The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Control the size, location, character and other pertinent features
of all exterior signs or signs visible from the exterior of any premises
within Allamuchy Township.
B. Promote signage which is compatible with its surroundings, orderly,
readable, appropriate, helpful and not distracting to motorists.
C. Discourage and render unlawful signs which contribute to visual pollution
and clutter, are in disrepair or of faulty construction, or are in
any way inimical to the public safety and welfare.
D. Permit the use of banners, as defined herein, by business owners
for a limited period of time and subject to the limitations specified
herein.
The following signs are prohibited:
A. Flashing, moving or animated signs; however, nonflashing, digital
reflected-light time-and-temperature signs shall be allowed in the
CC Community Commercial District and PO Professional Office District.
Any temperature sign shall conform to the height, size and setback
requirements for the zoning district in which it is located.
B. Signs having any lighting or control mechanism that causes radio
or television interference.
C. Any sign so erected, constructed or maintained as to obstruct or
be attached to any fire escape, window, door or opening used as a
means of egress or ingress or for fire-fighting purposes, or placed
so as to interfere with any opening required by law for ventilation.
D. Signs utilizing the colors red or green in their illumination, when
said signs are placed within 100 feet of a street intersection.
E. Hanging signs which are fixed to any tree, fence or any electrical,
telephone or other public utility pole.
F. Signs which in any way simulate official directional or warning signs
erected or maintained by the State of New Jersey, Warren County, or
Allamuchy Township or by any railroad, public utility or agency concerned
with the protection of the public health or safety.
G. Signs which may dangerously confuse or distract the attention of
the operator of a motor vehicle.
H. Signs which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
I. Signs which consist of balloons, streamers or flags of any size (unless such flag shall have a qualified right to be displayed on property), posters, fluorescent paint, ribbons, steamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or any other similar types of devices, whether or not they contain a message. A business owner, however, may display banner signs subject to the provisions of §
242-2D.
J. Signs which are portable or fixed on a movable stand, self-supporting
without being firmly imbedded in the ground, supported by other objects,
mounted on wheels or on a movable vehicle, or signs which are made
easily movable in any other manner.
K. Signs located in a public right-of-way or approved sight easement
(if the sign is taller than 30 inches), except those owned and maintained
by a duly constituted governmental agency.
L. Signs located, painted or affixed on a water tower, storage tank,
tower or other similar structure.
M. Signs located, painted or affixed on trees, rocks or other natural
features.
N. Signs which extend above the top or beyond the ends of the canopy,
marquee or mansard surface of the wall on which they are located.
O. Signs which protrude more than 12 inches from the surface to which
they are affixed.
The following temporary signs are permitted:
A. Temporary signs announcing or advertising any political, educational,
charitable, professional, religious or like campaign or event for
a period not to exceed a total of 30 days of any calendar year.
B. A real estate sign other than a "sold" sign is permitted in all zones
advertising the sale, rental, lease or future use of a property, provided
that:
(2) It pertains only to the premises on which it is placed.
(3) It does not exceed four square feet in area.
(4) It is removed within seven days of the consummation of the lease,
rent or sales transaction.
(5) It is at least 10 feet from any street right-of-way line, unless
the sign is attached to a portion of a building that may be nearer
to said street line.
C. A temporary sign on a new construction site pertaining to the work on that site is permitted in all zones, subject to the regulations of Subsection
B above; provided, however, that it shall not exceed 15 square feet in area.
Signs which do not lend themselves to the ordinary processes
of measurement or, because of their nature, require special control
may be permitted when the Land Use Board finds such signs are appropriate
to the type of development or structure to which they are related.
All such signs shall be subject to site plan review and approval by
the Land Use Board. Signs of or similar to the following types require
special permits:
A. Signs integrated or structurally incorporated into the architecture
of buildings.
B. Signs formed by the arrangement or cutting of landscaping materials
or plantings.
C. Corporate designs, symbols or logos.
D. Off-premises directional signs.
The following signs do not require a sign permit and are exempt
from the provisions of this chapter, provided that they meet the following
stated requirements where applicable:
A. Public signs. Public signs of a noncommercial nature, including safety
signs, danger signs, "no trespassing" signs, signs indicating scenic
or historical points of interest and all signs erected by a public
officer in the performance of a public duty.
B. Memorial signs and tablets. Nonilluminated memorial signs or tablets
indicating the name of a building or date of erection, not exceeding
two square feet in surface, which are part of the building construction
or attached as wall signs.
C. Nameplates and directories (nonresidential). Nonilluminated nameplates
and building directories relating only to the use or occupancy of
the building to which they are attached. Such signs shall not exceed
12 square feet in surface area and may be part of the building construction
or attached as a wall sign.
D. Nameplates (residential). One nonilluminated or shielded illuminated
nameplate, not exceeding two square feet in surface area, shall be
permitted for each single-family residence.
E. Farms and nurseries may advertise a farm or nursery activity, provided
that the sign is situated not less than 20 feet from any street or
property line and does not exceed six square feet in area on any one
side.
F. One sign, not to exceed one square foot on any one side, may be used
to identify a permitted home occupation or professional office.
G. Compatibility with county, state and federal regulations. All street
signs shall comply with all appropriate county, state or federal regulations.
In the event of a conflict, the more strict regulations shall be observed.
Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer identifies
or advertises the business conducted or product sold or fulfills the
purposes provided for herein shall be removed, modified or obliterated
so that the message contained thereon is no longer visible. These
actions shall not relieve the owner from the responsibilities of maintenance
and repair as required by this chapter.
If any provision of this chapter is in direct conflict with or contrary to the sign provisions in Chapter
190, Land Development, the provisions of Chapter
190 shall take precedence.