Borough of Wrightstown, NJ Chapter 175 Signs

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Wrightstown 9-9-1997 by Ord. No. 1997-14. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Zoning — See Ch. 219.

§ 175-1 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

ANIMATED SIGN

Any sign, the character or appearance of any element or part of which changes by any device, mechanical, electrical or otherwise.

AWNING

A covering attached to a building or structure, erected in or over a window or door, and usually supported by gravity and a metal frame.

BALLPARK SIGN

Any sign located on the inside and/or outside of fencing in an enclosed ball field in a public park.

BANNER

Any sign appended on or from a staff, pole, wire, frame or similar support, extending across the entire width of any street, road, highway or alley or affixed to a building advertising a product or services.

BILLBOARD

Any sign, in excess of 150 square feet, advertising a person, place, event, product, business or other matter which is remote from the site or property upon which the sign is erected or displayed.

BUSINESS SIGN

Any sign advertising a business conducted within the building or structure, or upon the real property, on which the sign is erected or displayed.

CANOPY or AWNING SIGN

Any sign which is displayed beneath a sidewalk canopy or sidewalk awning so as to be perpendicular to that sidewalk. No lettering is permitted on the canopy.

CHURCH SIGN

Any bulletin board type of sign erected or displayed on the real property of a church, chapel, temple, synagogue or other place of worship for the display of messages.

COMPLEX IDENTIFICATION SIGN

A sign which identifies either an office complex or an industrial park without reference to individual tenants or uses.

CONTRACTOR or SUBCONTRACTOR SIGN

Any sign containing the name and type of work performed by a contractor or subcontractor and erected or displayed on the property upon which building operations are being conducted.

CONVENIENCE SIGN

Any sign indicating the location of or direction to a place or object of public convenience, such as a rest room, telephone, bus stop or public parking area.

CURB SIGN

Any sign composed of one or more numerals painted on a curb located within a public right-of-way which designates the premises upon which it is located.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

A sign which identifies the entrance or exit of a site.

DIRECTORY SIGN

Any sign which contains a complete listing of either all tenants in a building complex and/or a complete listing of all buildings in a building complex.

DOUBLE-FACE SIGN

Any sign having two parallel planes or surfaces-faces upon which advertising is displayed.

FACADE SIGN

Any sign which is permanently attached to and parallel with the front exterior wall of a principal structure, which identifies only the facility or business upon which the sign is located.

FLAG

A piece of material, usually rectangular in shape, on which is imprinted, or into which is woven, a distinctive design which is or denotes the official symbol of a national, state or local government. A flag shall not be considered a sign. However, a piece of material on which is imprinted, or into which is woven, a design, business trademark or other pattern or symbol that does not constitute or denote an official government symbol shall be considered a sign.

FLASHING SIGN

Any sign consisting of, or illuminated by, flashing or intermittent lights or other lights of changing degrees of intensity, brightness or color, except a sign showing the date, time and/or temperature.

FREESTANDING SIGN

Any sign permanently affixed into the ground, erected on its own foundation or placed on a pole which is independent of but on the same lot or parcel as the building or structure in which the person, place, event, product, business or other matter noted on the sign is located.

HOME OCCUPATION SIGN

Any sign erected or displayed on the property of a private dwelling which states the name of a person occupying the dwelling and/or the name of a product or service offered in or from the dwelling by that person.

IDENTIFICATION SIGN

Any sign stating the use and name given to the use of a building, structure or area, when such use is permitted in the zone in which the sign is located.

ILLUMINATED SIGN

Any sign which has letters, figures, characters, designs or outlines illuminated by electric lights, whether such lights be incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, mercury vapor lights, flood or spot lights and whether or not such lights are a part of the sign proper or focused upon it from a location or source separate and apart from such sign. The light source shall be from the bottom or below the sign and angled no closer to the horizontal than two vertical to one horizontal and shall be shielded or have a translucent fixture or covering to reduce off-site effects. Such sign shall not include any beam, beacon, flashing or rotating light or device, or give the illusion of any of these.

