[Amended 7-9-1987 by Ord. No. 22-87; 12-22-1988 by Ord. No.
36-88; 11-20-1989 by Ord. No. 37-89; 8-23-1990 by Ord. No. 35-90; 4-23-1992 by Ord. No. 7-92]
[Amended 7-10-2014 by Ord. No. 30-14]
No sign shall be constructed or displayed unless a permit shall have first been obtained from the Zoning Officer, unless specifically exempted by this chapter. No permanent freestanding sign shall be permitted until a site plan showing the location and size of the proposed freestanding sign is approved by the Planning Board, except that freestanding residential nameplates permitted in § 166-142 are exempted from the requirement of site plan approval.
[Amended 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017]
A.
For purposes of this chapter, the area of signs shall be calculated
as follows:
(1)
The sign area shall be calculated based upon the entire face
of the sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim,
or molding, and any defined background (e.g., color panel, sign board,
etc.). See illustration below.
 SIGN AREA = AREA OF CIRCLE
|
 SIGN AREA = A X B
|
(2)
When there is no defined sign background, for example, when
individual letters are mounted on a wall of a building without any
different color or material than the balance of the wall, or when
the defined sign background is smaller than the sign letters or symbols,
the sign area shall be calculated based upon the area of the smallest
rectangle which includes all of the sign elements. See illustration
below.
 |
 |
(3)
When a sign is comprised of multiple elements, for example,
in a directory sign, the sign area shall be calculated based upon
the area of the smallest rectangle which includes all of the sign
elements, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim,
or molding, and any defined background (e.g., color panel, sign board,
etc.), including the space between the sign elements. See illustration
below.
 |
(4)
When a sign is comprised of multiple elements, some with a defined
background and some without a defined background, the sign area shall
include the area of the smallest rectangle which includes all of the
sign elements.
 SIGN AREA = A X B
|
(5)
The area of freestanding signs shall be calculated in the same
manner as other signs, except that those structures used solely for
support of the sign, and not designed as part of the face of the sign
(such face including the advertising surface and any framing, trim,
or molding, and any defined background) shall be excluded from the
sign area.
(6)
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions for calculating the
area of signs with multiple elements, if in the judgment of the reviewing
agency such multiple elements are not designed to be viewed together
as a single sign, such elements shall be construed to be separate
signs, with the area of each sign to be calculated separately, and
such signs shall be subject to any applicable restrictions on the
maximum permitted number of signs.
B.
The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from normal
grade to, in the case of signs attached to buildings or other similar
structures, the top of the highest point of the sign or, in the case
of freestanding signs, the highest point of any structure upon which
the sign is located, whichever is greater. Normal grade shall be construed
to be the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of
any filling, berms, mounding or excavating installed primarily for
the purpose of locating the sign.
A.
All applications seeking approval for signs shall
submit at least the following information concerning said sign(s):
(1)
Sign area, dimensions and height above ground;
(2)
Dimensions of letters or other symbols in the
sign;
(3)
A view of the front of the sign, and the rear
in the case of two-sided signs if different from the front;
(4)
A cross section of the end view of the sign;
(5)
A description of sign materials, including type,
color, texture, etc.;
(6)
The method of sign illumination (if any), including
a detail showing the number, location and wattage of bulbs or other
light sources, reflectors and shields, type of light source, etc.;
(7)
A detail showing the construction of the sign
base, pole or other support; and
(8)
Any landscaping which exists or is proposed
in proximity to the sign.
B.
No sign shall be placed as to interfere with or be
mistaken for a traffic light or similar safety device. No sign shall
be located so as to create a traffic safety problem or reduce visibility
at intersections or driveways.
C.
All illuminated signs must comply with the following
regulations:
(1)
No sign shall be lighted by means of flashing, fluctuating,
changing or intermittent illumination. No sign shall be illuminated
such that the illumination changes the sign content or message, except
for gasoline pricing signs as permitted by this chapter and as regulated
by other applicable law.
[Amended 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017]
(2)
All lights used for the illumination of any
sign shall be completely shielded from the view of vehicular traffic
using the road(s) abutting the properties containing such signs and
shall be directed so as to prevent excessive glare on adjacent properties
or sidewalks.
(3)
Internal light sources, wall-mounted or sign-mounted fixtures,
or ground-based fixtures may be used for illumination.
[Amended 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017]
(4)
There shall be no illumination of any freestanding sign between
the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except when the business identified
on the sign and operating at the sign location is open for business.
[Amended 5-12-2016 by Ord. No. 15-16; 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017]
(5)
No sign shall be illuminated from an internal
light source unless it complies with the following requirements:
D.
No sign as permitted shall extend or project above
the highest elevation of the wall to which it is attached.
E.
Freestanding signs necessary for directional or safety purposes on
the property are permitted in addition to the other signs permitted
in the respective zone districts, subject to the following requirements:
[Amended 5-9-2013 by Ord.
No. 14-13]
(1)
Standard traffic control signs. Standardized signs for traffic
control and direction, including but not limited to "stop," "yield,"
"one-way," "do not enter" signs, shall comply with the standards set
forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, as approved
by the Township Engineer.
(2)
Directional signs. Directional signs shall be subject to the
following requirements:
(a)
Maximum quantity. The quantity of such signs shall be the minimum
necessary to provide reasonable direction to site users, as determined
by the reviewing agency.
(b)
Content. The primary content of directional signs shall be designed
to direct travelers to various buildings, driveways and use areas,
and not to advertise site uses, products or services to the traveling
public. Accordingly, any content containing any business, tenant,
owner or development or similar name or logo shall be limited to 15%
of the area of the directional sign, or three square feet, whichever
is less.
(c)
Location. Directional signs shall be located where they will
not interfere with reasonable sight distance for vehicles and pedestrians,
with pedestrian or vehicular travel, with utilities and with other
site improvements.
(d)
Maximum area. Except as provided otherwise for large nonresidential developments in Subsection E(3) below, directional signs shall be limited to a maximum area of two square feet.
