Township of Freehold, NJ Signs

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.

DIRECTIONAL SIGNA sign or device intended to direct or point toward a place or which gives verbal directions, of any sort.

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.

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:

Predominately appeals to the prurient, shameful or morbid interest of minors in sex; and

Is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable sexual material for minors; and

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN COMPANY

Taken as a whole, lacks literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

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

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.

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.

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.

WINDOW SIGNAny sign mounted inside a window for display to the public passersby outside the window.

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.

§ 190-174 Signs allowed without permit.

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.

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.

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.

Transportation signs, including public transportation stops, including bus stops, when installed by the Township or a public transportation agency.

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]

Warning and no trespassing signs, not to exceed two square feet in surface area.

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.

Name and number plates identifying the residents on a house, apartment or mailbox, not to exceed 60 square inches.

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]

Signs posted by governmental agencies pursuant to governmental statute, order or regulation.

[Amended 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-48]

Signs which are an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps and milk machines, which shall not exceed two square feet.

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]

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]

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.

Erection/placement of sign is removed not more than 14 days after the election.

Placement of signs on public property shall comply with each of the following:

There shall be at least 100 feet of separation between signs of a particular candidate or campaign; and

All signs must be farther than two feet from the curb, or, if no curb, from the edge of the paved roadway; and

No political sign shall be located or placed closer than 10 feet to any other sign of a candidate or campaign.

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.

§ 190-175 Signs prohibited in all areas.

The following signs or types of signs shall be prohibited in all areas of the Township:

Signs using red, amber or green lights placed within 100 feet of traffic control signals.

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]

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.

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]

Immoral signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene nature.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

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.

Any sign which causes confusion with existing governmental or duly authorized signs.

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]

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]

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]

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]

Signs or poles maintained by public utilities, or on trees and fences or attached to signs or buildings owned by other persons.

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.

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.

Signs directing people to a housing development (real estate directional signs), except those meeting the conditions set forth in § 190-176H.

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]

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]

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]

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]

Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter such as smoke or steam.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters or waste receptacles.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

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]

§ 190-176 General requirements.

Permits.

All signs and advertising displays other than those expressly excluded in § 190-175 of this article shall require sign permits renewable annually. To obtain such permit, the owner of the proposed sign shall make application to the Construction Official on forms provided by him. The applicant shall also provide a sketch of the proposed construction and shall pay the required fee.

When the name or advertising message is divided between the number of panels or parts it shall be considered as one sign. When the sign has been installed, the Construction Official shall be notified so that he may make a final inspection. After a permit has been obtained, the copy, wording or pictures on a sign may be changed without the necessity of obtaining a new permit or the payment of additional fees provided such change does not create a violation of § 190-175 of this article. If such sign becomes the property of another person, no new permit shall be required for the term of the existing permit. No sign may be enlarged without obtaining a new permit which permit shall be issued and renewed annually.

A permit to erect or maintain a sign may be revoked in accordance with the provisions of the State Uniform Construction Code.[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 115, Construction Codes, Uniform.

Construction. Freestanding signs shall be constructed in the manner as set forth in the State Uniform Construction Code.

Construction of signs erected flat against buildings.

Any sign to be attached flat against the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable materials. The sign shall be attached securely to the building with nonrusting metal hardware.

When a sign is to be installed on a masonry building, holes shall be drilled in the masonry and proper nonrusting metal hardware of the expansion type shall be used. Wood plugs shall not be used in the drilled holes. Moldings or frames shall be considered as part of the total allowable sign area.

Illumination.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3[2]]

Wiring of illuminated signs shall meet the electric standards of the Township and shall be inspected by the Department of Fire Underwriters.

Where illuminated signs are permitted, signs shall be illuminated as follows:

By lights placed inside a cabinet sign with an opaque or a translucent background and translucent copy.

By lights placed inside individual pan-channel letters.

By halo lights placed behind individual reverse pan-channel letters.

By spotlights or floodlights which are directed to shine directly on the sign. Such lights shall be directed and/or shielded so as not to shine directly onto neighboring property or into the eyes of passing motorists.

By exposed incandescent bulbs, if such signs give time and/or temperature.

Illumination may be provided by floodlights, spotlights, ordinary incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes or mercury vapor lamps, however, regardless of the type of illumination employed, the sign shall be properly shielded and located so as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon any line of moving traffic and so as not to be offensive to residents of the area.

Nonconforming illumination, whether used for existing signs or new signs, shall be corrected within 30 days from the mailing to the owner by the Zoning Officer of a written notice to correct. Failure to correct such illumination so as to make it conform with the requirements of this section shall result in the removal of the nonconforming sign at the expense of the owner of same.

Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsections F through K as Subsections E through J, respectively.

Temporary signs of permanent type materials.

Temporary signs making use of permanent materials such as wood or metal shall require a permit.

The conditions and limitations regulating the number, size, location, and duration of temporary signs are set forth in the various sections governing the areas of use.

Real estate directional signs. Any residential housing development project located within the Township of Freehold or within one mile of the Freehold Township border, offering residential housing units for initial sale, and any individual residential unit owner or authorized agent of such owner shall be permitted to erect real estate directional signs providing there is compliance with all of the following regulations:

[Amended 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-65-48; 10-27-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-31]

Each sign shall not exceed two square feet in surface area, shall be of a freestanding type supported by one or two temporary posts.

Overall height of the sign shall not exceed four feet above ground level.

No such eligible housing development project nor individual residential unit owner or agent shall display more than six such real estate directional signs within the Township of Freehold.

There must be a distance of at least one-half mile separating each sign for each housing development.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Each eligible housing development need apply for one permit annually which shall be deemed to apply to all conforming signs permitted under these regulations and must designate the specific locations for each such sign. No such permit shall be required for an individual residential unit which is located within the Township.

Any such sign shall be considered in violation of this section if erected in any other manner or if attached to any public utility pole, other sign, fence, tree or wall.

