As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
APPROVED COMBUSTIBLE PLASTICS
Only those plastics which, when tested in accordance with
the American Society for Testing and Materials standard method for
test for flammability of plastics over 0.050 inch in thickness (C635-44),
burn no faster than 2.5 inches per minute in sheets of 0.060 inch
in thickness.
BANNER
A sign generally made of flexible material that is usually
fixed to a permanent structure or strung between fixed objects with
string, rope, wires, hooks, etc. Materials which do not contain letters
but whose purpose is to focus attention are also banners.
[Added 11-12-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-9]
BUILDING-MOUNTED SIGN
Any sign attached to and deriving its major support from
a building and including but not limited to the following: arcade
signs, awning signs, canopy signs, projecting signs, wall signs, window
signs and signs painted on the surface of walls.
CANOPY SIGN
A material attached to the structure as an architectural
feature, which may also contain sign data, also known as an "awning."
COMBINATION SIGN
Any sign which combines the characteristics of two or more
types of signs, including roof, projecting and ground signs.
DISPLAY SURFACE
The total area made available, by the sign structure or otherwise,
upon, against or through which the message of the sign is exhibited.
ENTERPRISE or BUSINESS SIGN
A sign which indicates the name of an individual enterprise
or business or any of its affiliates and which may or may not indicate
the products, services or entertainment offered by that business.
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, place, suspend or affix and
shall also include the painting of wall signs and the painting of
signs or displays on the exterior surface of a building, structure
or natural surfaces.
FREESTANDING SIGN
Any sign supported by structural members or by braces in
the ground and not attached to a building, including but not limited
to the following: bulletin board signs, outdoor advertising signs,
pole or pylon signs or ground signs.
FUNCTIONAL SIGN
Directional, information or public service signs, such as
signs advertising locations of rest rooms, telephone or similar facilities
or public conveniences, and signs located on mechanical dispensing
equipment that identify its products.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign that gives the name or the name and address of a building,
business, development or establishment. Such a sign may be wholly
or partly devoted to a readily recognized symbol or trademark.
OFFICIAL SIGN
Any sign, symbol or device erected and maintained by the
federal, state, county or local governmental agency for the purpose
of informing or guiding the public or for the protection of health,
safety, convenience or general welfare.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN
Any sign on which is portrayed information which directs
attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment not related
to uses existing or permitted on the lot upon which the sign is located.
This definition includes billboards.
PAVEMENT SIGN
Any sign painted or affixed to the pavement surface.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not affixed to the ground nor to a building, including
any sign attached to or displayed on a vehicle that is used solely
for the purpose of advertising a business establishment, product,
service or entertainment when that vehicle is so parked as to attract
the attention of the motoring or pedestrian traffic.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
Any sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises
or part of the premises on which the sign is displayed.
ROOF SIGN
Any sign erected, constructed or maintained wholly upon or
over the roof of any building with the principal support on the roof
structure.
SHOPPING CENTER SIGN
A freestanding sign which identifies only the name of the
shopping center and does not identify the individual enterprises or
their products, services or amusements.
SIGN
A structure, building wall or any writing, letter work or
numeral, pictorial or graphic presentation, illustration or decoration,
emblem, device, symbol or trademark, flag, banner or pennant or any
other structure, device, figure or similar character which is:
A.
Used for visual communication to announce, direct
attention to, identify, advertise or otherwise make anything known.
B.
Visible from the public right-of-way or from
adjoining property.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign which advertises or presents information to the public
of a location, event or occurrence which will take place at a certain
time or date or within a certain period.
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign painted or attached to the glass area of a window
or placed behind the glass of a window so that it can be read from
out of doors.
[Amended 3-14-1991 by Ord. No. 1991-5; 11-12-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-9]
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning
districts:
A. Signs with a lighting arrangement which is more than
that which is necessary for the primary illumination of the sign.
This shall include exposed lighting which is intended to attract attention
as well as to illuminate the sign.
B. Any portable sign, as defined.
C. Any sign that violates any provision of the Uniform
Construction Code.
D. Any sign so located as to obscure all or any portion
of a sign or traffic signal erected by a governmental authority.
E. Any sign (except fire signs) 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.
F. Any sign or illumination that causes any direct glare
into or upon any road or any building other than the building to which
the sign may be related.
G. Any sign of which all or any part is in motion by
any means, including fluttering or rotating. This shall not apply
to the hands of a clock, a weather vane or a windmill or to those
devices erected in one's yard or attached to one's house for ornamental
or decorative purposes.