(e)
Maximum height. Except as provided otherwise for large nonresidential developments in Subsection E(3) below, directional signs shall be limited to a maximum height of three feet; provided, however, that the reviewing agency may permit a height of up to seven feet when the applicant demonstrates that the directional sign(s) would not be reasonably visible at a height of three feet and that there is no reasonable alternative location where the sign(s) would be visible at a height of three feet.
[Amended 10-10-2019 by Ord. No. 38-19]
(3)
Directional signs for large nonresidential projects. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection E(2) above, directional signs for large nonresidential developments having a gross floor area of at least 250,000 square feet on tracts at least 50 acres in area shall be subject to the following requirements:
F.
Temporary on-site signs used as an accessory to new construction
or alteration on the premises, identifying the project and/or the
contractor, are permitted in all zones. Such signs shall only be erected
after all required approvals and permits for such development have
been obtained, such sign has been approved by the Zoning Officer and
all applicable fees for such sign have been paid. Such signs shall
be registered with and the fee paid to the Construction Official.
The following provisions shall apply:
[Amended 3-23-2006 by Ord. No. 10-2006; 7-14-2016 by Ord. No. 20-16]
(1)
In nonresidential zones, said temporary signs shall not be larger
than 12 square feet and must be removed prior to the issuance of a
certificate of occupancy for said construction, or within seven days
of the completion of construction if no certificate of occupancy is
required. One sign shall be permitted to identify the project and
one sign shall be permitted to identify the general and/or subcontractors
for the project, but no more than two temporary construction signs
shall be permitted for any site.
(2)
In residential zones, the area of said signs shall not exceed
six square feet and the height of said signs shall not exceed four
feet. Only one temporary construction sign shall be permitted for
any site. Such signs may only be displayed during the period of construction
and in no event for more than 30 days from the date the sign was first
displayed. The period of construction shall be construed to begin
with the issuance of all approvals for such construction and end with
the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or other final approval
of the as-built construction or, in the case of improvements that
are not subject to as-built inspection or approval, with the completion
of the improvements.
(3)
Temporary construction signs shall not be located closer than
10 feet to the property line.
G.
A real estate sign is permitted in all zones, provided
that it complies with all of the following requirements:
(1)
It must not be illuminated.
(2)
It must pertain only to the lease or sale of
the lot upon which it is placed.
(3)
It shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(4)
It shall be removed within seven days after
the consummation of the lease or sale transaction.
(5)
A building permit must be obtained from the
Building Inspector.
H.
Signs deemed necessary to the public welfare by the
Township Committee are permitted in all zones. Such signs shall not
pertain to any company, individual or business establishment.
I.
Signs for institutional uses are permitted on the same lot as the
institutional use to which the sign is accessory. Such signs shall
be subject to the following requirements:
[Amended 7-14-2016 by Ord. No. 20-16]
(1)
One freestanding sign and one sign affixed to each principal
or accessory building shall be permitted.
(2)
The maximum area of any sign shall be 30 square feet.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall be located at least 20 feet from any
property line in the residential zones, and as required for other
principal signs in the nonresidential zones, and shall be located
so as to not interfere with safe sight distance at intersections of
roadways and driveways.
(4)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of 10 feet.
(5)
In addition to permitted permanent signs, a temporary nonilluminated
sign may be displayed not more than twice a year for periods not to
exceed 30 days each, provided that such temporary signs are registered
with the Building Inspector. Such signs shall not exceed an area of
12 square feet and shall be located at least 10 feet from any property
line.
J.
Real estate signs as permitted in Subsection G above shall be located in the rear half of the front yard or the rear half of the minimum required front yard setback, whichever results in a lesser setback.
[Amended 7-14-2016 by Ord. No. 20-16]
K.
Political signs as defined in this chapter shall be
permitted in any use district, subject to the following restrictions:
(1)
One attached sign may be placed upon one privately
owned building designated and serving as the campaign headquarters
of any candidate or group of candidates running for election to public
office. Such attached sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
(2)
In addition to an attached sign as regulated
herein, freestanding signs are permitted. Such signs shall not exceed
eight square feet in area nor eight feet in height. Such signs shall
have a minimum setback of 1/2 the front yard setback required in the
zone district in which the property is located.
(3)
No such sign shall be erected, posted or displayed
more than 15 days prior to the date of the election to which such
sign pertains, and any such sign shall be removed not more than five
days after the date of such election.
[Amended 6-12-1997 by Ord. No. 20-97]
(4)
Any person, firm or corporation, including any
candidate, group of candidates or political organization, who shall
erect or display or who shall cause or permit to be erected or displayed
any such sign on premises subject to his or its control in violation
of the terms of this subsection shall, upon conviction thereof, be
punishable for a violation of this chapter.
L.
Flags of the United States, the State of New Jersey, the County of
Morris, the Township of Hanover, foreign nations having diplomatic
relations with the United States and any other flag adopted or sanctioned
by an elected legislative body of competent jurisdiction shall be
permitted in all zones, and in the circumstances set forth below,
flags displaying the name and/or logo of a business shall be permitted,
provided that the following requirements are met:
[Amended 10-27-2011 by Ord. No. 28-11]
(1)
No flagpole shall be constructed the top of which is more than
40 feet above the ground or five feet above the height of the existing
principal building, whichever is less.
(2)
If attached to a building, a flagpole shall not exceed 15 feet
in length and shall comply with the above height requirement.
(3)
One freestanding flagpole shall be permitted per lot, provided
that in the nonresidential zone districts, up to three freestanding
flagpoles shall be permitted on a lot when the second and third flagpoles,
as applicable, are located at least 300 feet from any public street
right-of-way.