MOBILE SIGN

Any sign mounted on wheels or built with axles to which wheels may be attached. A sign attached to a motor vehicle shall not be considered a mobile sign. A parking permit sticker, inspection sticker, regulatory permit or bumper sticker attached to a motor vehicle shall not be considered a sign.

MOTOR VEHICLE SIGN

Any sign on or attached to a motor vehicle which is being used primarily for the purpose of displaying advertising and is not being utilized in the normal business or work of the vehicle owner.

MOVING or WINDBLOWN SIGN

Any sign, any element or part of which (such as a pennant, streamer, moored blimp or propeller) moves by means of a mechanized, electrical or other device or is set in motion by movement of the atmosphere.

MULTIFAMILY DWELLING SIGN

Any sign identifying or advertising a multifamily dwelling.

OFFICE CAMPUS

A parcel of land having separate buildings, any one or all of which may have one or more business office tenants.

OFF-SITE COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING SIGN

A sign 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.

OFF-STREET PARKING SIGN

Any sign identifying an off-street parking area or lot.

PERMANENT SIGN

Any enduring sign meant to last - not expecting to change in status or place, which is attached to the outside of a building upon a wall, or upon standards, columns or poles separate from the buildings, or within the window area of a building.

PERSON

Any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, trust or other group or combination of persons operating as a unit.

POLITICAL SIGN

Any sign addressing the candidacy of one or more persons for elective office.

PORTABLE SIGN

Any sign which is not permanently affixed into the ground or to a building or structure and which can easily be picked up and moved to another location.

PROJECTING SIGN

A sign which is suspended or supported from a building so as to be perpendicular to the facade from which it projects.

REAL ESTATE SIGN

Any sign advertising the sale, lease or further use of real estate which is placed upon the property so advertised.

REMOTE SIGN

Any sign advertising or indicating the location of or direction to a person, place, event, product, business or other matter which is remote from the site or property upon which the sign is erected or displayed, other than a billboard, directional sign, real estate sign, ballpark sign or contractor or subcontractor sign.

SCHOOL SIGN

Any bulletin board type of sign erected or displayed on the real property of a school for the display of messages.

SIGN

Any letters, parts of letters, words, figures, numerals, emblems, devices, designs, trademarks, posters, handbills or any other objects (i) which make known or designate, or attract attention to, any person or any thing (such as a place, event, product or business), (ii) which are visible to persons located outdoors, and (iii) which are capable of attracting the attention of such persons. Any supporting standard for a sign shall not itself be considered a sign if no letters, parts of letters, words, figures, numerals, emblems, devices, designs, trademarks, posters, handbills or other objects are affixed thereon.

SIGNBOARD

Any structure or part thereof on which lettered or pictorial matter is displayed for advertising or notice purposes.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Advertisement of a product or service which constitutes less than 50% of the gross business conducted by the person erecting or displaying the sign either in the building or structure or on the property to which the sign containing the advertisement is affixed.

SUBDIVISION SIGN

Any sign erected or displayed for the purpose of identifying or advertising a residential development or subdivision.

TEMPORARY SIGN

Any sign which is not meant to be displayed for an extended period of time which is constructed so as not to endure. A sign for advertising a special event or sale of a particular product.

TENANT SUITE SIGN

An outdoor sign which identifies each particular business in a multitenant structure, which has no common lobby and which is located at the main entrance of that particular business.

TRAFFIC CHANNELIZATION ISLAND

A defined area of the public right-of-way located in a roadway to confine specific movements of traffic, usually turning movements at an intersection, to definite channels.

WARNING SIGN

Any sign stating that solicitation, trespassing or parking is prohibited on the premises upon which the sign is erected or displayed, and any sign stating that dogs are present, that the building or structure to which it is affixed is protected by a security or alarm system, or other similar statements of caution.

WINDOW SIGN

Any sign affixed to, or visible from the outdoors through, any window in a building or structure; provided, however, that any object which is sold or available for purchase on the premises of the property upon which it is erected or displayed shall not be considered a window sign.

