Township of Brick, NJ Signs

No sign or advertising structure shall be erected or maintained within the Township of Brick except in conformance with the provisions of Part 2 of this chapter.

No sign or advertising structure shall be erected or created until a permit has been issued. Promotional devices, as described in Subsection A(17) and (18) of the general regulations, flexible banners as described in Subsection A(20) and sandwich board signs as described in Subsection A(21) of the general regulations will not require a construction permit. However, promotional signs and flexible banners will require a permit from the Township Clerk as herein described.

No sign or advertising structure shall be erected, placed or maintained so that it impedes, interferes with or distracts from the operation of any traffic control light or sign, official traffic directional sign or other traffic safety or control device or general traffic safety.

No sign or advertising structure shall be erected, maintained or lighted in a manner as to interfere with traffic upon any public right-of-way or the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of any adjacent property.

All signs and/or advertising structures shall be erected and maintained in a safe condition and shall not be allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.

No sign or advertising structure shall include any flashing, blinking or series light or any rotation or moving parts, except for time and temperature signs and LED fuel price signs.

[Amended 5-5-2015 by Ord. No. 8-15]

No structure shall be erected or used upon the top or roof of any building, and no sign or advertising structure attached to a building shall project higher than the roofline of that building.

No sign shall be painted directly on the wall of any building without the use of an advertising structure.

No sign shall be mounted, erected or maintained on a utility pole.

(10)

No sign in the Township of Brick regulated under Part 2 of this chapter shall exceed a height of 25 feet as measured from the crown of the roadway to which it is adjacent to the top of the sign structure, nor shall any sign restrict vision within a sight triangle other than by the structural supports within the area between two feet above the ground and eight feet above the ground.

(11)

A sign shall be measured at the outer edges of the sign structure, or for a sign of irregular shape, the smallest regular rectangle encompassing all component party of the sign shall be the area of the sign.

(12)

On lots fronting on more than one public thoroughfare, any combination of signs permitted may be erected on each side of a building or in a yard area fronting on such thoroughfare. On buildings located in the B-3 Highway Development Zone and B-4 Regional Commercial Zone and fronting on more than one public or private thoroughfare, driveway or parking area, any combination of signs permitted may be erected on three sides of a building fronting on such public or private thoroughfare, driveway or parking area.

[Amended 6-24-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]

(13)

No person, firm or corporation shall interfere with any Township official or employee entering upon any premises between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. for the purpose of examining any sign or advertising structure.

(14)

No new billboard will be constructed or relocated anywhere within the Township of Brick. Any billboard which has been damaged by deterioration, windstorm, fire or any other reason by a value of 50% shall be removed from its location upon notification of the Zoning Officer.

(15)

Any sign erected consistent with this chapter for the advertisement of any flea market sale or garage or yard sale or outdoor sale shall be removed by the person conducting such flea market sale or garage or yard sale or outdoor sale within three days of the date that such flea market sale or garage or yard sale or outdoor sale was terminated.

(16)

All ground signs shall be landscaped as per § 245-408.

(17)

The use of balloons, windmills or other moving devices, searchlights or flashing or other animated signs is prohibited.

(18)

The use of flags, streamers and no more than two feather flags (with a maximum height of 10 feet) is prohibited other than for a period of 60 days from the date of opening a new establishment or the closing of an established business. Additional flags, streamers and no more than two feather flags (with a maximum height of 10 feet) shall be allowed four times a year thereafter for a period not to exceed 10 consecutive days, provided that a minimum of 30 calendar days has lapsed between promotional campaigns and a permit to do so is obtained from the Township. The fee shall be $30 for each promotional campaign. The fee will be collected and the permit shall be issued by the Township Clerk following the approval of the Zoning Officer. Said permits shall be conspicuously displayed and visible from outside during the time the flags, streamers and/or feather flags are used.

[Amended 6-27-2017 by Ord. No. 12-17]

(19)

Street numbers of six inches minimum are required for each commercial establishment, to be attached to or displaced upon the principal site sign.

(20)

Banners.

Flexible banners shall be permitted to be hung four times each year, for a maximum duration of 30 consecutive days each time per location. No applicant shall be entitled to obtain a permit if the applicant has obtained a permit within the prior two months.

The sign area shall not exceed a maximum of 15% of the first floor building facade. A banner shall be limited to one building facade fronting on a public right-of-way.

