[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of
Caldwell 12-15-2020 by Ord. No. 1392-20; amended in its entirety 2-23-2021 by Ord. No. 1401-21. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
In an effort to promote the general welfare and public safety, it
is the purpose of this chapter to establish reasonable regulations
for the number, size, location, maintenance and character of all signs
on public and private property that are visible from the exterior
of any land or structure in the Borough of Caldwell. The Borough of
Caldwell finds that signs are an important and helpful method of communicating
a variety of noncommercial and commercial messages and promoting economic
development, provided that they do not distract motorists or become
a threat to public safety as a traffic hazard, cause a detriment to
property values, create visual clutter or pollution and installed
by approved hardware as to not negatively affect the public safety
and welfare.
B.
This chapter applies to the commercial, office and professional building
business signage in the entire Borough of Caldwell. It also applies
to signage temporary in nature for not-for-profit organizations. It
includes but is not limited to front, sides, back and roofs on all
floors of a buildings including windows as well as alley ways, sidewalks
and parking lots. The types of signs include but are not limited to
permanent or temporary, fixed or removable.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any roof-like cover that projects from a building wall for
the purpose of shielding a window or doorway from the elements and
that is totally supported by the building from which it projects without
support from the ground below.
Any non-structural (lacking rigidity) sign typically made
of cloth, vinyl or any other pliable material. Banners are considered
temporary sign and shall be subject to all temporary signage rules.
Any structure or portion thereof on which lettered or pictorial
matter is displayed for advertising purposes and that is located on
a building or site other than the building or site to which the advertising
relates.
Any roof-like cover, either freestanding or attached to a
building wall that is supported totally or partially by the ground
below.
For the purposes of this section as it relates to temporary,
commercial signs, any short term, temporary happening or special occurrence
that is not part of the ordinary, daily or usual operation of a business
or use, including, but not limited, to a political campaign or election,
a real estate transaction, grand opening, a raffle or fundraiser,
a seasonal sale or harvest, or a special sales promotion or occurrence.
Any graphic drawing or trademark containing a pictorial representation
and/or limited lettering. Phrases or mottoes shall not be considered
part of the logo.
Any permanent structure attached to a building wall, having
horizontal or nearly horizontal top and bottom surfaces, with no vertical
ground support, that is intended to serve as a covering over the ground
below and may be used for the display of changeable lettering.
A sign bearing the name and/or address of the principal occupant
of a building for emergency, identification and directional purposes.
Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof,
situated outdoors or indoors in view of the general public, that is
used to advertise, identify, display, promote, direct or attract attention
to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product,
service, event or location by any means of visual communication, including
words, letters, logos, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors,
illumination or projected images. Displays of the actual products
offered by the onsite business visible through a window or temporary
holiday displays, holiday decorations or holiday lighting located
on a property for no longer than a sixty-day time period shall not
be considered signs for the purposes of this section.
Any sign permanently affixed parallel to the exterior face
of a building wall or to an awning, canopy or marquee.
Any sign that gives notice of a political campaign or expresses
support for or opposition to a candidate or question in any special
or general election, referendum, or other plebiscite at the federal,
state, county or local level and that is erected for a limited period
of time. For the purposes of this section, campaign signs are considered
noncommercial signs.
Any sign that proposes a commercial transaction or advances
the economic interests of the speaker.
Any sign supported by a footing, foundation, uprights or
braces placed upon or in the ground and not attached to any building.
Any sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting, either
from within the sign or directed towards the sign.
Any sign that conveys a message that does not propose a commercial
transaction or advance the economic interests of the speaker, including
but not limited to signs for charitable, cultural, community, religious
or political events or interests of a noncommercial nature.
Any sign that existed prior to the effective date of this
chapter and that does not comply with the provisions of this chapter.
A temporary sign advertising a candidate or candidates for
public elective office, or a political party, or signs urging a particular
vote on a public issue decided by ballot in connection with a local,
state, or national election or referendum.
Any sign that is fixed on a movable stand, self-supporting
without being firmly imbedded in the ground or permanently attached
to a building, awing, canopy or marquee, designed to be transported
and supported by other objects, mounted on wheels or moveable vehicles,
or made easily moveable in some other manner.
