[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
A. Purposes.
The purpose and intent of this section is to regulate the use of signs
so that they are compatible with their surroundings, to promote the
aesthetic character of the Township, to establish signs that are compatible
with the architectural requirements for nonresidential buildings and
uses, to preserve the natural appearance of the Township, to promote
traffic safety, to maintain property values, to express the identity
of individual proprietors and of the Township as a whole, and to regulate
signs so that they are legible in the circumstances in which they
are seen and are constructed to standards which promote the safety,
health and general welfare of the public.
B. Restrictions.
It shall be unlawful to erect, display or maintain any sign that does
not comply with the standards and regulations hereinafter set forth.
C. Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ADVERTISING STRUCTURE
Any rigid or semirigid material with or without a sign displayed
thereon situated upon or attached to real property or mobile objects
and vehicles outdoors for the purpose of furnishing a background,
base or support on which a sign may be posted or displayed.
FUNCTIONAL SIGN TYPES
(1)
DIRECTORY OF OCCUPANTS SIGNA sign or plate attached to or painted upon the facade of a building listing the tenants or occupants thereof and their respective professions or business activities.
(2)
DIRECTIONAL SIGNA sign or device intended to direct or point toward a place or which gives verbal directions, of any sort.
(3)
IDENTIFICATION SIGNAny sign, symbol, trademark, structure or similar device used to identify the occupant or any structure, the product made, or the activity being pursued by any individual business service, commercial or industrial activity.
(4)
OFFICIAL SIGNAny sign, symbol or device erected and maintained by the federal government, the State of New Jersey, County of Monmouth or the Township of Freehold for the purpose of informing or guiding the public or for the protection and promotion of health, safety, convenience and general welfare; or any sign of a civic, fraternal or religious organization specifically authorized by the Township Committee.
IMMORAL SIGN
A sign that has the quality of any description or representation,
in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct or sexual excitement,
when it:
(1)
Predominately appeals to the prurient, shameful or morbid interest
of minors in sex; and
(2)
Is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the adult
community as a whole with respect to what is suitable sexual material
for minors; and
(3)
Taken as a whole, lacks literary, artistic, political or scientific
value.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN COMPANY
A company in the business of leasing outdoor advertising
space and under the licensing power of the Outdoor Advertising Tax
Bureau of the Department of Treasury of the State of New Jersey.
PHYSICAL SIGN TYPES
(1)
GROUND OR MONUMENT SIGNA self-supporting sign connected to the ground and independent of any other structure, including pylon, pedestal or individual post-type supports.
(2)
PROJECTING SIGNA sign attached to the building wall which neither extends more than 15 inches from the face of the wall, nor projects nearer to the ground surface than 10 feet, nor projects above the roofline or storefront facade line, nor extends beyond the ends of the facade or building.
(3)
WALL SIGNA flat sign attached to or painted upon a building wall which extends not more than 15 inches from the wall and is not extended above the top or beyond the ends of the facade.
(4)
WINDOW SIGNAny sign mounted inside a window for display to the public passersby outside the window.
(5)
ROOF SIGNA sign located wholly upon or over the roof of any building.
POLITICAL SIGN
Temporary signs supporting candidates for office or urging
action on any other matter on the ballot of primary, general and/or
special elections.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other
permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including,
but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels;
signs converted to "A" or "T" frames; menu and sandwich board signs;
balloons or helium- or air-filled material or plastic devices used
as signs or advertising; umbrellas used for advertising; signs attached
to or painted on vehicles and visible from the public right-of-way,
unless said vehicle is used with such sign in the normal day-to-day
operations of the business; and pole or wind flags of plastic or other
lightweight material whether or not containing a message of any kind.
SIGN
The outdoor or indoor display of any writing, printing, picture,
painting, emblem, drawing or similar device intended to invite or
draw the attention of the public to any activity, goods, merchandise,
property, business, services, entertainment, amusement or industrial
activity or establishment.
SNIPE SIGN
Any sign, generally of a temporary nature, made of any material
when such a sign is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise
attached to a tree, pole, stake or fence or to any other structure.
Only those signs which are exactly described
in this section shall be allowed without a permit. Any sign, whether
temporary or permanent, not listed or described herein, shall be permitted
within the purview of this section.
A. Directional signs for the convenience of the general
public to identify parking areas, loading zones, entrances and exits
and similar type signs, which shall not exceed eight square feet in
area. Business names or personal names are allowed but shall not include
advertising messages.
B. Traffic signs, whether temporary or permanent, for
the purpose of regulating traffic, when installed by persons authorized
by the Township, by the County of Monmouth, by the State of New Jersey
or by the United States government.
