[Added 10-11-2005 by Ord. No. 2005:952]
This article shall hereafter be known and may
be cited as the "Sign Ordinance."
The purpose of this article with respect to
signs is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the general public,
as well as to provide uniform sign and signing lighting standards
and regulations that promote a positive image of the Borough of Closter,
reflecting order, harmony and pride and thereby strengthening the
economic stability of the Borough's business, industrial, cultural,
historical and residential areas.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
Unless the context otherwise indicates, the
following definitions shall be used in the interpretation and construction
of this article. Words used in the present tense include the future;
the singular number shall include the plural and the plural the singular.
The word "structure" shall include the word "building"; the word "person"
includes a corporation as well as an individual; the word "lot" includes
the word "plot"; the word "occupied" includes the words "designed
or intended to be occupied"; and the word "used" shall include the
words "arranged, designed, constructed, altered, converted, rented,
leased or intended to be used." The word "may" is permissive. For
the purposes of this article, the terms used herein are defined as
follows:
To make a change in, to modify, to vary in some degree or
to change some of the elements, ingredients or detail without substituting
an entirely new sign or components or destroying the identity of the
sign being changed.
A sign that uses the sequential switching on and off of graphically
arranged fluorescent lamps, cathode tubes, LEDs or incandescents so
as to provide the illusion of movement.
A graphic element made separately then affixed to a cloth
or fabric covering such as an awning.
The area enclosed by the perimeter of the sign, including
its background, if any, but excluding the structure of the sign. For
signs having no background, an imaginary rectangle surrounding all
letters or symbols shall serve as the basis for sign area calculation
as illustrated in the example in Figure 1 below. For parallel double-faced
ground signs, erected as a single or joined units, the maximum area
permitted shall be calculated on one side (the largest) only.
|
Figure 1 (Sign without background)
 |
A projecting sign made of nonrigid material, such as heavy
canvas, supported by a framework that is attached to a building's
substrate. The awning sign extends outward from the building and so
provides shaded cover and protection from weather for customers and
pedestrians. An awning sign will have lettering and/or graphics painted
or screen printed on its exterior surface. It may or not be illuminated.
(See also "backlit awning" and "canopy sign.")
An illuminated reverse channel letter where the light from
the letter is directed against and reflected off the surface behind
the letter thereby producing a glowing effect around the letter. (Also
referred to as "halo lighting.")
An awning sign that is lit from underneath by fluorescent
or other high-output lighting. The light shines through the awning
fabric, illuminating whatever text or graphics are on it and providing
effective nighttime readability. The light emanating from underneath
the awning also provides light to the sidewalk or street below. (Also
called "illuminated awning." See also "awning sign" and "canopy sign.")
A sign where the sign face is illuminated from behind. (Also
called "illuminated sign." See also "internally illuminated sign"
and "exterior illuminated sign.")
A sign made of nonrigid material, such as canvas or vinyl,
and typically having no enclosing or supporting framework. Often intended
for temporary use, a banner sign can be screen printed or painted,
and is commonly hung from a pole or mounted to the facade of a building.
(See also "flag" and "pennant.")
A sign mounted onto, or incorporated into, a seat in a public
area such as a bus stop bench. (See also "street furniture.")
A large (15 square feet in area or larger) outdoor sign used
for advertising and typically seen along highways, main streets and
other high traffic areas. An advertiser will rent a billboard and
display its advertisement on it for a set length of time.
A type of projecting sign mounted such that the face of the
sign is perpendicular to the normal flow of traffic.
An uninstalled sign panel with no lettering or graphics applied.
(Also called an "insert.")
An area of solid color having no gradation.
A line or band of color or material that defines that outer
edges of a sign and/or elements within the sign.
A sign that is self-enclosed in a typically square or rectangular
structure with or without internal lighting. Can be single- or double-faced.
(See also "light box.")
Regulations issued by state and local governments that establish
standards for the construction, modification and repair of buildings
and other structures in the interest of public health, safety and
general welfare.
Any sign that is applied or attached to a building in some
manner.
Patriotic and festive decorations made from such cloth, or
from paper, usually in the form of draperies, wide streamers, etc.,
in the colors of the national flag.
