The following regulations shall be applicable
to all zones, except as specifically limited:
A.
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it
will cause danger to traffic, which either is on a street or which
is entering a street, by obscuring the view of traffic on either street.
In no case shall any sign, other than an official sign or directional
sign, be erected within the official right-of-way of any street unless
specifically authorized by ordinance or regulations of Greenwich Township.
B.
Size and area.
(1)
All signs shall be measured at the perimeter of their
signboards. Measurements shall not include the pedestal.
(2)
The area of sign which has its letters, numbers, logos
or symbols directly affixed or painted to the facade of the building
or wall shall be determined by extending an imaginary line six inches
above the largest letter, number, logo or symbol and six inches below
the lowest by extending an imaginary line six inches outside the farthest
left and right sides of the letter, number, logo or symbol. The area
enclosed by the imaginary lines shall constitute the size of the sign.
C.
All signs shall be permanently fixed to the ground
or attached to a building or structure in a manner conforming to state
statutes and Township ordinances.
D.
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.
E.
Signs advertising an establishment or use no longer
in existence or a product no longer available shall be removed within
14 days after final business closing.
F.
In order that no sign may be injurious to public interest
or endanger the interests of public safety, signs without proper permits
shall be removed upon receipt of a written notice of violation served
by the Zoning Officer or his representative to the landowners or lessee
of the sign. Such violation shall be discontinued immediately upon
receipt of notice. All existing signs found not to be injurious to
public interest or to not endanger the interests of the public as
determined by the Zoning Officer or his representative must obtain
a permit within 90 days from the effective date of this chapter.
G.
Every sign permitted by this article must be constructed
of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair.
All signs shall be periodically maintained by the owner of said sign,
including painting, repairing and cleaning as necessary. Any sign
that, because of improper maintenance, is deemed by the enforcing
authority to be in a state of disrepair, such that the sign is no
longer functional, visible or is dangerous to the safety of others,
shall be repaired by the owner of said sign within 14 days of notice,
indicating the requirement of said repair; otherwise, the sign shall
be removed.
H.
Official governmental signs which can be regulated
by this chapter shall be regulated to conform with the zone in which
they are placed. Official government signs which cannot be regulated
by this chapter shall be exempt from the requirements.
I.
The minimum letter size for all signs, except official
government signs, directory signs, home professional signs, "no trespassing"
signs, addresses and "tenant suite" signs, shall be three inches.
J.
All buildings are required to be numbered. Building
numbers shall not be interpreted to be signs, unless they meet the
following criteria:
(1)
Nonresidential buildings less than 25 feet tall, with
addresses which have either any letter sizes greater than two feet
in height or which have more than seven characters, shall be interpreted
as having a sign.
(2)
Nonresidential buildings greater than 25 feet tall,
which have either a letter size greater than three feet in height
or which have more than seven characters, shall be interpreted as
having a sign.
K.
Signs required by law are permitted.
A.
A sign permit is required for every sign erected or
maintained in the Township. Any sign erected or maintained without
a valid permit is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and is subject
to abatement by the Zoning Officer at the expense of the owner.
B.
All sign permit applications shall include the following:
(1)
A completed sign permit application form.
(2)
Authorization from the owner of the property on which
the sign is to be erected.
(3)
The architectural elevation of any building for which
a facade sign is proposed.
(4)
A sketch of the sign, including the copy.
(5)
A plot plan indicating the location of any freestanding
sign.
C.
Official government signs, "no hunting" signs and
"no trespassing" signs shall not require an application for a sign
permit or the posting of any fees.
D.
There shall be no fee required for signs which are
erected by schools, churches, hospitals, nonprofit organizations or
civic nonprofit organizations.
The following regulations shall be applicable
to all temporary signs:
A.
Temporary signs of contractors, architects, tradesmen
and artisans are permitted subject to the following requirements:
(1)
No more than sign shall be permitted per residential
lot for each contractor, architect, tradesman or artisan. Such sign
shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
No more than one sign, inclusive of all contractors,
architects, tradesmen or artisans shall be permitted per nonresidential
site. Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
These signs shall be removed within seven days of
the completion of work.
B.
A sign indicating the development of a site or subdivision
is permitted where preliminary site plan or subdivision approval has
been granted by the Planning Board subject to the following requirements:
C.
Temporary real estate signs indicating the prospective
or completed sale or rental of a premises are permitted subject to
the following requirements:
(1)
The sign shall not exceed six square feet for a residential
use. The sign shall not exceed 20 square feet or a height of six feet
for a nonresidential use.
(3)
Temporary real estate signs shall be removed within
seven days after the consummation of a lease or sales agreement.
(4)
Temporary real estate signs shall not be illuminated.
(5)
Signs advertising an open house may be erected so
as to direct individuals to the site. These signs may be erected no
more than three hours prior to the start of the open house and remain
no longer than three hours after its conclusion.
