[Added 1-22-68 by Ord. No. 68-65-K; amended 5-29-84 by Ord. No. 84-570; 6-24-91 by Ord. No. 91-67; 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 11-25-96 by Ord. No. 96-39; 3-10-97 by Ord. No. 97-8; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; 5-15-06 by Ord. No. 06-21; 5-9-11 by Ord. No. 11-07]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. 68-65-K also provided for the repeal of all other provisions relating to signs which were contained within the regulations for the individual districts.
[Added 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
The purpose of this Ordinance shall be to coordinate the type, placement, and scale of signs within different land-use zones; to recognize the communication requirements of all sectors of the community; to encourage the innovative use of design; to promote both renovation and proper maintenance; to protect public safety; to allow for special circumstances; and to guarantee equal treatment under the law. These shall be accomplished by regulation of the display, erection, use, and maintenance of signs. The use of signs is regulated according to zone. The placement, scale and aesthetics of signs are regulated to ensure compatibility with development, the existing environment and nearby developed areas.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 3-10-97 by Ord. No. 97-8; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
I. 
Freestanding Signs.
A. 
Unless otherwise provided for, no sign situated on a property shall advertise or describe any use or activity or business except those situated on, or conducted within the property.
B. 
Any signs not specifically permitted are hereby prohibited.
C. 
Height: No portion of the top edge of any freestanding sign shall be greater than twenty-two (22') feet above the elevation at the centerline of the street in front of the property on which the sign shall be situated but will not interfere with sight triangles.
[Amended 11-13-84 by Ord. No. 84-611; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
D. 
Setback: Except where otherwise provided, no sign or any part thereof shall be located closer than ten (10') feet to any lot line. Any new sign shall be not less than a distance of 100 feet from any existing adjacent freestanding sign.
E. 
Location: No freestanding sign shall block the view of any existing signs. All signs shall be placed in a location which will allow sufficient reaction time for drivers on the adjacent roads, and safe driveway access to the entrance to the site of the business or commercial use.
F. 
Size Calculation: Except where specifically prohibited, all signs may be double faced, and the maximum area shall apply to each side. The area of the sign shall include each and every part of the sign, including moldings, frames, logos and graphics. Where the sign is supported by a post or pylon whose surface is being used for advertising purposes, the area of this post, pylon or other supporting members shall be considered as part of the total allowable sign area. Wherever the name or advertising message on a sign is divided between a number of panels or parts, the total area of all of the panels or parts shall be considered as one sign, and where a sign consists of individual letters or numbers, the area of the sign shall be considered as the total area of the smallest rectangle or rectangles which can collectively enclose all of the letters or numbers.
G. 
Shape: The face of every freestanding sign, except for political signs regulated by § 228-252N, shall not contain characters or graphics exceeding 3 inches in relief or projection from the sign face. The maximum distance between the faces of the double faced sign shall not exceed 18 inches.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73]
H. 
Directory Signs: Each shopping center or multi tenanted facility may erect no more than three directory signs on the property to provide a listing of occupants. Each sign shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height. All directory signs shall be located away from major streets and highways.
I. 
Construction of freestanding signs: Freestanding signs shall be supported by posts or pylons of durable materials which may include concrete, steel, treated wood, other suitable material or any combination of same. Supports for freestanding signs shall be set securely in the ground or concrete so that the sign will be capable of withstanding high winds. No other bracing or guy wire shall be permitted.
II. 
Facade Signs.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 3-10-97 by Ord. No. 97-8; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
A. 
Unless otherwise provided for, all signs shall relate to the premises on which they are erected.
B. 
Any signs not specifically permitted are hereby prohibited.
C. 
Location on buildings: All signs attached to a building shall be attached flat against the facade of the building and shall not project or extend outward beyond the facade to which it is attached by more than eighteen inches (18"). In no case shall any sign erected flat against the side of a building extend above the height of a vertical wall or cornice to which they are attached. Signs located on a mansard facade shall be attached in the following manner
1. 
Flat against the facade; or
2. 
Attached to the base of the facade and not projecting more than eighteen inches (18") from the facade at the top of the sign.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
D. 
Construction of signs flat against buildings.
Any sign attached flat against the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable material and 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 hardware of the expansion type shall be used. The use of wood or fiber plugs is prohibited. All signs must be approved and inspected by the Office of Construction Inspection.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
E. 