Any sign that advertises the sale, rental or lease of the
premises on which it is located, or portion thereof, including "open
house," "under contract," "sold," or "too late" signs otherwise indicating
in some manner that a property has been sold. For the purposes of
this section, real estate signs are considered commercial signs.
Any sign or figure permanently or temporarily attached to
a roof or the top of a facade.
Any sign hanging or suspended from a building wall, awning,
canopy, marquee or roof overhang, whether parallel, perpendicular
or nearly perpendicular thereto, rather than an attached sign.
Any freestanding, attached or interior window sign that is
erected for a limited period of time.
Any representation painted, stenciled, or affixed to a window
or the glass of a door that can be seen from the outside of the building.
A pane or multiple panes assembled in such a way as to appear
as if is a single pane, meaning there is no physical building structure
separating them.
Exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of
such signs from the responsibility of complying with the applicable
provisions of this chapter. The exemption shall apply to the requirement
for the sign permit only. No sign permits are required for the following
signs:
A.
Any public notice or warning required by federal, state, county or
local law, regulation or ordinance.
B.
Any sign which is inside a building not attached to a window or door,
and is not readable from a distance of more than three feet beyond
the lot line or parcel nearest to where the sign is located.
C.
Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message, excluding
holiday inflatable decorations which shall require a permission of
the Borough Council.
D.
Any sign indicating the name of a building and/or date of construction
and/or incidental information about its construction which sign is
cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or similar permanent
material including historic tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques
and emblems which do not exceed four square feet in area from a single
viewpoint.
E.
Any unlighted historic building plaques for buildings that have been
designated as historic, provided the subject signage conforms to historic
preservation ordinances.
F.
Traffic control signs on private property, the face of which meets
the Department of Transportation standard, and which contain no commercial
message of any sort.
G.
Flags of the United States, New Jersey, Borough of Caldwell, foreign
nations having diplomatic relations with the United States, other
flags adopted or sanctioned by an elective legislative body of component
jurisdiction and flags flown in conjunction with the flag of the United
States, provided such flag does not exceed 60 square feet in area
and is not flown from a pole in excess of 40 feet in height. A flag's
area shall be in reasonable proportion to the length of the pole from
which it is displayed. Not more than three flags will be flown from
any one flag pole. The statutory requirements associated with flags
and generally accepted standards of flag display etiquette shall be
observed.
H.
Signs or banners advertising public or quasipublic events that are
posted with the permission of the Borough Council or of any person
to whom the Borough Council had delegated this authority according
to guidelines set by the Borough Council.
I.
Pump-mounted fuel price informational sign subject to the following:
(1)
Only one fuel price informational sign shall be permitted per fuel
pump.
(2)
Fuel price informational signs shall be limited in size to an area
of 216 square inches in accordance with state and federal regulations.
(3)
Each fuel price information sign shall be affixed directly and firmly
to a fuel pump and shall be stationary.
(4)
Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the advertisement of
fuel prices on any other sign meeting the requirements of this section.
J.
Unlighted historical building plaques for buildings that have been
designated as historic shall be permitted, provided the subject signage
conforms to all appropriate historic preservation ordinances.
K.
U.S. Postal regulation mailboxes.
L.
U.S. Postal building numbers provided it is not part of the business
name or part of the business signage.
A.
No sign except those exempted by § 193-3 shall be placed, constructed, erected, or modified unless a sign permit shall have been obtained from the Construction Official and, where required by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, a building permit shall have been obtained from the Construction Official, and in the case of nonconforming design shall be referred to and reviewed by the Signage Committee of the Borough of Caldwell. Signs which are not specifically allowed by § 193-7 shall be prohibited.
B.
Any application for a sign permit shall include a signage plan.
(1)
Any application for development filed with the Planning Board or
the Zoning Board of Adjustment which involves installation or modification
of any sign.
(2)
The signage plan shall contain the following information for each
existing and proposed sign:
(a)
Size (i.e., length, height, area, thickness, approximate weight,
number of faces).
(b)
Letter style and size.
(c)
Illumination, indicating type of light and detail of fixture
shall be in the lighting plan.
(d)
Colors (i.e., letter, background, trim), including PMS color
samples.
(e)
Construction materials, structural integrity and installation
details.
(f)
Window size, if applicable (for painted, decal applique or hanging
signs visible from the street, walkway, driveway or parking lot).