D.
Temporary signs announcing any educational, charitable,
civic, religious or like event or any special and limited commercial
or professional event are permitted subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Only one temporary sign shall be permitted at any
time.
(2)
The size of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet
in area and six feet in height.
(3)
No more than four temporary sign permits may be granted
in any calendar year.
(4)
The period of time during which any such temporary
sign is permitted shall not exceed 21 days.
(5)
Applications for such signs shall include the language
which is to be displayed on the sign.
E.
Temporary political signs are permitted subject to
the following requirements:
(1)
No such sign shall exceed 32 square feet in area except
on existing billboards, and not more than one such sign shall be erected
on any one lot.
(2)
Such signs shall not be erected prior to 30 days before
the election or referendum and shall be removed within 10 days after
the election or referendum.
(3)
Prior to erection, a permit shall be obtained from
the Zoning Administrative Officer for any sign over six square feet
in area on one side. Such permit shall indicate the size of the sign
and the location where such sign is to be erected. No fee shall be
charged for such permit.
F.
Banners, flags and pennants.
[Added 12-21-1998 by Ord. No. 27-1998]
(1)
BANNERS, FLAGS, PENNANTS
Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following
terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A category of "sign," typically constructed of material such
as cloth, nylon, plastic, etc., and on which lettered or pictorial
matter is displayed for advertising purposes. Banners, flags or pennants
do not include: the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of
nations, state or city or any fraternal, religious or civic organizations;
merchandise, prices, pictures or models of products or services incorporated
in an indoor window display; works of art which in no way identify
a product; or scoreboards located on athletic fields.
(2)
Regulations.
(a)
Banners, flags, and pennants may be erected
for a special event such as a grand opening, closing (going out of
business), or to advertise a special promotion, introductory offer,
discount program or similar event. Banners, flags or pennants shall
not be erected earlier than 14 days prior to the start of the special
event and must be removed within five days following the special event.
Each special event is not to exceed 31 days. Banners, flags or pennants
used for their authorized purpose shall not exceed a total area for
all such banners used of 24 square feet. A permit must be obtained
from the Greenwich Township Zoning Officer prior to the erection of
any banner, flag or pennant on any building or structure. A fee shall
not be required for the issuance of such permit.
(b)
Political banners shall be exempt from these regulations but shall be consistent with the regulations of Subsection E, the words "banner" and "sign" to be used interchangeably.
(c)
Street banners (banners erected across any municipal, county, or state road) currently regulated under § 700-59, are exempt from these regulations.
(d)
All such signage and banners are immediately
subject to the new regulations.
The following signs are prohibited:
A.
Any sign, other than a warning or safety sign, which
is designed or intended to attract attention by a physical movement
or flashing, blinking or twinkling lights is prohibited. Stationary
time-and-temperature displays are permitted.
B.
Signs with any lighting or central mechanism which
may cause radio or television interference.
D.
Any sign whose form, character or shape may confuse
or dangerously distract the attention of the operator of a motor vehicle.
E.
Any advertisement which uses a series of two or more
signs or units, placed in a line parallel to the highway, where each
signboard carries a part of the total message.
F.
Signs which in any way simulate official, functional,
directional or warning signs erected or maintained by the State of
New Jersey or a county or municipality thereof, any railroad, public
utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of public
health or safety.
G.
No sign, except such directional devices as may be
required by the Federal Aeronautical Authorities, shall be placed,
inscribed or supported upon the roof or upon the structure in such
a fashion as will cause the sign to extend above the roof of any building.
H.
Any sign attached to or painted on trees, fences,
utility poles, rocks, curbs, walks, lamps, hydrants, benches or bridges.
This subsection does not apply to attached "no trespassing," "no fishing,"
and/or "no hunting" signs and warning signs, such as "beware of dog,"
"high voltage," "buried cables," etc.
I.
Mobile signs.
J.
Signs affixed to motor vehicles and/or storage trailers
which are regularly parked, stopped or located so as to be conspicuous.
K.
Changeable copy signs shall not be permitted unless
the sign relates to a movie theater, religious institution, public
or private school, firehouse or lodge. These signs shall be no larger
than 32 square feet in area.
A.
The following signs are permitted as indicated:
(1)
Permanent identification signs for major residential
subdivisions shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be
limited to one sign for every entrance.
(2)
Permanent project identification signs for townhouse
or multifamily residential developments shall be limited to one sign
per entrance and shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
Permanent project identification signs shall be integrated
into the site with landscaping.
(4)
Review and approval of the location and landscaping
of such signs shall be a part of preliminary subdivision or site plan
approval.
B.
Signs advertising the sale of farm products, as permitted
by this chapter, may be erected and maintained, provided that:
C.
Signs advertising a home professional occupation are
permitted, provided that:
D.
