authorized by the application.
(8) 
A building permit from the Construction Official may be required.
(9) 
Historic District (reserved).
(10) 
Fees shall be established pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 202 of the Code of the Township of Riverside.
E. 
General provisions.
(1) 
No sign other than street, traffic or similar official signs shall be erected within or project over the right-of-way of any public street, sidewalk, or public promenade, except as hereafter provided.
(2) 
Street signs shall be in conformance with the New Jersey Department of Transportation Standards and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, latest edition. The location of street signs shall be determined by the Township Engineer and shall be free from visual obstruction.
(3) 
No signs shall be erected, altered or replaced which are not in accordance with the standards established in this section.
(4) 
No sign except traffic signs and those of a duly constituted governmental body or agency shall be erected within the street right-of-way.
(5) 
No sign shall be placed on any property without the consent of the property owner.
(6) 
No sign shall be attached to utility poles, public structures, trees, stumps, fenceposts, other signs or sign posts, but shall be freestanding or attached to buildings in accordance with this section, except as otherwise provided herein.
(7) 
No sign shall be erected so as to project over any property line.
(8) 
No signs shall be clustered and no commercial shopping center or office complex identification signs shall contain individual signs for individual tenants except as part of an approved site plan or waiver of site plan approval by the appropriate municipal agency.
(9) 
In order to protect the public health and safety, signs shall be placed so that there is no visual clutter, conflict or interference with traffic signs or sight triangles.
F. 
Exemptions. The following signs shall be permitted in any zone without prior approvals.
(1) 
One real estate sign per street frontage advertising the sale, lease, or rent of the premises upon which the sign is located, which sign shall not exceed six square feet. These signs shall be set back five linear feet from all property lines. The sign must be mounted so that the top of the sign is no more than 36 inches above the ground. "For sale" and "sold" signs shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of business being advertised. Temporary directional real estate signs may be temporarily erected to advertise an open house, provided such signs are erected for a period not to exceed 48 consecutive hours in three consecutive days and provided they are immediately removed following the event they advertise.
(2) 
One temporary construction sign of architects, engineers, real estate agencies, and/or corporations on the lot(s) to which it relates. The content of such sign shall consist of an architectural or engineering plan or rendering, contact names and phone numbers and other details of the project for marketing purposes. Said signs shall not exceed three feet high by four feet wide or 12 square feet. In addition, said signs must be removed within seven days of the issuance of the final construction department certificate of occupancy of the project to which the sign relates. It must be mounted so that the top of the sign is no more than 48 inches above the ground, supported by four-inch-by-four-inch posts. The sign shall not be located in any sight triangle and shall be set back five linear feet from all property lines.
(3) 
One temporary contractor sign per contractor shall be permitted only during the period when the mechanic, contractor, or artisan is actively performing work on the lands or premises where the sign is placed. The sign shall not exceed three square feet in area, and shall not be more than three feet above the ground measuring from the ground to the top of the sign. The sign shall not be located in any sight triangle and shall be located five linear feet from all property lines.
(4) 
Decorations for a recognized federal or state officially designated holiday or observance, whether religious or secular, provided that they do not create a traffic or fire hazard, and provided that said signs are erected not more than 30 days prior and removed within 30 days after the holiday.
(5) 
Official municipal, county, state or federal governmental signs.
(6) 
Political and personal opinion signs shall be permitted throughout the municipality. Political signs and personal opinion signs shall be permitted prior to any municipal, county, state or national election or referendum and shall be removed within seven days after the event they advertise. Political signs and personal opinion signs shall not exceed nine square feet and shall not be attached to trees or utility poles. Personal opinion signs not related to an election or referendum, shall not exceed nine square feet and may not be placed for more than 14 consecutive days. All signs identified in this subsection shall be set back five linear feet from any property line.
(7) 
To enhance public safety, premises identification signage shall provide approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers should contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be in accordance with the International Property Maintenance Code as designated by the governing body in Chapter 209 of the Code of the Township of Riverside.[1] Signs denoting the name and address of the occupants of the premise shall not exceed two square feet in area.
[1]
Editor's Note: This chapter was superseded by Ord. No. 2008-06; see now Ch. 330, Property Maintenance.
(8) 
Cornerstone, memorials, tablets or nameplate signs shall not exceed two square feet and shall be masonry, bronze, or other durable material. These signs are associated with historic and civic significance and shall be limited to identification and date of construction of buildings, persons present at dedication or involved in development and construction, or significant historical events relating to the premises or development.