(g)
Location (i.e., height above grade, distance from roofline,
building width, location from sides).
(3)
The signage plan graphically depicting the sign may be prepared by
the applicant or a sign professional. The signage plan application
shall include a sketch or photograph showing the dimensions of each
facade, window and canopy of the building to which a sign is to be
attached, in sufficient detail to clearly indicate the location, dimension
and area of all existing and proposed permanent signs affixed to the
walls, windows and canopies of the building. These dimensions shall
either be shown on the sketch or photograph or on an attached table.
Samples of construction materials shall be submitted when possible
to streamline the approval process.
(4)
In the case of a freestanding sign, a plot plan of the lot may also
be required as part of the signage plan, showing the location of buildings,
parking lots, driveways, landscaped areas and all other existing and
proposed signs. The plot plan shall be prepared by a licensed architect,
engineer, and/or land surveyor as appropriate. A raised seal copy
of the plot plan is acceptable.
(5)
The applicant shall provide any additional information which may
be deemed necessary to determine whether the signage plan complies
with the purpose of the sign regulations.
C.
Signage approval process and time table.
(1)
Upon considering guidelines for design options as established by
this chapter, a zoning permit application shall be submitted to the
Zoning Official. Said application shall include written permission
from the landlord and three copies of plans depicting existing and
proposed signage in color and drawn to scale. An applicant may choose
to appear before the Signage Committee prior or subsequent to filing
a zoning permit application.
(2)
In the case of a nonconforming design, the signange plan shall be
referred within 15 days to the Signange Committee for review and recommendation.
The Signage Committee shall review the applicant's signage plan
and submit recommendations to the Planning Board within 15 days after
receipt of a copy of the application. After the signage plan is revised
by the applicant, it is resubmitted to the Construction Official for
review and approval.
(3)
The applicant is issued a permit to install the sign according to
the approved Plan. After the sign is installed, the applicant notifies
the Zoning Official to inspect the installation and, if approved,
a certificate of compliance is issued.
A.
There shall be established a Signage Committee whose purpose is to
assist the business community with signs, the permitting process by
giving nonbinding guidance to an applicant and to enhance the Caldwell
business streetscape by encouraging appropriateness as well as creativity
in proposed signs.
B.
Composition: three full members, two alternate members. At least
four of the members must be Caldwell residents. All members must have
at least one of the following attributes: New Jersey licensed design
professional (landscape architect, architect, engineer, etc.), sign
industry member (design, graphics, etc.), local business person, or
membership on the Borough Zoning Board of Adjustment, Planning Board,
Historic Preservation Commission or Improvement Commission.
C.
Duties. Upon request by the applicant, the Committee shall review
new sign proposals for appropriateness. Provide guidance for design,
size, color schemes, and location. Following the completion of this
review, the Committee shall forward their written recommendations
to the Zoning Officer.
D.
Meetings: once per month, unless a special meeting is requested by
the applicant.
A.
Measurement of area of individual signs.
(1)
The area of a sign face, which is also the sign area of a wall sign
or other sign with only one face, shall be computed by means of the
smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof
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 and used to
differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which
it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing
or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets
zoning regulations and is clearly incidental to the sign itself. No
sign shall have more than two display faces. The sign area for a sign
with two faces shall be computed by adding together the area of all
sign faces visible from any one point. When a sign having two faces
is such that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same
time, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of the larger
of the two faces. For purposes of calculating window signs, a window
shall be considered the glazed area. Signs which are required by county,
state or federal agencies are exempt from calculation of permanent
and temporary signage up to the minimum size required by such agencies.
The area of the sign in excess of the minimum shall be subject to
the sign calculation. In the event no size requirement is imposed
by such agency, the sign shall not exceed one square foot.
B.
Measurement of height.
(1)
The height of a freestanding sign shall be computed as the distance
from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest
attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to
be the lower of existing grade prior to construction or the newly
established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, mounding
or excavation solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases
in which the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height
shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal
grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest
point of the crown of a public road or the grade of the land at the
principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot, whichever
is lower.
C.