Where a sign consists of individual letters, symbols, graphics or logos, the area of the sign shall be considered as the total area of the smallest rectangle or rectangles which can collectively enclose all of the letters, symbols, graphics or logos.
[Added 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
F. 
In calculating the size of the facade the width is measured from the exterior walls and the height is measured from grade to the actual roofline of the building. False or parapet walls are not considered in facade calculations.
[Added 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73]
G. 
Notwithstanding anything in this ordinance to the contrary, in no event shall a facade sign exceed four hundred (400) square feet in area.
[Added 3-10-97 by Ord. No. 97-8]
III. 
Awning Signs.
[Added 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
A. 
Awning signs may be attached to buildings or structures. Any sign on an awning will be considered part of the allowable square footage of any facade sign as allowed in each zone with the following projection and height limitations
1. 
Minimum overhead clearance shall be 8 feet. Any awning sign may not project over a vehicular right-of-way.
2. 
If the structure has a fringe or valance, such fringe or valance may hang below the ceiling line no more than 12 inches.
3. 
Awning signs shall be limited to single-story buildings or to the first level only of multi-story buildings. Awning signs on the second story of any building are prohibited.
4. 
Awning signs attached to buildings must adhere to the required property setbacks.
B. 
Only the copy area of awning signs shall be considered in the facade signage square footage limitations. The remaining portion should be considered as awning area only.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 3-10-97 by Ord. No. 97-8; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
Unless specifically prohibited, all signs may be illuminated as provided for below:
A. 
Wiring for illuminated signs shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the electrical codes of the Township of East Brunswick and shall be inspected by the Division of Construction Inspection of the Township. Any fee for an electrical inspection shall be in addition to the fee provided for in the sign permit.
B. 
Where illuminated signs are permitted, illumination may be provided by floodlights, spotlights, ordinary incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes or mercury vapor lamps. Regardless of the type of illumination employed, all illuminated signs shall be properly shielded and so located as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon motor vehicle traffic and so as not to cause a nuisance to residents of the area.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73]
C. 
Decorative neon illumination is permitted.
[Added 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
(1) 
Decorative neon illumination may be placed on a finished facade only in the HC-2, HC-3 and MXD zones and may not exceed the allowable square footage for facade signs in the particular zone. Decorative neon illumination may not project above the roofline of the structure it is attached to. Decorative illumination may not be placed on any facade which faces any residence or residential zone unless they are separated by a street or other public right-of-way. Decorative neon may not be sequential or flashing.
(2) 
Permit required. In addition to any requirements of the Uniform Construction Code for the installation of, wiring of any decorative illumination a zoning sign permit shall be required. A zoning sign permit shall be issued by the Director of Planning and Engineering or his/her designee prior to the issuance of a construction permit.
D. 
Whenever it is determined that the lighting on any sign now or hereafter erected constitutes a safety hazard to motor vehicle traffic in the vicinity, written notice shall be served upon the property owner and owner of the sign, directing them to correct the condition within fifteen (15) days from the date of the mailing of the notice. Failure to correct the condition or file an appeal within the time specified shall constitute a violation of this section by both the sign owner and property owner.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73]
E. 
Where illuminated signs are permitted, signs facing a residence or residential zone shall not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. the following morning, unless the business or uses advertised are open to the public later than 10:00 P.M., in which event any such establishment may keep a sign illuminated until the business is closed to the public but not thereafter. Except where otherwise permitted, signs installed at a height greater than fifty (50') feet shall not be illuminated.
[Amended 3-10-97 by Ord. No. 97-8; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
[Amended 5-31-90 by Ord. No. 90-24; 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
A. 
In addition to any requirements under the Uniform Construction Code for construction permits, all signs and advertising displays, other than those expressly provided for in Section 228-252, shall require a zoning sign permit, to be issued by the Director of Planning and Engineering or his/her designee.
Editor's Note: See Ch. 75, Construction Codes, Uniform.
B. 
All applications for a sign permit shall be made to the Director of Planning and Engineering on forms provided by the Department. All applications shall be signed by the owner of the sign and the property owner on whose premises the sign is to be erected. All applications shall contain a sketch of the proposed sign, drawn to scale, the wording or message, and, where the sign will not be attached to a building, a plot plat showing the location of the proposed sign with tie-ins to the nearest building and lot lines. All applications shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee.
C. 
The application fee for a zoning sign permit is $25 and is in addition to any required construction permit fee.
D. 