Temporary signs for commercial establishments. No commercial establishment shall be permitted more than two twenty-four-square-foot signs or other temporary advertising displays for the purposes of promoting sales of seasonal-type products or to advertise the opening of a new commercial establishment. Such signs may be displayed outside the building itself for a period not to exceed 15 days. All temporary signs and advertising displays shall require sign permits. To obtain a permit, the owner of the proposed sign or advertising display shall submit an application to the Zoning Officer. The applicant shall provide a sketch of the proposed sign or display, shall submit a survey or plot plan indicating where the sign or display will be installed on the site, and shall pay a fee of $10 for a temporary sign permit. Signs using wording such as "stop," "look," "danger," or displays which are placed in a manner or position which, in the judgment of the Zoning Officer interferes with traffic or acts as a safety or traffic hazard shall not be permitted. All signs and advertising displays shall be removed by the date specified on the temporary sign permit. The penalty for failure to remove such signs and other advertising displays shall be as specified in § 190-185.

Nonconforming signs. Existing permanent-type signs or displays which do not conform to the requirements or standards provided in this section may be displayed, maintained or copy changed (wording or pictures), provided that they are properly maintained. In the event, however, that such signs or displays are not maintained or as established to be unsafe or in a state of neglect by the Zoning Officer of the Township, and in the event that the condition has not been corrected within 30 days from the time that the owner has been notified in writing by the Zoning Officer of the condition, the sign or signs shall be removed at the expense of the owner, and no permit shall be issued for a similar nonconforming structure.

Maintenance of signs. All signs or displays shall be maintained. In the event any sign or display is not maintained or is permitted to become unsafe in the judgment of the Zoning Officer, or in the event that the maintenance contract provided for is permitted to expire, and the owner of such sign does not correct this situation within 30 days from written notification by the Zoning Officer, such sign or signs shall be removed at the expense of the owner.

Signs on a marquee, canopy or awning.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Signs on a marquee. Notwithstanding the limitations of this article on the projection of signs from the wall of a building, signs shall be permitted on marquees subject to the following limitations:

Such signs shall indicate only the name of the building or the name of the principal occupant of the building or store front.

Such signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the marquee, projecting no more than three inches therefrom.

Such signs shall not extend above or below the structure of the marquee.

Such signs shall be counted in determining the area of wall-mounted signs permitted on the wall from which the marquee projects.

Signs on a canopy or awning. Notwithstanding the limitations of this article on the projection of signs from the wall of a building, signs shall be permitted on canopies and awnings subject to the following limitations:

Such signs shall indicate only the name of the building or the name of the principal occupant of the building.

Such signs shall be painted or printed directly on the canopy or on the front and/or side drop portion(s) of the awning or canopy.

Such signs shall be counted in determining the area of wall-mounted signs permitted on the wall from which the canopy or awning projects.

Computation of sign area.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Computation of sign area and number. Computation of sign area for signs not covered by § 190-174, exempt signs, and except as provided in Subsection L(2) of this section: The area of each face of a sign shall be the area of the smallest circle, triangle or parallelogram, which contains all letters, content, background and structural elements of the sign. Sign area shall not include structural elements which function solely as support for the sign or cover of structural elements.

Computation of sign area for signs which consist only of letters and numbers which are individually painted on or otherwise attached to a building wall, decorative landscape wall, screen wall, marquee, canopy or awning. The area of each face of a sign which consists only of letters and numbers which are individually painted on or otherwise attached to a building wall, decorative landscape wall, screen wall, marquee, canopy or awning shall be computed as in Subsection L(1) of this section. However, the maximum area of signs covered by this section shall be 20% larger than the maximum area otherwise permitted by this article.

Certain support structures exempted from computation of area of freestanding signs. Support structures which are part of a decorative landscape wall or screen wall shall not be considered to be part of a freestanding sign.

Determination of the number of signs. Any collection of sign content, sign background and sign structure may be considered to be one sign face if the area of such sign face is measured as only one circle or only one triangle or only one parallelogram, provided that the area so measured conforms to the maximum sign area requirements of this article.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Placement, vertical dimension, construction, finish and colors of signs.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

It is the intent of the sign placement, vertical dimension, construction and finish regulations to preserve and enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment by reducing the visual discordance which can result from:

The haphazard placement of signs on buildings; and

The use of an array of different sign constructions on one building or connected stores or buildings. It is recognized that this intent may be met by approaches other than those specifically set forth in this section. Accordingly, this section makes provisions for approval of signs which conform to the intent of this section but which do not conform to the specific requirements of Subsection N(2) and (3) of this section.

Placement of signs attached to building walls in relation to building lines. Signs shall be placed on a building so as not to break important horizontal or vertical building lines.

This requirement will be considered met if none of the following types of lines are broken:

Cornice line.

Lintel lines, actual and extended.

Sill lines, actual and extended.

[4]

Belt course lines.

[5]

Column and pilaster lines.

This requirement may be considered met even if one or more of the types of lines in Subsection N(2)(a)[1] through [5] of this section are broken if the building is designed so that a permitted sign cannot be located without breaking one or more of the above lines and the sign or signs are placed to minimize the breaking of important building lines.

Vertical dimension of wall-mounted signs in relation to building facade elements. The maximum vertical dimension of a wall-mounted sign shall be no more than 40% of the vertical face dimension of the facade element (parapet, spandrel, fascia or other facade element) on which it is mounted. This requirement shall be considered met even if all or a portion of a sign exceeds in vertical dimension 40% of the vertical dimension of the facade element on which it is mounted if the building is designed so that a permitted sign cannot be located without exceeding the forty-percent limit of any building facade element.

Coordination of construction type of wall-mounted signs. Whenever more than two wall-mounted signs are permitted on any one building or connected adjacent buildings comprised of several fronts, all may be and all except one must be of the same construction type (cabinet, individual pan-channel letters, individual reverse pan-channel letters, or other). In addition, all may be and all except one must have the same baseline if they are individual letters mounted on the building facade, and must have the same base and top line if they are of any other construction type.

Finish of sign background and sign structure. Low freestanding signs shall have a background and structure which is of a material, color and finish that is used extensively in the building to which the sign is accessory. A material, color and finish will be considered to be used extensively if it covers more of the nonglass portions of the highly visible surfaces of the building than does any other material, or if it covers at least 30% of the nonglass portions of the highly visible surfaces of the building.