C. Transportation signs, including public transportation
stops, including bus stops, when installed by the Township or a public
transportation agency.
D. Historical tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques,
and emblems which do not exceed six square feet in surface area and
which are installed by government agencies, religious or other authorized
organizations.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
E. Warning and no trespassing signs, not to exceed two
square feet in surface area.
F. Flags or emblems of religious, educational, governmental
organizations or individuals, which flags or emblems shall be flown
from supports on the buildings or grounds being occupied by the organization.
G. Name and number plates identifying the residents on
a house, apartment or mailbox, not to exceed 60 square inches.
H. Lawn signs identifying resident's name or street number,
not to exceed two square feet in surface area; if double face, a total
of three square feet for both sides; signs to be nonilluminated, except
by light which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as support;
no advertising messages permitted.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
I. Signs posted by governmental agencies pursuant to
governmental statute, order or regulation.
[Amended 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48]
J. Signs which are an integral part of vending machines,
including gasoline pumps and milk machines, which shall not exceed
two square feet.
K. Real estate signs, announcing the sale, rental or
lease of the premises on which the sign is located, such sign not
to exceed four square feet of surface. If double-faced, the sign shall
not exceed a total of eight square feet for both sides. The sign shall
be nonilluminated. Such sign shall not be closer to the lot line than
one-half the distance between the building line and the lot line,
as defined by the zoning provisions of this chapter. Such signs shall
not be located closer to other such signs than one in every 200 feet,
measured either along the front of a lot or along the sidelines of
a lot.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
L. Political signs. Signs pertaining to federal, state,
county or local political candidates or questions to be voted upon
by the residents of the Township at an upcoming election, provided
that:
[Amended 5-23-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-17; 2-22-2011 by Ord. No.
O-11-3]
(1) Erection/placement of the sign is with permission
of the person(s) or entity/entities who/which own or have legal control
over the property upon which the sign is to be erected/placed.
(2) Erection/placement of sign is removed not more than
14 days after the election.
(3) Placement of signs on public property shall comply
with each of the following:
(a)
There shall be at least 100 feet of separation
between signs of a particular candidate or campaign; and
(b)
All signs must be farther than two feet from
the curb, or, if no curb, from the edge of the paved roadway; and
(c)
No political sign shall be located or placed
closer than 10 feet to any other sign of a candidate or campaign.
(4) Notwithstanding the penalty prescribed by §
190-185 for violations of the above standards, signs in violation are subject to removal by any interested party without prior notice.
The following signs or types of signs shall
be prohibited in all areas of the Township:
A. Signs using red, amber or green lights placed within
100 feet of traffic control signals.
B. Signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating, moving,
rotating or flickering lights or illuminations, or varying in intensity
of color or brightness, except for time-temperature-date signs.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
C. Signs using reflective material which sparkles, glitters
or reflects lights in such a manner as to be deemed by the Zoning
Officer and Chief of Police of the Township to be a traffic hazard.
D. Signs with visible moving, revolving or rotating parts
or visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent
visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic or mechanical
means.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
E. Immoral signs or advertising matter of an indecent
or obscene nature.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
F. Signs using words such as "stop," "look," or "danger,"
which are placed in a manner or position which, in the judgment of
the Zoning Officer of the Township and the Chief of Police, interferes
with traffic or acts as a traffic hazard.
G. Any sign which causes confusion with existing governmental
or duly authorized signs.
H. Signs causing radio, television or other communication
systems or signal interference due to light or control mechanisms.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
I. Signs or sign structures that interfere in any way
with free use of any fire escape, emergency exit, stairway or standpipe,
or that obstruct any window to such an extent that light or ventilation
is reduced to a point below that required by any provision of the
Uniform Construction Code, this Code or other ordinance of the state
or of the Township.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
J. Flags, banners, strings of banners, streamers or captive
balloons, pennants, ribbons, pinwheels or spinners, or other objects
or material fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected
to pressure by wind; A-type signs, sandwich-type signs, sidewalk signs,
curb signs or similar advertising devices.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
K. Any sign spanning a public street except those temporary
signs advertising or drawing attention to a legitimate and recognized
charitable or official Township function.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
L. Signs or poles maintained by public utilities, or
on trees and fences or attached to signs or buildings owned by other
persons.
M. Any series of two or more signs placed along a street
or highway, or all carrying a single advertising message, part of
which is contained on each sign.
N. No sign shall be located in any public right-of-way
or in such a position as to cause an obstruction of the view of traffic
or otherwise to be injurious to the public safety.