When an applicant proposes to replace the face of a sign with no changes to the size, shape or location of the sign, the applicant shall submit an application to the Department of Planning and Engineering to amend the permit. If only the wording is to be changed, there shall be no additional fee for the amendment. The intent of this section is to keep the sign permit file consistent with the sign which is to be displayed.
E. 
All requirements, permits, inspections and fees of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, if any, are in addition to this zoning requirement and must be determined by the Division of Construction Inspection.
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
All signs and displays shall be maintained in good order and repair. In the event that the Director of Planning and Engineering or his/her designee determines that any sign now or hereafter erected has fallen into a state of disrepair, has become dilapidated or constitutes a safety hazard, the sign owner and property owner shall be given written notice to correct the condition within 20 days from the date of the mailing of the notice. Failure to correct the condition or file an appeal within the time provided shall constitute a violation of this section and will result in the issuance of a Municipal Court summons.
Any party aggrieved by any order, requirement, decision or refusal made by any administrative official or agency shall have the right of appeal to the East Brunswick Township Board of Adjustment as provided for in N.J.S.A. 40:55-39.[1] Where an appeal has been filed, failure to comply with the decision of the Board of Adjustment or any higher court of competent jurisdiction shall constitute a violation of this section.
[1]
Editor's Note: N.J.S.A. 40:55-39 was repealed by P.L. 1975, c. 291, and replaced by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70.
[Amended 1-12-76 by Ord. No 75-8-YY; 10-18-76 by Ord. No. 76-8-III; 8-28-89 by Ord. No. 89-53; 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 11-25-96 by Ord. No. 96-39; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; 12-9-2019 by Ord. No. 19-39]
A. 
Nonilluminated or internally illuminated directional signs identifying parking areas, loading zones, entrances, exits and similar locations. The number of directional signs shall not exceed the number of curb cuts on a lot. The signs may include a business name or professional name but shall not include any advertising message. In shopping centers and multitenanted facilities, individual tenants shall not have their business or professional names on the directional signs. Only the name of such center or development is permitted on the sign. Signs shall not exceed three square feet in area nor five feet in height.
B. 
Temporary and permanent traffic signs and signals installed by the Township, county and state for the purpose of directing and regulating the flow of traffic.
C. 
Signs indicating public transportation stops when installed by the Township or a public transportation utility.
D. 
Historic tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems which do not exceed six square feet in area and which are installed by government agencies or civil or religious organizations.
E. 
Warning and no-trespassing signs, not exceeding three square feet in area.
F. 
Flags or emblems of religious, educational, civic or governmental organizations flown from supports on the buildings or grounds occupied by the organization and the American flag whenever and wherever flown in accordance with the laws and rules promulgated by the federal government.
G. 
Name and number plates identifying residents and affixed to a house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding 50 square inches in area.
H. 
Lawn signs identifying residents, not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area for each side. The signs shall not contain any advertising message and shall be nonilluminated except by a light which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support.
I. 
Signs posted by governmental agencies or pursuant to governmental statute, order or regulation.
J. 
Signs which are an integral part of vending devices, including gasoline pumps, as well as signage utilized for the sale of merchandise or services being sold or rendered on the premises, provided the signs are securely fastened to a structural face or the vending device and provided that they do not exceed three square feet in area. The contents of the sign may only reflect the contents of the vending device or the item being sold on the premises. The sign must be permanent and may not be interchangeable with other signage.
K. 
Nonilluminated real estate signs announcing the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is located. The sign shall only contain the announcement of sale, lease or rental, the name of the broker and phone number. No other advertising material shall be permitted on the sign. Signs shall be removed 10 days following sale, rental or lease. The sign may be double-faced, and, except as noted below, only one sign shall be permitted on each lot or parcel. The maximum size of the sign shall be in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) 
RP, RP-2, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, VGI, VGII, VGIII, VGIIIA, TG, MMHC, MXD/R, HR, HRP, HR/C and HCR Zones: three square feet.
(2) 
O-I, C-1, HC, OP-1 and OP-2 Zones: 10 square feet.
(3) 
C-2, C-3, HC-1, HC-2, HC-3, H-1, P-I, I/M, O/I, MXD Zones: one sign on each bordering street, to be no larger than 45 square feet.
L. 
Window signs and interior floor displays which obstruct the window area shall be restricted in order to assure adequate visibility from outside the building, subject to the following:
(1) 
Restrictions shall only apply from three feet to seven feet above the first-floor elevation.