Alternate approaches. Signs which do not conform to one or more of the requirements set forth in Subsection N(1) through (5) of this section may be approved if the review authority finds on the basis of sufficient facts that the purposes and intent set forth in § 190-173 are met. Such a finding shall only be made based on a written analysis and recommendation from a recognized design professional and review and recommendation by the Sign Committee to the Planning Board.

[Amended 12-22-2015 by Ord. No. O-15-26]

Sign colors. The color of signs plays an important part in the overall appearance of buildings, sites and streetscapes. Sign color schemes should be uniform throughout the site. Colors must be from the approved color palette for signs which are intended to enhance the streetscapes in the Township. The color or colors of architectural details may suggest signage-compatible colors for signs, sign frames and or sign standards.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Sign color requirements and guidelines:

Signs with contrasting backgrounds color lettering are required for maximum legibility.

More than three colors will not be permitted.

A dull or matte finish is recommended to reduce the glare and enhance legibility.

Sign supports shall be made of dark, neutral or subdued colors to minimize their visual impact.

Color schemes should be compatible with but provide contrast to the colors of the building on the site.

(f)

Dayglow or fluorescent colors are prohibited.

Permitted sign colors. The following sign colors are permitted. Colors from other manufacturers are permitted, provided that the colors are the same as or very similar to the following approved colors from the Sherwin Williams Preservation Palette, the Martin Senour Colonial Williamsburg Paint Colors, and the 3M Palette as listed below by manufacturer identification and/or by the Federal Standard 595 Color Number which can be found at the Federal Standard 595B Specification Reference Site at: http://www.fed-std-595.com/FS-595-Paint-Spec.html. Permitted colors shall also include matte black, bronze, gold and silver for background and lettering.

Background colors.

Martin Senour Paints -- Williamsburg Paint Colors
Name	ID Number	Federal Standard 595 Color Number
Benjamin Powell House Green	W85-1089
Benjamin Powell House Red	W76-935
Bracken Tenement Blue Slate	W83-1065
Brafferton Blue	W74-1155
Brush-Everard Blue	W74-1158
Burdett's Ordinary Black Green	W85-0625	FS 14087
Campbell's Tavern Charcoal Brown	W75-931
George Davenport House Green	W85-1071
George Pitt House Green	W84-1088
Governor's Palace Tan	W82-1072
Holt's Storehouse Gray	W83-1074
James Geddy Green	W84-1075	FS 34096
James Southall Blue	W72-1173
King's Arms Tavern Gray	W83-1076	FS 26231
Levingston Kitchen Green	W84-1077	FS 34159
Ludwell Tenement Sage	W82-1079	FS 34424
Market Square Tavern Dark Green	W85-0620
Palace Arms Red	W1083	FS 30166
Palace Supper Room Brown	W76-0205
Palmer House Brown	W76-942
Palmer House Green	W84-1084	FS 34128
Palmer House Kitchen Brown	W85-1085	FS 20059
Purdie House Gray	W64-1169
Purdie House Gray Slate	W83-1090

Sherwin Williams -- Preservation Palette
Name	ID Number	Federal Standard 595 Color Number
Rookwood Dark Red	SW 2801
Roycroft Copper Red	SW 2839
Rookwood Red	SW 2802
Roycroft Brass	SW 2843
Rookwood Medium Brown	SW 2807
Roycroft Bronze Green	SW 2846
Rookwood Dark Brown	SW 2808
Roycroft Bottle Green	SW 2847
Rookwood Shutter Green	SW 2809
Roycroft Pewter	SW 2848
Rookwood Sash Green	SW 2810
Rookwood Dark Green	SW 2816
Aurora Brown	SW 2837
Polished Mahogany	SW 2838

3M Image Graphics -- Films for Opaque Applications
Name	ID Number	Federal Standard 595 Color Number
Dark Grey	3650-41
Harvest Gold	7725-105
Black	3650-12
Dark Green	3650-56
Matte Black	3650-22
Bottle Green	7725-276
Deep Mahogany Brown	3650-19
Forest Green	7725-66
Russett Brown	3650-29
Bermuda Blue	7725-357
Putty	7725-59
Shadow Blue	7725-177
Deep Red	3650-23
Light Navy	7725-197
Burgundy	3650-58
Indigo	3650-27

Lettering colors.

Martin Senour Paints -- Williamsburg Paint Colors Interior Paint Colors
Name	ID Number	Federal Standard 595 Color Number
Benjamin Powell House Red	W76-935 Satin Latex
Brafferton Blue	W64-1155 Flat; W74-1155 Satin
Brush-Everard Blue	W64-1158 Flat; W74-1158 Satin
Campbell's Tavern Charcoal Brown	W75-931 Satin Latex
James Southall Blue	W62-1173 Flat; W72-1173 Satin
Palace Ballroom Ceiling White	W61-0410 Flat; W71-410 Satin
Palace Chambers Yellow	W61-0406 Flat; W61-408 Flat; W71-406 Satin; W71-408 Satin
Palace Dining Room Pearl Blue	W61-0710 Flat; W71-0710 Satin
Palace Supper Room Brown	W76-0205 Satin Latex
Palmer House Brown	W76-942 Satin Latex
Purdie House Gray	W64-1169 Flat; W74-1169 Satin
Raleigh Tavern Tan	W61-1054 Flat; W71-1054 Satin
Williamsburg Simulated Whitewash	W970 Alkyd Flat (package color)

Martin Senour Paints -- Williamsburg Paint Colors Exterior Paint Colors
Name	ID Number	Federal Standard 595 Color Number
Bracken Tenement Biscuit	W81-1064
Burdett's Ordinary Black Green	W85-0625	FS 14087
George Davenport House Green	W85-1071
George Pitt House Green	W84-1088
Gold Leaf
Governor's Palace Tan	W82-1072
Holt's Storehouse Gray	W83-1074
James Geddy Green	W84-1075	FS 34096
King's Arms Tavern Gray	W83-1076
Livingston Kitchen Green	W84-1077	FS 34159
Ludwell Tenement Sage	W82-1079	FS 34424
Market Square Tavern Dark Green	W85-0620
Palmer House Green	W84-1084	FS 34128
Purdie House Gray Slate	W83-1090

Sherwin Williams -- Preservation Palette
Name	ID Number	Federal Standard 595 Color Number
Colonial Revival Tan	SW 2828
Classical White	SW 2829
Colonial Revival Yellow	SW 2830
Colonial Revival Gray	SW 2832
Roycroft Vellum	SW 2833

3M Image Graphics -- Films for Opaque Applications
Name	ID Number	Federal Standard 595 Color Number
Translucent Frost	160-60
White	3650-10
White	7725-10
Matte White	7725-20
Eggshell	7725-130
Antique White	7725-90
Pearl Grey	7725-11
Fawn	7725-99
Beige	3650-49
Vista Yellow	7725-85

Sign design requirements and guidelines. In developing signs and signage plans or programs for sites, applicants should utilize design standards that will enhance the building, site and overall appearance of the neighborhood and Township as a whole. Specific requirements and guidelines that can help achieve this goal include:

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

The design of signs should be compatible with the architectural character of the related building and its site.