A unit of luminosity used to express the intensity of a light
source as measured in a specific direction. The higher the number
of candela measured, the greater the intensity of the light.
A projecting sign made of nonrigid material, such as heavy
canvas, supported by a framework that at one end is attached to a
building's substrate and at the other end supported by one or more
poles. The canopy sign extends outward from the building and acts
as a roof over the area it covers, providing weather protection for
customers, pedestrians and possibly even vehicles. A canopy sign will
have lettering and/or graphics painted or screen printed on its exterior
surface. It may or not be illuminated. (See also "awning sign" and
"backlit awning.")
A three-dimensional letter formed out of channel into which
a light source, such as a neon tube, may be placed.
The measured distance between the lowest portion of a sign
and the highest point of the grade underneath. (Also called "height
above grade.")
A temporary sign, typically large and freestanding, displayed
at construction sites to promote and provide information about the
company or companies involved in the project. These can include the
contractor, architect, developer, etc. (Also called a "job site sign.")
Any letter, logo or symbol that has a raised profile in relation
to the sign substrate.
Illuminating a sign by means of an external light source
directed at the sign face. (See also "exterior illuminated sign.")
A sign providing information, either written or visual, that
helps direct a person to a destination.
A sign that provides an organized list of names of people,
offices or facilities located within a given building or area. Usually
located at a public access point such as a building lobby, a directory
sign may provide simple text listings or also include maps and other
wayfinding information.
Any sign that contains and utilizes electrical components.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix
and shall also include the painting of a wall sign.
A sign that is illuminated by an external light source directed
at the sign face. (See also "direct illumination.")
The exterior walls of a building, especially the front or
the most prominent side of the building.
A sign mounted to a wall or other vertical surface. A flat
sign that is mounted on a wall and the face of which runs parallel
to the wall. A fascia sign does not typically project from the wall.
A sign made of nonrigid material, such as canvas or vinyl,
and having no enclosing or supporting framework. A flag is usually
rectangular or triangular in shape and is attached at one end to a
pole. Often intended for temporary use, a flag can be screen printed
or painted. (See also "banner" and "pennant.")
An illuminated sign having an intermittent or flashing light
source as a means of drawing attention to its message.
Generic term for a LCD display.
A light source consisting of a glass tube lined with a phosphor
coating and filled with mercury vapor. When an electric current is
applied, the gas emits ultraviolet radiation that in turn excites
the phosphor coating causing it to radiate visible light. Fluorescent
lamps are more energy efficient than incandescent lamps.
The base of a sign's supporting structure. The footing is
typically secured to a foundation or other anchor such as a building's
roof.
A concrete substructure that anchors a sign and its supporting
structure to the ground. (See also "footing.")
A sign that is not attached to a building, has its own support
structure and is typically secured to a foundation or with guy wires.
A sign supported directly on the ground by a footing, base and pedestal
or by pole(s) or upright(s) set in or on a footing and/or base.
A type of sign lighting where a light source located within
or behind a sign is allowed to reflect off the mounting surface. The
result is that the sign appears to be surrounded by a halo of light.
A projecting double-faced sign mounted to a wall or pole
and hung from a bracket or support arm. (Also known as a "projecting
sign.")
A sign that provides the name of the business displaying
the sign.
A sign where the sign face is illuminated in some manner.
(Also called "backlit sign." See also "internally illuminated sign"
and "exterior illuminated sign.")
A sign intended for informational purposes as opposed to
commercial or advertising purposes. Typically smaller in size, examples
of incidental signs include parking signs, restroom signs, and entrance
and exit signs.
Any sign located within a building or structure.
A sign that is illuminated by a light source contained within
the sign structure or housing. (See also "backlit sign" and "exterior
illuminated sign.")
A temporary sign, typically large and freestanding, displayed
at construction sites to promote and provide information about the
company or companies involved in the project. These can include the
contractor, architect, developer, etc. (Also called a "construction
site sign.")
A sign that is self-enclosed in a typically square or rectangular
structure and houses an internal light system for illumination of
the sign face. (See also "box sign.")
A small electronic device that emits light when electrically
charged. In computer controlled arrays, LEDs can be used to create
an electronic message center.