O. Signs directing people to a housing development (real estate directional signs), except those meeting the conditions set forth in §
190-176H.
P. Signs placed or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers
which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private
property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the
apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business
or activity located on the same or nearby property.
[Added 7-29-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-18]
Q. Signs
with the optical illusion of movement by means of a design that presents
a pattern capable of giving the illusion of motion or changing of
copy.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
R. Strings
of light bulbs used on commercially developed parcels for commercial
purposes, other than traditional holiday decorations used during holiday
seasons.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
S. Signs
that incorporate projected images, emit any sound that is intended
to attract attention, or involve the use of live animals.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
T. Signs
that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter such as smoke or steam.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
U. Signs
that obstruct the vision of pedestrians, cyclists or motorists traveling
on or entering public streets or are judged to be a traffic or pedestrian
hazard by the Zoning Officer or Chief of Police.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
V. Signs
that are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair
the vision of any motorist, cyclist or pedestrian using or entering
a public way, or that are a hazard or a nuisance to occupants of any
property because of glare or other characteristics.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
W. Searchlights
used to advertise or promote a business or to attract customers to
a property.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
X. Signs
that are painted, pasted or printed on any curbstone, flagstone, pavement
or any portion of any sidewalk or street, except house numbers and
traffic control signs.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
Y. Signs
placed upon benches, bus shelters or waste receptacles.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
Z. Signs
on a tower except "no trespassing" signs and identification signs.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
AA. Portable
signs as defined in this chapter.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
BB. Snipe
signs as defined in this chapter.
[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
[Amended 3-25-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-3]
A. Those signs permitted in §
190-177 of this article shall also be permitted in this section. The rules and regulations pertaining under §
190-177 shall also pertain under this section.
B. In addition to the signs permitted in Subsection
A above, the following types of signs shall also be permitted in this section:
(1) Two illuminated freestanding signs identifying a farm
and advertising the sale of farm or dairy products, which sign shall
be located on the premises where the goods are to be sold. Each sign
shall not exceed 16 square feet in the case of a single-faced sign.
(a)
In lieu thereof, there shall be permitted one
double-faced sign, each face of which shall not exceed 16 square feet
of face surface.
(b)
The overall height of each such sign shall not
exceed eight feet above the ground level.
(2) One illuminated sign advertising the sale of farm
produce, which sign shall not exceed 20 square feet of surface area.
Such sign shall be attached flat against the face of the farm stand
or farm building where the produce is to be sold.
(3) Two single-faced, freestanding, nonilluminated, temporary
real estate signs of not more than 32 square feet for each sign; or,
in lieu thereof, one double-faced sign of not more than 16 square
feet of surface area for each face. Such sign or signs shall be permitted
only in the case where it pertains to the sale, lease or rental of
the property on which it is located. Lots having a frontage of 400
feet or more may display no more than two single-faced signs which
shall not exceed an area of 32 square feet each, or in lieu thereof,
one double-faced sign, each face of which shall not exceed 32 square
feet of surface on each side. No such sign shall be closer than 15
feet to any lot line. The overall height of each such sign shall not
exceed 10 feet above ground level. Each such sign shall be removed
upon the sale, leasing, or rental of the property.
(4) Temporary nonilluminated single-faced, freestanding
informational signs not to exceed 32 square feet in area advertising
an event of a public organization or official Township function of
public interest. Such signs may not be located closer than 500 feet
to each other and such signs shall be removed upon the termination
of the event. No such sign shall be attached to any utility pole,
tree, fence, or other sign.
[Amended 12-8-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-32; 2-22-2011 by Ord. No.
O-11-3]
A. Subject to the following limitations, all signs permitted in §§
190-177 and
190-178 shall be permitted in this section.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter and in furtherance of the goals of §
190-114 of this chapter, the following restrictions, limitations and conditions shall apply to signs in these zones:
(1) Each
sign in the enumerated zones shall be of a general design and shall
contain lettering appropriate to and visually compatible with the
architectural style of the building to which it is affixed or which
it services.
(2) The
placement of signs shall be appropriate to and visually compatible
with the architectural style and architectural elements of the buildings.
(3) The
colors of backgrounds and letters on signs shall be appropriate to
and visually compatible with colors used on the building.
C. In addition to the signs permitted under Subsection
A hereof, the following sign or signs shall also be permitted:
(1) Wall
signs. Each business or commercial use may have one or more illuminated
flat signs displayed on the face of the building or space which it
occupies. The aforesaid sign shall advertise only the business and
product occupying the space. If the property is located on a corner
lot, such signs shall be permitted on the sides of the building facing
each street.
