[Last amended 4-21-2015 by Ord. No. 3-2015]
No individual, firm, partnership or corporation shall construct within the Township any signs, as defined in § 240-7, except as herein provided. An application for a permit to construct or erect a sign shall be made to the Zoning Officer and Construction Official, which application shall include plans of sufficient detail to administer this article.
A.
The area of a sign shall be computed by means of the smallest square,
circle, oval, rectangle, or triangle that will encompass the extreme
limits of the writing, graphic illustration, picture, symbol or other
display, together with any material or color forming an integral part
of the background of the sign used to differentiate the sign from
the backdrop or structure against which it is placed.
B.
Where the sign is supported by a post or pylon, the surface of which
is illuminated and/or being used for advertising purposes, the area
of the post, pylon or other supporting member will be included when
calculating the total sign area.
C.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to or painted on a surface, wall or window, the area of the sign shall
be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric
shape which encompasses all letters and symbols.
D.
The height of a sign shall be the vertical distance from grade plane
to the top of the highest point of the sign structure for freestanding,
directory and ground signs and the highest point of the material or
color forming an integral part of the background of the sign for wall,
projecting, awning and window signs.
A.
Internally illuminated signs shall have characters, letters, figures
and designs that are illuminated by electric lights as part of the
sign proper, with dark or translucent background, and shall not blink
or flash.
B.
Externally lit signs shall be located in such a manner so as not
to cause glare on any adjacent property or residential uses. Sources
of sign illumination shall be completely shielded from the view of
vehicular traffic using the road or roads abutting the lot on which
the sign is located.
C.
External lights used for the illumination of a sign on a building,
whether or not such light fixtures are attached to or separate from
the building, shall not extend above the highest elevation of the
front wall of the building or more than 18 feet above the street level
of the premises, whichever is less.
D.
Illuminated signs shall be illuminated only during the hours of operation
of the businesses which they advertise.
E.
Message center signs and digital display
signs are subject to the following brightness limits:
[Added 11-18-2019 by Ord. No. 15-2019]
(1)
During daylight hours between sunrise
and sunset, luminance shall be no greater than 8,000 nits.
(2)
At all other times, luminance shall
be no greater than 500 nits.
(3)
Each sign must have a light sensing
device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display
as the natural ambient light conditions change to comply with the
limits set here within.
A.
Signs shall be in harmony with and consistent with the architectural
style of the building. Signs shall relate to the architectural features
of the building in terms of location, scale, colors, and materials.
B.
There shall be consistent sign design throughout a particular project.
The design elements include style of lettering, construction material,
size and illumination.
C.
Freestanding signs shall be integrated with the landscaping on site.
D.
No signs shall be erected, placed on, or attached to a structure
or erected independently for any purpose other than to advertise a
permitted business or use conducted on the same premises. Signage
for a business or other purpose located off-site is not permitted.
E.
Signs shall be considered accessory uses in all zones and shall be
subordinate to a use on the same property.
F.
No sign except infrastructure and traffic control devices of a duly
constituted government shall be erected within the public street right-of-way.
No sign shall be placed upon any property without the consent of the
property owner.
G.
No sign shall be erected so that any part of the sign or its supporting
members project over a permitted setback line or height limit.
H.
Signs shall be either ground mounted, freestanding or attached to
a building in an approved manner. Freestanding signs shall be supported
by one, but not more than two, columns or uprights firmly embedded
in the ground. Exposed guy wires, braces or other connections shall
not be permitted.
I.
Wall signs shall not obscure, conflict with or cover any architectural
element and must be aligned with major building elements such as windows,
trim and structure lines.
J.
No sign shall extend or project above the highest elevation of the
wall to which it is attached or above the lowest part of the roofline
of the building, whichever is less. Where signs project beyond a building
facade or wall over a pedestrian way, the lowest part of the sign
shall be at least eight feet above the walkway.
K.
Wall, fascia or attached signs shall be firmly attached to the exterior
wall of a building and shall not project more than 15 inches.
L.
No electric wiring associated with a sign shall be visible to public
view.
M.
Business buildings located on corner lots shall be construed as having
frontage on both streets, and signs as regulated in this section shall
be permitted accordingly.
N.
Any sign deemed necessary to the public welfare may be approved by
the Township Council upon receipt of prior recommendation from the
Planning Board.
In the residential districts, the following signs shall be allowed
without a permit so long as such signs are erected and located in
such a manner so as not to create a safety hazard as determined by
the Zoning Officer.
A.
No-trespassing signs not more than two square feet in area.
B.
No-hunting signs not more than two square feet in area.
C.
One customary nameplate sign not more than two square feet in area
which may be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, provided
that the source of light is shielded in such a manner that it does
not shed glare onto the street or any other adjoining property.
D.