A type of flat-panel display that recreates an image or message
through the manipulation of electrically sensitive crystals suspended
in a liquid medium. Commonly used in electronic message centers.
A visually distinctive name and/or symbol that identifies
a business, product or service. (See also "trademark.")
Replacement, without substantial change, of any part or supports
of a sign without repainting, without change of text, design or size
of a sign, without removal of the sign from the wall or supporting
structure.
A general term for on-premises signs located within a multitenant
building or mall.
A permanent structure attached to the front of a building
and which incorporates a large message center. Typically illuminated
and often ornate in design, a marquee sign projects over the entrance
of the building and provides a canopy over at least a portion of the
sidewalk or street. Marquee signs are often used by movie theaters
and concert halls.
A sign, typically a plaque, which commemorates a person,
place or event.
A changeable point-of-purchase sign that provides a list
of products and prices. It is a type of sign commonly seen in sandwich
shops and other fast-service restaurants where it is used to display
the menu. (See also "variable message sign.")
A large sign mounted on a trailer or back of a truck. The
sign may or may not be illuminated. (Also called a "mobile billboard.")
A freestanding sign that stands directly on the ground or
ground-level foundation. A monument sign is often used to mark a place
of significance or the entrance to a location. (See also "low-profile
sign.")
A small wall-mounted or freestanding sign made of plastic
or metal that states the name, occupation and/or title of the occupant
of an office, desk or building.
A set of codes and standards set forth by the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) for the safe use of electrical wiring
and equipment.
A sign that incorporates one or more neon lamps. The sign
message is created by bending and forming the neon tubes into lettering
and/or iconic graphical shapes.
The vacuum tubing (typically clear) used to hold the inert
gas (neon gas) used in a neon lamp. Neon tubing can be bent and formed
into almost any shape to create lettering and iconic graphics. The
color of the tubing and coatings applied to it may alter the color
of the light emitted.
A sign that is not located on or directly adjacent to the
business or property to which it relates. A billboard is an example
of an off-premises sign. (See also "on-premises sign.")
Any sign that is located on or directly adjacent to the business
or property to which it relates. (See also "off-premises sign.")
A channel letter with returns that project forward from face
of letter such that the neon tubing is visible.
A sign that is painted directly onto an exterior wall of
a building.
A dimensional letter that is constructed with integrated
face, back and sidewalls so as to make the letter appear as a single
solid unit.
A low wall built along the edge of a building's roof.
A sign mounted on the parapet of a building. (See also "building-mounted
sign.")
A triangular flag. (See also "banner.")
Any sign that is affixed to a building or structure in such
a manner as to give it the support necessary to resist environmental
loads over time and to preclude easy removal.
A legal document (license) granted by the appropriate government
agency that gives official permission to take a specific action, e.g.,
erect a sign.
A freestanding sign, usually double-faced, mounted on a round
pole, square tube, or other fabricated member without any type of
secondary support.
A freestanding, on-premises sign, not designed to be permanently
affixed in place. These could include freestanding signs or notices
as well as point-of-purchase signs.
A sign panel with one or more posts.
A sign that is attached to one or more sign poles.
A sign marking the entrance to a town, neighborhood, development,
park or other public area. (Also called "gateway sign.")
A sign that is attached to a building but extends beyond
the building structure. Regulators often set a predetermined distance
that a sign must extend beyond a building for it to be considered
a projecting sign. A decorated awning is an example of a projecting
sign. (Also called "blade sign.")
A freestanding sign that is not a pole or ground sign.
A sign on which copy can be changed manually. It usually
consists of a panel on which individual letters or pictorials are
mounted. Like a window sign, it can advertise special prices or items.
It can also be placed so that it can be easily seen from a passing
motor vehicle.
Signs installed by various government bodies to inform the
public of traffic laws and other regulations.
To change the lettering or descriptive symbol on a sign without
changing any of the structure, parts or components of the sign.
A cantilevered structure, entirely supported from a building,
and constructed so that the awning cover and supporting frame retracts
completely against the building. This relieves the awning from wind,
rain and snow pressure and loads normally associated with extended
fixed frame awning or canopies.
A channel letter that has a face and sides but no back, and
is pinned out from a background surface. When the neon tube inside
the letter is illuminated, it produces a halo effect around the letter.