Signs indicating the name of a particular club, lodge,
social organization, farm or estate may be erected and maintained,
provided that:
E.
Signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling trespassing,
fishing and/or hunting shall be limited to one sign for each 50 feet
of street frontage. Each sign shall not exceed one square foot in
area.
F.
Signs of schools, colleges, churches, hospitals or
other similar institutions may be erected and maintained, provided
that:
(1)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square
feet.
(2)
Not more than one such sign shall be permitted. In
addition, one changeable copy sign not exceeding 32 square feet in
area and six feet in height shall be permitted, unless such premises
fronts on more than one street, in which case two such signs are permitted.
Within this zone, no sign shall be erected or
altered, in whole or in part, unless it complies with the following
regulations:
A.
Permitted signs.
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted either one freestanding
or one projecting sign. If the building is located within 10 feet
of a curbline, a freestanding sign shall not be permitted.
(2)
Each lot shall be permitted one facade sign.
(4)
Each lot shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 700-72.
(5)
Signs which are internally lighted shall not be permitted.
B.
Facade signs.
(1)
Facade signs shall not exceed an area of 12 feet.
(2)
Facade signs shall be located not less than eight
feet above grade nor more than 12 feet above grade.
(3)
Facade signs shall project no more than two feet beyond
the front of the facade.
(4)
Facade signs shall be located no less than one foot
below the roofline.
C.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed an area of 12
square feet per side.
(2)
The bottom of a freestanding sign shall be a minimum
of eight feet above grade. The top of a freestanding sign shall be
a maximum of 12 feet above grade.
(3)
There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet to any
property line and the nearest portion of any freestanding sign. This
requirement may be waived where the existing building setback is less
than 15 feet.
(4)
There shall be a minimum distance of 25 feet between
the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding
sign.
D.
Projecting signs.
(1)
Projecting signs shall not exceed an area of 12 square
feet per side.
(2)
The bottom of a projecting sign shall be no less than
eight feet above grade. The top of a projecting sign shall be no more
than 15 feet above grade.
(3)
The outside edge of a projecting sign shall be no
further than five feet from the building.
Within this zone, no sign shall be erected or
altered in whole or in part unless it complies with the following
regulations:
A.
Permitted signs.
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted either one facade sign
or one freestanding sign.
(3)
Each lot shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 700-72.
B.
Facade signs.
(1)
Facade signs shall not exceed an area of 60 square
feet or 15% of the principal facade, whichever is smaller.
(2)
Facade signs shall project a maximum of two feet beyond
the front of the facade.
(3)
All facade signs shall be a minimum of two feet below
the roofline.
(4)
All facade signs shall be consistent in proportion,
finish and style.
C.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed an area of 32
square feet.
(2)
All freestanding signs shall be ground-mounted.
(3)
There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet between
any property line and the nearest portion of all freestanding signs.
(4)
There shall be a minimum distance of 50 feet between
the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding
sign.
(5)
All freestanding signs shall be consistent in proportion,
finish and style.
[Amended 12-28-2000 by Ord. No. 34-2000]
Within these zones, no sign shall be erected
or altered, in whole or in part, unless it complies with the following
regulations:
A.
Permitted signs.
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign,
except for office parks as regulated by this section.
(2)
(4)
Each lot, including office parks, shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 700-72.
(5)
Each lot shall be permitted one directional sign.
B.
C.
Freestanding signs which are not in office parks.
(2)
Freestanding signs in excess of 40 square feet shall
be ground-mounted.
(3)
There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet between
any property line and the nearest portion of any freestanding sign.
(4)
There shall be a minimum distance of 50 feet between
the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding
sign.
(5)
All freestanding signs, except ground-mounted signs,
must have at least eight feet of clearance between the grade and the
bottom of the sign.
(6)
The top of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 18
feet.
D.
Signs in office parks.
(1)
(2)
Facade signs.
(a)
Facade signs in office parks shall be permitted
according to the following schedule:
(b)
All facade signs in an office complex shall
be consistent in finish and style.
(c)
All facade signs in an office complex shall
be located no more than two feet beyond the front of the facade.
(d)
All facade signs in an office complex shall
be located no less than two feet below the roofline.
(4)
Directional signs.
(a)
Directional signs are permitted only in office
parks.
(b)
Directional signs shall not exceed three square
feet.
(c)
Directional signs shall be internally lit.
(d)
Areas where directional signs are placed shall
be supplemented with landscaping to provide visual distinction to
the location where the sign is placed.
(e)
One directional sign shall be permitted at each
exterior entrance.
(f)
Directional signs designating exits shall not
be permitted along the primary frontage, but shall be located within
the interior of the site.
A.
Any nonconforming sign which has a valid permit on
the effective date of this chapter shall be deemed to have legal nonconforming
status.