(9) 
Temporary garage sale or yard sale signs placed by individuals who have obtained a yard sale permit, if required pursuant to Chapter 199.[2] Such signs may not exceed three square feet; may not be erected more than seven days prior to such sale; and must be removed within 48 hours after the sale.
[2]
Editor's Note: This chapter was repealed by Ord. No. 2008-13; see now Ch. 305, Peace and Good Order.
(10) 
Flags of the United States of America, any of the individual States of the United States, the county, or the municipality, any foreign nation, and/or any other flag adopted and sanctioned by an elected legislative body or competent jurisdiction, provided that such flag shall not exceed 25 square feet and shall not be flown from a pole that exceeds 35 feet in height. Flags shall be higher than seven feet from the sidewalk elevation or adjacent grade, whichever is less. These flags may be illuminated. Other flags shall be considered freestanding signs and shall be governed by such regulations that may apply in the zoning district in which such flag is located. Flying of flags shall comply with applicable state and federal law.
(11) 
The following firmly affixed or attached signs will be permitted in any public, quasi-public, commercial, or industrial districts without prior approvals:
(a) 
Change in the copy of a changeable sign, so long as the copy is not offensive and is consistent with generally accepted community standards, or a changeable time and temperature sign, once a permit for the sign has been issued.
(b) 
A restaurant menu when displayed in a glass case affixed to the exterior building wall for that purpose, or when displayed on a easel or sandwich board sign located in close proximity to the restaurant entrance located on private property. The area of the easel or sandwich board sign or display case shall not exceed the menu size by more than 30%. Under no circumstances can these signs impede pedestrian flow.
(c) 
Directional and informational window signs including hours of operation, credit card acceptance, and business affiliations are considered informational signs, and are not included in the 25% maximum permitted window sign area. These signs shall be legible from adjacent drive aisles and walkways and shall not exceed a total of six inches in height as measured by a rectangle around the sign and shall not exceed a total of four signs.
(d) 
Flags for holiday decoration, and for other decoration and to indicate a business is open shall be permitted, provided that such flag shall not exceed 25 square feet and shall not be flown from a pole that exceeds 35 feet in height. Flags shall be higher than seven feet from the sidewalk elevation or adjacent grade, whichever is less, measured from the ground to the bottom of any such flag. These flags may be illuminated with a downward light fixture with not more than 100 watts of incandescent light or other light sources of comparable wattage. Under no circumstances can these signs impede pedestrian flow or be displayed when the enterprise is not open.
(e) 
Bus shelter signs.
(f) 
Public utility signs.
(g) 
One internally illuminated sign using the text "open" or "closed" shall be permitted if LED lights or other similar low energy lights are utilized.
G. 
General sign design guidelines.
(1) 
The design of any sign shall complement the design of its host building or site or the overall character of the zone district. Signs should be designed and painted by professional sign makers or experienced graphic artists. Each sign shall be designed in accordance with the following standards. All signs shall have a consistent sign design throughout a particular project. The sign design shall include style of lettering, construction, material, type of pole or standard (wood or metal), masonry, size and lighting. If freestanding, or mounted to a wall, the design shall also include a description and detail of the manner in which it will be affixed to the ground or wall, showing type of hardware (if wall-mounted) or details of anchorage (if ground-mounted). Color of letters and background should be carefully considered in relation to the color of the material of the buildings or where the signs are proposed to be located. Signs shall be a subordinate, rather than a predominate feature of a sign plan.
(2) 
Appearance. Signs shall be compatible with their surroundings. Signs for businesses in a common building, shopping, office, or industrial center shall be compatible with each other. Signs shall relate to and complement their surroundings. Signs attached to the same building shall be the same shape, color and height, regardless of individual business ownership or tenancy in the building.
(3) 
Materials. High-quality materials will ensure that a sign will look attractive, reduce maintenance costs, and last. Sign materials and finished textures shall complement the building materials where the sign is to be placed. Permanent signs shall be made of either wood, high-density foam simulating wood, medium-density overlay and finished plywood, brass, copper, or bronze. Generally, signs made of inferior grade unfinished wood and plastic are inappropriate and are discouraged. Matte cotton and mixed fabrics shall be used for awning signs. Plastic and lexan materials shall be used for internally illuminated signs, but not for exterior awnings or canopies.