[Amended 4-11-2013 by Ord. No. 13-13]
(4)
Except as provided otherwise in Subsection L(3) above, all freestanding flagpoles shall be located no closer to any property line than a distance 1 1/2 times the height of the flagpole. In addition to the above requirement, flagpoles in the front yard shall not be located closer to the street than the rear half of the required front yard setback. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any flagpoles displaying a flag containing the name and/or logo of a business as permitted herein shall be located at least 300 feet from any public street right-of-way.
[Amended 4-11-2013 by Ord. No. 13-13]
(5)
All freestanding flagpoles shall require site plan approval,
unless accessory to single-family detached or two-family dwellings.
(6)
Permitted flags must be flown in accordance with protocol established
by the Congress of the United States for the Stars and Stripes.
M.
All signs which are not specifically permitted herein
are prohibited. In addition, the following signs are specifically
prohibited:
(1)
Window signs, except where specifically noted
otherwise.
(2)
Snipe signs, including any sign attached to
a tree, utility pole, light stanchion, fence or other structure not
designed for support of said sign.
(3)
Roof signs.
(4)
Portable or movable signs.
(5)
Signs painted or attached to any vehicle advertising
a business and which are intended to be viewed while the vehicle is
stationary.
(6)
Signs with more than two display faces.
(7)
A double-faced sign having an included angle
of over 20°.
(8)
All signs which move, rotate or use flashing
lights or utilize mechanically changing displays.
N.
Banners and pennants.
[Added 5-9-2013 by Ord.
No. 14-13]
(1)
When permitted. Banners and pennants shall only be permitted
for larger nonresidential developments, such as but not limited to
office or industrial parks, containing a gross floor area of at least
250,000 square feet and a lot area of at least 50 acres.
(2)
Location. Banners and pennants shall be located at least 200
feet from a public street right-of-way.
(3)
Maximum area: 12 square feet per banner or pennant.
(4)
Maximum height: 15 feet.
O.
Temporary special event signs on public property. Temporary special
event signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:
[Added 7-10-2014 by Ord.
No. 30-14; amended 12-11-2014 by Ord. No. 43-14]
(1)
For purposes of this subsection, "temporary special event sign"
refers to a sign that announces a short-term happening or special
occurrence in the Township that is sponsored by a nonprofit organization
and of general interest to the community.
(2)
Such signs shall be located only on the property where the special
event is to occur or within the right-of-way of public streets, but
not on other public property.
(3)
Such signs shall be erected and displayed for up to seven consecutive
days. No subsequent temporary special event sign announcing or identifying
the same or equivalent special event shall be permitted to be erected
or displayed within seven days of the prior display of such sign.
(4)
The area of such signs shall not exceed six square feet.
(5)
Signs shall be prohibited on the paved area of roadways or walkways,
and shall not be permitted to encroach within the air space above
such areas.
(6)
Such signs shall be separated from any signs pertaining to a
different special event by a horizontal distance of at least 40 feet.
(7)
The following temporary special event signs and sign placement
shall be prohibited:
(a)
Inflatable devices (except balloons), streamers, flags and pennants.
(b)
"Snipe signs," including any signs attached to trees, utility
poles, light poles, fences, traffic signs or other structures that
are not designed to function solely as a support for the sign.
(c)
Signs painted or attached to any motor vehicle or other vehicle
or equipment advertising a business, service, event or property, except
for such signs that are painted on or affixed to a motor vehicle registered
as a commercial vehicle, when such sign is used to identify the business
for which the vehicle is registered.
(d)
Signs that move, rotate or use flashing lights, or that utilize
mechanically changing displays.
(9)
Such signs shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain a
permit.
P.
Temporary signs for opening of new retail sales and retail service
establishments. Retail sales and retail service establishments shall
be permitted to display temporary signs when the establishment first
opens on a property in the Township. Such signage shall be subject
to the following requirements:
[Added 10-11-2018 by Ord.
No. 24-2018]
(1)
For purposes of this subsection, a "new retail sales and retail
service establishment" shall be construed to mean such an establishment
that is a change in use or brand from the prior use or brand on the
site or in the building, and which requires the issuance of a certificate
of occupancy.
(2)
A zoning permit shall be required from the Zoning Officer prior
to the display of such signage.
(3)
Permitted display period.
(a)
Once issued, permits for such signs shall be valid for a period
of 30 days, at which time the sign must be removed.
(b)
Permits are nonrenewable.
(c)
Such signs shall not be displayed after 60 days have elapsed
since the opening of the store to the public for business, with such
opening defined as the date that the initial certificate of occupancy,
temporary certificate of occupancy, or certificate of continued occupancy
was issued for the business, whichever applied and whichever occurred
first.
(4)
Number of signs. One such sign shall be permitted for each business.
(5)
Permitted types. Such signs may be freestanding or wall-mounted.
(6)
Freestanding signs shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 50 square feet on any
side.
(b)
The height of the sign shall not exceed 10 feet.
(c)
The sign shall be located at least 10 feet from any front lot
line, and shall also be located so as to not obstruct access, reasonable
sight lines at intersections for vehicle operators or pedestrians,
or the view of other signs on the same property or adjacent property
or public street and so as not to create any other unsafe condition,
all as determined by the Zoning Officer.
(7)
If mounted, on the building, such signs may be located on the
building wall or in the storefront window area, and shall comply with
the following requirements:
(a)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 50 square feet on any
side.
(b)
Such signs shall not include any signs of the type prohibited by § 166-141M, except for window signs and banners.
(c)
Such signs shall be securely attached to the building, and not
designed to flap or otherwise move due to wind or other forces.
(8)
Illumination. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
[Amended 8-12-2010 by Ord. No. 22-10; 9-12-2013 by Ord. No. 17-13]
In addition to the signs permitted in all districts, the only
sign permitted is one nameplate sign for each dwelling not more than
one square foot in area.
[Amended 12-22-1993 by Ord. No. 36-93; 10-10-1996 by Ord. No.
15-96; 11-14-2002 by Ord. No. 25-2002; 3-11-2004 by Ord. No.
3-2004; 12-19-2005 by Ord. No. 36-2005; 8-12-2010 by Ord. No.