A sign that has the ability to turn 360° because of the
presence of an electric motor to drive its movable parts. All or a
portion of the sign may revolve at a steady or variable speed.
A sign structure that is erected on or above a roof or that
is installed directly on a roof's surface.
A moveable sign not secured or attached to the ground or
surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame and
most often forming the cross-sectional shape of an A. (Also known
as "sidewalk sign.")
A moveable sign not secured or attached to the ground or
surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame and
most often forming the cross-sectional shape of an A. (Also known
as "sandwich sign.")
Any device, structure, display or placard which is affixed
to, placed on or in proximity to, or displayed from within a building
to attract the attention of the public for the purposes of advertising,
identifying or communicating information about goods and services.
A horizontal area above a multitenant building entrance,
architecturally designed to accommodate signage in a signcentric manner.
An overlay sign added to an existing sign layout, as an additional
message to the main sign, for example a band across a corner saying
"coming soon." Also a term for illegal posting of handbills and posters
without permits.
A sign, either freestanding or wall-mounted, where the messages
rotate in the wind. A spinner sign is not considered an animated sign.
A source of illumination for an extremely illuminated sign;
a lamp with a strong focused beam directed toward a sign.
A sign with a power cord for attachment to a source of electrical
power that is not readily moveable or portable.
Typically sandstone, granite, marble, limestone and other
common decorative stone material. Letters can be stud-mounted to stone
or they can be carved or incised into the face of the stone.
Any sign that is not intended to be permanently installed.
Banners and signs at construction sites are good examples of temporary
signs. Often, sign codes seek to limit the length of time a temporary
sign can remain in place.
A sign designed to be mounted underneath a canopy.
A single-face sign mounted on a wall. (See also "wall sign.")
In the most literal sense, a sign that is painted on a wall.
The term is often expanded to include flat signs that are placed on
or attached to the wall of a building. These latter signs are also
called fascia-mounted signs and wall mounts. (Also known as a "wall-mounted
sign.")
The basic term for describing the design strength of a sign.
Standard windload is 30 PSF (pounds per square foot), which can withstand
winds up to approximately 90 miles per hour. Heavy windload is 55
PSF, which can withstand approximately 110 miles per hour.
A sign that is mounted for display on a window and intended
to be viewed from the outside.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
Permanent signs whose existence can be substantiated by way
of permit documentation and/or inclusion within the photographic record
of Borough signage as of March 15, 2005, shall be considered grandfathered
and given preexisting/nonconforming status so long as such signs are
routinely maintained but not enlarged, extended or relocated. Grandfathered
signs afflicted with damage equal to or greater than 50% from weather,
etc., shall lose such status and any replacement or repair will be
considered new signage subject to present regulations.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
A.
There shall be established a Sign Review 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 Closter
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 Closter 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.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
A.
Upon considering aesthetic guidelines for design options as established
by the Sign Review Committee, a zoning permit application shall be
submitted to the Zoning Officer to ensure compliance with those criteria
defined within this article. 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.
(1)
Note No. 1: An applicant may choose to appear before the Sign Review
Committee prior or subsequent to filing a zoning permit application.
(2)
Note No. 2: If a zoning permit application is denied, the applicant
can opt to receive guidance from the Sign Review Committee before
reapplying to the Zoning Officer or seek variance relief from either
the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, whichever has jurisdiction.
However, use of the Sign Review Committee in no way extends the statutory
appeal period.
(3)
Note No. 3: The aesthetic guidelines are suggestions which shall
become binding upon the adoption of part or all of these guidelines
by ordinance of the Mayor and Council.
B.
If applicable, upon issuance of a zoning permit, a construction permit
shall be obtained from the Building Department for compliance with
relevant building and/or electrical codes as per the New Jersey Uniform
Construction Code. An applicant may appeal the determination by the
Construction Official to the Bergen County Construction Board of Appeals.
[Amended 4-9-2008 by Ord. No. 2008: 1007; 5-14-2014 by Ord. No.
2014:1163]
A.
General requirements (for all types of signage located in all zoning
districts).
(1)
Any new or altered sign requires a zoning permit with the exception
of certain temporary signs as delineated herein.