(2) 
Within any five-foot measurement of horizontal window space, a business must maintain two consecutive feet of open and unobstructed window area.
(3) 
Restrictions shall not apply to open lettering printed on windows as long as the lettering does not obstruct vision into the store.
M. 
Temporary signs and posts for advertising public functions or fundraising events for charitable or religious organizations shall be permitted for a period of 60 days prior to and during the event and shall be removed within five days after the event. The sign shall be nonilluminated, not larger than 24 square feet in area, not exceeding eight feet in height and may be erected flat against the building or freestanding.
N. 
Temporary political signs and posts for a period of 30 days prior to an election, which must be removed five days after the election. Political signs in residential zones shall not exceed six square feet, the dimension shall not exceed 2 x 3 feet, and they shall not exceed the height limitation for residential zones. Political signs in all other zones shall not exceed the maximum size and height limitation for the zone in which they are placed.
O. 
The street address in block numbers may be placed on the top of the outside edge of the sign frame in a C-2, C-3, HC-1, HC-2, and HC-3 Zone. The number shall be a uniform twelve-inch height on all freestanding signs and shall not be considered as part of the area of the sign.
P. 
Relocation information signs for a period of 30 days. Relocation signs shall be restricted to the present location of the relocating business and the future location of the relocating business. The signs, one each at the present and the future business sites, shall not be in excess of standards set forth for the zone in which the business is located in.
Q. 
Construction signs. One sign announcing the name of architects, engineers and/or contractors and the building enterprise shall be permitted at a site under construction, alteration or repair, provided the sign shall not exceed the standards set forth for the zone in which the construction site is situated and that the sign shall be removed before a certificate of occupancy is issued. The sign shall not exceed 45 square feet in area and eight feet in height.
R. 
Menu boards not visible from the right-of-way as part of a drive-through facility.
S. 
One price sign per vehicle, not to exceed one square foot in area.
T. 
"Help wanted" signs. One sign announcing an available position, the establishment (employer) and contact phone number, not to exceed six square feet in area. The sign may be of a temporary nature but must be securely and safely fastened to the building facade or an existing freestanding sign on the premises of the establishment. The sign must be removed within five days of filling the announced position.
U. 
Farm stands for the sale of farm produce grown on the premises may have two freestanding signs, each not larger than 12 square feet in area and not exceeding eight feet in height. In addition, one sign no larger than 20 square feet in area may be erected flat against the face of the farm stand or farm building where the produce or products are sold.
V. 
Signs painted on or attached to motor vehicles or trailers or other portable devices. Signs painted on or attached to motor vehicles or trailers or other portable devices are exempt, provided that such signs pertain to the function of the vehicle or to the business of its owner. The parking or storing of these motor vehicles, trailers or portable devices is prohibited, except:
(1) 
Sites containing only residential uses and permitted by the zoning designation may have one commercial motor vehicle (20 feet by seven feet by eight feet) or less if the occupant of the residence owns the motor vehicle.
(2) 
In all other sites, the parking or storing of these motor vehicles, trailers or portable devices may be located:
a. 
In the side yard or rear yard as established by the zoning designation where the subject property is located.
b. 
In the front yard as established by the zoning designation where the subject property is located, if parking spaces are approved for such uses by the East Brunswick Township Planning Board or Zoning Board or if there are no side or rear yard parking stalls.
(3) 
The storage of motor vehicles or trailers or other portable devices shall be located on the property for which the business is conducted.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 2-14-00 by Ord. No. 00-2; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; 5-15-06 by Ord. No. 06-21]
The following signs are prohibited in all zones in the Township of East Brunswick:
A. 
Signs using red, yellow and green lights placed within 100 feet of any traffic control signal now or hereafter erected.
B. 
Moving or revolving signs and signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting.
C. 
Any sign which, in the judgment of the Director of Public Safety, unreasonably tends to distract drivers or otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
D. 
Roof signs on buildings, structures, and vehicles.
E. 
Signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene nature.
F. 
Signs using words such as "stop", "look", "danger", etc., which are placed in a manner or position which, in the judgment of the Director of Public Safety, constitutes a traffic hazard or otherwise interferes with the free flow of traffic.
G. 
Signs which attempt to imitate or otherwise cause confusion with existing signs erected by any governmental board, body or agency.
H. 
Except where specifically permitted, signs advertising a product or service not sold on the premises, signs advertising or directing attention to another premises and any other signs unrelated to the premises on which the sign is erected, except for billboards as a conditional use in the P-I and C-2 zones.