Materials, colors and lettering on all signage for the identified business or businesses should be compatible with the related building or buildings.

The graphic design should be simple in approach and reflect the business's logo, merchandise or service.

Signs should be readable from the street or internal driveway(s) within shopping centers.

No more than two type styles per sign face are permitted.

Materials and design should be compatible with the design of the building.

(7)

Sign bases should be part of the overall sign design and should complement the sign face and related building material.

(8)

For longer messages, the use of uppercase and lowercase lettering is recommended since it is easier to read than words which are all uppercase.

(9)

Where more than one business or occupant shares a building, it is required that a master sign plan for the building be implemented by the property owner.

(10)

Building-mounted signs should be designed to enhance the facade by blending with the architectural features of the building and not merely applied to the surface.

(11)

Signs should not cover or obscure decorative architectural details or overwhelm the facade of the building.

(12)

Sign bands should be of a consistent height and size along the building facade and for multitenant buildings with more than one facade sign.

The content or advertising message carried by permitted signs shall pertain to the business located on the same premises as the sign, or to any otherwise lawful noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit, or to a commodity or service for sale, provided that signs erected on contiguous properties or buildings may pertain to a business located on any such contiguous property or building.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

For signs with changeable message panels or zip tracks, the changeable message area of the sign shall not exceed 25% of the total sign area, except for fueling product price signs and multiplex cinema signs, which shall not exceed 75% of the total sign area. Reverse white or light-colored lettering with no white background is required. Electronic changeable-message boards shall be prohibited except as follows:

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3; amended 5-28-2013 by Ord. No. O-13-16]

Fueling product price signs (manual or electronic). Fueling product price signs are subject to the following:

One fueling product price sign shall be permitted per gasoline or alternative motor vehicle fueling station for each roadway for which an access driveway to the station occurs. It shall be affixed to a permanent sign structure or to a building and shall not be located closer than 20 feet to any side property line.

The price sign shall be permitted to change price no more than four times within a twenty-four-hour period. Changes in numerical digits must be completed within 10 seconds.

If illuminated, the fueling product price sign shall not be illuminated with an exposed or a visible lighting source. Prohibited lighting for electronic price signs shall include lamps or bulbs in excess of 30 watts, exposed reflectorized lamps or bulbs, lamps or bulbs not covered by a lens, filter or sunscreen and lamps or bulbs that scroll, flash, zoom, twinkle or sparkle.

A fueling product price sign may be mechanically or remotely operated utilizing light-emitting diode (LED) lighting subject to the following:

Changes to the price shall appear instantaneous, as perceived by the human eye, without any special effects.

LED characters shall not exceed 12 inches in height.

LED character colors for fuel prices shall be in accordance with common industry standards (i.e., red for gasoline and green for diesel fuel).

[4]

The LED sign shall not exceed a brightness level of 0.3 footcandle above ambient light as measured using a footcandle (LUX) meter at a preset distance depending on sign area.

[a]

The measurement distance shall be calculated with the following formula: The square root of the product of the sign area and 100. An example of the formula using a twelve-square-foot sign:

Measurement Distance = √(12 square feet x 100) = 34.6

[b]

Light measurement shall be taken with the meter aimed directly at the sign message face, or the area of the sign emitting the brightness light.

[5]

No LED sign shall be operated without a mechanism able to automatically adjust the display's illuminative brightness according to ambient light conditions by means of a light detector/photo cell by which the sign's brightness shall be dimmed.

[6]

The LED sign shall not be operated without a written certificate from a sign manufacturer or other approved testing agency that the light intensity has been preset to conform to the brightness and display standards established herein and that the preset levels are protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software or other method. An annual inspection shall be performed and a certificate of compliance shall be issued.

[7]

LED signs shall contain a default mechanism that will cause the sign to revert immediately to black screen if the sign malfunctions.

[8]

LED signs shall be equipped with a nonglare panel covering the LED display.

Multiplex cinemas with four or more screens shall be allowed 16 square feet of sign area per screen to be used for marquee identification of the movie playing. The display of movie posters shall be allowed on the same side of the building as the main entrance, with a maximum size of 12 square feet for each poster. Permitted marquee signs identifying the movies playing and movie posters shall not be included within the permitted sign area within the applicable zone.

Gasoline or alternative motor vehicle fueling pump island signs. Nonilluminated gasoline or alternative motor vehicle fueling pump island signs shall be permitted subject to the following restrictions:

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3; amended 5-28-2013 by Ord. No. O-13-16]

One fuel price or promotional information sign per fuel pump not to exceed two square feet.

Any other signs on the canopy or pump islands shall be subject to the requirements for building-mounted wall signage.