(4) 
Placement. Signs shall be designed and placed so that they integrate with the building without obscuring important architectural features or storefront windows. On buildings where it exists, signs shall be placed in the signable facade area. Signs shall be mounted so as to minimize damage to historic building facades. Sign supports shall be finished with architectural details to complement the sign, such as ornamental iron or brass supports and/or routed wood posts and edges to provide detail and relief. Window and door signs shall avoid cluttering and blocking views. Freestanding signs shall be placed so as to appear most visible to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, without obstructing movement or sight triangles.
(5) 
Letter heights and font style. Lettering and character typefaces should match the scale of the building and size of the sign. Consideration shall also be given to any adjacent roadway speed limits and whether pedestrians are in the area. Commercial messages applying to the business entity in words or symbols shall be legible from sidewalks and streets. Taglines and mottoes shall not be required to be legible from sidewalks and streets. In no case shall any letter height exceed 10 inches or 26 centimeters.
(6) 
Color. Colors influence a sign's legibility, character, and general appearance. A sign's colors shall be compatible with the style and color scheme of the building and its neighbors. Color schemes shall be kept simple, limited to two or three colors, not garish and based on a host building's painted exterior detailing, such as window trim and cornices. Earth tones, primary colors, and pastels are appropriate and can be designed with subtle combinations and variations. Fluorescent, luminescent, and iridescent colors and tones shall only be used for traffic safety signs. No sign's color scheme shall clash with neighboring business signs. Signs with a strong color contrast are more legible. A sign with a dark background will make lighter lettering more visible with less glare. Because storefront windows usually appear dark, window signs should be done in light colored paint or gold leaf.
(7) 
Lighting. Decorative light fixtures, such as gooseneck, hooded, historic reproduction, and alcove fixtures, are encouraged that are complimentary to the design of building, sign, and/or site. Signs should be evenly lit with no isolated bright or dark spots. No substantial light or glare may be directed or reflected onto adjacent streets or properties. Internally illuminated signs shall use LED lights to the extent feasible and lettering should be channel set.
(8) 
Energy conservation. The energy efficiency of lighting and electrical power shall be considered for all sign designs and constructions.
H. 
Specific design standards.
(1) 
All height limitations shall be measured from the average surrounding grade to the top or bottom of the sign, as is specified, or its supporting structure.
(2) 
Where any sign, flag, or banner is located over a walkway, sidewalk, pedestrian way, or other public area, the bottom of the sign, flag, or banner shall be at least seven feet above grade level of the pedestrian area.
(3) 
Signs shall be located outside of sight triangles. If signs must be placed in the sight triangle, they shall not obstruct the area between 30 inches and 120 inches above the center line grade of the street or driveway and shall not be erected in any public rights-of-way.
(4) 
Externally illuminated signs shall be arranged to reflect the light and glare away from adjoining lots and streets to prevent glare or blinding effects upon motor vehicle traffic and so as not to cause a nuisance to neighbors of the area. All exterior lighted signs shall be shielded or have translucent fixtures to prevent glare. The external light source shall be focused down when the initial output exceeds 200 lumens, and not upwards towards the sky.
(5) 
An application for an externally illuminated sign must include a lighting fixture catalogue cut or manufacturer's product description sheet with isolux or lumens specifications and mounting information. It shall indicate the lighting intensity (lumens) that would be generated by any lighting devices shining onto the sign and the rest of the property and neighboring properties and the lumens that would be projecting from any illuminated signs as part of the sign plan. (This information is part of the manufacturer's data sheet.) Externally illuminated signs consisting of three or fewer 100-watt incandescent light bulbs, or other light sources of comparable wattage including, but not limited to, compact fluorescent lights of comparable wattage, or LED lights of comparable wattage shall be exempt from submitting a lumens plan. In no instance shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting from internal illumination or external illumination, exceed 20 footcandles when measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance measured one foot from the face of the sign.
(6) 
Signs shall provide 70% contrast between letters and logos and background or field and have dark background or field with lighter lettering to reduce glare and nuisance and to provide enhanced readability. To compute the required color contrast, obtain the light reflectance value (LRV) from the paint sample. Lighter colors have higher LRV and the LRV of light colors for sign text shall not be less than 45. The darker background color shall be lower than 45. Subtract the lower LRV from the higher LRV. Divide the answer by the higher number. Change the number to a percentage and in order for it to meet the identified criteria the number cannot be below 70%.