[Amended 2-14-00 by Ord. No. 00-2]
I. 
Signs causing interference with radio or television reception.
J. 
Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes or stairways or keeping light or air from windows used for living quarters.
K. 
Flags, banners, string of banners, pinwheels, A type signs, sandwich type signs, sidewalk signs, curb signs and similar advertising devices, except as provided for in § 228-256C.
L. 
Any sign or banner spanning a public street.
[Amended 10-29-74 by Ord. No. 74-8-OO]
M. 
Signs placed on trees, fences, utility poles, light poles, signs attached to other signs and signs placed upon motor vehicles which are continuously or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous location to serve as a sign.
[Amended 12-23-68 by Ord. No. 68-8-U; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
N. 
Any series of two or more signs placed along a street or highway carrying an advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.
O. 
Signs on vacant property advertising a proposed use without prior issuance of Township Planning or Zoning Board approval for the proposed use.
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
P. 
Signs with manual or electronic changeable type or symbols except for movie marquees and signs indicating the time and temperature only.
[Added 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
Q. 
Except where specifically permitted any sign which is inflatable, airborne, floating or of a balloon type including but not limited to search lights, balloons, dirigibles and blimps.
[Added 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; amended 5-15-06 by Ord. No. 06-21]
R. 
Except where specifically permitted, portable or permanent search lights.
[Added 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; amended 5-15-06 by Ord. No. 06-21]
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 11-25-96 by Ord. No. 96-39; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
The following signs are permitted in the RP, RP-2, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, VGI, VGII, VGIII, VGIIIA, HR, HR/C, HRP and HCR Residential Districts:
A. 
Religious institutions, nursing homes, private schools, service organizations and public buildings and facilities may have one freestanding informal sign or bulletin board, not more than thirty five (35) square feet in area, not to exceed six (6') in height, on each major street bordering the property, together with incidental signs, not to exceed four, necessary to provide directions or describe the use, provided that each such sign does not exceed three square feet in area.
[Amended 6-14-76 by Ord. No. 76-8-EEE; 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
B. 
For business uses, one sign flat against the building or on a single freestanding post, such as a lawn sign, is permitted. The sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area, and a freestanding sign shall not exceed five (5) feet in height. Where more than one use is conducted on the premises, the area of the sign for multiple users may be a maximum of 10 square feet. The information on the sign shall be limited to the name of the occupant, his business or profession and house number.
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
C. 
Signs are permitted in connection with each housing or land development, as follows
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
(1) 
At the main entrance to the development, two illuminated freestanding signs which shall state the name of the development and no other advertising material. Each sign shall not exceed twenty five (25) square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height. The sign shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or property line. The sign may not obstruct any sight easement or sight distance.
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
(2) 
At each entrance other than the main entrance, one nonilluminated freestanding sign not exceeding fifteen (15) square feet in area and not more than eight (8) feet in height. The sign shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or property line. The sign may not obstruct any sight easement or sight distance.
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
(3) 
At the rental or sales office of the development, one freestanding illuminated sign advertising the office, not to exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area and not more than five (5) feet in height.
(4) 
Real estate signs, the sole purpose of which is to direct the public to a housing or land development. A maximum of four temporary freestanding nonilluminated signs are permitted. Each sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height above ground. The sign permit shall be issued for a period of six (6) months and shall be renewable for additional periods of six (6) months during the period of construction. Signs may not be located within any public right-of-way.
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73]
The following signs are permitted in the O-1 District:
A. 
One (1) sign, either freestanding or flat against the building, not exceeding 20 square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height above the ground.
[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
The following signs are permitted in the TG, OP-1 and OP-2 Districts:
A. 
Each business use may have one sign flat against the front of the building facade, facing the street on which the lot fronts not to exceed five (5%) percent of the area of that side of the building to which the sign is attached.
B. 
Each business use may have one double faced, freestanding, internally illuminated sign not exceeding 10 feet in height, nor twenty four (24) square feet in area.
C. 
On a corner lot an additional freestanding sign and an additional building facade sign may be permitted for each major street on which the lot fronts; provided, however, that no additional signage shall be authorized on a side of such building, which side borders on a residence or residential zone.
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
[Amended 1-28-02 by Ord. No. 02-01]
A. 