YARD SALE SIGNS

Any sign stating the date and time of a yard sale or garage sale to be conducted on the premises of the property upon which it is erected or displayed.

§ 175-2 General regulations.

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 any 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 Wrightstown Borough.

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 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 borough 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 the Borough Zoning Ordinance[1] in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 219, Zoning and Land Development.

E. Signs and attachments advertising an establishment or use no longer in existence or a product no longer available shall be removed by the property owner within seven days after final business closing date.

F. In order that no sign may be injurious to public interest or endanger the interests of public safety, signs without proper zoning permits and sign registrations 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 zoning sign permit and sign registration within 90 days from the effective date of this chapter.

G. Every sign permitted by this chapter must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. All signs shall be maintained by the owner of said sign, including painting, repairing and cleaning as necessary. Any sign that is deemed by the enforcing authority to be in a state of disrepair, such that the sign is no longer functional or is not adequately maintained or visible, shall be repaired by the owner of said sign within 30 days of receipt of notice indicating the requirement of said repair; otherwise, the sign shall be removed. Any dangerous condition shall be eliminated immediately upon notification by the enforcing agency.

H. Official governmental signs which can be regulated by this chapter shall be regulated to conform with the zone in which they are placed.

I. The minimum letter size for all signs, except official government signs, directory signs, "no trespassing" signs, addresses and "tenant suite" signs, shall be three inches.

J. All buildings are required to be numbered and meet 911 requirements. 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.

§ 175-3 Application for zoning approval and sign registration required.

A. A zoning approval and sign registration is required for every sign erected or maintained in the borough excluding temporary signs and banners. Any sign erected or maintained without a valid zoning approval and sign registration is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and is subject to abatement by the Zoning Officer at the expense of the owner. Any sign which is structurally changed or requires a variance is subject to site plan review pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-4, definition of "development," and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-37, Grant of Power by Governing Body.

B. All appeals from decisions of the Construction Official and/or Zoning Official and requests for variances must be made pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70.

C. All sign zoning applications and sign registration forms shall include the following:

(1) Completed sign zoning application form and sign registration form.

(2) Authorization from the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected.

(3) A sketch of the sign with its dimensions and a sketch of the dimensions of the building facade where the sign will be placed.

(4) A plot plan indicating the location of any freestanding sign which includes adequate dimensions so as to identify the exact location of the sign.

D. Official government signs, "no hunting" signs and "no trespassing" signs shall not require an application for a construction permit or the posting of any fees.

E. There shall be no fee required for signs which are erected by public schools, churches, hospitals, nonprofit organizations or civic nonprofit organizations.

§ 175-4 Temporary signs.

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 one sign shall be permitted per residential lot for each contractor, architect, tradesman or artisan. Such sign shall not exceed nine 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 five 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 Joint Land Use Board subject to the following requirements:

(1) One sign shall be permitted per site of 10 acres or less. Sites of 10 acres or more shall be permitted two signs if there is frontage on more than one road.

(2) Development signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.

C. Temporary real estate signs indicating the prospective or completed sale or rental of a premises are permitted subject to the following requirements:

[Amended 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10]

(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.

(2) Only one sign shall be permitted per lot, except in the following instances:

(a) Residential lots with frontage on more than one street shall be permitted two signs. One sign shall be placed on each street.

(b) Commercial lots with frontage on more than one street shall be permitted two signs. One sign shall be placed on each street.

(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 five days prior to the start of an open house and must be removed at the conclusion of the open house.

D. Temporary signs or banners announcing any educational, charitable, civic, religious or like event, fair, bazaar or auction are permitted subject to the following requirements for each activity:

[Amended 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10]

(1) No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted per activity.

(2) The size of the temporary sign or banner shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.

(3) The period of time during which any such temporary sign is permitted shall not exceed 15 days.

(4) 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:

[Amended 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10]

(1) No such sign shall exceed 32 square feet in area.