For example:
Light Color LRV = 50
Dark Color LRV = 15
50-15=35
35/50=0.70 (70%)
(7) 
The sign area of two-sided signs shall be computed using one side of the sign.
(8) 
The area of wall signs shall be computed as follows:
(a) 
For signs that are composed of letters and/or numbers and/or symbols but which have no visible or identifiable box type structure, the area of the initial letter, number or symbol shall be first calculated by drawing a box around the initial letter, number, or symbol and multiplying the height by the length of the box. A box shall then be drawn around the remainder of the sign and the height of this box shall be multiplied by the length. The results of the areas of the two boxes shall be added together to arrive at the area of the sign.
(b) 
For signs with an identified box structure, the sign area shall be computed by multiplying the height by the length of the sign box.
(9) 
Wall signs shall be located on the lintel of commercial buildings, which extends horizontally across the top of the storefront. No sign shall obscure important architectural details of the building. (See signable facade area.)
(10) 
Wall, marquee, projecting, awning, canopy, suspended, and other applied or affixed signs shall be located between the top line of windows or doors on the first floor, and the bottom line of the second floor windows, roof, or cornice above, in an area that is uninterrupted by windows, architectural details, or openings.
(11) 
Wall signs shall not project beyond the roof or sides of the building. Wall signs may not project more than six inches beyond the front surface of the building.
(12) 
Attached wall signs shall be affixed parallel to the wall to which they are attached, and the face of the sign shall project no more than nine inches from the surface of the wall, except that perpendicular signs may be permitted in a particular zone.
(13) 
Prohibited signs.
(a) 
All signs not expressly permitted or exempt from regulation are prohibited.
(b) 
No sign of any type shall be permitted to obstruct sight triangles for driving vision, pedestrian or vehicular traffic, traffic signals, traffic directional and identification signs, walkways, entrances, exits, fire escapes, doorways, other places of business, 48 inches wide sidewalks, or other signs or windows of the building on which they are located, or in any way affect the safety of the public. The Township of Riverside is authorized to remove any such sign at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is located or person or entity responsible for erecting the sign.
(c) 
Billboard or off-premise signs. The purpose of this section is to promote the unique scenic beauty of Riverside. Specifically N.J.A.C. 16:41C entitled "Roadside Sign Control and Outdoor Advertising," prohibits billboards and off-premises signs adjacent to scenic areas and in residential areas. Inasmuch as there are no highways located in or adjacent to the Township and, since residential districts are located in proximity to commercial districts and industrial districts, no billboard and/or off-premises signs shall be permitted in the Township of Riverside. This prohibition extends to any billboard type sign intended to be mounted on the roof of any building. Developer's signs as permitted in this section are exempt from this provision.
(d) 
Commercial vehicles or trailers displaying signage shall not be permitted as signage on any lot or street. Commercial vehicles or trailers displaying signage shall not be parked on a public street in front of the applicable business, or parked on-site in a front yard setback, except for the limited purpose and time period for loading and unloading. Where parking is located only in the front of a building or lot, the signage vehicles and/or trailers shall be parked in the spaces or areas furthest from the street. Nothing herein prohibits a property owner from parking a work vehicle on his/her own property.
(e) 
Additional prohibited signs include but are not limited to:
[1] 
Changeable copy signs, except as otherwise permitted in this chapter;
[2] 
Neon or gas tubing attached to facades and roof lines to accentuate architectural elements;
[3] 
Beacons or search lights;
[4] 
Tethered balloons and/or inflatable and/or inflating nylon objects and signs and similar products;
[5] 
Signs using red, yellow, and green lights which mimic the operation of any traffic control signal;
[6] 
Signs using words such as "stop," "look," "danger," which may constitute a traffic hazard or interfere with the free flow of traffic;
[7] 
Roof signs or signs mounted on the roof;
[8] 
Signs painted directly onto buildings;
[9] 
Pennants, except as may be permitted elsewhere in this chapter;
[10] 
Strings of light (not including holiday lighting and decorations);
[11] 
Inflatable signs;
[12] 
Animated, illusionary, or moving signs;
[13] 
Mobile signs;
[14] 
Mechanical or electrical signs employing devices to revolve, flash or display movement or the illusion of movement, except for time and temperature signs as provided elsewhere in this chapter;
[15] 
Internally illuminated plastic, lexan or vinyl awning and canopy signs;
[16] 
Internally illuminated box, wall, projecting and suspended signs;
[17] 
Signs which present lewd language or graphic sexual depictions;
[18] 
Bench signs; and
[19] 
Hand-drawn and/or pre-printed cardboard, plastic placards and/or temporary signs affixed to windows, doors, bollards, poles, sign supports or other permanent or temporary fixtures, except as otherwise specified in this chapter. Flyers in support of local events are permitted, but must be removed at the conclusion of the event.