All signs, displays or advertising devices to be erected in an area zoned Historic District-Commercial and visible from the public right-of-way shall be subject to the regulation of this ordinance. No signs, displays, or advertising devices shall be erected which contain a brand, trademark, slogan, symbol or other similar device unrelated to the specific business or service provided on the premises. Each sign, display or advertising device proposed for erection within a Historic District Commercial Zone shall be judged on its size, color, design, quality, placement and method of hanging according to the particular character of the building, its neighbors and the subject sign, display or advertising device. In general, such devices may consist of hanging signboards or fascia boards, awnings or similar devices; provided, however, that no such device shall be of a flashing type, although either interior or exterior shielded illumination of such devices shall be allowed. It is the intention of this control to encourage superior graphic design of signs, displays or advertising devices as a means of emphasizing the quality of the environment.
[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]
B. 
Each non residential use may have one sign placed flat against the front of the building facade, facing the street or streets on which the lot fronts, not exceeding in area five (5%) percent of the area of such facade.
C. 
Each non residential use may have one double faced, freestanding, externally or internally illuminated sign.
D. 
All freestanding signs shall be a maximum of six (6) square feet in area, height not to exceed four (4') feet and a maximum of five (5') feet from the street right-of-way and all adjacent property lines. If the freestanding sign can be set back a minimum of ten (10') feet from the street right-of-way and all adjacent property lines, the sign may have an area of twenty four (24) square feet and may not exceed ten (10') feet in height.
E. 
The background of all signs, whether or not illuminated, shall be of a neutral color, buff, white or tan, and the lettering thereon shall be either black or dark brown; provided, however, that the background of a sign may be black or dark brown with lettering having the neutral colors of buff, white or tan. Nothing herein shall preclude the placement of a logo having colors other than those set forth above, provided that the color and design have become identified by the public with a particular name. No colored lights may be used to illuminate the signs.
F. 
On a corner lot an additional freestanding sign and an additional building facade sign may be permitted for each major street on which the lot fronts; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply where the side of structure faces the residential zone. The size of such freestanding sign and building facade sign shall follow items A through E above.
[Added 7-8-02 by Ord. No. 02-12]
The following signs are permitted in the SCMXD District.
A. 
Each business use may have one sign flat against the front of the building facade, not to exceed five (5%) percent of the area of that side of the building to which the sign is attached.
B. 
The entire development may have no more than two freestanding monument signs along the frontage of the property identifying the name of the development. Signs may be no more than eight (8) feet in height and a maximum of twenty-five (25) square feet in area. The size of the monument may be no more than 2 2 times the size of the sign.
C. 
The development may have no more than five (5) directory signs located inside the property, not visible from existing public roads, a maximum of twenty-five (25) square feet in area and no more than eight (8) feet in height.
[Amended 5-14-73 by Ord. No. 73-8-II; 10-23-78 by Ord. No. 78-89; 11-13-84 by Ord. No. 84-611; 4-11-88 by Ord. No. 88-918; 11-14-88 by Ord. No. 88-961; 4-24-89 by Ord. No. 89-12; 8-28-89 by Ord. No. 89-53; 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; 5-15-06 by Ord. No. 06-21; 5-29-2025 by Ord. No. 25-23]
The following signs are permitted in the C-1, C-2, C-3, H-1, MXD, HC-1, HC-2, and HC-3 Districts:
A. 
Each business or commercial use may have one or more signs flat against the building and only permitted on a finished elevation of a building provided, however, that the total area of all such signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of that side of the building to which the sign is attached. No sign shall protrude above the building roof line or top of any parapet. No sign shall be permitted on the side of any building bordering on a residential zone unless the residential zone and the building are separated by a street.
B. 
1. 
Frontage: Each business or commercial use may erect a freestanding sign(s) based on the following table.
The number of signs to be considered shall not exceed the number and size of sign(s) as determined in the following table. The size of the sign faces shall be determined by the lineal dimension of the lot line facing the street or highway in accordance with the following table. To take advantage of this table, nonconforming signs must be removed or brought into conformity:
Frontage in Feet
Maximum Size of Each Sign Face In Square Feet
Maximum Number of Signs
Up to 100
45
1
Up to 200
90
1
Up to 300
90+45
2
Up to 400
90+90
2
400 and over
90+90+90
3
Where a lot is entitled to more than one freestanding sign, such freestanding signs shall be erected a minimum of 150 feet apart.
2. 
Whenever the property is bordered by more than (1) street, an additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on each street; provided, however, that no freestanding sign shall be erected on a side which borders on a residential zone, unless the residential zone and the building are separated by a street and the present sign(s) is conforming.