Banners must be securely fastened in a professional manner to the building containing the business or service being advertised. The color and character of the banner may change. It must be commercially manufactured and properly maintained.

The fee is $30 for the first campaign date each year and $25 for each additional date within that calendar year. The fees will be collected and the permit will be issued by the Township Clerk following the approval of the Zoning Officer. Said permit shall be conspicuously displayed and visible from the outside during the time the banners are up.

(21)

Sandwich board signs. Portable sandwich board signs shall be permitted in all the B-1, B-2 and B-3 Business Zones subject to the following conditions:

The sign must be portable and without posts.

The sign must be a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of pavement.

Only one sign may be displayed per business.

Signs must be displayed in proximity to the location of the business or service being advertised.

If placed on a sidewalk, the sign must not reduce the pedestrian travel way below the minimum standards required for accessibility.

(f)

Signs shall not be displayed before dawn or after dusk.

(g)

Signs shall not create a view obstruction for motorists or pedestrians.

(h)

The sign shall not exceed 30 inches in width or 48 inches in height.

(i)

The sign construction and lettering shall be of professional grade. Lettering shall be done in a professional and legible manner.

(j)

Written notification indicating the sign's initial placement, including the property and business owner's name and addresses, must be submitted to the Township's Code Enforcement Office within 48 hours of its initial placement.

Permitted exceptions. The limitations on signs as set forth in this chapter shall not apply to any sign or directional device erected by the federal, state, county or Township government or agency thereof nor to any "no trespassing" sign erected in accordance with the applicable statutes of the State of New Jersey.[2]

Editor's Note: Former Subsection C, Sunset provision, added 6-27-2017 by Ord. No. 12-17, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 3-26-2019 by Ord. No. 2-19.

Editor’s Note: This ordinance also provided that § 245-313A(18), (20) and (21) shall sunset two years from the effective date of this ordinance.

[Amended 5-22-1984 by Ord. No. 354-2WW-84; 8-25-1992 by Ord. No. 354-2C-92; 11-24-1992 by Ord. No. 354-2D-92; 4-25-2000 by Ord. No. 345-2M-00; 6-11-2001 by Ord. No. 354-2II-01; 6-13-2006 by Ord. No. 20-06; 7-24-2007 by Ord. No. 31-07; 6-9-2009 by Ord. No. 36-09; 3-23-2010 by Ord. No. 16-10]

Prohibited signs.

[Amended 4-5-2011 by Ord. No. 10-11; 10-22-2013 by Ord. No. 26-13]

All signs not specifically permitted are prohibited.

No sign shall be maintained where by reason of its position, size, content or color, it may, in the opinion of the Chief of Police, obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any traffic control sign, signal or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse the public.

No sign which uses the words "Stop," "Look," "Caution," "Danger," or any similar wording which may confuse or mislead the public shall be permitted.

Advertising banners, pinwheels. No advertising banners, pinwheels, portable signs, or similar advertising devices shall be permitted, except as prescribed elsewhere in this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, banners shall mean any sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind. National flags, flags of political subdivisions and symbolic flags of any institution or business shall not be considered banners for the purpose of this chapter.

Animated or moving signs. No animated, flashing or moving signs shall be permitted except for the required movement of time and temperature displays and as prescribed elsewhere in this chapter.

Painted signs. No sign may be painted directly on the surface of any building facade, wall, fence or similar structure.

Sparkling and glittering signs. No sign may utilize fluorescent colors or contain any material that sparkles or glitters; however nothing herein is intended to prohibit the use of reflective paint on signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a property.

Commercial outdoor advertising signs, or billboards or other signs which are not expressly and directly related to the business being conducted on the premises on which they are located and are not expressly validated elsewhere in Part 2 of this chapter.

No sign shall be affixed to any roof, tree, fence, utility pole, or similar structure nor displayed upon motor vehicles which are continually or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous location to serve as a sign unless such vehicle is licensed, registered, insured, operable and used regularly in the course of business.

Exempt signs.

Governmental signs; erected or authorized by a governmental unit.

Public access signs.

[Added 7-13-2021 by Ord. No. 13-21]

Public access shall be provided in accordance with the lands and waters subject to public trust rights rule, N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.48, and the public access rule, N.J.A.C. 7:7-16.9.

Public access signs shall be provided at public areas to clearly direct the public to points of access to tidally flowed waterways.

The municipality shall provide public access signage at all public access areas to clearly identify where public access is permitted and where public access is prohibited.