[20] 
Banners, except those permitted by action or resolution of the governing body.
I. 
Developer signs.
(1) 
Applicability. All zoning districts.
(2) 
One on-site temporary developer sign for projects that have received final site plan or subdivision approval from the Riverside Township Planning Board shall be permitted. The sign shall identify the project and shall be shown on the final site plan or subdivision map. The sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet and the sign height shall not exceed four feet above the adjacent ground level, measured from the finished grade to the bottom of the sign. The sign shall be located outside of sight triangles and shall be located behind the street line by a minimum of five linear feet. Once construction is completed, and prior to the release of sureties, or when the project is dormant for three months or longer, the on-site temporary sign shall be removed. Failure to timely remove the sign shall be a violation of this chapter and may be removed by the Township of Riverside at the developer or lot owner's expense.
(3) 
Off-premises developer signs directing traffic to a development site, sales office, model homes or similar development shall require a change of use application or site plan exemption by the appropriate Riverside Township jurisdictional board. Prior to submission of the application, the applicant shall obtain outside agency approvals or a letter of no interest from a jurisdictional agency other than the Township of Riverside who may have any such interest, including by not limited to, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the County of Burlington, and/or the Department of Environmental Protection. Developer signs located along a right-of-way with three or more travel lanes shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and the sign height shall not exceed four feet in height measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign. Developer signs located along a street with two lanes or less shall not exceed four square feet in area and the sign height shall not exceed four feet in height measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign. The sign shall be located outside of sight triangles and shall be located behind the street line by a minimum of five linear feet.
J. 
Directional signs. Directional signs shall be permitted on sites where necessary to safely and effectively convey persons to their intended destination. Directional signs shall be required as part of a site plan application, waiver or approval by the jurisdictional reviewing body. The number of directional signs shall be limited to the number necessary to achieve this goal. Directional signs shall be consistent with each other and the site's other signage, and shall be limited to six square feet in area and four feet in height. The signs shall not be used for advertising purposes.
K. 
Public and quasi-public uses.
(1) 
Community event signs sponsored by a civic organization, club, municipality or house of worship shall be permitted.
(2) 
Community event signs shall be no larger than two feet by three feet and no higher than four feet, measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
(3) 
Community event signs shall be set back at least five feet from any street or property line, and such signs may only be erected within 14 days to the event it advertises and must thereafter be removed within three days of the conclusion of the event.
(4) 
Community event signs shall be constructed of durable weatherproof materials and have suitably designed copy and graphics. The municipality reserves the right to reject signs which are incongruous to the neighborhood where it is proposed to be placed or which might pose a health and safety hazard, or which may otherwise be prohibited by this chapter.
(5) 
Community event signs are exempt from permit filing as long as the event has been approved by the Township Committee.
(6) 
A house of worship may have a total of two signs displayed on the property, which shall not exceed a total of 32 square feet. One sign may be an identification sign and one sign may be a changeable copy sign. If only one sign is erected, such sign shall not exceed a total of 16 square feet. Any wall sign must otherwise conform to the design standards set forth in this chapter. Any freestanding sign shall also conform to the design standards set forth in this chapter and must not be placed any higher than four feet, measured from the finished grade to the bottom of the sign. Any freestanding sign must also be placed at least five linear feet behind any property line.
(7) 
Public utility signs shall be permitted, which include warnings, locations, and other required direction information in order to protect public safety.
L. 
All residential districts and uses located in riverside.
(1) 
A permitted home professional office or approved home occupation may have one sign not to exceed four square feet in area or be higher than four feet above surrounding grade level measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign. The sign shall not extend beyond a vertical plane five linear feet from all property lines displayed on the property. Where a permitted building housing a home occupation is located within six feet of the front lot line or the street line one projecting sign may be used in lieu of a small freestanding sign outlined above. The projecting sign shall not exceed four square feet in area. The projecting sign shall be permitted to be located between an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the top of any first or ground floor windows and/or doors and the top of the floor of the second floor.
(2) 
No other displays or changes in facade that alter the residential character of the building shall be permitted in any residential district.