For temporary signs, only one application for a temporary sign permit
may be submitted at any one time to the Code Enforcement Official
by a property owner, or in the case of a multitenant building, by
a tenant. Another application for a temporary sign permit may not
be submitted by the same property owner or tenant while said property
owner or tenant has an active temporary sign permit on file with the
Borough or they have a temporary sign still erected.
D.
Where a sign permit is required for a temporary sign, the sign must
be erected or installed within 45 days of the date of issuance of
said permit, or the sign permit shall expire. Upon expiration of said
permit, the applicant shall be required to submit a new application
form and fee, and the application shall proceed as a new application.
A.
Signs shall be in harmony and consistent with the architecture of
the building and relate to the features of the building in terms of
location, scale, color, lettering, materials, texture and depth. Signs
shall not be dominant but shall be proportionate and shall complement
the building, existing signs and surroundings.
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.
Building signs and their lighting source, if applicable, 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.
E.
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.
F.
No electric wiring associated with a sign shall be visible to public
view without authorization of the Construction Official or Code Enforcement
Official.
G.
Illuminated signs.
(1)
If a sign is to be internally illuminated, at least 75% of the background
around the letters and any logo on the sign shall be opaque and shall
not be illuminated. Dark, opaque backgrounds with light colored lettering
or symbols that are backlit are preferred to minimize detrimental
effects.
(2)
If a sign is to be externally illuminated, then the lighting shall
be provided either from below the sign by ground-mounted lights or
from above the sign by lights attached to the building above the top
of the sign. The lights shall be focused directly and completely onto
the sign face, with appropriate and necessary shielding on the top,
sides, and if necessary, bottom of the fixture to prevent any sight
of the light source from any street, sidewalk or neighboring property.
(3)
Internally illuminated signs or exterior lights that illuminate signs
shall not be allowed to create any sky glow.
(4)
Exterior lighting to be provided by ground-mounted lights shall be
permitted by incandescent spotlights only where the sign has no visible
clearance under the sign or where there is sufficient landscaping
planted under the sign to block light under the sign from being an
annoyance.
(5)
The lights shall be mounted in or on the ground so that they are
securely fixed, both in their location and their angle of illumination,
in order to focus the light onto the face of the sign and away from
the street or adjacent structures, "V"-shaped signs allow the lights
to be focused away from the street.
(6)
No exterior light shall exceed 1600 lumens (approximately equivalent
to a 100-watt incandescent light bulb). The use of fluorescent tubes
(compact fluorescent tubes are permitted), mercury vapor, sodium vapor
or metal halide lighting is prohibited.
H.
One flag per business premises feet displaying only a generic logo
or design shall be allowed. Such flag shall be no larger than three
feet by five feet, and it must be hung from the ground floor facade
at least 10 feet above ground level, and it shall project no more
than three feet from the building facade.
A.
No off-site advertising sign shall be erected, used or maintained
within the Borough of Caldwell; provided, however, that this regulation
shall not apply to temporary signs, otherwise permitted, that advertise
special events sponsored by nonprofit social, religious, political
or cultural organizations or institutions, or lawful sandwich boards.
B.
No signs shall be placed on fences, utility poles, trees, railway
or road bridges, bridge supports or abutments, retaining walls, water
tower, unless approved by Borough Council.
C.
No roof sign, known also as a "sky sign," shall be allowed.
D.
No sign shall be placed on an accessory building.
E.
No commercial signs or advertisements shall be placed on commuter
shelters, such as bus stops except for non-profit organizational logos
that build and maintain such shelters or bus stop.
F.
No billboards, either affixed or painted, shall be permitted on any
building or structure.
G.
No banners shall be used as permanent signs.
H.
No sign shall be lighted by means of a flashing or stroboscopic light,
nor shall any sign be in whole or in part moving, mobile or revolving
or electrically or mechanically activated.
I.
No sign shall be allowed with optical illusion of movement by means
of a design which presents a pattern capable of reverse perspective,
giving the illusion of motion or changing of copy.
J.
No commercial sign shall be allowed in a window which serves a residential
use.
K.
No signs shall be allowed on any street furniture, with the exception
of dedication plaques which shall not exceed 60 square inches.
L.
No televised, video or moving picture advertising in a window shall
be allowed.
(1)
One exception can be interactive displays with screens that require
outside viewer input to change said display may be allowed provided
that each individual screen is no larger than 10% of the total sign
with a maximum of 60 square inches.