Natural features located in a public right-of-way shall not be altered to increase the visibility of a sign.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Registration of existing signs. All signs of more than eight square feet in area shall be registered with the Zoning Officer by submission of a sketch of the sign showing its dimensions, the distance between the sign and all property lines, and the height of the sign.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Replacement of signs that are damaged or destroyed. In the event that any nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed, it may be replaced with the same sign, notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter. In that event, the advertising message on the sign shall remain the same. Where any such damaged or destroyed sign is to be replaced in conjunction with a change of business or message, said replacement sign shall conform in all respects with the requirements of this article.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Abandoned signs. A sign, including its supporting structure or brackets, shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business or the businesses which it advertises is (are) no longer on the premises. Such sign, if not removed within 30 days from the termination of occupancy by such business, shall be considered to be in violation of this chapter and shall be removed at the owner's expense.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Dilapidated signs. All signs shall be maintained in good working condition so as to present a neat and orderly appearance. The Zoning Officer shall give written notice to remove or repair any sign which in his/her opinion shows gross neglect or which becomes dilapidated. Failure to repair, replace or remove the sign in violation within 30 days shall be considered a violation of this chapter.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Sign submission with land use applications. All applicants for land use approvals for developments in the enumerated zones shall submit details of signs prepared in accordance with the requirements of this chapter as a part of their subdivision or site plan application, which sign submission shall be reviewed under the provisions of § 190-114.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Informal sign review. All applicants for issuance of sign permits, whether in conjunction with subdivision or site plan application or any other circumstance, may apply to the Sign Review Subcommittee for an informal review of any proposed signage to identify areas of concern, the need for exceptions or such other matters as may be related to the configuration and location of a proposed sign. The information disclosed and the positions taken by the respective parties during informal reviews shall be nonbinding upon each.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

AA.

Electronic graphic display signs are permitted only in the RMZ-1 Regional Mall Zone in accordance with § 190-181A, or on a site with an entertainment event center in accordance with the following:

[Added 11-12-2013 by Ord. No. O-13-34; amended 4-22-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-4; 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

Setback from residential. The leading edge of the sign must be a minimum distance of 500 feet from an abutting residential district boundary which it faces.

Orientation. When located within 750 feet of a residentially used lot, any part of the electronic graphic display sign must be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on that lot.

Setback from other electronic graphic display signs. Electronic graphic display signs must be separated from other electronic graphic display, electronic changeable copy signs or video display signs by at least 50 feet, with the exception of two-sided signs.

Duration. Any portion of the image on the electronic graphic display sign must have a minimum duration of 10 minutes (changing a maximum of six times per hour) and must be a static display.

Motion. No portion of the image may flash, scroll, twirl, change color, or in any manner imitate movement.

Electronic display area. The electronic graphic display area shall not exceed 60% of the total sign area.

(7)

Limitation of characters. The narrative script of the electronic graphic display sign comprised of letters, numbers or other symbols shall not exceed 40 characters. The date and reservation information on the sign shall not be part of the character limitation or emergency or public service announcements.

(8)

Limitation of Content. Content displayed on the electronic display sign shall be limited to signage and advertising provided by the entertainment event center and is limited to events, promotions and activities that will occur on the site within four months of signage display. Advertising matter of an indecent, immoral or obscene nature is prohibited as defined in § 190-3, Definitions, "obscene material."

(9)

Background. The electronic graphic display sign shall be comprised of a matte finish background to decrease reflection for safety purposes.

(10)

Displays of static messages. The change of static message sequence must be accomplished instantaneously as seen by the human eye and shall not use blinking, fading, rolling, shading, dissolving, or similar effects as part of the change.

(11)

Emergency/public service announcements. Electronic display signs may be utilized for public service announcements and emergency service announcements including police and fire, at the request of the Township of Freehold for up to 50% of the display time (a maximum of three times per hour).

(12)

Luminance. This is the "brightness" of the electronic graphic display signs as seen from a particular angle of view. This is measured in candelas per square meter, also termed "nits." All electronic graphic display signs shall have installed ambient light monitors and shall at all times allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness level of the sign based on ambient light conditions. The sign must not exceed a maximum illumination of 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 350 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk and dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness.

(13)

Dimmer control. Electronic graphic display signs must have an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct illumination change from a higher illumination level to a lower level for the time period between 1/2 hour before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise as those times are determined by the National Weather Service.

(14)

Audio. Audio speakers are prohibited in association with an electronic graphic display sign.

(15)

Any electronic graphic display sign that malfunctions, fails or ceases to operate in its usual or normal programmed manner, causing motion, movement, flashing or any similar effects, shall be shut off immediately and restored to its normal operation conforming to the requirements of this subsection within 48 hours.

(16)

Electronic graphic display signs shall meet all other sign requirements of the zone in which they are located and all other requirements as listed in Article XVII, Signs.

(17)

Utilization of electronic graphic display signs is subject to approval by the Township Engineer and/or Chief of Police for traffic and pedestrian safety purposes.

(18)

Emergency generator. The electronic graphic display sign must be permanently connected to an emergency generator to provide backup power to the sign in the event of power outages. The operation of the emergency generator is limited to the time period during power outages.

§ 190-177 Signs permitted in R-9; R-12; R-15; R-20 and R-25 Residential Zones.

An informational sign or bulletin board, which may be illuminated, of not more than 20 square feet in area for a religious or similar public facility or institution, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, senior rental apartments, private schools, service organizations, recreational facilities, and other such uses, together with incidental signs which may be illuminated, not to exceed four square feet in area, necessary to provide direction or describe specific buildings in connection with such uses. No signs shall be located nearer to any lot line than 15 feet.

[Amended 3-25-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-3]

A business sign of not more than two square feet of surface area for single-faced or a total of four square feet for double-faced signs in connection with a business or professional office located in a home.

Such sign may be mounted flat against the face of the building or on a single freestanding post as a lawn sign, and shall not be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the distance between the lot line and the building line.

If the building has more than one use, all names shall appear on one sign, which sign shall have a maximum of four square feet per side or a total of eight square feet for double-faced signs. Sign may be illuminated and shall state the name of the occupant, his business or profession and house number only. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height above ground level.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Temporary signs for fund-raising events for religious organizations, hospitals, public functions or political activities shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area, to be located on the premises of the organization sponsoring the event. Signs shall be nonilluminated, freestanding, and shall be removed within 15 days upon termination of event. Such signs shall not be closer to any lot line than 1/2 the distance between the lot line and the building line. The sign or signs shall not exceed eight feet in height above ground level.

A business or store which has been allowed in this area may have one illuminated, flat sign against the building, and if located on a corner, two such signs shall be permitted, one facing each street.

The area of each sign shall not exceed 10% of the area of the side of the building to which the sign is attached or 32 square feet, whichever is the lesser.

Such business or store, instead of having a sign affixed to the building, may have an illuminated freestanding sign which shall not exceed 10 feet in overall height.