(3) 
Neighborhood identification signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall not project more than 18 inches above ground level and shall not exceed six feet in height.
(4) 
The minimum permitted letter height applying to the trading entity and its logo and not including taglines and mottoes shall be a minimum of four inches and a maximum of eight inches.
(5) 
No window signs shall be permitted in residential businesses.
M. 
Commercial districts and uses except automotive service stations.
(1) 
All building signs. A total of two non-exempt signs totaling no more than 50 square feet shall be permitted to be mounted to buildings and may include the following:
(2) 
Wall signs and marquee signs, as defined. Wall and marquee sign area shall not exceed one square foot in area for each linear foot of frontage of the establishment to which it relates.
(3) 
Projecting or suspended signs, as defined.
(a) 
Projecting or suspended signs with a display area not greater than four square feet shall be permitted under a canopy for each storefront or business service having an individual public entrance from the exterior of the building.
(b) 
Projecting or suspended signs may be provided over the sidewalk if the bottom of the sign is a minimum of seven feet above the surrounding grade, measured from the finished grade to the bottom of the sign.
(c) 
Projecting signs may not project more than 30 inches from the exterior wall of the building.
(d) 
Suspended signs may not extend farther away from the exterior wall of the building than the structure from which it is supported. In no case shall the suspended sign be greater than one foot from the exterior wall of the building.
(e) 
The minimum permitted letter height applying to the trading entity and its logo, not including taglines and mottoes, shall be two inches to a maximum of six inches.
(f) 
Projecting signs shall contain only the name and type of the business but may also include the location address.
(4) 
Window signs. One etched or painted permanent window sign shall be permitted in one storefront window of any retail or commercial business, providing it does not exceed 25% of the window area.
(5) 
Awning or canopy sign. One awning or canopy sign shall be permitted on the awning or canopy provided that the maximum letter height does not exceed 18 inches. Opaque matte cotton and opaque mixed fabric awnings may be illuminated, consisting of three or fewer 100-watt incandescent light bulbs, or other light sources of comparable wattage, including but not limited to compact fluorescent lights of comparable wattage, or LED lights of comparable wattage. Such lighting shall be exempt from submitting a lumens plan. Awnings and canopies are permitted to encroach upon the sidewalk up to eight feet, except the bottom of the awning or canopy shall be located seven feet above surrounding adjacent finished grade level.
(6) 
Changeable copy signs.
(a) 
Changeable copy signs are permitted and shall not exceed one square foot in area for each five linear foot of frontage of the establishment to which it relates.
(b) 
The minimum permitted letter height applying to the trading entity and its logo, not including taglines and mottoes, shall be a minimum of four inches and a maximum of 10 inches.
(c) 
Copy signs shall conform to all other requirements of this chapter.
(d) 
Directory signs. Directory signs shall be permitted in relation to each building provided the directory is no more than six square feet in area and four feet in height as measured from the finished grade to the bottom of the sign. The principal commercial message letter height should be visible from drive aisles and sidewalks and shall be a minimum of two and a maximum of six inches in height. Commercial taglines shall not have a minimum letter height requirement.
(7) 
Neon or gas tubing signs are permitted and subject to the following conditions:
(a) 
No neon or gas tubing sign may revolve, flash, or display movement or the illusion of movement.
(b) 
Neon or gas tubing signs may be installed in windows but shall not exceed 10% of the total window area. The area of neon signs is calculated by creating a rectilinear area around the sign and calculating the sign area within the rectilinear space.
(c) 
Neon and gas tubing signs are prohibited in any lot of the commercial district directly across the street from residential districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map,
(d) 
All neon or gas tubing signs are required to have an initial outlet of less than 200 lumens.
(8) 
Temporary signs.
(a) 
A portable swinger, A-frame, or sandwich sign that can be no larger than five square feet when utilized to advertise daily specials, special events, restaurant menu specials and the like, providing the sign is only displayed when the establishment is open for business. These signs cannot be lighted. Changeable copy lettering is permitted for daily specials only. These signs should advertise the name of the business entity and daily specials. These signs shall not advertise the name of products, manufacturers, or purveyors. Under no circumstances shall these signs impede pedestrian flow or be displayed when the enterprise is not open.
(b) 
Temporary window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total storefront window area, and shall be promptly removed upon termination of the sale or event, and shall not be displayed for longer than 30 days.