M.
The use and display of temporary portable signs or windsocks, banners
or strings or streamers of flags, pennants or spinners or similar
objects and devices across, upon, over or along any premises or building,
whether as part of any sign or for advertising or public attraction,
or otherwise, is prohibited in any zone, except for:
(1)
Temporary displays in business or commercial zones as provided in
this section.
(2)
Temporary decorations customarily used for holidays, or for special
events as may be approved by the Borough of Caldwell.
(3)
Temporary primary signs promoting business while construction is
being performed on said business. All signs falling into this category
shall follow all permitted primary sign specifications.
N.
No signs shall be allowed that are placed on or affixed to vehicles
and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public
property or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way
where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity
or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or
nearby property. This is not intended, however, 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.
O.
No sign shall be allowed which physically obstructs any window or
door opening used as a means of egress, interferes with an opening
required for legal ventilation, or is attached to or obstructs any
standpipe, fire escape or fire hydrant.
P.
No sign shall be allowed which obstructs the view of vehicle operators
or pedestrians entering a public roadway from any parking area, service
drive, public driveway, alley or other thoroughfare.
Q.
No trademarks or brand names on any sign (including umbrella signs)
shall be allowed when the commodity is not available in the establishment.
R.
No sign element shall be interpreted as part of the architectural
element of the building with the exception of a marquee of a functioning
theater.
S.
No inflatable signs, figures, characters and tethered balloons including
Mylar, shall be allowed, except small decorative balloons.
T.
No neon or gas-filled decorations which outline facade elements or
windows are allowed with the exception of a marquee of a functioning
theater.
A.
Existing nonconforming permanent signs may continue to exist however,
when the sign is modified either in shape, size, illumination, structure,
branding (graphic identity, such as the plastic in a box sign) the
sign shall be altered to conform to the provisions of this section.
Such alteration shall require a sign permit before alteration can
commence.
B.
An attached nonconforming sign may be temporarily removed from the
exterior face of a building wall to allow for the maintenance, cleaning,
painting or repair of the exterior building wall, provided that the
sign is reattached in the same location within 60 days of its removal.
If the sign is not reattached in the same location or within the sixty-day
time period, the sign shall be required to conform to the provisions
of this section. Modification to this nonconforming sign during the
sixty-day period shall not be allowed without applying for a sign
permit.
In the event a business ceases operation for a period of time
in excess of 60 days, the sign owner or lessee, or the property owner,
shall immediately remove any sign identifying or advertising said
business or any product sold thereby. Upon failure of the sign owner
or lessee, or property owner to comply with this section, the Zoning
Officer shall issue a written notice to the sign owner or any lessee
and to the property owner, which notice shall state that such sign
shall be removed within the following time period: sign face: 60 days;
posts, columns and supporting structures: one year. Not withstanding
these provisions, in the event the Caldwell Historical Commission
designates a sign as an integral part of the architectural design
of an historic building or structure in itself, such sign shall not
be subject to the requirement for removal.
A.
If the sign owner or lessee, or property owner, fails to comply with
such written notice to remove, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized
to cause removal of such sign, and any expenses incidental to such
removal shall be charged to the owner of the property upon which the
sign is located and shall constitute a lien upon the property. For
the purpose of this section, the word "remove" shall mean:
All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this
chapter or any amendment thereto are revocable at any time by the
Zoning Officer of Code Enforcement if the applicant fails to accurately
depict the sign erected or to be erected or if the sign which is erected
fails to meet the details of the detailed drawing submitted by the
applicant. All such permits shall contain this provision.
A.
Any permanent sign erected or applied in violation of this chapter
shall be removed by the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of a building
within five business days after receipt of written notification by
the Construction Official or Code Enforcement Official, and any temporary
sign erected or applied in violation of this chapter shall be removed
by the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of the building within two
business days after receipt of either verbal or written notification
by the Township Zoning Officer.
B.
If the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of a building fails to remove
the sign or remedy the violation within the stated time period, such
sign may be removed or altered by the Construction Official or Code
Enforcement Official to comply with the provisions of this chapter
at the expense of the owner of the property upon which the sign is
located. The Construction Official or Code Enforcement Official shall
notify, in writing, the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of the building
of the date of the sign removal and the procedure for retrieving the
sign.