[4]

The Township Public Works Department will be responsible for the erection and maintenance of all public access signage.

Nameplate signs in residential zones, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade or ground-mounted sign per occupancy; are no more than 150 square inches in area; and, if ground mounted, are no more than three feet in height.

Warning signs, provided that such signs are limited to no more than two facade or ground-mounted signs per occupancy; are no more than three square feet in area each; are nonilluminated; and, if ground mounted, are no more than three feet in height.

Construction signs, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade or ground-mounted sign per parcel; are no more than 32 square feet in area; are nonilluminated; and are maintained for no more than 14 days following the conclusion of the construction in question.

Temporary window-mounted signs, provided that the area of window-mounted signs displayed does not exceed 50% of the area of the window on which they are mounted and that no window sign shall project over, occupy or obstruct any window surface required for light or ventilation.

On-site informational signs, provided that each sign is limited to a window, facade or ground-mounted sign and no more than two square feet in area and not more than seven feet in height above grade. The sign may include a business name or logo but shall not include any advertising message. In locations where more than one business shares a common vehicular access, signs marking entrances and exits shall contain only the name of the shopping or business center. Multiple signs identifying each tenant or use are specifically prohibited.

Flags and emblems of a government, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization, provided that the number is limited to one of each type of flag or emblem, and is displayed, in the opinion of the Municipal Planner, in such a manner that gives recognition and respect to the organization that the flag or emblem represents. In the matter of the United States Flag, it should be displayed in accordance with the congressional Act "Flag Code" (4 U.S.C. §§ 4-10) of the United States Congress which regulates the flying of our national symbol.

Private sale and event signs, provided that such signs are no more than six square feet in area; are located entirely on the premises where such sale or event is to be conducted or on other private property pursuant to the owners consent; are clearly marked with the name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the removal of such sign; are not erected more than 36 hours in advance of such sale or 45 days in advance of such event; and are removed on the day following the conclusion of the event or sale. No more than four signs may be placed on any business property nor more than one on any residential property.

Traffic signs and signals. Temporary or permanent traffic signs and signals installed or authorized by the Township, county or state for the purpose of directing and regulating the flow of traffic.

(10)

Public transportation signs. Signs indicating public transportation stops when installed or authorized by the Township or a public transportation authority or agency.

(11)

Sign on machines. Signs which are an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps and ice machines, provided that they do not collectively exceed six square feet in area per machine.

(12)

Interior signs. Signs which are located within buildings and are not visible from a street or public parking facility.

(13)

Historical or architectural designation signs, provided that such signs are limited to no more than one facade or ground-mounted sign per occupancy; are not more than six square feet in area; are not illuminated and contain no commercial advertising.

(14)

Civic organizations. Civic organizations, such as, but not limited to, Boy/Girl Scouts of America, Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, that regularly conduct organized meetings at locations other than a residence or a building owned or rented by that organization may erect one ground sign at that meeting location. The ground sign shall not exceed 15 square feet in area, nor be greater than four feet in height. Such sign may display the name of the organization along with the meeting dates, times and membership information. Signs must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any front property line, are not to be permitted within the sight triangle of a street or driveway and may not be illuminated.

Permitted signs.

The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts:

One nonilluminated, temporary ground sign pertaining to the lease, rental or sale of the same lot or building upon which it is placed, and not exceeding four square feet in area on any one side, provided that such sign is erected or displayed not less than five feet inside of the property line. This sign must be removed from the premises within seven days after the property is sold or leased. Not more than one sign shall be permitted for each street contiguous to the premises.

One nonilluminated, temporary ground directional sign indicating the location of and direction to premises available for lease, rent or sale and in process of development, having inscribed thereon the name of the owner, developer, builder or agent, may be erected and maintained, provided that:

The size of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area on any one side.

Not more than three such signs shall be erected for any one development.

It is removed within 30 days after all units are leased or sold.

Parking lot markers, permanent directional signs, traffic control signs and entrance or exit signs may be erected on the same premises as the use to which they apply, provided that each such sign does not exceed three square feet in area.

Temporary displays used for holidays, public demonstrations or promotion of civic welfare or charitable purposes, on which there is no commercial advertising, and provided that the Township is held harmless for any damage resulting therefrom.

The following signs are permitted in residential zoning districts:

One illuminated wall or ground identification sign not exceeding four square feet in area, provided that such sign is erected or displayed not less than five feet inside the property line.

