[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of Middle 12-5-1991 by Ord. No. 799-91. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
The intent of this chapter is to provide temporary
signage for commercial businesses to identify special events. By permitting
temporary signage, the control and enforcement of such signage will
be enhanced. The regulation of signs under this chapter is intended
to ensure that the proposed signage is compatible with current surrounding
land uses, creates a more attractive economic and business climate
within the commercial and industrial area of the township, protects
and enhances the physical appearance of all areas and reduces the
distractions, obstructions and hazards to pedestrian and auto traffic
caused by the indiscriminate placement and use of signs.
The following categories classify types of occasions
that would enable businesses to utilize temporary signs:
Each individual business would be permitted
four temporary sign permits per year using the special event categories
listed above.
A.
Flags.
(1)
Each business or industry is encouraged to display
or promote any national, state, municipal or nationally recognized
foreign flag. The multiple use of such flags should be limited. No
more than three poles should be used to fly such flags, and at all
times the flag should be flown to follow the Etiquette of Stars and
Stripes as per the National Department of Americanism.
(2)
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to apply
to the American flag. The American flag may be flown or displayed
without limitation.
B.
Each business or industry will be permitted two temporary signs per event. The signs may be either freestanding or attached to the building and must be located on the property that the permit is issued to. All temporary signs must be constructed and located in conformance with standards set forth in Chapter 218, Subdivision of Land and Site Plan Review. All freestanding signs must be located out of the sight triangle to maintain pedestrian safety.
C.
The total aggregate square feet for all temporary
signs shall not exceed 32 square feet. The maximum square feet for
any temporary sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
D.
Each special event permit shall be limited to a period
of seven days.
E.
Special provisions for businesses located in shopping
centers. Each business located within a shopping center shall be permitted
temporary signage subject to the approval of the owner of the premises.
The number of temporary sign permits shall be limited to four times
per year. Each business shall be permitted one sign attached to the
front facade. The size of the sign shall be calculated at 1/2 square
foot per linear foot of store front, not to exceed 50 square feet.
A.
No sign is to be located so as to, by reason of its
position, size, shape, content or color, be confused for, obstruct,
impair, obscure or interfere with any traffic control sign, signal
or device.
B.
No signs, unless publicly owned, shall be placed within
or extend into or over any public right-of-way or easement.
C.
No sign or any part thereof shall be located closer
than 10 feet to any lot line and no greater in height than 25 feet.
D.
To determine the square footage of any sign, the measurements
shall include the entire display, together with all spaces between
letters and/or symbols, and any artwork, framing or other work clearly
a part of the display area of the sign, but not including the supporting
structure. No sign shall contain more than two sides visible from
any street. Unless otherwise prohibited, all signs may be double-faced
with the maximum area applying to each side individually. Signs that
require post or pylons whose surface is being used for advertising
purposes shall include these surfaces in the total sign area.
E.
Signs erected flat against the side of a building
shall not extend above the height of the vertical wall or cornice
to which they are attached, nor may they obstruct, project over or
occupy any window surface required for light and/or ventilation.
F.
All signs shall be of a character and composition
harmonious with the area of the township in which the sign is located.
All signs are to conform to the structural requirements
of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Freestanding signs shall
be supported by posts or pylons constructed of concrete, steel, treated
wood or other suitable materials or combination of the same. Posts
or pylons are to be securely anchored into the ground so that the
sign will withstand high winds. No guy wires or bracing is permitted.
Signs attached to structures are to be securely anchored by means
of nonrusting metal hardware. All signs shall be maintained in a safe,
secure and proper painted condition.
The following signs are prohibited in all districts:
A.
Animated or moving signs or signs using blinking,
flashing, vibrating, revolving, flickering, tracer and/or sequential
lighting, except clocks and temperature gauges.
B.
Signs using red, yellow or green lights which would
be mistaken for or interfere with the operation of any traffic control
signals.
C.
Signs using neon lights or any other material which
sparkles or glitters.
D.
Roof signs. No sign may be constructed which attaches
to or projects above the roofline.
E.
Signs on a motor vehicle or trailer that are designated
to be parked for advertising purposes.
F.
Signs advertising the real estate has been sold.
G.
Signs on a tree or utility pole or painted on or otherwise
directly affixed to any rock, ledge or other natural feature, whether
on public or private property.
H.
Signs which contain statements, words or pictures
of any obscene character or nature.
I.
Signs which advertise, identify or pertain to any
business no longer conducted or product no longer sold on the premises
where the sign is located.
J.
Signs containing advertising which is untruthful.
K.
Strings of banners, pinwheels and other similar attention-getting
devices.
L.
Manufactured plastic or metal portable/rollout signs
with interchangeable letters.
[Amended 5-3-2010 by Ord. No. 1349-10]
If the provisions of this chapter are not adhered
to by any person or business, whether operating in the Township of
Middle or not, that person or business or business shall be subject
to a fine of $100 per day for each day the violation occurs.