22-10; 6-9-2011 by Ord. No. 20-11; 8-14-2014 by Ord. No. 36-14; 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017; 3-12-2020 by Ord. No. 8-2020; 2-11-2021 by Ord. No. 4-2021; 4-14-2022 by Ord. No. 11-2022]
A.
In the RM, RM-2, RM-3, RM-4, RM-5, RM-6, RM-7, AH-1 and AH-2 Zone Districts, each multifamily or townhouse development shall be entitled to one freestanding sign at each vehicular entrance to the development, provided that such signs comply with the following requirements; provided, further, that if the RM or RM-2 Zone is developed for residential use other than multifamily housing, the provisions of § 166-142 shall apply.
(1)
The area of each sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
(2)
The height of each sign shall not exceed six feet.
(3)
All such signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from any street
right-of-way.
(4)
Said sign shall be an identification sign only, limited to the
name of the development or project on site.
(5)
The design and location of all such signs shall be subject to
the review and approval of the Planning Board.
B.
In the case of multifamily or townhouse developments having multiple
buildings, each development shall be permitted to have a directory
sign or signs. Such signs shall be designed to direct visitors to
the various buildings in the development, and shall comply with the
following, in addition to all other applicable requirements of this
chapter:
(1)
The area of each sign shall not exceed four square feet.
(2)
The height of each sign shall not exceed five feet.
(3)
All such signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from any street
right-of-way.
(4)
The design and location of all such signs shall be subject to
the review and approval of the Planning Board.
C.
In the case of multifamily or townhouse developments having multiple
buildings, each building shall be permitted to have one sign on each
building. Such signs shall be designed to identify the various buildings
for visitors, mail delivery and emergency response personnel, and
shall comply with the following, in addition to all other applicable
requirements of this chapter:
(1)
The area, size and location of each sign shall be as required
by the various emergency service agencies.
(2)
In the case of a community center, clubhouse or similar building
designed to serve residents and guests of the development, the sign
area shall not exceed four square feet and shall be mounted on the
building.
[Amended 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017; 10-10-2019 by Ord. No. 38-19; 12-19-2022 by Ord. No. 34-2022; 4-13-2023 by Ord. No. 10-2023]
A.
General regulations.
(1)
Except as may be specifically permitted by this chapter or by
other applicable law, no sign shall be permitted which is not an accessory
use to the principal use conducted on the same property.
(2)
Principal identification signs. For purposes of these regulations,
the term "principal identification sign" refers to any sign that is
designed, intended or functions to identify a development, use, product,
service, event or activity, when viewed from the street right-of-way
or other location not on the same property as the sign.
(3)
Secondary signs. For purposes of these regulations, the term
"secondary sign" refers to any sign that is not a principal identification
sign.
B.
Signs for retail sales and retail service uses. Signs for retail
sales and retail service uses, as defined by this chapter, shall comply
with the following requirements:
(1)
Principal identification signs. Principal identification signs, as defined in Subsection A(2) above, for retail sales and retail service uses shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
Permitted types. Principal identification signs may be attached
to the building or freestanding, subject to the following requirements:
[1]
Attached signs are permitted for all developments.
[2]
A principal identification sign may be freestanding only if both
Subsection B(1)(a)[2][a] and [b] are complied with, or if Subsection
B(1)(a)[2][a][c] is complied with:
[Amended 10-12-2023 by Ord. No. 31-2023]
[a]
Unless specifically permitted otherwise, the lot or lots containing
the development identified by the sign(s) must have at least 200 feet
of frontage upon a public street, the freestanding sign(s) must be
located in the front yard abutting said street and the sign(s) must
be oriented to be viewed primarily by travelers on said street; and
[b]
The sign must be accessory to a development or developments
containing at least 25,000 square feet of gross floor area devoted
to retail sales and retail service uses.
[c]
The sign is accessory to a gasoline station or permitted drive-in
use.
(b)
Content. In order to ensure the readability of signs, to avoid
visual clutter and unnecessary distractions, and in order and to promote
attractive sign designs, the content of principal identification signs
shall be limited to information identifying the name of the business
establishment(s) and/or the name of the overall development on the
property, as in a shopping center, and/or the logo, trademark or other
identifying symbol of said establishment(s) and/or development, and/or
the street address of the property. Except as specifically permitted
otherwise, sign content including but not limited to telephone numbers,
email addresses, products and/or services which are not part of the
name or logo of the individual establishment(s) or the overall development
shall be prohibited.
(c)
Attached principal identification signs. Attached principal
identification signs shall be subject to the following requirements:
[1]
Maximum quantity of attached signs. For each establishment,
the quantity of attached signs shall be subject to the following requirements:
[a]
One attached principal identification sign, or
two such signs if one of the signs is an official logo of the establishment
and the other sign contains other permitted content, shall be permitted
on each exterior wall of the establishment that faces a public street
upon which the property has frontage. See example, below.
[b]
One attached principal identification sign, or
two such signs if one of the signs is an official logo of the establishment
and the other sign contains other permitted content, shall be permitted
on each exterior wall of the establishment that faces a main driveway.
For purposes of administering this provision, a "main driveway" shall
be defined as a driveway that provides direct access between a public
street and the parking area(s) for patrons of the establishment to
which the sign is accessory. A main driveway may be internal to the
site and serve the main parking area, but this shall not be construed
to mean that every access aisle in a parking area is a main driveway;
generally, there is only one main driveway on any side of a building.
See example, below.
 |
[c]
In the event that an exterior wall of the establishment
faces both a public street and a main driveway, one principal identification
sign, or two such signs if one of the signs is an official logo of
the establishment, shall be permitted on said wall.
[d]
In the event that no exterior walls of the establishment face
a public street or main driveway, or the exterior wall containing
the main entrance for patrons of the establishment does not face a
public street or main driveway, e.g., an establishment located within
an interior area of a shopping mall, one principal identification
sign, or two such signs if one of the signs is an official logo of
the establishment, shall be permitted, which sign shall be located
upon an exterior wall containing the main entrance or main shared
entrance, as applicable, for patrons of the establishment.