Real estate signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises
upon which said sign has been erected or a sign indicating that said
premises have been sold or rented, provided that:
(1)
Such temporary signs shall be erected only on the premises to which
they relate. They shall not be permitted on any other property.
(2)
The area of any such temporary sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(3)
Not more than one such temporary sign shall be placed on any property
held in single and separate ownership.
(4)
Such temporary signs shall be removed promptly within 10 days after
an agreement of sale or rental has been entered into. A "sold" sign
may be then located on the site for a period not to exceed 15 days.
E.
Political signs advertising political preference, parties, propositions,
referendums or candidates for election may be posted 30 days prior
to Election Day. The sign shall not be lighted, shall not exceed six
square feet, shall not be located in any sight triangle and must be
removed within seven days after Election Day.
F.
Contractor signs identifying architects, builders, and contractors
working on premises shall be permitted on the property during the
time their work is actively being performed at the site. The sign
shall not be lighted, shall not exceed six square feet, shall not
be located in any sight triangle and shall be removed within seven
days after the work is completed.
A.
A maximum of three permitted signs or space on permitted sign types,
in combination, shall be allowed for each permitted nonresidential
use in any one structure, for any new development or change of use,
or upon renovation of existing uses or structures.
B.
There shall only be one of each of the permitted signs or space on
permitted sign types dedicated to each permitted use on any one facade
or ground space.
C.
When more than one business is proposed or exists in any one structure
or on any one property, all proposed signage shall be uniform, with
the same combination of sizes, types and materials used.
D.
When more than one business is proposed or exists in any one structure
or on any one property, there shall be allowed only one directory
sign, freestanding sign or ground sign on the property which shall
be shared by each business or to identify the property by name. The
single directory sign, freestanding sign or ground sign shall count
toward the maximum of three permitted signs per use.
E.
Mixed-use or residential structures containing more than two dwelling
units are permitted only one identification sign no larger than six
square feet.
F.
Signs advertising a commercial use are prohibited above the first
floor of any structure where residential uses exist on the second
floor.
G.
Restrictions on the number of signs shall not pertain to signs located
within a family theme recreation park, when not visible from the property
line of said lots upon which the park is located, except that they
shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Board upon site plan
review.
A.
Any sign permitted in residential districts per § 240-47.1, with the proviso that temporary real estate signs in nonresidential districts may exceed six square feet and shall not exceed 24 square feet.
[Amended 2-16-2016 by Ord. No. 6-2016]
B.
Awning signs.
(1)
Permitted in all commercial and mixed-use zones.
(2)
Limited to the business name and/or logo and street address,
which shall not cover more than 25% of the total square footage of
the surface of the awning, including the flap.
(3)
Signage is only permitted on one surface or side of the awning.
(4)
Stretched plastic or vinyl awnings are prohibited.
C.
Directional signs.
(1)
Permitted in all commercial and mixed-use zones.
(2)
Shall not count toward the total number of signs permitted.
(3)
Limited to two signs per ingress or egress and two signs per
drive-through lane, if necessary.
(4)
The maximum area of a sign shall be two square feet, and the
maximum height of a sign shall be three feet.
(5)
The minimum setback from the property line is one foot.
D.
Directory signs.
(1)
Permitted in the Village Center, Village Business, Neighborhood
Commercial and Industrial Professional Recreational Zoning Districts.
(2)
Limited to the business name and/or logo, whose area of sign
shall not be more than two square feet per tenant and shall not exceed
20 square feet in total.
(3)
The maximum height of a sign shall be six feet.
(4)
Directory signs are permitted in addition to a freestanding
sign or ground sign only if a lot contains three or more uses.
(5)
The minimum setback from the property line is 10 feet.
(6)
One directory sign is permitted per lot.
E.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
Permitted in the Village Business, Neighborhood Commercial,
Commercial Recreation, Industrial Professional Recreational and Golf
Course Zoning Districts.
[Amended 11-18-2019 by Ord. No. 15-2019]
(2)
Limited to the business name and/or logo and street address,
whose area shall not be more than 32 square feet.
(3)
The maximum height of a sign shall be 12 feet.
(4)
The minimum setback from the property line is 15 feet.
(5)
One freestanding sign is permitted per lot.
(6)
If the sign is to be double-sided, both sides of the sign shall
have the same graphics, and any one side shall not exceed 32 square
feet.
F.
Ground signs.
(1)
Permitted in the Village Business, Neighborhood Commercial,
Commercial Recreation, Industrial Professional Recreational and Golf
Course Zoning Districts.
[Amended 11-18-2019 by Ord. No. 15-2019]
(2)
Limited to the business name and/or logo and street address,
whose area shall not be more than 32 square feet.
(3)
Limited to a height of sign of eight feet.
(4)
The minimum setback from the property line is 10 feet.
(5)
One ground sign is permitted per lot.