(2) Such signs shall not be erected prior to 30 days before the election or referendum and shall be removed within seven days after the election or referendum by the candidate or his representative.

F. Temporary signs or banners announcing any special and limited commercial event are permitted subject to the following requirements for each activity:

[Amended 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10]

(1) No more than two temporary signs shall be permitted per activity.

(2) The size of the temporary sign or banner shall not exceed 20 square feet.

(3) The period of time during which any such temporary sign is permitted shall not exceed 15 days. A thirty-day period of time must pass between advertised activities per business.

(4) Applications for such signs shall include the language which is to be displayed on the sign.

(5) A fee of $30 will be charged for each fifteen-day commercial temporary sign permit.

§ 175-5 Prohibited signs.

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. Stationary time-and-temperature displays are permitted.

B. Signs with any lighting or central mechanism which may cause radio or television interference.

C. Any sign so erected, constructed or maintained as to:

(1) Obstruct any fire escape, window, door or opening used as a means of egress or ingress.

(2) Interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation.

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, borough 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. No rooftop signs shall be permitted.

H. Any sign attached to or painted on walls, 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. Any sign advertising a business not located on the same lot. (Off-site commercial advertising signs.)

L. Home profession signs.

M. Billboards.

N. Portable signs.

O. Rooftop signs.

§ 175-6 Signs permitted pursuant to additional regulations.

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:

(1) The area of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.

(2) Not more than one such sign shall be erected and maintained per vendor.

(3) Such signs shall be displayed only when such products are on sale.

C. Signs indicating the name of a particular club, lodge, social organization, farm or estate may be erected and maintained, provided that:

(1) The area of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.

(2) Not more than such sign shall be permitted per entity.

(3) Any such sign shall be located on the same lot as the organization, farm or estate.

D. 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.

E. 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 32 square feet.

(2) Not more than one such sign shall be permitted per institution. 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.

(3) Religious institutions may place one sign at each municipal boundary.

F. Signs for commercial or business uses may be placed in storefront windows, provided that the area of the sign does not exceed 25% of the total window area. Neon signs in such windows are to be included in calculating 25% of the enclosed glass area of windows.

G. Temporary signs in accordance with § 175-3 are permitted in all zones.

§ 175-7 Signs in general commercial districts.

A. Permitted signs.

(1) Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign and facade sign, except for shopping centers as regulated by Subsection E.

(2) Each business shall be permitted one facade sign or freestanding sign, except for shopping centers as regulated by Subsection E.

(3) Each lot, including shopping centers, shall be permitted temporary signs as regulated by § 175-3.

(4) Each lot, including shopping centers, shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 175-6.

(5) Each lot shall be permitted directional signs as needed.

(6) Shopping centers shall be permitted only those additional signs which are described in Subsection E of this chapter and regulated therein.

B. Facade signs.

(1) There shall be no more than one facade sign per business.

(2) All facade signs shall not exceed an area of 80 square feet or 15% of the principal facade, whichever is smaller.

(3) All facade signs shall project beyond the front of the facade.

(4) All facade signs shall be a minimum of one foot below the roof line.

C. Freestanding signs.

(1) There shall be no more than one freestanding sign per business.

(2) Freestanding signs shall not exceed an area of 80 square feet per visible side.

(3) Freestanding signs shall not exceed 18 feet in height.

(4) There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet to any property line and the nearest portion of any freestanding sign.

(5) There shall be a minimum distance of 50 feet between the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding sign.

(6) All freestanding signs, except ground-mounted signs, must have at least eight feet of clearance between grade and the bottom of the sign.

D. Directional signs.

(1) Directional signs shall not exceed three square feet.

(2) Directional signs shall be internally lit.

(3) Areas where directional signs are placed shall be supplemented with landscaping to provide visual distinction to the location where the sign is placed.

(4) Directional signs designating exits shall not be permitted along road frontages unless a separate exit-only condition exists.

E. Shopping center signs.

(1) Freestanding signs.