[e]
For purposes of administering the foregoing provisions, a wall
shall be considered to face a public street or main driveway when
the wall is oriented towards and prominently visible to travelers
upon such street or driveway and when a sign placed upon the wall
is easily readable to such travelers. Walls and/or signs which are
obscured from the view of streets or driveways by vegetation, buildings
or other obstructions or which are located too far from the street
or driveway for the signs on the wall to be readable shall not be
considered to face such streets or driveways.
[f]
In no case shall a business establishment be permitted more
than three attached principal identification signs, i.e., one sign
on each of the three walls, or more than six such signs if three of
the signs are an official logo of the establishment, i.e., two signs
on each of three walls, with one of the two signs on each wall being
an official logo of the establishment.
[2]
Attached sign location. Attached principal identification signs shall
be located on a wall, canopy, marquee, awning, door or window which
is part of that portion of the building used and occupied by the business
establishment. If a business establishment that does not have an exterior
wall, canopy, marquee, awning, door or window visible from outside
the building, and/or shares one or more of such elements in common
with other establishments, then the principal identification signs
shall be located on or adjacent to such shared elements.
[3]
Maximum horizontal dimension of attached principal signs. The horizontal dimension of attached principal identification signs shall be limited to a proportion of the horizontal dimension of that portion of the wall upon which the sign is located and which encloses the space occupied by the business, or which is shared in common by multiple businesses as set forth in Subsection B(1)(c)[2] above. If the sign is located upon a canopy, marquee, awning, door or window, the horizontal dimension of the wall upon or in which such element is located shall be used to determine the maximum sign dimension. If more than one such sign is located on the wall or element, the maximum horizontal dimension shall apply to the rectangle enclosing all of the signs. The maximum proportion of the sign dimension to the wall dimension shall be as follows:
[a]
On walls having a horizontal dimension of up to
10 feet: eight feet, but not to exceed the horizontal dimension of
the wall.
[b]
On walls having a horizontal dimension greater
than 10 feet but not greater than 40 feet: eight feet, plus 0.4 foot
for each foot of horizontal dimension of the wall greater than 10
feet.
[c]
On walls having a horizontal dimension greater
than 40 feet: 50% of the horizontal dimension of the wall, or 50 feet,
whichever is less.
[4]
Maximum area of attached principal identification signs. The
maximum permitted area of attached principal identification signs
shall vary based upon the quantity of such signs and their orientation
to public streets and driveways, as follows:
[a]
Signs on walls which face public streets. For up to two walls that face a public street upon which property has frontage, the maximum cumulative area of all principal identification signs for each business establishment shall not exceed 1.25 square feet for each linear foot of horizontal dimension of the exterior wall which encloses the space occupied by the business, or which is shared in common by multiple businesses as set forth in Subsection B(1)(c)[2] above, but not to exceed 400 square feet. See examples, below:
 |
[i]
For purposes of administering the foregoing provision,
a sign shall be considered to face a public street when such sign
is oriented towards and prominently visible and readable to travelers
upon such street. Signs which are obscured from the view of streets
by vegetation, buildings or other obstructions or which are located
too far from the street or driveway to be readable shall not be considered
to face such streets.
[b]
Other signs. For signs other than the signs regulated by Subsection B(1)(c)[4][a] above, the maximum cumulative area of all principal identification signs for each business establishment shall not exceed 0.75 square feet for each linear foot of horizontal dimension of the exterior wall which encloses the space occupied by the business, or which is shared in common by multiple businesses as set forth in Subsection B(1)(c)[2] above, but in no case greater than 240 square feet. See examples, below:
 |
[5]
Maximum height of attached signs. Attached principal identification
signs shall not exceed the height of the ground floor of the wall
upon which the sign is attached. Such signs may be located on a parapet
or similar structure that is a vertical extension of the ground floor
wall. Attached signs shall not be located on the roof and shall not
project beyond the top of the wall or parapet upon which the sign
is placed.
[6]
Maximum projection of attached signs. Principal identification
signs shall not extend further than 12 inches from the face of the
wall, canopy, marquee, awning, window or door upon which they are
mounted.
[7]
Design theme for multiuse developments. In the case of buildings
or developments used by or designed for use by more than one business
establishment, all attached principal signs on the building and in
the development shall express a single compatible design theme. The
design theme shall be specified by the applicant at the time of the
site plan approval for the development or, in the case of existing
developments for which site plan approval is not required, by the
applicant for a sign permit. The design theme for attached signs shall
have at least two of the following elements to be the same or substantially
the same, subject to the approval of the reviewing agency:
[a]
Sign type (e.g., box sign, board/panel sign, pin-mounted/channel
sign letters, etc.).
[b]
Sign illumination (e.g., internal illumination,
external gooseneck fixture illumination, etc.).
[c]
Sign location on the wall, canopy, awning, etc.,
and height above the finished ground elevation below the sign.
[d]
Vertical sign dimensions.
(d)
Freestanding signs. Freestanding principal identification signs,
when permitted, shall be subject to the following requirements:
[1]
Maximum quantity of freestanding signs.
[a]
One freestanding sign shall be permitted for each driveway that provides public access to the property from a public street, up to a maximum of three signs for each street upon which the property has frontage, but in no case more than four signs for the entire lot or tract, and subject to the spacing requirements in Subsection B(1)(d)[6] below. The quantity of signs that are oriented to be viewed from a particular street shall not exceed the number of driveways that provide public access from that street.
[b]
Notwithstanding the foregoing, designed shopping centers in the OB-DS Zone District shall be permitted up to two freestanding signs identifying the center from Route 10, up to two freestanding signs identifying the center from Route 287, and up to two on-site freestanding signs identifying the center from streets other than Routes 10 and 287, all subject to the spacing requirements in Subsection B(1)(d)[6] below.