(6)
If the sign is to be double-sided, both sides of the sign shall
have the same graphics, and any one side shall not exceed 32 square
feet.
G.
Projecting signs.
(1)
Permitted in the Village Business, Village Center and Industrial
Professional Recreational Zoning Districts.
(2)
Limited to the business name and/or logo and street address,
whose area shall have a maximum square footage of four feet.
(3)
Only one projecting sign is allowed per business, and it must
occur on the same side of the building as the main entrance for the
business.
H.
Wall signs.
(1)
Permitted in all commercial and mixed-use zones.
(2)
Limited to the business name and/or logo and street address,
whose area shall not be more than 15% of the total square footage
of the facade for a single-use building and not more than 15% of the
first floor facade of the storefront to be advertised in a multi-use
building.
(3)
Only one wall sign is allowed per business, and it must occur
on the same side of the building as the main entrance for the business.
I.
Window signs.
(1)
Permitted in all commercial and mixed-use zones.
(2)
The area of the sign shall not be more than 25% of the total
square footage of a single window.
(3)
Signs are only allowed on the same side of the building as the
main entrance for the business.
(4)
Shall not count toward the total number of signs permitted.
J.
Family theme recreation park. There shall be no restrictions on the
placement or size of signs within a family theme recreation park,
when not visible from the property line, except that they shall be
subject to the approval of the Planning Board upon site plan review.
Signs visible from the property line shall conform to size and placement
of the signs existing at the time of the adoption of this article.
K.
Message center signs: where permitted shall
be a permitted element in certain sign types.
[Added 11-18-2019 by Ord. No. 15-2019]
(1)
Permitted in the Village Business
and Neighborhood Commercial Zoning Districts.
(2)
Sign type: Message center signs are
permitted as an element of freestanding, ground or wall signs.
(3)
Height: A message center sign shall
have the same height limits as other permitted signs of the same type
and location.
(4)
Area: Message center signs shall
not exceed 50% of the sign area for any one sign, and shall not exceed
more than 30% of the total area for all signs permitted on a property
or 15 square feet, whichever is less. Gas price display signs may
exceed 50% of the sign area for any one sign, but shall not exceed
more than 50% of the total area for all sign permitted on a property.
(5)
Maximum number: One message center
sign is permitted per property.
(6)
Message duration: The minimum length
of time a message shall remain visible before transition to a new
message is one minute. Gas price display signs may change per the
requirements of New Jersey State gasoline pricing law.
(7)
Message display: No message center
sign may contain text which flashes, pulsates, moves, or scrolls.
Each complete message must fit on one screen. The content of a message
center sign must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out
or fade-in). Messages shall relate only to the on-premises business,
civic messages, or charitable messages. No messages shall relate to
an off-premises business.
(8)
Default design: The sign shall contain
a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position
at minimum illumination and/or have an exterior switch accessible
by Township authorities to deactivate the sign if a malfunction should
occur.
(9)
Conversion of a permitted non-message
center sign to a message center sign requires the issuance of a sign
permit.
(10)
The addition of any message center
sign to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(11)
Emergency announcements: The owner
of every message center sign shall coordinate with the local authorities
to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the
public.
L.
Digital display signs: where permitted
shall be a permitted element in certain sign types.
[Added 11-18-2019 by Ord. No. 15-2019]
(1)
Permitted in the Village Business
and Neighborhood Commercial Zoning Districts.
(2)
Sign type: Digital display signs
are permitted as an element of freestanding or ground signs.
(3)
Height: A digital display sign shall
have the same height limits as other permitted signs of the same type
and location, with the exception of digital display menu boards as
described below.
(4)
Area: Digital display signs shall
not exceed 30% of the total area permitted for all signs permitted
on a property or 32 square feet, whichever is less; with the exception
of digital display menu boards as described below.
(5)
Maximum number: One digital display
sign is permitted per property, with the exception of digital display
menu boards as described below.
(6)
Message duration: The minimum length
of time a message shall remain visible before transition to a new
message is five minutes.
(7)
Message display: No digital display
sign may contain animation, streaming video, or text or images which
flash, pulsate, move, or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on
one screen. The content of a digital display sign must transition
by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in). Messages shall
relate only to the on-premises business, civic messages, or charitable
messages. No messages shall relate to an off-premises business.
(8)
Digital display design: The sign
shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message
in one position at minimum illumination and/or have an exterior switch
accessible by Township authorities to deactivate the sign if a malfunction
should occur. Digital displays shall have an actual pitch (not virtual)
of 16 millimeters or less and shall be full color RGB. Damaged digital
display signs shall be deactivated until repaired.
(9)
Conversion of a permitted non-digital
display sign to a digital display sign requires the issuance of a
sign permit.