H. Any sign displaying flashing or intermittent lights,
rotating beams or lights of changing degrees or intensity of color,
except signs indicating time, temperature, barometric pressure or
air pollution index, but only when the sign does not constitute a
public safety or traffic hazard.
I. Any sign which by reason of its location, position,
size, shape or color may obstruct, impair, obscure, confuse or interfere
with any traffic control sign, signal or device. Accordingly, no sign
shall use the words "stop," "slow," "caution," "yield," "danger,"
"warning" or "go" when such sign may be confused with a traffic control
sign used or displayed by a public authority.
J. Signs advertising any business or industry not conducted
within the Township.
K. Signs extending above the roofline.
L. Pavement signs, except for identification of handicap
parking stalls and fire zones and areas.
M. Signs located off the property which they advertise.
N. Signs immediately adjacent to Interstate 295 and the
New Jersey Turnpike.
The area of a sign shall mean and shall be computed
as the area to the outside edge of the frame surrounding the sign
or by the edge of the sign if no frame exists. When no frame or edge
exists, the area shall be defined by a projected, enclosed parallelogram
drawn to include all figures, letters, pictures and graphics on such
sign. Multifaced signs shall not exceed the area allowed for standard
signs.
[Amended 6-26-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-12]
The following sign regulations shall apply to
all single-family residential and institutional uses within the above
specified zoning districts:
A. One nameplate sign indicating a professional use,
accessory use or home occupation or name sign indicating the occupant
of a dwelling and trespassing signs or signs indicating the private
nature of a driveway or premises shall be permitted, provided that
the area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square
feet, the sign shall not be illuminated and the sign shall be situated
within the property lines of the premises it identifies.
B. Residential development permanent identification sign.
Signs for each residential development shall not exceed 64 square
feet on each side. If the sign consists of additional architectural
features or improvements which are intended to establish a theme,
logo or special identification for the project, then the 64 square
feet may be applicable only to the area of the lettering. Architectural
features which are harmonious with the sign may include but shall
not be limited to brick, stone or wood focal features, fences, walls
and pedestrian shelters. All signs shall be located within the development
and may be located adjacent to any street bounding the development
and shall not exceed one in number per project. All signs and architectural
features shall not exceed five feet in height from ground level.
C. Institutional uses may be permitted one identification
building-mounted sign, not exceeding a total of 32 square feet in
area. Freestanding signs, limited to one per use, with or without
bulletin board or reader board for religious uses, shall be permitted,
provided that the sign does not exceed 24 square feet on each side.
D. No more than one permanent sign per lot shall be permitted,
unless otherwise specified, for each use permitted in these zones.
E. No freestanding sign, including support, shall extend
more than five feet above the ground unless otherwise specified.
F. Temporary construction signs, not to exceed 32 square
feet, shall be permitted.
G. Signs advertising roadside stands selling farm products,
produce and related products shall be permitted, provided that such
signs shall not exceed two 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.
H. Any multifamily sections shall be permitted one wall-mounted
sign per building, totalling 12 square feet per building. Such signs
shall indicate only the number or name of the building.
The following sign regulations shall apply in
the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District:
A. Each commercial use or tenant may have one facade
sign as follows:
(1) Attached strip stores.
(a)
If the building consists of a series of strip
stores attached to each other, the owner shall submit a master sign
program for the entire project. A facade sign board or area shall
be provided. The master sign program shall show the proposed color
combinations, location and size of all signs. Individual facade sign
boxes shall be not more than three feet high. The length may vary
in accordance with the width of store frontage, but there shall be
six feet of open area between any two signs.
(b)
If individual channel letters are used, they
shall not exceed three feet in height. Spacing between tenant signs
shall be as noted above.
(c)
No more than one facade sign per tenant shall
be allowed.
(2) For individual buildings, not part of the strip store center, each tenant shall be allowed one facade sign not to exceed 40 square feet in size. The regulations above in Subsection
A(1) shall apply where applicable.
(3) Signs shall be limited to identifying or advertising
the property, the individual enterprises, the products, services or
the entertainment available on the same property where the sign is
located.
B. Each group of stores approved as a single subdivision
or site plan application may have one freestanding sign which shall
not exceed 36 square feet in area on each side. A group of stores
shall consist of two or more different business or professional occupants
in the same building structure.
(1) The freestanding sign shall contain only the name
and logo of the project. Individual tenants shall not be located on
the freestanding sign.
(2) The freestanding sign shall be architecturally consistent
with the materials and design of the building.