[2]
Shared freestanding signs.
[a]
Freestanding signs shall be permitted to identify
and advertise uses located on more than one lot if both of the following
criteria are satisfied:
[b]
Such freestanding signs shall be subject to the
same regulations as other freestanding principal identification signs
permitted by this section. The authorization for such signs shall
not be construed to permit a greater number of freestanding signs
than would otherwise be permitted. The maximum permitted area of such
signs shall be based upon the floor area of all of the uses identified
on the sign, provided that this shall not be construed to increase
the sign area above the maximum area permitted for freestanding signs
by this section.
[3]
Maximum area of freestanding signs. The maximum permitted area
of freestanding signs shall vary, based upon the quantity of signs,
as follows:
[a]
The area of one freestanding principal identification
sign per street, but not more than two such signs for properties with
multiple street frontages, shall not exceed 50 square feet, plus 1.5
square feet for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area greater
than 25,000 square feet of the development identified by the sign,
or 250 square feet, whichever is less.
[b]
The area of any freestanding principal identification
signs other than those regulated in Subsection B(1)(d)[3][a] above
shall not exceed 30 square feet, plus 0.9 square feet for each 1,000
square feet of gross floor area greater than 25,000 square feet of
the development identified by the sign, or 150 square feet, whichever
is less.
[c]
If the freestanding sign(s) identify more than
one business establishment, the cumulative area of all of individual
sign panels that comprise the freestanding sign(s) shall comply with
the maximum areas permitted by Subsection B(1)(d)[3][a] or [3][b]
above, as applicable.
[4]
Maximum height of freestanding signs. The maximum permitted
height of freestanding signs shall vary, based upon the quantity of
signs, as follows:
[a]
The height of one freestanding principal identification
sign per street, but not more than two such signs for properties with
multiple street frontages, shall not exceed 20 feet; provided, however,
in the OB-DS Zone District the height of freestanding signs permitted
to be located along Route 287 and along Route 10 for designed shopping
centers shall not exceed 30 feet.
[i]
The foregoing height shall be permitted for one sign per street,
up to a maximum of two such signs for the development.
[b]
The height of any freestanding principal identification
signs other than those regulated in Subsection B(1)(d)[4][a] above
shall not exceed 10 feet.
[5]
Minimum setback of freestanding signs from streets. Freestanding
principal identification signs shall be located at least 15 feet from
any public street right-of-way; provided, however, that in those locations
where the subject property has frontage on a street that has a center
barrier or other control that limits access to the property by vehicles
traveling in only one direction, such signs shall be located no closer
to the street right-of-way than a straight line which connects the
following two points:
[a]
Fifteen feet from the street right-of-way at the
point of intersection of the front lot line and the side lot line
that is closest to the direction of travel on the same side of the
street as the property upon which the sign is located.
[b]
Thirty feet from the street right-of-way at the
point of intersection of the front lot line and the side lot line
that is farthest from the direction of travel on the same side of
the street as the property upon which the sign is located.
[c]
The minimum setback line for such situations is
illustrated below:
 |
[6]
Minimum distance between freestanding signs. When more than
one freestanding principal identification sign is provided on a property
and/or tract, such signs shall be separated by a distance of at least
200 feet, measured horizontally between the closest points of the
signs. In addition, when more than two freestanding principal identification
signs which are accessory to the uses on a property and/or tract are
oriented to be viewed from a particular street, as permitted by Subsection
B(1)(d)[1][a], at least two of the signs shall be separated by a distance
of at least 500 feet.
(2)
Secondary signs. Secondary signs, as defined in Subsection A(3) above, for retail sales and retail service uses shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
Accessory use signs for larger establishments. In addition to the attached principal identification signs permitted by Subsection B(1) above, individual retail sales and retail service establishments containing a gross floor area of at least 25,000 square feet shall be permitted attached signs for secondary uses to the principal use. Such signs shall be limited to signs identifying uses which are an accessory component of the primary retail business, such as but not limited to a pharmacy, garden center or eating establishment accessory to a supermarket or "big box" retail establishment, or other use similarly accessory to the primary retail business, and shall be subject to the following requirements:
[1]
One secondary sign for each accessory use to the establishment shall be permitted on each building wall of the business that faces a public street, main driveway as defined by Subsection B(1)(c) above, or parking area for patrons of the establishment, provided that there shall be no more than a total of three such signs for all accessory uses on any wall for the establishment nor more than a total of four secondary signs for all walls of the establishment.
[2]
The area of each such secondary sign shall not exceed 2% of
the area of the ground floor wall of the business establishment upon
which it is placed, or 100 square feet, whichever is less.
(b)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted, subject to the
following regulations:
[1]
The total area of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the
main front window area, or one square foot for each linear foot of
building frontage occupied by the establishment using the sign, whichever
is less. The maximum area permitted for window signs shall be calculated
separately from the area for other permitted signs.
[2]
Window signs shall be located only in the main front window.
[3]
Window signs shall not be illuminated.
(3)
Drive-through signs. When drive-through uses are permitted,
secondary signs for the convenience of drive-through patrons shall
be permitted, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
Maximum quantity of drive-through signs. The quantity of permitted
drive-through signs shall be only as determined to be necessary for
the operation of the drive-through use, as regulated below.
(b)
Type. Drive-through signs may be attached to the building or
may be freestanding.
(c)
Location and orientation. Drive-through signs shall be located
adjacent to the drive-through lane(s) and oriented to be viewed primarily
by drive-through patrons. Such signs shall not oriented or be used
to advertise goods or services to non-drive-through patrons or the
general public.
(d)
Preview signs. Preview signs are signs that highlight or summarize
the goods or services identified in more detail on the menu board
sign, and are regulated as follows:
(e)
Menu board signs. Menu board signs are signs that detail the
products and services that may be ordered from the drive-through lane(s),
and are regulated as follows:
(f)
Order station signs. Order station signs are signs used for
the placement of orders from a drive-through lane, and typically involve
a visual display of the order being taken, and may include a microphone
and/or speaker for communication between the patron and the establishment.