(2)
If applicable, signs defined by this article shall be designed and
constructed in conformity with the provisions of the Uniform Construction
Code and should meet the aesthetic guidelines established by the Sign
Review Committee.
(3)
Except for election, civic event, garage, yard sale and nonprofit
signs, the content of all signs shall pertain only to the use within
the premises upon which the sign is located.
(4)
The building street address on an awning or door shall be visible
to assist emergency service personnel.
(5)
The name of the business shall be posted in the English language.
Signs containing a language in addition to English shall contain information
whereby both the English and other language(s) are equal in both dimensional
proportion and translation sufficient to ensure the health, safety
and welfare of the inhabitants thereof and the public at large.
(6)
Signs may not be attached to trees or light/utility poles.
(7)
The use of vehicles whose primary purpose is advertising is prohibited.
(8)
The use of stickers is prohibited.
(9)
Any signage located on or extending over a public right-of-way must
be approved by the relevant governing agency (Borough, Bergen County,
etc.) prior to installation.
B.
Permanent signs.
(1)
Wall signs. No wall sign shall exceed two square feet in area for
every linear foot of storefront, up to 36 square feet maximum.
(a)
A wall sign must adhere to the New Jersey Uniform Construction
Code and shall be constructed of metal or integrated wood or other
approved noncombustible materials, except for structural trim.
(b)
A wall sign attached to the exterior surface of a structure
shall not project beyond the ends or the top of the surface to which
it is attached.
(c)
A wall sign shall be parallel to, and not protrude more than
12 inches from, the wall of said structure to which it is attached.
If the sign protrudes more than six inches from the surface to which
it is attached, said sign must be positioned at least eight feet above
the sidewalk or ground beneath it.
(d)
A wall sign shall not be erected to cover windows or architectural
details.
(e)
If a building has more than one exposure, each exposed side
may have an ancillary wall sign no larger than 50% of the principal
wall sign.
(2)
Awnings, canopies and marquees. No awnings, canopies or marquees
shall be installed above the first floor of any building or structure;
they shall be constructed of woven fabric, and all frames and supports
shall be constructed of metal; they shall be constructed and erected
so that the lowest portion thereof is no less than eight feet above
ground level. Marquee signs may extend to within one foot of the curbline.
Canopies and awnings may project no further than 36 inches from the
building into the public right-of-way. No advertising shall be placed
on any awning, canopy or marquee except for the address, logo, name
and type of business conducted within the premises. Logos shall not
be larger than 10% of the total space of the awning.
(3)
Freehanging perpendicular/blade signs. These signs shall be limited
to one per store occupancy and shall not exceed six square feet in
area. They must have a clearing height of 10 feet and be erected and
secured in such a manner as to preclude their becoming a safety hazard
to the public.
(4)
Ground signs. No ground sign shall exceed 16 square feet in area,
and there shall be no more than one ground sign per property, except
in Zoning District 5 (Industrial) where there may be one sign for
every 75 feet of frontage. Such signs must be set back at least 15
feet from the curbline and cannot interfere with sight triangles.
It shall be unlawful to erect any ground sign whose total height is
greater than 15 feet above ground level.
(5)
Pylon signs.
(a)
Gasoline stations and automobile dealerships shall, notwithstanding
other provisions of this article, be permitted one freestanding or
pylon sign advertising the name of the station, agency, or garage,
and for the principal products sold on the premises, including any
special company or brand names, insignia or emblem, provided that
each such sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area on a side nor
be erected within five feet of the property line and not less than
10 nor more than 20 feet above the ground. Such pole or pylon sign
shall be illuminated only by internal illumination and shall be constructed
according to the UCC. There shall be no light leakage beyond the sign.
(b)
Shopping centers situated on more than three acres may erect
pylon or pole signs. Construction, size and details are subject to
approval by either the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment,
whichever has jurisdiction.
(6)
Directory signs. The total area of a directory sign shall not exceed
one square foot per tenant or eight square feet in total, whichever
is larger. A directory sign shall not be included into the computation
of square footage for either ground or wall signs.
(7)
Directional signs. Such signs shall not exceed 27 inches in length,
12 inches in height, and the top shall not be greater than 60 inches
in height from the ground.