(3) A store or building on several lots shall not have
a separate freestanding sign on each lot.
(4) All freestanding signs shall be monument signs as specified in §
65-113.2. The Construction Official may allow such signs to be raised to a height not exceeding 15 feet if visibility is poor or safety conditions warrant such modifications.
(5) An individual enterprise shall not be permitted a
freestanding sign.
(6) All freestanding signs shall be located not closer
than 10 feet to a street right-of-way or adjoining property line and
shall not create a visibility hazard for motorists.
D. Signs for professional offices as specified in §
65-113.2. If the offices are on the second or greater floor above the retail occupants, then no exterior facade-mounted signs are permitted. All office tenants shall be contained on lobby directory signs.
E. Banks shall be permitted one facade sign as specified in Subsection
A(1) above. In addition, a separate facade sign, not to exceed 24 square feet, shall be permitted as part of a wall-mounted money access machine.
F. The building address number shall be clearly shown
on each building.
G. Banners on a permanent basis are permitted, subject
to the following regulations:
[Added 11-12-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-9]
(1) A sign permit is not required.
(2) The maximum banner size permitted is 30 square feet.
(3) All banners are to be maintained in good condition
and shall be removed or repaired if the banner is deteriorated or
a safety hazard.
The following sign regulations shall apply in
the C-2 Highway Commercial District:
A. For child-care centers, as specified in §
65-112.
B. For all other uses except retail sales, as specified in §
65-113.2.
C. For all retail sales facilities and banks, as specified in §
65-113.
E. Building address numbers shall be clearly shown on
each building.
G. Motor vehicle sales agencies shall be permitted freestanding
signs indicating "parts," "service," "customer parking," etc. Such
freestanding signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in size and shall
not be higher than six feet.
H. Gasoline service stations shall be limited to the
following signs:
[Added 3-14-1991 by Ord. No. 1991-5]
(1)
One freestanding sign, which shall be a combination
identification and price sign. The total sign square footage shall
not exceed 50 square feet, and the maximum width of the sign may not
exceed eight feet. The maximum sign height shall not exceed 20 feet.
(2)
One facade sign on the face of the building,
indicating the identification name, food services or a combination
of both. Such sign letters shall not exceed three feet in height and
10 feet in length.
(3)
If there is a canopy, two sides of the canopy
may contain identification signs. Such sign letters shall not exceed
two feet in height and eight feet in length. Two project logos may
be included on the canopy in addition to the identification signs.
(4)
No more than three service bay banner signs,
which shall be located on the facade of individual service bays. These
signs shall advertise auto service only and not food or drink.
I. Banner signs, as specified in §
65-113G.
[Added 11-12-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-9]
[Added 3-14-1991 by Ord. No. 1991-5]
The following sign regulations shall apply in
the C-3 Office-Residential District:
A. It is the intent of these sign regulations that designs,
sizes and colors will be harmonious with the historic architectural
building themes established and promoted in this district. Therefore,
all signs should avoid a modern appearance and instead should reflect
the type of signs used during the colonial historic period of this
country.
B. Signs should be made of wrought iron or wood, with
either carved letters or painted, or both. The sign background should
avoid brilliant colors such as white and yellow and instead use earth-tone
colors. The letter styles should also reflect the historic period.
Substitute sign materials may be used, provided that they give the
appearance of being made of wood or wrought iron.
C. Sign lighting shall be indirect or external to the
sign. No internal back-lit signs are permitted, and no neon signs
are permitted. Rectangular box signs with internal letters are prohibited.
D. Signs for residential uses shall be as specified in §
65-112.
E. For all other uses, the following sign criteria shall
apply:
(1)
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
(2)
Facade signs are limited to one per tenant.
Such facade sign letters shall not exceed two feet in height, and
the letters shall all be contained on one line. The location of the
facade sign shall be on a facade band area located above the first-floor
door. Tenants located above the first floor shall place facade signs
on the facade band noted above and not elsewhere on the building.
(3)
If more than one facade sign is proposed, the
applicant shall submit a master sign program for the entire project,
showing sizes, colors and locations of all signs.
(4)
As an alternative to a facade sign, a tenant
may have a sign mounted perpendicular to the face of the building.
This perpendicular-mounted sign shall not be an additional sign but
shall take the place of a facade sign. The perpendicular sign shall
be made of either wood or wrought iron and shall not exceed three
feet in length by two feet in height. Lettering may be contained on
more than one line but shall state just the name of the business.
(5)
Individual sign boxes are prohibited. Neon window
signs and illuminated and nonilluminated window signs are prohibited.