Order station signs are regulated as follows:
(g)
Drive-through directional signs. Drive-through directional signs are signs used to guide or instruct patrons of the drive-through operation, and include signs directing patrons to the drive-through lanes and order locations, vehicle clearance heights, and other similar functions. Such signs shall be subject to the regulations in § 166-141E.
C.
Signs for nonresidential uses other than retail sales and retail service uses. Signs for nonresidential uses other than retail sales and retail service uses shall be as permitted for such uses in § 166-147 and shall be subject to the regulations for such signs in § 166-147, except as provided otherwise below:
(1)
A principal identification sign for such uses may be freestanding
only if all of the following conditions are complied with:
(2)
Freestanding principal identification signs for such uses shall
be subject to the same setback requirements that apply to freestanding
principal identification signs for retail sales and retail service
establishments in this section.
D.
Signs for developments containing a mixture of retail sales and retail service uses and other uses. In the case of developments that contain both retail uses and other nonresidential uses, the signs for the retail uses shall be subject to the requirements of Subsection B of this section, and the signs for the other nonresidential uses shall be subject to the requirements of Subsection C of this section. In the event that the requirements of Subsection B and Subsection C conflict with each other when applied to such developments, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.
[Amended 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017; 10-10-2019 by Ord. No. 38-19]
Signs in the D-S Zone District shall be subject to the provisions of § 166-144.
[Added 8-12-2010 by Ord.
No. 22-10; amended 8-14-2014 by Ord. No. 36-14; 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017; 10-10-2019 by Ord. No. 38-19]
[Amended 5-12-2016 by Ord. No. 15-16; 4-13-2023 by Ord. No. 10-2023]
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, gasoline
stations, where permitted, may display only the following signs, which
are deemed customary and necessary to their respective business:
A.
One freestanding sign advertising the name of the station, and/or
the brand name, and/or the logo of the gasoline sold. Such sign shall
be subject to the following requirements:
(1)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(2)
The height of the sign shall not exceed 20 feet.
(3)
The sign shall not reduce or interfere with the appropriate
sight lines at the intersections of roadways, driveways and other
vehicular travel areas, as determined by the Township Engineer based
upon the particular conditions of the site and adjacent roadways.
(4)
The sign shall be set back from the front lot line in the same
manner as required for other freestanding signs in the zone district.
B.
One sign mounted on the wall of the station building, or on a canopy
over the fuel pumps, identifying the name of the station and/or the
brand name and/or the logo of the gasoline sold. Such sign shall be
subject to the same regulations as building-mounted signs for retail
business establishments in the same zone district as the gasoline
station. Notwithstanding the foregoing, gasoline stations located
upon property that has frontage upon more than one street may have
one building or canopy sign for each street, provided that not more
than one sign shall be permitted to be oriented to each street.
C.
Miscellaneous ancillary informational signs, including but not limited
to signs located on gasoline pumps, lead warning signs, emergency
shut-off signs, no smoking signs, and any other sign required by law,
all as determined to be reasonably necessary by the Board. The intent
in permitting such signs shall be to provide information to employees
and patrons, and not to advertise the gas station to passing roadway
traffic.
D.
Commercially manufactured signs advertising the price of fuel only shall be permitted to be attached to the permitted freestanding sign as regulated in Subsection A as stated above; provided, however, that said price signs meet the following required conditions:
E.
In the event that a gasoline station is located on the same property
or is part of the same development as other uses, the sign regulations
shall be as follows:
(1)
If the signs for the gasoline station are separate and distinct
from the signs for the other use(s), the regulations of this section
shall apply only to the gasoline station signs, and the sign regulations
otherwise applicable to the other use(s) shall apply to such other
use(s); provided, however, that in the case of signs for other uses
permitted to be located on the freestanding sign for the gasoline
station by § 166-144B(1)(a)[2][b], the following shall apply:
(a)
One sign for each of the other uses shall be permitted on the
freestanding sign.
(b)
The maximum cumulative area of all such signs for the other
uses shall be 30 square feet.
(c)
The same maximum height and minimum setback requirements applicable
to the freestanding gasoline station sign shall also apply to the
signs for other uses attached to the gasoline station sign.
(2)
If the signs for the gasoline station and the other use(s) are
shared and not separate or distinct, as in the case of a gasoline
station and convenience store operating under the same brand name,
the regulations of this section shall apply to all of the shared signs.
[Amended 12-22-1993 by Ord. No. 36-93; 6-8-1995 by Ord. No.
16-95; 10-26-2000 by Ord. No. 14-2000; 12-13-2012 by Ord. No.
23-12; 8-14-2014 by Ord. No. 36-14; 12-14-2017 by Ord. No. 26-2017]
A.
Except as specifically permitted in this chapter, no sign shall be
permitted which is not accessory to the use conducted on the property.
B.
Principal identification signs. Principal identification signs are
signs identifying the name of the business establishment or development
on the property, and/or the nature, logo, trademark or other identifying
symbol of said establishment or development, and/or the street address
of the property, as permitted and regulated herein. Such signs shall
be subject to the following requirements:
[Amended 9-13-2018 by Ord. No. 20-2018]
(1)
Maximum quantity.
(a)
Properties with less than 100,000 square feet of gross floor
area: One sign shall be permitted for each lot.
(b)
Properties with at least 100,000 square feet of gross floor
area:
[1]
Two wall signs for each wall facing a public street, on up to
two walls (maximum four total wall signs), plus one wall sign indicating
the street address of the property, shall be permitted.
[2]
One freestanding sign for each driveway providing access to
a public street, but not more than two freestanding signs, shall be
permitted. Such signs are not required to be located at the driveway
entrance.