(8)
Window signs. The maximum coverage of all permanent window signs
located on all floors of a building shall not exceed 30% of all window
space on each floor. Windows blocked completely by solid color or
opaque paint are not considered signs. In multiple-tenant buildings,
landlords shall apportion permitted space to tenants.
(9)
Motion-animated signs. Such signs must be turned off no later than
11:00 pm.
(10)
A-frame/sandwich board signs. They shall be displayed only during
regular business hours and must be removed during nonbusiness hours.
They shall be no more than 10 square feet in area on each side, no
more than five feet in height and no more than three feet in width.
Such installations must be approved by the Construction Official for
safety. Only one such sign is permitted for each business and it shall
pertain only to the use within the premises on which the sign is positioned.
Each sign must be set back a minimum of two feet from the curbline
or pedestrian walkway. This provision may be waived by the Code Enforcement
Officer in the interest of safety.
(11)
Memorial signs. Such signs must be approved by the Mayor and
Council.
C.
Temporary signs. All temporary signs require the issuance of a zoning
permit. Temporary signs must be removed no later than 40 days following
the date of a zoning permit being issued. All such signs must have
contact information. The following temporary signs are exempt from
the zoning permit requirement of this section: construction signs;
municipal signs; traffic signs; legal notices; danger and emergency
signs; window signs; real estate signs; election signs; educational/charitable/civic/religious
signs.
(1)
Street banners. Signage extending above thoroughfares must be suspended
a minimum of 16 feet above any street and must be securely fastened
to a building or structure dedicated to displaying temporary signs.
The total area of such signs shall not exceed 18 square feet.
(2)
Educational/charitable/civic/religious signs. Such signs shall not
exceed 18 square feet.
(3)
Rental signs (for-rent signs provided by real estate firms) must
be removed within three days of closing or tenant occupancy. The maximum
size allowed for residential and nonresidential signs is 24 inches
by 36 inches and 48 inches by 48 inches, respectively.
(4)
Real estate signs. Such signs shall be mounted on their own stakes
and stanchions along any public street in a safe manner, without projecting
over the curbline or pedestrian walkway, and must be removed by the
end of the day in which a real estate showing occurs.
(6)
Business grand openings, closings and change of ownership or management,
or special promotions. Such signs, including banners, flags, buntings,
etc., shall be permitted for no more than 40 days, and no more than
once in every twelve-month period, and only on the advertised premises.
Banners must be securely installed as approved by the Construction
Official and shall not extend upon or across any sidewalk or public
property.
(7)
Yard or garage sale signs. Application shall be made for special
permits to erect garage or yard sales signs to the Construction Official
or his/her designee, who shall assign a number to each permit upon
payment of the required fee. No more than four temporary signs may
be erected under each permit, each sign must show the permit number,
and no more than two such permits shall be issued to any one address
in each calendar year. Such signs shall not exceed three square feet
in size and can only be displayed during a period including the day
before and the day after the sale.
(8)
Construction signs. No more than three construction/builder signs
may be erected, without permit or fees, between the granting of a
construction permit and the granting of a certificate of approval
or occupancy, but not more than 12 months after the granting of the
construction permit. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in
area and shall be situated at least 15 feet from the curb. The total
of all signage shall not exceed 36 square feet.
D.
Sign illumination.
(1)
Holiday lighting. For the winter holiday season, lighting may be
installed after Thanksgiving and must be removed by January 15 each
year. Other than the winter holiday season, holiday lighting is permitted
10 days before and 10 days after any other holiday.
(2)
No uncovered neon or fluorescent bulbs are permitted on any sign.
All internally illuminated signs must be shielded or covered in a
manner so as to prevent the exposure of an uncovered light source
of any sort providing direct glare.
(3)
No illumination shall be permitted which may cause interference with
traffic control signs or lights, or lights of an emergency vehicle,
or cause interference with radio or television signals.
(4)
Externally lighted signs, floodlights, or spotlights used for the
illumination of signs shall be shielded to project light only onto
the sign area and not beyond the sign, so there is no glare upon the
street or adjacent property.