In the case of a development under construction, one nonilluminated temporary freestanding real estate sign of not more than 64 square feet of sign surface may be permitted on the premises where the construction is taking place. Upon completion of the total number of houses or units to be constructed in the development, all signs and supports shall be removed.

The rental or sales office of such residential development may have one illuminated sign identifying it as a rental or sales office only. Such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet for a single-faced sign or 24 square feet for a double-faced sign.

No freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the distance between the lot line and the building line.

The overall height of any such sign shall not exceed five feet above ground level.

Each such sign shall be removed no later than 10 days from the date of the homes or units planned for the development have been sold or rented.

§ 190-178 Signs permitted in R-E, R-R, R-80, R-60 and R-40 Residential Zones.

[Amended 3-25-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-3]

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.

In addition to the signs permitted in Subsection A above, the following types of signs shall also be permitted in this section:

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.

In lieu thereof, there shall be permitted one double-faced sign, each face of which shall not exceed 16 square feet of face surface.

The overall height of each such sign shall not exceed eight feet above the ground level.

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.

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.

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]

Subject to the following limitations, all signs permitted in §§ 190-177 and 190-178 shall be permitted in this section.

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:

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.

The placement of signs shall be appropriate to and visually compatible with the architectural style and architectural elements of the buildings.

The colors of backgrounds and letters on signs shall be appropriate to and visually compatible with colors used on the building.

In addition to the signs permitted under Subsection A hereof, the following sign or signs shall also be permitted:

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.

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

Maximum allowable size. The maximum allowable size of a wall sign shall not exceed 495 square feet.

No wall sign shall be mounted at a distance measured perpendicular to said wall face greater than 24 inches.

No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.

Freestanding signs.

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:


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

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.

All freestanding signs shall be located at least five feet from all buildings.

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:

Route 9: 30 feet.

Route 537 and Route 33: 20 feet.

Route 79 and all other streets: 10 feet.

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.

§ 190-180 Signs permitted in planned multiple-store shopping areas.

Any shopping center comprising four or more units and having a frontage of up to 300 linear feet on any street or highway shall be permitted one freestanding, illuminated, double-faced sign designating the name of the center or occupants of the unit and their principal product. Such shall have a maximum area of 100 square feet for each sign face.

Any shopping center of four or more units having a frontage of 300 or more linear feet on any street or highway shall be permitted one freestanding, illuminated, double-faced sign having a surface area of not more than 200 square feet for each sign face.

If the center faces upon more than one street, there shall be permitted one sign for each street adjoining the center, provided that no sign shall be closer than 300 feet to any other sign.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

No sign shall be closer than 15 feet to any lot line. No sign shall be more than 20 feet in overall height above the average grade of the property within five feet, inclusive of planters.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

No sign shall exceed 10% of the area of the front face of the building or face of the space being occupied for the first 500 square feet of such facing. Such sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in size for buildings which do not exceed 1,000 square feet in face area. In the event the face area of the building exceeds 1,000 square feet, the sign affixed to such building shall not exceed 7.5% of such building face area. The face of the building, as used herein, shall mean that part of the building containing the front entrance to the building. Such sign shall advertise only the business or use occupying such space.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

A wall sign equal to one-half of the permitted signage area for the front face of the building shall be permitted for each building face which faces a side or rear street. Such sign shall advertise only the business or use occupying such space.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3[1]]

Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection C as Subsection D.

Temporary signs permitted in various nonresidential zones.

Temporary billboard type signs shall be allowed for commercial, industrial or office uses in the B-2, LI-3, M-1, P-1 and CMX Zones to announce the approved project to be built on the site where the gross leasable or saleable building area exceeds 200,000 square feet and the size of the approved development exceeds 50 acres and has at least 500 feet of frontage on a public highway. The granting of a permit for such signs is subject to the following:

[Amended 12-27-2005 by Ord. No. O-5-48]

Prohibitions contained in § 190-175.

No sign shall be closer than 50 feet to the lot line.

No sign shall be erected within 300 feet of any residential zone line.

Lighting of the sign shall be by ground lighting structures illuminating the face of the sign or by light fixtures which are attached to a part of the sign structure. There shall be no use of flashing lights or moving parts on any sign.

No sign shall be higher than 40 feet in height above ground level including supporting structures.

(f)

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.

(g)

All signs shall be maintained in a good and clean condition.

(h)

Natural features located in a public right-of-way shall not be altered to increase the visibility of a sign.

(i)

No sign shall be larger than the following sizes:

If single-faced and set parallel to the adjacent roadway: 650 square feet.

If double-faced and set perpendicular to or at an angle less than 180° to the adjacent roadway: 300 square feet for each face.

V-shaped signs where one or a combination of signs within 100 feet of each other face different directions so that the projection of the closest ends of the two signs would cause a "V" if extended: 400 square feet for each face.

(j)

If the qualified project fronts on more than one public roadway, there shall be permitted one sign for each roadway adjoining the approved project, provided that no sign shall be closer to any other sign than 250 feet other than the V-shaped sign.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

Permits for such temporary signs shall be reapplied for on an annual basis, and the temporary sign permit shall be terminated by a thirty-day notice from the Township to the permit holder upon the first to occur of the following:

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

The installation of permanent signs for the project.

The failure to apply for and/or have the temporary sign permit renewed annually.

The completion of the project evidenced by final certificate of occupancy being issued.

Failure to restore and maintain a sign.

The granting of a temporary sign permit shall not grant to the permit holders or its successors in interest any right to maintain billboard-type signs or other signs in the same location as the temporary sign after the temporary sign permit has been terminated.

Permittees shall pay a temporary sign license fee to the Township and post with the Township a performance guarantee per sign to guarantee its ultimate removal as provided in Chapter 150, Fees, § 150-55C, Temporary signs permitted in various nonresidential zones.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

§ 190-181 Signs permitted in RMZ Regional Mall Zones.

General requirements for permitted signs in all RMZ Zones.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3; 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

Signs of a permanent or temporary nature such as described in § 190-174C, D, E, F, I and K.

Traffic signs, whether temporary or permanent, for purposes of regulating traffic within interior driveways, parking and loading areas installed by owner or owner's representative. Traffic signs so utilized shall, wherever possible, utilize signage design and verbiage which is in accordance with NJDOT standards for public traffic signs.