(a) All shopping center signs shall be approved as part of the subdivision/site plan process by the Joint Land Use Board.

(b) All shopping centers shall be permitted one freestanding sign. These signs shall not exceed an area of 80 square feet per visible side or a height of 18 feet.

(c) Shopping centers of 20 acres or more shall be permitted one additional sign for each additional detached business structure located within the lot of the shopping center. These signs shall not exceed an area of 80 square feet per visible side or a height of eight feet. No more than a total of two freestanding signs shall be permitted in any entire shopping center.

(d) All freestanding signs in a shopping center shall conform to the locational requirements of Subsection C(4) and (5).

(e) Each tenant of a shopping center who opens for business while that shopping center is under construction shall be permitted one freestanding sign of not more than 12 square feet in area nor more than six feet in height. No more than three such signs shall be permitted per shopping center. If four or more tenants are open for business in a shopping center which is under construction, then those tenants shall be permitted one freestanding sign not more than 32 square feet for their combined use. These signs shall be removed within seven days of the completion of the shopping center. These signs shall conform to the locational requirements of Subsection C(4), (5) and (6) of this section.

(2) Facade signs.

(a) Each business use sign in a shopping center shall not exceed 80 square feet or 15% of the business's principal facade, whichever is smaller.

(b) Except for anchor stores, facade signs in a shopping centers shall be consistent in proportion, color and style.

(c) All facade signs in a shopping center shall project no more than two feet beyond the front of the facade.

(d) All facade signs in a shopping center shall be located a minimum of one foot below the roof line.

(e) All facade signs shall be approved by the Joint Land Use Board.

(3) Canopy signs.

(a) Each business use in a shopping center shall be permitted one canopy sign.

(b) Canopy signs in a shopping center shall not exceed three square feet.

(c) All canopy signs shall be consistent in proportion, color and style.

(4) Directional signs.

(a) Directional signs shall be permitted in shopping centers.

(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) Directional signs designating exits shall not be permitted along the primary frontage unless a separate exit-only condition exists.

F. Gasoline service stations and public garages. In addition to the previously listed signs, the following signs are permitted for gasoline service stations and public garages:

(1) One sign, located over each service bay, of no more than 20 square feet, with a maximum of three signs.

(2) Signs indicating the location of station services, i.e., air and water.

§ 175-8 Signs in R-C Residential Commercial District.

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 other 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 temporary signs as regulated by § 175-4.

(3) Each lot shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 145-6.

(4) 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 not less than one foot below the roof line.

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 8 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.

§ 175-9 Signs in office campus district.

Within this zone, no sign shall be erected or altered, in whole or in part, unless it complies with the following regulations:

A. Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign, except for office parks as regulated by this chapter.

B. Multitenant structures.

(1) Each building shall be permitted one facade sign, except for office parks as regulated by this chapter.

(2) Each multitenant structure which has no common lobby shall be permitted one tenant-suite sign for each tenant.

(3) Each multitenant structure which has no common lobby and contains 20,000 square feet of gross floor area for five or more tenants shall be permitted directory signs as regulated by Subsection C(3).

(4) Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs as regulated by § 175-4.

(5) Each lot shall be permitted those signs which are permitted in all zones as regulated by § 175-6.

(6) Each lot shall be permitted one directional sign.

C. Signs in office campus.

(1) Freestanding signs.

(a) Freestanding park identification signs shall not be permitted within 150 feet of any freestanding sign.

(b) Freestanding park identification signs shall not exceed an area of 80 square feet. These shall be ground-mounted.

(c) All freestanding signs in an office park shall be located as follows:

[1] There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet between any property line and the nearest portion of any freestanding sign.

[2] All freestanding signs, except ground-mounted signs, must have a least eight feet of clearance between the grade and the bottom of the sign.

[3] There shall be a minimum distance of 50 feet between the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding sign.

(2) Facade signs.

(a) Facade signs in office parks shall be permitted according to the following schedule:

[1] Tenant-suite sign: three square feet.

[2] Building identification sign:

[a] Buildings less than 25 feet tall: 10 square feet, one sign per building.