(2)
Permitted types. Principal identification signs may be attached
to the wall or permanent canopy or marquee constructed as an integral
part of the building. A principal identification sign may be freestanding
only if all of the following conditions are complied with:
(3)
Content. The content of principal signs shall be limited to
the following:
(a)
Properties used for a single business establishment. The content
of principal signs located on properties used for a single business
establishment shall be limited to information identifying the name
of the business establishment or development on the property, and/or
the nature, logo, trademark or other identifying symbol of said establishment
or development, and/or the street address of the property.
(b)
Properties used for multiple business establishments.
[1]
Properties with less than 100,000 square feet of gross floor
area: The content of principal signs located on properties used for
more than one business establishment shall be limited to information
identifying the name of the overall development on the property, and/or
the nature, logo, trademark or other identifying symbol of said development,
and/or the street address of the property. The name of individual
businesses shall not be permitted on such signs.
[2]
Properties with at least 100,000 square feet of gross floor
area: The content of principal signs located on properties used for
more than one business establishment shall be limited to information
identifying the name of the overall development on the property, the
name of up to two businesses, and/or the nature, logo, trademark or
other identifying symbol of said development or business, and/or the
street address of the property. The name of individual businesses
shall not be permitted on such signs.
(4)
Maximum area.
(a)
The area of principal identification signs mounted on the building
wall shall not exceed 5% of the area of the wall upon which they are
mounted or 75 square feet, whichever is less. For purposes of administering
this requirement, the area of the wall shall include all portions
of the building elevation located between the ground and the roof
soffit or top of the parapet, as applicable, including doors, windows
and any projecting or recessed elements.
(b)
The area of freestanding principal identification signs shall
not exceed 75 square feet.
(6)
Maximum dimensions.
(a)
For building-mounted principal identification signs, the vertical
dimension shall not exceed three feet. The horizontal dimension shall
not exceed 50% of the horizontal dimension of the building wall upon
which the sign is mounted or 25 feet, whichever is less. For purposes
of administering this requirement, the horizontal dimension of the
wall shall include all portions of the building elevation, including
projecting or recessed elements.
(b)
For freestanding principal identification signs, the vertical
dimension shall not exceed eight feet. The horizontal dimension shall
not exceed 12 feet.
(7)
Minimum setback. Freestanding principal identification signs
shall be located at least 15 feet from any front lot line.
(8)
Maximum projection. Building-mounted principal identification
signs shall be mounted parallel to the face of the wall, canopy or
marquee to which they are attached, and shall not extend further than
12 inches from the face of such wall, canopy or marquee.
C.
Directory signs. Directory signs are signs listing the businesses
within a building or group of buildings. Directory signs are permitted
only when a building or buildings are occupied by multiple business
establishments, in addition to the permitted principal identification
sign for the property, and are subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Maximum quantity. One directory sign shall be permitted; provided,
however, that the Planning Board may permit additional signs without
the need for a variance if the applicant demonstrates as part of a
site plan application that additional signs are necessary to provide
adequate identification of site businesses.
(2)
Permitted type. Directory signs may be attached to the wall
of the building or may be freestanding.
(3)
Maximum area. The area of directory signs shall not exceed 30
square feet.
(4)
Maximum height. The height of directory signs shall not exceed
six feet.
(5)
Maximum dimensions. The vertical dimension of individual tenant
signs on the directory sign shall not exceed six inches. The horizontal
dimension of individual tenant signs on the directory sign shall not
exceed four feet. The overall dimensions of the directory sign shall
be as approved by the Planning Board, taking into account the number
and arrangement of tenant signs.
(6)
Minimum setback from front lot line. The minimum setback of
directory signs from the front lot line or any road widening easement
along the front line shall be the setback of the principal building,
less 10 feet; provided, however, that in no circumstances shall directory
signs be set back less than 40 feet from any front lot line or road
widening easement. For example, if the principal building is set back
75 feet from the front lot line, any directory sign must be located
at least 65 feet from the front lot line.
(7)
Maximum projection. Building-mounted directory signs shall be
mounted parallel to the face of the wall, canopy or marquee to which
they are attached, and shall not extend further than 12 inches from
the face of such wall, canopy or marquee.
(8)
Design. On each directory sign, only the names of individual
businesses shall be included, and all such name signs shall use the
same font, font size, color and material, as approved by the reviewing
agency.
D.
Tenant entrance signs on multiple business sites. When multiple buildings
are developed on a site or when a building is occupied by multiple
businesses, signs identifying the building entrances for each business
shall be permitted in addition to the permitted principal identification
sign for the property, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Maximum quantity. One sign shall be permitted for each entrance.
(2)
Permitted type and location. Such signs shall be mounted on
the building wall, in close proximity to the entrance, or on a canopy
above the entrance.
(3)
Maximum area. The area of such signs shall not exceed 10 square
feet.
(4)
Maximum dimensions. The vertical dimension shall not exceed
two feet. The horizontal dimension shall not exceed eight feet.
(5)
Design. The design of such signs shall be as approved by the
reviewing agency, taking into account the design of the building and
the location of the signs.
E.
Loading bay signs on multiple business sites. When multiple buildings
are developed on a site or when a building is occupied by multiple
businesses, signs identifying the loading bays for each business shall
be permitted in addition to the permitted principal identification
sign for the property, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Maximum quantity. One sign shall be permitted for each loading
bay.
(2)
Permitted type and location. Such signs shall be mounted on
the building wall, in close proximity to the loading bay, or on a
canopy above the loading bay.
(3)
Maximum area. The area of each sign shall not exceed 1 1/2
square feet.
(4)
Sign dimensions. The dimensions of each sign shall be as approved
by the reviewing agency, taking into account the nature, location
and design of the signs.
(5)
Design. The design of such signs shall be as approved by the
reviewing agency, taking into account the design of the building and
the location of the signs.
[1]
Editor’s Note: The O-S Zone was added to the title of
this section 6-13-2019 by Ord. No. 24-19.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 166-148,
Signs in the PUD Zone District, was repealed 12-22-1993 by Ord. No.
36-93.