Signs identifying stores within an enclosed mall on the facade or store window of the store but not visible from the exterior of the mall building unless the store has an exterior entrance.

Construction signs on the exterior of buildings at or on entranceways provided they are nonilluminated or illuminated from within and each is no more than 50 square feet in area, and that each is maintained for no more than 14 days following the conclusion of the construction involved and the issuance by the Township of a final certificate of occupancy for the use constructed.

Signs on machines which are an integral part of building interior located vending machines, provided that they do not collectively exceed three square feet in area per machine.

Mall identification signs may be painted on permanent utility structures with the express consent of the utility structure owner entity on one, two or more sides limited however to mall identification, logo and location script subject to the following:

The total amount of painted sign space shall not exceed 30% of the solid face area of the utility structure;

Illumination may be by spotlight and/or floodlight either ground-mounted or structure-mounted.

Requirements for freestanding signs.

[Added 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10[1]]

The owner of the regional mall shopping center in the RMZ-1 Zone shall be permitted to erect one freestanding illuminated sign along each public roadway on which the regional mall shopping center fronts directly, or where a sign structure easement has been obtained on a contiguous parcel with frontage on a public roadway.

Each freestanding sign shall be constructed as a single-faced or double-faced sign. Each sign shall be illuminated by floodlights or spotlights at ground level or by internal or back lit forms of illumination and/or include an electronic graphic display sign in accordance with Subsection B(2).

Each sign shall designate the name and/or logo of the regional mall shopping center, the names and/or logos of up to eight stores/tenants of the regional mall shopping center or a contiguous property, and/or provide information as to events related to the regional mall shopping center or a contiguous property. No more than 50% of store/tenant panels may measure the full width of the sign. If an electronic graphic display sign is provided in accordance with Subsection B(2), no more than four additional names and/or logos of stores/tenants may be displayed on the electronic portion of the sign, such that a maximum of 12 stores/tenants are visible at any given time.

No freestanding sign shall exceed the following heights, including the support structure, along a public roadway frontage:

Route 537: 40 feet.

Route 33 and Route 9: 45 feet.

No freestanding sign shall be erected closer than 20 feet from the right-of-way of Route 33; 30 feet from the right-of-way of any other public roadway; or closer than 25 feet to any adjacent lot line, other than a lot line for a lot located within the RMZ-1 or RMZ-2 Zone.

The area of the enclosed face of each side of the sign shall not exceed 500 square feet.

(f)

The distance from ground level to the bottom of the enclosed face of each side of the sign shall not be less than 12 feet, except that if a raised decorative landscape planter is provided, the distance from ground level to the bottom of the sign face may be reduced to 10 feet. Such a raised decorative planter structure may not exceed three feet in height.

Electronic graphic display signs shall be allowed only as part of the enclosed face of a freestanding sign constructed along Route 33 or Route 9 as permitted per Subsection B(1). Such signs shall be subject to the requirements of § 190-176AA, except as follows:

Setback. The leading edge of the sign must be a minimum distance of 500 feet from an abutting single-family residential district boundary.

Orientation. When located within 750 feet of a single-family residential district boundary, any part of the electronic graphic display sign shall be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on that lot.

Electronic display area. The electronic graphic display area shall not exceed 50% of the total area.

Limitation of characters. There shall be no limitation of characters on a sign, provided that it meets the requirements of Subsection B(2)(e) below.

Limitation of content. Content displayed on the electronic display sign shall be limited to signage and advertising related to the regional mall shopping center and its tenants, tenants on adjacent lots within RMZ Zones, and events, promotions and activities that will occur on the site within two months of signage display. All content shall be in accordance with Subsection B(1)(b).

In the RMZ-2 and RMZ-3 Zones, the following freestanding signs shall be permitted:

For a retail commercial development or shopping center containing more than 150,000 square feet of floor area, one freestanding sign may be erected per 1,000 feet of frontage. The sign(s) may be single-faced or double-faced, may contain no more than 200 square feet in area per sign face, and may not exceed 20 feet in height. The face of all freestanding signs shall be of a recognized geometric shape and shall not contain characters or graphics exceeding three inches in relief from the sign face. No freestanding sign shall be located closer than 25 feet to any property line or building.

Theaters shall be permitted up to two freestanding signs providing for one, two or three faces with a maximum printed area of 50 square feet per side, being a maximum of six feet high and being either internally or back-lit illuminated. One such sign shall be located along a public roadway on which the RMZ-2 Zone fronts where the sign location is not within 300 feet of a residential zone and one shall be located on the lot on which the theater is located.

For all other uses, each lot may have one double-faced or triple-faced, freestanding, internally illuminated or nonilluminated monument-type sign not exceeding 20 feet in height and 45 square feet in area per sign face.

Directional and/or directory signs may be placed at various locations along the access roads and parking areas for purposes related to the regional mall shopping center, its anchor stores, or any use in an RMZ Zone which exceeds 25,000 square feet of gross floor area. Such signs shall identify parking and loading areas, entrances, exits, mall-related activity, public interest messages, or similar features for the convenience of the general public. These signs shall be freestanding, no more than eight feet in height and containing no more than 50 square feet of sign space on each side. They shall be internally illuminated, backlit or illuminated by ground spotlights or floodlights.

Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsections B through E as Subsections D through G, respectively.

Requirements for wall signs.

[Added 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

Wall signs attached to a regional mall shopping center in the RMZ-1 Zone shall be subject to the following requirements:

Each anchor store, mall tenant with an exterior entrance, or the regional mall shopping center as a whole shall be permitted to install wall signs identifying the name, logo, and/or principal function or service on one or more building facades.

Up to two wall signs identifying the name, logo, and/or principal function or service of mall tenants without exterior entrances shall be permitted at each common entrance to the regional mall shopping center. Such signs may be located above the entrance, beside the entrance, or below the parapet or roofline.

The total area of all signs on each side of the building shall not exceed 15% of the exterior face area of such building side to which the signs are attached.

Wall signs shall be applied flat against the building facade or extend out from the building wall by not more than 15 inches at a location that is not extended above the top of the parapet or beyond the ends of the facade of any walls.

Wall signs shall be backlit, illuminated from within and/or under parapet or ground-, flood- or spotlighted.