(a) Size. The permitted size of wall signs shall be based on a percentage
of the wall areas computed by the length times the height in the geometric
figures which determine the actual area. The wall length shall be
the building, or that portion occupied. The height of the wall for
computing purposes shall not exceed 15 feet for one-story structures
or 25 feet for two- or more story structures. One wall shall be the
front wall; other walls shall be figured on the basis of one-half
of the percent allowable given the front wall.
|
Wall Signs: Allowable Size
|
---|
|
Square Footage
|
Percent Allowable
|
---|
|
0 to 3,500
|
7.5
|
|
3,500 to 4,500
|
8.0
|
|
4,500 to 5,500
|
8.5
|
(b) Maximum allowable size. The maximum allowable size of a wall sign
shall not exceed 495 square feet.
(c) No wall sign shall be mounted at a distance measured perpendicular
to said wall face greater than 24 inches.
(d) No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.
(2) Freestanding
signs.
(a) Each business or commercial use may display one freestanding, illuminated
sign, provided that such business is not part of a planned center
of three or more units. Such sign shall advertise only the business
or use occupying the space. The size of the sign face or faces shall
be determined by the linear dimension of the side of the lot facing
the street or highway in accordance with the following table:
CHART A
|
---|
|
Frontage
(feet)
|
Type of Sign
|
Maximum Size
(square feet)
|
---|
|
Up to 50
|
One single-faced
|
32
|
|
|
One double-faced
|
32 for each face
|
|
Up to 100
|
One single-faced
|
32
|
|
|
One double-faced
|
32 for each face
|
|
Up to 200
|
One single-faced
|
96
|
|
|
One double-faced
|
96 for each face
|
|
Up to 300
|
One single-faced
|
144
|
|
|
One double-faced
|
100 for each face
|
|
Up to 400
|
One single-faced
|
160
|
|
|
One double-faced
|
160 for each face
|
|
400 and over
|
One single-faced
|
200 maximum
|
|
|
One double-faced
|
200 for each face maximum
|
(b) Freestanding signs shall comply with the minimum side and corner
yard setbacks of the applicable zoning district as an accessory structure
but in no event shall a sign be closer than 15 feet to any lot line
or building line.
(c) All freestanding signs shall be located at least five feet from all
buildings.
(d) Signs shall not exceed the following heights; provided, however,
that when freestanding signs are placed in raised decorative planters
not exceeding four feet, the height shall be measured from the height
of the planter structure:
[2]
Route 537 and Route 33: 20 feet.
[3]
Route 79 and all other streets: 10 feet.
(3) Real
estate signs. Two single-faced, freestanding, nonilluminated temporary
real estate signs shall be permitted, which signs shall not exceed
32 square feet of surface area for each sign; in lieu thereof, there
shall be permitted one double-faced sign which shall not exceed 32
square feet of surface area for each face. The sign or signs shall
pertain only to the sale, lease or rental of the property on which
it is located. Lots having a frontage of 400 feet or greater may display
two single-faced signs which shall not exceed an area of 64 square
feet each; or, in lieu thereof, one double-faced sign, each face of
which shall not exceed 64 square feet in surface area. No such sign
shall be closer than 15 feet to any lot line.
[Amended 10-24-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-37; 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
Outdoor advertising companies as defined in
this section shall not be permitted to locate billboard-type signs
in the Township.
[Amended 5-23-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-16; 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
Each day of violation may be considered a separate offense. Violation of any of the provisions of this article shall result in a penalty for the first offense as stated in Chapter
1, Article
II, General Penalty, or loss of privilege of displaying the sign or signs in question for a period of one month, or both. For a second offense or any subsequent offense, the penalty shall be as stated in Chapter
1, Article
II, General Penalty, or a loss of privilege of displaying the sign or signs for a period of up to three months, or both.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]
Signs erected prior to February 22, 2011, shall be deemed permitted nonconforming signs as to location and size, provided that all owners of such signs shall obtain permits for their continued utilization in accordance with §
190-176 hereof, within 90 days after February 22, 2011.
The provisions of this section are the minimum
requirements for promotion of health, safety and public welfare, and
whenever the requirements of this section are at variance with the
requirements of any other lawfully adopted rules, regulations or ordinances,
the most restrictive, or that imposing the higher standards, shall
govern.
[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3; 12-22-2015 by Ord. No. O-15-26]
Deviations from the requirements of this article
may be permitted upon application to and approval of the Planning
Board, through the Zoning Officer of the Township. Any such application
for a deviation shall be considered as applications for variances
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70.