For religious organizations, one changeable-letter ground sign which may be illuminated, not over 10 square feet in area, referring to services and events to be held on the premises, provided that such sign is erected or displayed not less than five feet inside of the property line.

[Amended 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

One nonilluminated identification ground sign may be erected for any conditional use in the residential zones in which it is permitted. Such sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in area on either side nor a height of 12 feet, provided that such sign is erected or displayed not less than 10 feet inside the property line.

Multiple-family dwelling structures may erect one illuminated wall identification sign not exceeding 10 square feet in area or one illuminated ground identification sign not exceeding 25 square feet in area on either side nor a height of 12 feet, provided that such sign is erected or displayed not less than 10 feet inside the property line.

In a marina or boatyard, all signs permitted in the B-1 Business and O-P Office Professional Zones as set forth in Subsection C(4)(a) below.

Freestanding site identification signs. Ground (monument) signs that are detached from a building and freestanding for the purpose of identifying a particular business or business location shall be of monument style construction and conform to the following standards:

The height of any ground advertising sign may not exceed 1/2 of the minimum eave height of the structure(s) upon which it serves or the maximum sign height permitted in the applicable zone, whichever is less.

[Amended 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

The area of a freestanding monument sign consisting of a base or pedestal which is architecturally distinct from the sign itself shall not be included in the sign area calculation.

[Amended 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

The area of a monument base or pedestal shall not exceed the area of the sign.

Signs of shapes other than squares or rectangles shall be measured in accordance with the smallest regular rectangle encompassing all component parts of the sign shall be the area of the sign.

Monument signs shall be placed perpendicular to the adjoining street frontage.

A monument sign must incorporate distinctive elements of the building or structures on site including materials, finishes and colors.

Landscaping or hardscaping around a monument sign must be designed and maintained to ensure long-term readability of the sign.

[Amended 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

(f)

When permitted, illumination of a monument may be internal or external. External illumination shall be white and designed and shielded so that it illuminates the face of the sign and does not shine beyond the edges. Internal illumination shall be limited to the sign copy only. The sign background shall be of an opaque, nonreflective material.

Signs permitted in the B-1 Business and O-P Office Professional Zones:

One of the following signs may be permitted on each building or each portion of a building occupied by separate commercial enterprises:

One identification wall sign may be erected on one facade of a building, provided that the sign shall not exceed an area equal to 15% of the area of the facade upon which it is erected. In the case of a commercial use located on the ground floor of a multistory building, only the first floor facade area shall be used for the purpose of calculating the permissible sign area. The sign may be illuminated.

One identification projecting sign which does not exceed a total of 12 square feet in area on either side. The sign may be illuminated.

One nonilluminated identification monument sign may be erected not exceeding 25 square feet in area on either side nor a height of 10 feet, provided that such sign is erected or displayed not less than 10 feet inside the property line.

In buildings occupied by three or more commercial activities, only one of the following directory signs is permitted:

[Amended 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

A wall sign providing a directory of occupants not exceeding eight square feet in area on either side may be permitted. The sign may be illuminated.

A freestanding internal ground sign listing directory of occupants displaying the names and office locations of the tenants conforming to the following standards:

[a]

The sign must be located such that it can be read from a passenger vehicle, adjacent to a drive aisle;

[b]

The directory information must be located within an area 30 inches to 60 inches above grade;

[c]

The area dedicated to each tenant may not exceed two square feet;

[d]

The total sign area may not exceed 25 square feet;

[e]

The sign may not be located in any required setback area;

[f]

Only information pertaining to a directory of occupants is permitted. No additional advertising may be displayed; and

[g]

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

The following signs are permitted in the B-2 Business and OPT Zones:

One of the following signs may be permitted on each building:

One identification projecting sign which does not exceed a total of 12 square feet in area on either side. The sign may be illuminated.

One identification monument sign which does not exceed a total of 40 square feet in area on either side nor exceed a height of 12 feet. The sign may be illuminated, but shall not be located closer than 10 feet to any property line.

In buildings occupied by three or more commercial activities, only one of the following directory signs is permitted:

[Amended 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

A wall sign providing a directory of occupants not exceeding eight square feet in area on either side may be permitted. The sign may be illuminated.