C. 
Each business operating in a separate location may display temporary signs in connection with bona fide special sales promotions for a maximum of five weeks every six months. The use of plastic or cloth flags, banners, pennants, bunting or similar advertising devices shall be permitted, on a finished facade of the building actually occupied or on the freestanding sign utilized by the business or commercial use conducting the sales promotions as defined above. Pennants are permitted to be hung from the facade to another nonpublic structure on the property. All temporary signs shall not cause a sight obstruction.
Feather flag signs are for notification of special events, special promotional purposes, temporary sales, grand openings etc., provided that said proposed feather flag sign:
(1)
Shall be limited to A) two feather flag signs per lot; or B) where there are multiple tenants on one lot, one feather sign for every 30 linear feet of road frontage, but no more than two feather flag signs per business entity;
(2)
Shall be placed in a manner so as to ensure pedestrian safety;
(3)
Shall be placed in a manner as to ensure there are no sight obstructions to disrupt the flow of traffic;
(4)
Shall not be more than 12 feet in height, or greater than 36 inches in width;
(5)
Shall not block any windows or doors;
(6)
Shall be secured in a manner that prevents displacement from the wind which shall be shown on a catalogue sheet setting forth how the feather flag sign is anchored;
(7)
Shall be placed no closer than 20 feet from an adjacent property line and outside of the right-of-way.
(8)
No feather flag sign shall be permitted to become tattered or torn.
Temporary signs securely fastened to a building facade may not exceed 10% of the area of the facade up to a maximum of 200 square feet in addition to any existing facade signs for the business or commercial use conducting the sales promotion. Temporary signs securely fastened to an existing freestanding sign may be no greater than 24 square feet in area, may not obstruct any other signs on the existing pylon nor may it be erected without first obtaining consent from the property owner/landlord.
A temporary sign permit shall be required for the maximum time period of five weeks every six months. The fee for a temporary sign permit is $10.00 per week, per sign. The application shall be submitted to the Director of Planning and Engineering or his/her designee for approval. For a new business in the Township, an approved permanent sign permit is required before a temporary sign permit may be issued.
The following signs are permitted along State Highway 18 along the HC-2, HC-3 and MXD Districts
For business uses, portable and/or freestanding commercial searchlights, spotlights or floodlights may be used for advertising purposes, subject to the following conditions:
a. 
Searchlights, spotlights and/or floodlights shall not be sequential or flashing.
b. 
Searchlights, spotlights or floodlights may be illuminated only between the hours of sundown to 11:00 P.M.
c. 
Searchlights, spotlights or floodlights shall be directed vertically towards sky an away from establishments, highways, streets and/or vehicles.
d. 
Searchlights, spotlights or floodlights shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or property line.
e. 
Searchlights, spotlights or floodlights may not obstruct any sight easement or sight distance.
f. 
An application for a permit shall be made by the applicant to the Director of Planning and Engineering on forms provided by the Department for each searchlight, spotlight or floodlight. The application fee for a permit shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) for a 1 day permit and one hundred ($100) for a 2-7 day permit.
g. 
A permit may be issued for a period of seven (7) days. An applicant shall be limited to one permit per year.
h. 
Permits shall only be issued for new business openings, new business ownership, or other special events.
[Amended 11-13-84 by Ord. No. 84-611]
The following signs are permitted in the P-I, I/M and O/I Districts:
A. 
Signs or letters must be flat against the building and are only permitted on a finished elevation of a building; provided, however, that the total area of all such signs shall not exceed fifteen (15%) percent of the area of that side of the building to which the sign is attached. No sign shall be permitted on the side of any building bordering on a residential zone unless the residential zone and the business property are separated by a street.
B. 
One (1) freestanding sign in accordance with the table set forth in § 228-256B. Whenever the premises is bordered by more than one street, an additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on each street bordering the premises, except that no sign shall be erected on a side which borders on a residential zone unless the residential zone and the industrial property are separated by a street.
[Amended 7-8-85 by Ord. No. 85-676]
C. 
In addition to the signs provided for above, a planned industrial park may erect one (l) freestanding sign, identifying the industrial park, its occupants and their principal products, on each major street or highway bordering the park. The sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet in area.
D. 
Entrance, exit, shipping, receiving and other directional signs, each not to exceed 10 square feet in area and not to exceed five (5) feet in height.