C.
Signs removed by the Construction Official or Code Enforcement Official
shall be held by the municipality for 10 days to allow the owner of
said sign to retrieve the sign and pay any costs associated with its
removal prior to the disposal of the sign. The Zoning Officer or Construction
Official shall refuse to issue a permit to any permittee or owner
who refuses to pay costs as assessed.
D.
The Zoning Officer may remove without prior written notification
any sign which is placed illegally within any street right-of-way
or sight triangle easement in such a manner as to impair public safety,
provided that written notice of the removal is provided to the owner,
lessor, agent or occupant of a building on the day or removal.
E.
Noncompliance with any of the provisions or requirements of this
chapter shall constitute a violation thereof, and any person who so
violates this chapter may, upon conviction thereof, be subject to
a fine. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during
or on which a violation occurs or continues.
F.
If any section, paragraph, subsection, clause or provision of this
chapter shall be adjudged by the Courts to be invalid, such adjudication
shall apply only to this subsection, clause or provision so adjudged
and the remainder of this chapter shall be deemed valid and effective.
G.
Nonconforming signs shall be totally removed when a business leaves
the premises within 30 days.
A.
All signs, together with all their supports, braces, hooks, anchors,
and other fastening devices, shall be of substantial sturdy construction
with durable materials, shall be kept in good repair, and shall be
painted or cleaned as often as necessary to maintain a clean, neat,
safe and orderly appearance. Additionally, the area surrounding the
sign and the mounting area on the ground level beneath permitted freestanding
signs shall be maintained in a clear, neat, safe, and orderly condition
and shall not be allowed to become dilapidated or unsightly.
B.
Any sign that is or is becoming dangerous or unsafe in any manner
whatsoever shall be repaired and made safe in conformity with this
section, or such shall be removed by the owner, lessor, agent or occupant
of the building, property or land upon with such dangerous or unsafe
sign is located.
C.
Should written notice be given by the Township Zoning Officer, or
Construction Official if the sign is under his/her jurisdiction, to
an owner, lessor, agent or occupant of a building that a sign is or
is becoming dangerous or unsafe, said notice shall require appropriate
remedial action to be taken within 10 days from the date of service
of the notice, or within a lesser time as shall be specified in the
notice in cases where the danger to the public health, safety and
general welfare is more imminent. The Township Zoning Officer or Construction
Official may cause any sign or advertising structure which is an immediate
peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
D.
Failure to keep a sign in good repair for a period of 30 consecutive
calendar days shall constitute abandonment, and such sign may not
then be replaced or reused, but must be removed or be made conforming.
Each principal building not part of a "Neighborhood Shopping
Village" may have one freestanding sign plus each principal permitted
use may have one attached sign, provided and in accordance with the
following:
A.
For corner lots, one additional attached sign is permitted for a
principal use within the building which faces the additional street,
provided that the sign shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area
per one linear foot of building facade fronting on said street, but
in no case shall the size of the sign exceed 20 square feet in area.
B.
Back entrances, typically via parking lots, one additional attached
sign is permitted for a principal use within the building which faces
the additional right-of-way, provided that the sign shall not exceed
1/2 square foot of sign area per one linear foot of building facade
fronting on said street, but in no case shall the size of the sign
exceed 20 square feet in area.
Note: In all cases, "frontage" refers to width of storefront
only and not to width of entire building.
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Sign Size
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height of Sign
(feet)
|
Maximum Sign Length
(feet)
|
Maximum Number of Signs
|
Minimum Height off ground
(feet)
|
Minimum Setback
|
Permit Required
|
Illumination Permitted
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Permanent Signs
| |||||||||
|
Building fixed-primary
Building signs are only permitted on building facades that front
a public right-of-way, public parking lot, or public alley way of
which entrance is permitted.
|
1.00 per linear foot of frontage*
|
See notes
|
75% of linear frontage, 15 feet and over, 90% of linear frontage
under 15 feet
|
1 for single frontage, 2 for corner lots and back entrances
(see secondary)
|
8
|
Not applicable
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet; shall not exceed
10 inches in depth.