A freestanding internal ground sign listing directory of occupants displaying the names and office locations of the tenants conforming to the following standards:

[a]

The sign must be located such that it can be read from a passenger vehicle, adjacent to a drive aisle;

[b]

The directory information must be located within an area 30 inches to 60 inches above grade;

[c]

The area dedicated to each tenant may not exceed two square feet;

[d]

The total sign area may not exceed 25 square feet;

[e]

The sign may not be located in any required setback area;

[f]

Only information pertaining to a directory of occupants is permitted. No additional advertising may be displayed; and

[g]

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

The following signs are permitted in the B-3 and B-4 Business Zones:

The following signs may be permitted on each building or each portion of a building occupied by separate commercial enterprises:

One identification wall sign may be erected on one facade of a building, provided that the sign shall not exceed an area equal to 15% of the area of the facade upon which it is erected. In the case of a commercial use located on the ground floor of a multistory building, only the first-floor facade area shall be used for the purposes of calculating the permissible sign area. The sign may be illuminated.

One identification projecting sign which does not exceed a total of four square feet in area on either side. The sign may be illuminated.

In a proposed development in the B-3 Zone, an identification monument sign not greater than 50 square feet in area on either side, having a height not greater than 15 feet, which designates the name of the center or its occupants, or both, may be erected. Such sign may be illuminated but shall not be located closer than 15 feet to any property line.

In a planned shopping center, one identification monument sign not greater than 200 square feet of area on either side and having a maximum height of 20 feet which designates the name of the center, its occupants, or both may be erected for each 500 feet of frontage, provided that such signs are located at least 300 feet apart. Such sign may be illuminated but shall not be located closer than 25 feet to any property line nor closer than 200 feet to a residential zone.

The following signs are permitted in the M-1 Industrial Zone:

One of the following signs may be permitted on each building:

One identification wall sign may be erected on one facade of a building, provided that the sign shall not exceed an area equal to 15% of the area of the facade upon which it is erected. In the case of a commercial use located on the ground floor of a multistory building, only the first-floor facade area shall be used for the purpose of calculating the permissible sign area. The sign may be illuminated.

One identification projecting sign which does not exceed a total of 12 square feet in area on either side. The sign may be illuminated.

One identification ground sign which does not exceed a total of 50 square feet in area on either side nor exceed a height of 10 feet. The sign may be illuminated, but shall not be located closer than 10 feet to any property line.

[Amended 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

The following signs are permitted in the H-S Hospital Support Zone:

One freestanding sign is permitted per lot for purposes of project identification.

The height of any freestanding sign shall be limited to 15 feet.

Freestanding signs shall be limited to 50 square feet on either side.

In buildings occupied by three or more tenants, only one of the following directory signs is permitted:

[Added 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

A wall sign providing a directory of occupants not exceeding eight square feet in area on either side may be permitted. The sign may be illuminated.

A freestanding internal ground sign listing directory of occupants displaying the names and office locations of the tenants conforming to the following standards:

[a]

The sign must be located such that it can be read from a passenger vehicle, adjacent to a drive aisle;

[b]

The directory information must be located within an area 30 inches to 60 inches above grade;

[c]

The area dedicated to each tenant may not exceed two square feet;

[d]

The total sign area may not exceed 25 square feet;

[e]

The sign may not be located in any required setback area;

[f]

Only information pertaining to a directory of occupants is permitted. No additional advertising may be displayed; and

[g]

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

One freestanding property address sign is permitted per lot for purposes of identifying the property address. The property address sign shall be limited to 15 square feet on each side and shall be located no closer than 10 feet to the edge of the roadway pavement.

[Added 11-10-2020 by Ord. No. 19-20]

Signs permitted for drive-through facilities:

[Added 9-25-2012 by Ord. No. 33-12]

For commercial uses utilizing drive-through facilities, including but not limited to banks, fast-food establishments, car washes and pharmacies, the following directional signage is permitted in addition to the site identification signage permitted herein:

Three uniform directional signs not to exceed five square feet in area each.

The signs may indicate "Enter," "Exit," and "Drive-Thru" or similar direction, verbiage or combination thereof in a color clearly contrasting with the background.

The signs may be illuminated, provided they are turned off at the close of business each day.

[4]

These signs may display colors and one logo or design in accordance with the business' marketing standards, the site identification signage, and/or the building facade.

[5]

No additional logos or advertising are permitted within the drive-through facility directory signage.

Nothing within this section may be construed to alleviate an establishment from providing proper direction signage in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.