Wall signs attached to all other principal structures in an RMZ Zone shall be subject to the following requirements:

All principal structures shall be permitted to install one or more wall signs, to identify the occupants and their principal function or service, flat against the building facade, facing each public street or internal roadway on which the structure fronts.

The total area of all signs on each side of a building shall not exceed 10% of the exterior face area of such building side to which the signs are attached.

No wall sign shall be located on the rear facade of a building unless any loading and trash areas are adequately screened from view from adjoining public roadways and the building rear facade is finished with the same materials as the exterior walls of the structure.

Prohibited signs. All signs prohibited by § 190-175 as well as all signs not specifically permitted above are prohibited.

Application and approval procedures.

Applications for signs provided for in Subsection A of § 190-181 shall be allowed without the necessity of filing for a sign permit.

[Amended 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

Applications for new signs provided for in Subsections B and C of § 190-181 shall be applied for to the Planning Board of the Township of Freehold by the filing of an architect's rendering of the types of signs to be installed setting forth architectural schematics of the signs providing for the height, width, amount of enclosed surface area on each side of the sign, color scheme, illumination, construction details and such other information as is necessary to determine compliance with the terms and provisions of this subsection together with a site plan setting forth the proposed locations of each of said signs which should be superimposed on a copy of the approved site plan for the mall development and such contiguous properties as are necessary. Approval of the signs shall be by a sign permit issued by the Construction Code Official after review and approval by the Planning Board.

[Amended 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

For all other signs permitted for in this subsection as well as for signs not specifically provided for herein, application shall be submitted, provided the same information as set forth in Subsection C(2) above, to the Construction Code Official who shall submit the same to the Planning Board for their review and approval. The ultimate sign permit for such a sign shall however be issued by the Construction Code Official.

Any applicant who is before the Planning Board for final site plan approval shall submit a sign plan to the Planning Board as part of the final site plan application, in which event the signage plan proposed shall be transmitted to the Construction Code Official for determination of conformance with the provisions of this subsection.

Graphic content of the sign may be modified without obtaining a new sign approval, provided that the proposed graphic content if originally submitted would have complied with the applicable provisions of this section and further provided that any condition of approval of a specific sign receiving conditional recommendation of the Planning Board shall not be modified without additional review and recommendation by the Planning Board as to the graphic content modification.

[Added 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

A sign approval once issued shall continue unless the specific sign structure permitted is abandoned, removed, moved more than five feet, or increased to a size which exceeds the allowed face size or height of the sign at any time. Replacement, renovation, maintenance and/or repair of a permitted sign shall not affect the sign permit.

[Added 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

Fees for signs.

There shall be no original and/or annual fee for those signs provided for in Subsection C(1) above.

There shall be an initial review fee as provided in § 150-15D of Chapter 150, Fees, and an annual fee thereafter in accordance with § 150-62A(5) of Chapter 150 for signs provided for in Subsection E(3) above.

[Amended 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

There shall be an initial review fee as provided in § 150-15D of Chapter 150, Fees, and an annual sign permit fee in accordance with § 150-62A(5) of Chapter 150 for each sign provided in Subsection E(3) above.

[Amended 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-10]

Any fees provided for herein for initial review shall be paid at the time that the application is filed and shall be nonrefundable. Any annual fee that may be assessed for specific signs shall be paid coincident with the issuance of the sign permit on a prorated basis for the balance of the then current calendar year, and the annual fee shall be paid on or before the 15th day of January of each year thereafter.

General standards.

All signs, unless specifically stated otherwise in this subsection, shall relate solely to the ownership, trade name, logo, use or occupancy of the property upon which the sign is located and/or affixed or for which a sign structure easement has been obtained; other than for recreational facility and informational and event signs; and/or directional signs where properties are interconnected by common driveways and/or common parking areas.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

[2]Any illuminated sign located adjacent to or across the street from any residential district and visible from such residential district shall not be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the use to which the sign pertains is open for business during those hours.

Editor's Note: Former Subsection G(2), regarding graphic content of signs, was repealed 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3. This ordinance also renumbered former Subsection G(3) through (13) as Subsection G(2) through (11), respectively.

No signs shall contain blinking, flashing, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting.

All wiring for permanent illuminated signs shall be installed and maintained so that it is not within public view. Exterior and/or external conduit which is exposed to public view shall not be used unless the Construction Code Official determines that there is no other practical way to run the conduit so that it is not within public view.

No sign or sign structure shall obstruct a fire escape, a door, window or other required accessway. No sign shall be maintained at any location which by reason of its position, size, shape, content or color may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any traffic control sign, signal or device where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic on public roadways, or obstruct any site triangles required as part of site plan approvals.

No sign, except publicly owned or authorized signs, shall be placed in or extend into over any public right-of-way.

(7)

All signs provided for shall be securely affixed in a permanent manner to the ground, building, or to pylons adequately set within the ground.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

(8)

No signs shall be affixed to any roof, tree, fence, utility pole or other similar structure unless approved by the Construction Code Official. No signs shall be placed upon a motor vehicle, be animated or moving, be contained on advertising fliers, banners, or pinwheels or be otherwise portable or be painted on any pavement surface unless it is necessary on a temporary and/or permanent basis for traffic control.

(9)

The area of a sign shall be determined as follows:

Signs supported by bracing or pylons shall exclude the supporting structure on which no sign material or sign backing occurs.

If the sign face contains backing, the area of the sign shall be measured by computing the area of the sign backing.

On signs without backing, the area shall be measured by computing the area of the smallest geometric figure which encompasses all words, letters, figures, emblems and other elements measured with a clearance of at least four inches from the top, sides and bottom exterior points from any such element.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

(10)

The height of signs shall be measured between the highest grade at ground level within 10 feet of all sides of the sign and the highest point of the highest element of the sign, excluding any incidental structural elements.

[Amended 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]

(11)

[3]Replacement of existing signs. In the event that any nonconforming sign is destroyed, it may be replaced with the same sign notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter. In that event, the advertising message on the sign shall remain the same. Where any such damaged or destroyed sign is to be replaced in conjunction with a change of business or message, said replacement sign shall conform in all respects with the requirements of this chapter.

[Added 2-22-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-3]