(10)
The addition of any digital display
sign to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(11)
Emergency announcements: The owner
of every digital display sign shall coordinate with the local authorities
to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the
public.
(12)
Digital display menu boards: Permitted
drive-through establishments, such as restaurants, banks and pharmacies,
shall be permitted to utilize digital display menu boards for customary
menu boards and similar on-site signage in addition to the signage
otherwise permitted.
(a)
Sign type: Digital display menu boards
may be pole- or wall-mounted.
(b)
Height: Digital display menu boards
shall not exceed six feet in height.
(c)
Area: The total area of digital display
menu boards shall not exceed 30 square feet.
(d)
Maximum number: Three digital display
menu boards are permitted per drive-through lane.
(e)
Message duration: The minimum length
of time a message shall remain visible before transition to a new
message is two minutes. An area of no more than six square feet may
be touch screen or be utilized for transactional information and may
change for each retail transaction.
[Amended 11-19-2018 by Ord. No. 18-2018]
A.
Special event signs will be permitted, subject to the following:
(1)
Special event signs in the Neighborhood Commercial, Village Business
and Industrial Professional Recreational Zoning Districts shall be
no larger than 16 square feet. Temporary signs in any other zone district
shall be no larger than six square feet.
(2)
One special event sign shall be permitted per business at any one
time.
(3)
Special event signs are limited to no more than six per business
per calendar year.
(4)
Special event signs may remain for no longer than 30 days and shall
be removed within seven days of any special event.
(5)
Special event signs may not be displayed on any trees, telephone
poles or lighting stanchions, shall not be located in any public right-of-way
or create any visual obstruction as to be a traffic hazard.
B.
Sandwich board signs will be permitted, subject to the following:
(1)
Sandwich board signs shall be permitted in the Neighborhood Commercial,
Village Center, Village Business and Industrial Professional Recreational
Zoning Districts.
(2)
One sandwich board sign shall be permitted per business at any one
time.
(3)
Sandwich board signs shall be displayed only during the hours of
operation of the businesses which they advertise and shall be brought
inside during nonoperating hours.
(4)
Sandwich board signs shall be no larger than 10 square feet; 48 inches
tall, 30 inches wide.
(5)
Sandwich board signs may only be located within a sidewalk immediately
adjacent to the business it serves, and in such a manner as to leave
a minimum of four feet of clearance for pedestrian traffic. Sandwich
board signs are intended for pedestrian traffic, not passing vehicles.
(6)
No sandwich board sign may be located in any parking space, drive
aisle or other paved element of site parking or circulation.
C.
The following signs shall be permitted as provided below:
[Amended 11-19-2018 by Ord. No. 18-2018]
A.
Nonconforming signs may not be enlarged or otherwise altered.
B.
Existing nonconforming signs may continue to exist until modified
in shape, size, illumination or structure; any modification shall
require conformance to the provisions of this section.
C.
Any nonconforming sign that is damaged by any means can only be built
to its original condition. Any modification in shape, size, illumination
or structure shall require conformance to the provisions of this section.
[Amended 11-19-2018 by Ord. No. 18-2018]
A.
Billboards and any other off-site advertising. All signs must be
for a use on the property.
B.
Signs on accessory structures/buildings, street furniture (e.g.,
benches, tables, bike racks, etc.), fences, utility poles, trees,
railway or road bridges, bridge supports or abutments, retaining walls
or water towers.
C.
A sign, device or object installed or placed on the roof of any structure
for the purpose of advertising.
D.
Signs lit by means of a flashing light, or that are moving, mobile,
revolving, or electrically and/or mechanically activated in whole
or in part.
E.
Signs with the optical illusion of movement by means of a design
that presents a pattern capable of reverse perspective, giving the
illusion of motion or changing of copy.
F.
Inflatable signs and/or tethered balloons or neon or gas-filled decorations
that outline facade elements or windows.[1]
G.
Commercial signs in a window that serves a residential use.
H.
The use and display of windsocks, banners, strings, streamers or
flags, pennants, spinners, or similar objects and devices across,
upon, over or along any premises or building, whether as part of a
sign or for advertising or public attraction, or otherwise, except
for:
I.
Signs that are placed on, or affixed to, vehicles and/or trailers
parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property
so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, to advertise a product,
service or activity or direct people to a business or activity located
on the same or nearby property. This is not intended to prohibit signs
placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers where the sign is incidental
to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer. However, the latter
may not be parked on commercial property overnight or for more than
a twenty-four-hour period for advertisement purposes.
J.
Signs that obstruct any window or door opening used as a means of
egress, or interfere with an opening required for ventilation, or
are attached to or obstruct any standpipe, fire escape or fire hydrant.
K.
Signs that obstruct the view of vehicle operators or pedestrians
entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, public
driveway, alley or other thoroughfare.
L.
Any other sign not specifically permitted.