(c) 
Temporary banner signs on buildings shall be permitted 14 days prior to an approved event and shall be removed no later than three days after the event. These signs shall not exceed 20 square feet. These signs must be firmly affixed to the facade or the building and must be at least seven feet above the adjacent sidewalk elevation as measured from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign and no higher that the second habitable floor of the building.
N. 
Industrial districts and uses. Each industrial use shall be permitted one square foot of wall and freestanding sign area for each two linear feet of frontage of the establishment to which it relates.
O. 
Maintenance.
(1) 
The general requirements of the International Property Maintenance Code 2006 or later as adopted by the Riverside Township governing body shall apply.
(2) 
All signs shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and in good structural condition at all times. As used in this section, sign maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, the replacement of defective parts or landscaping, painting, repainting and cleaning. The owner of any property on which a sign is located, and any person responsible for the maintenance of the sign, shall be equally responsible for the condition of the area in the vicinity of the sign and shall be required to keep this area clean, sanitary, and free from noxious or offensive substances, rubbish, and flammable waste materials. If the sign at anytime fails to comply with adequate safety standards, the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer shall require its repair or removal within 30 days.
(3) 
The property owner shall be responsible for maintaining all signs erected on a tax lot. This maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, repainting, repairing and cleaning, as necessary. No sign shall be permitted to exhibit:
(a) 
Excessive chipped or peeling paint or lettering;
(b) 
Damaged or broken lettering or signboard;
(c) 
Illegible material due to fading, obliteration, or other condition;
(d) 
Dirty, torn, broken, or otherwise damaged awning, canopy, projecting sign, or other sign support structure;
(e) 
Damaged or inoperative lighting.
(4) 
If the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer determines that any sign is in a state of disrepair so as to no longer be reasonably capable of presenting its message, is a danger to the public health or public safety, or is determined to be abandoned, the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer shall give written notice of the condition of the sign to the owner of the sign and to the owner of record of the offending tax lot. The property owner shall thereafter have 30 days to repair or remove said sign. If said sign is not satisfactorily repaired or removed within the thirty-day period, the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer may thereafter take such actions as are permitted pursuant to this chapter.
P. 
Abandonment. A sign is considered abandoned when one of the following occurs:
(1) 
The business to which the sign relates has been permanently closed;
(2) 
The business to which the sign relates has been temporary closed for more than 180 days;
(3) 
The sign owner and/or the tax lot owner have failed to respond to a notice from the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer that the sign is in disrepair within 10 consecutive business days; or
(4) 
Abandoned signs and their supporting structures shall be removed within 30 days. The Township may thereafter take such actions as are permitted, pursuant to this chapter.
Q. 
Permits, fees.
(1) 
All signs, excluding those specifically exempted within this section, shall require an approved application from the Zoning Officer and any and all applicable permits from the Construction Code Official. The applicant shall furnish the Zoning Officer with the necessary information from which to determine whether the subject sign meets the requirements of this section.
(2) 
Individual signs placed within a multiple sign structure subsequent to its installation shall require a separate permit.
(3) 
Where the erection of a sign has not been completed within six months after the date of issuance of an approved application, the application shall become null and void. The Zoning Officer shall have the discretion to grant a reasonable continuation of time after this six-month period where unavoidable conditions prevented the initiation of, or completion of, work within the prescribed time period. Failure to complete the installation within six months, without an approved extension, shall require reapplication by the sign applicant.
(4) 
Fees shall be established pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 202 of the Code of the Township of Riverside.
(5) 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Township Committee in its absolute and sole discretion, or by contract or agreement, may provide advertising for any business, organization or use, when such advertising is deemed to be in furtherance of the public good, health, safety and/or general welfare.
R. 
Enforcement.
(1) 
If the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer shall find that any sign regulated herein is unsafe, insecure, in need of repair, equipped with flashing or blinking lights, or otherwise in violation of this chapter, the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer shall give written notice to the sign owner and the tax lot owner, if different from the sign owner, or to the respective attorney(s). If the owner fails to remove, alter or repair the sign within 30 days after such notice, the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer may initiate further action as provided in this section in order to abate or remedy the violation.
(2) 
Upon failing to comply with the violation notice from the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer within the time specified, the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to cause the removal of the sign, and any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by the permittee or owner of the property upon which the sign is located.
S. 
Violations and penalties. See Chapter 1, Article III, Penalties for Other Violations, of the Code of the Township of Riverside.