[b] Buildings greater than 25 feet tall: 20 square feet, one sign per building.

(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 roof line.

(3) Directory signs.

(a) Directory signs shall be located within the site so as to allow motorists to leave the flow of traffic and safely read the directory.

(b) Directory signs shall not exceed an area of 32 square feet.

(c) No more than one directory sign shall be permitted for each site entrance.

(4) Directional signs.

(a) Directional signs are permitted only in office campus.

(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.

(g) Temporary signs shall be permitted as regulated by § 175-4.

(h) Those signs which are permitted in all zones shall be permitted as regulated by § 175-6.

§ 175-10 Signs in the Mixed Use District.

Within this zone, no sign shall be erected or altered, in whole or in part, unless it complies as regulated by §§ 175-7, 175-8 and 175-9, as applicable.

§ 175-11 Nonconforming signs.

[Amended 7-9-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-06; 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10]

A. Any nonconforming sign which has a valid permit on the effective date of this chapter shall be deemed to have legal nonconforming status.

B. Loss of legal nonconforming status.

(1) A legal nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming status if:

(a) The sign is altered in any way.

(2) Upon the happening of any one of the above events, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this chapter with a new permit, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, or shall be immediately removed.

(3) Periodic maintenance, as required by § 175-2G, shall not be considered an alteration, resulting in the loss of a sign's legal nonconforming status.

§ 175-12 Sign fees.

[Amended 12-14-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-13; 7-9-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-06; 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10]

A. A sign fee of $20 per sign, regardless of illumination or conforming square footage, is due and payable with each annual fire safety registration and is to be paid to the Fire Marshal upon registration with the Wrightstown Borough Bureau of Fire Prevention. Any new permanent sign erected or displayed in the Borough requires an application/permit fee in accordance with Chapter 80, § 80-1.

B. Temporary signs: $30 payable to the Borough of Wrightstown (per fifteen-day permit issued by the Municipal Clerk or designee).

§ 175-13 Enforcement; violations and penalties.

[Added 3-10-1998 by Ord. No. 1998-1]

A. Enforcement.

(1) The Mayor's designee shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. Said designee shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Enforcement Official."

(2) Upon discovery of an alleged violation of this chapter, the Enforcement Official shall serve written notice, either by personal service or certified mail, return receipt requested, on the owner of the sign and/or the owner or lessee of the property where the sign is located, ordering the sign to be brought into conformity with the provisions of this chapter, or its removal, within 30 days of the date of said notice or seven days if the alleged violation concerns a temporary sign. The notice shall include notification that if the sign is not brought into conformity or removed within such time, a summons and/or complaint will be issued. In the event that said sign is not brought into conformity with the provisions of this chapter, or removed, prior to said 30 days or seven days from the date of said notice, the Enforcement Official or other responsible person shall cause a summons and/or complaint to be issued.

(3) Should the owner of a sign and/or the owner or lessee of the property where a sign is located violate the provisions of this chapter a second or subsequent time(s) after receiving notice as set forth hereinabove for an initial violation, a summons and complaint shall be issued for such second or further subsequent violations without further notice and opportunity to conform. The notice provided for initial violations as set forth above shall state the consequences for second or further subsequent violations.

B. Summary removal. In the event that it shall be determined by the Enforcement Official that the presence of any sign, either by reason of its construction, location or lack of maintenance and repair, presents an immediate hazard to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Borough of Wrightstown, the Enforcement Official shall be empowered to immediately effectuate the removal of said sign, and the expenses and costs of said removal shall be borne by the owner of said sign and/or the owner or lessee of the property upon which the sign is located.

C. Penalties.

(1) For an initial violation of this chapter, the sentencing court shall impose a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100.

(2) For second or further subsequent violations, the sentencing court shall impose a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000.

(3) In addition to any fine imposed for a violation of this chapter, the sentencing court shall order the removal of the sign or the sign being brought into conformity with the provisions of this chapter at the owner's sole expense.