F. Banner signs, as specified in §
65-113G.
[Added 11-12-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-9]
[Amended 6-26-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-12; 8-16-2017 by Ord. No.
2017-10]
A. The following sign regulations shall apply in the
ODL, LI, GI and HI Districts:
(1)
In all projects, a master sign program shall
be submitted for review and approval. The master sign program shall
show the proposed color combinations, locations and sizes of all signs.
(2)
The overall project shall be permitted freestanding
project identification signs, one along each existing perimeter street
or highway. These signs shall identify only the name and logo of the
entire project. They shall be monument-based and ground-mounted horizontally
and shall not be raised in the air on poles. Permitted maximum length
is 10 feet and maximum height is six feet.
(3)
Each office building and industrial building
shall be permitted one freestanding sign indicating either the name
and logo of the building, the address of the building, or both. These
signs shall be located where they are visible from the adjacent street.
They shall be monument-based and ground-mounted horizontally and shall
not be raised in the air on poles. They shall be not greater than
12 feet long by three feet high or four feet long by eight feet high.
(4)
Each office building and industrial building
shall be permitted one or more tenant directory signs for multioccupied
buildings. These signs shall be located within the parking lot near
the vehicular access points. These signs shall be monument-based and
ground-mounted horizontally and shall not be raised in the air on
poles. These signs may list the occupants of the building and suite
numbers. Such signs shall not be greater than 3 1/2 feet high by 4
1/2 feet in length or three feet in length by six feet in height.
(5)
Each tenant in a multioccupied office or industrial
building shall be permitted a wall-mounted sign next to the entry
doors listing the occupant's name, suite number and logo. These signs
shall not be greater than 12 inches by 12 inches. These signs may
also be painted on the entry doors.
(6)
Office building name and logo.
(a)
Each office building or industrial building
may be permitted one facade sign on the face of the building indicating
the name and logo of the building. If the building name is the same
as a tenant's, then that tenant must occupy at least 60% of the rentable
area of the building.
(b)
These signs and logos shall be individual channel
letters, not exceeding 30 inches in height. The length may vary according
to the number of letters and logo necessary to spell the complete
name.
B. The following standards are for uses located outside master planned multibuilding projects. If such uses are located within a master planned project, they shall follow standards in Subsection
A above.
(1)
Restaurant facade sign in accordance with §
65-113A(2) and one freestanding sign in accordance with §
65-113B.
(2)
Shopping center signs in accordance with §
65-113.
(3)
Hotel and motel facade signs in accordance with §
65-113A(2) and one freestanding sign in accordance with §
65-113B.
(4)
For child-care centers and religious facilities, as specified in §
65-112.
(7)
Building address numbers shall be clearly shown
on each building.
(8)
Banks shall be permitted sizes as specified in §
65-113E.
The provisions hereof to the contrary notwithstanding,
a permit may be issued and reissued for a sign lawfully existing on
the effective date of this article or authorized prior thereto, provided
that said sign is not enlarged or changed as to nature, purpose or
type; it being the intent of this provision that, as expeditiously
as legally possible, all nonconforming signs shall be eliminated.
[Amended 11-12-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-9]
The following general regulations shall be applicable
to all zones, except as specifically limited:
A. Every sign permitted in this article must be constructed
of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair.
B. No sign shall be erected containing information on
it which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose
not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district
in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
Anything to the contrary in this article notwithstanding,
the Township of Mansfield shall have the right to erect any signs
needed or required in connection with the operation of the municipal
government, including but not limited to signs to preserve order,
protect the public health and welfare, regulate traffic, identify
Township limits, advertise Township police regulations and advertise
Township ordinances.
In order to provide directional assistance to
the public, the Construction Official is authorized to have installed
at the intersections of state, county and municipal highways within
the Township and at a charge sufficient to defray the costs thereof,
uniform ladder-type signs establishing the general direction of geographical
areas, public or semipublic uses, shopping centers, industrial parks
and businesses. Said signs shall be maintained and serviced upon completion
of initial installation by the Department of Public Works. The charge
for the installation of each slat shall be per Township ordinance.
Administrative procedures and sign design for instituting this section
shall be approved by the Township Committee, upon recommendation of
the Construction Official.
[Amended 11-12-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-9]
For all use variances granted, the signs permitted
shall be the same as specified for the zoning district where the use
is first permitted as a matter of right. For example, if a building
in a residential district is granted a use variance for offices, the
signs permitted would be the same as the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial
District since that is the district where offices are first permitted
by right.