|
|
Building fixed - primary with a hanging sign present
|
0.6 per linear foot of frontage*
|
See notes
|
50% of linear frontage over 15 feet, 60% of linear frontage
15 feet and under
|
1 for single frontage or corner lot
|
8
|
Not applicable
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Sign area shall not exceed 30 square feet; shall not exceed
10 inches in depth
|
|
Building fixed - secondary
|
0.5 per linear foot of frontage*
|
See notes
|
50% of linear frontage, 15 feet and over, 75% of linear frontage
under 15 feet
|
1
|
8
|
Not applicable
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet; shall not exceed
10 inches in depth. Only allowed on corner. Allowed only on corner
lots and back entrances. Not allowed if a hanging sign exists at that
entrance.
|
|
Hanging
|
6 for greater than 22 feet of frontage. 4 for less than 22 feet
of frontage
|
3 for 6 square feet
2.5 for 4 square feet
|
3 for 6 square feet
2.5 for 4 square feet
|
1
|
8
|
Not applicable
|
Yes
|
Yes, external only
|
Maximum thickness is 2 inches. May project no more than 3.5
feet (6 square feet) or 3 feet (4 square feet) off the building, be
90 degree angle to the building face and shall not extend vertically
above the window sill of the second story. Not permitted if a building
fixed - secondary sign exists for the same entrance.
|
|
Freestanding
|
20
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
Not applicable
|
4 feet min./6 feet max. from side walk to closest sign edge
|
Yes
|
Yes, external only
|
Maximum height above ground level: 6 feet
|
|
Window
|
20% of window area
|
See notes
|
See notes
|
1 per window front (multiple panes constitute one window unless
separated by a physical structure)
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Copy shall not exceed 8 inches in height. Shall be applied to
the glazed area. Neon shall not be used. Hours of operation are permanent
in nature, they shall be included in total area.
|
|
Canopy/awning/marquee
|
1.00 per linear foot of frontage
|
Length of frontage
|
1 on front face only
|
7
|
Not applicable
|
Yes
|
No, except for movie theater marquee, then external only
|
Copy shall be on the vertical surface only. Copy shall not extend
more than 1 inch beyond the front edge of the canopy, marquee or awning.
Copy on canopy and awnings shall either be on the canopy section or
the flap but not both. Lettering shall not be greater than 6 inches
on a return. They shall not include telephone numbers, email addresses,
business hours or product pricing.
|
|
Sign Type
|
Maximum Sign Size
(square feet)
|
Maximum Height of Sign
(feet)
|
Maximum Sign Length
(feet)
|
Maximum Number of Signs
|
Minimum Height off ground
(feet)
|
Minimum Setback
|
Permit Required
|
Illumination Permitted
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Temporary Signs
| |||||||||
|
Menu boards
|
1.75
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
1
|
3
|
Not applicable
|
Yes
|
No
|
Associated with eating establishments shall not exceed 1.75
square feet or the same size as the actual menu, whichever is smaller
|
|
Sandwich boards
|
7 per face, 2 faces per sign
|
3.5
|
See notes
|
1
|
Not applicable
|
See notes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Material and lettering shall compliment the facade and other
signs of the business and shall be made of permanent quality material.
The sign shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation or
vision. They shall only be displayed during business hours. Sandwich
boards and outdoor dining shall not be permitted simultaneously.
|
|
Sale
|
10% of window area, 20% of window area if set back 3 feet or
more
|
See notes
|
See notes
|
See notes
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
No
|
No
|
Percentages are area per window and are the cumulative area
of all sign areas in said window, not per sign.
|
|
Open/closed
|
1.5
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
1 per entrance
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
No
|
No
|
Neon or similar sign such as LED/LCD is not permitted
|
|
Banners, related to business signs, name or grand opening
|
1.25 per linear foot of frontage. Maximum of 24
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
1
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
Yes
|
No
|
Permit valid for 30 days for banner installation. Banner shall
be removed after 30 days of opening
|
|
Banners related to public events
|
Maximum size shall follow all rules of permanent or temporary
sign of their respective categories
|
See notes
|
See notes
|
Not applicable
|
See notes
|
See notes
|
Yes if on town property. May be required by county or state
if over a county or state roadway
|
No
|
Shall not obstruct roadways, walkways, alleys, building entrances
or the like. Signs can be erected 28 days prior to the event. All
signs shall be removed within 5 days from the conclusion of the event.
|