(5)
Tube lighting used as an outline is permitted.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
Zoning District Nos. 1, 2 and 6: residential zones. The following
signs, and none other, unless expressly permitted by another section
of this article, are permitted to be erected in Zoning District Nos.
1, 2 and 6, and must be in conformance with the regulations in this
article:
A.
House numerals not exceeding one square foot per individual numeral.
B.
Professional nameplates not exceeding six inches in height or 18
inches in length identifying lawful occupants of the premises.
C.
Bulletin boards or signs not to exceed 16 square feet in area for
public, charitable or religious institutions, where the same are located
on the premises of said institutions.
D.
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and the date of erection
when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or
other incombustible materials.
E.
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing
signs and danger and such temporary emergency or nonadvertising signs
as may be approved by the Chief of Police.
F.
Flags of the United States, the State of New Jersey or other governmental
or quasi-public agencies.
G.
Signs of any governmental agency deemed necessary to the public welfare.
H.
Temporary election signs.
I.
Garage and yard sale signs.
J.
Real estate signs.
K.
Religious institution signs located on the property of the institution.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
A.
All signs must be maintained in good repair. Specifically, no owner
or occupant of premises on which a sign is located may permit any
type of deterioration, including the following conditions: chipped
or peeling paint; torn paper or damaged lettering or material of any
kind; illegible material, whether by reason of fading, obliteration
or any other condition; a dirty, torn, broken or otherwise damaged
awning, canopy or marquee.
B.
All signs for which a permit is required, together with all their
supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair in accordance
with the provisions of this article and the New Jersey Uniform Construction
Code. When not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion-resistive
noncombustible materials, signs shall be painted when necessary to
prevent corrosion. If a sign is physically damaged, it must be repaired
within 60 days.
C.
Housekeeping. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner
or lessee of every sign to maintain an immediate premises occupied
by the sign in a clean sanitary and healthful condition.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163; 11-21-2016 by Ord. No. 2016:1215]
Every sign shall be subject, at any time, to the inspection and approval of the Zoning Officer, Code Enforcement Officer or the Construction Official. The inspection shall include a review of bonds and/or liability insurance for the sign(s). Failure to comply with § 173-87 (below) shall be grounds for revocation of a sign permit and the issuance of a notice of violation. The violation may be cured by submitting proof of compliance with § 173-87 within 10 days of the date of the notice of violation. Proof must be provided to and acceptable to the Borough's Building Department and Risk Manager.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163[1]]
A.
Filing. A person shall not erect, install, remove, rehang or maintain
over public or quasi-public property any sign for which a permit is
required under the provisions of this article until an approved bond
shall have been filed in the sum of $100,000 as herein required or
until an insurance policy shall have been filed for public liability
in the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit, naming the Borough
of Closter as an insured or as an additional insured as herein required.
B.
Conditions. Such bond or insurance policy shall protect and save
the Borough of Closter harmless from any and all claims or demands
for damages by reason of any negligence of the sign hanger, contractor
or agents or by any reason of defects in the construction or damages
resulting from the collapse, failure or combustion of the sign or
parts thereof.
C.
Notice of cancellation. The obligation herein specified shall remain
in force and effect during the life of every sign and shall not be
canceled by the principal or surety until after a thirty-day notice
to the Borough Clerk by certified mail, return receipt requested,
if the cancellation takes place prior to the removal of the sign or
banner.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
A.
Abandoned signs. An abandoned sign shall be taken down and removed
by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building
or structure upon which such sign may be found within 20 days after
vacancy of the building and/or tenant space. Twenty days after written
notification and upon failure by the property owner to remove said
sign, the Zoning Officer, Construction Official or the Code Enforcement
Officer is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any
expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building
or structure to which such sign is attached.
B.
The Zoning Officer, Construction Official or Code Enforcement Officer
shall have the discretion to prohibit the erection and/or to order
the removal of any signs he or she deems to present a hazard to the
public or that has been erected without the application for and granting
of the proper permits and fees, or in the case of signs which do not
require permits, but do not conform to the provisions of this article.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
A zoning variance granted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70, Subdivision
D, which varies a use allowed in a particular district for particular
premises, shall be deemed to vary the provisions of this article in
the same respect for the premises.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
Any interested party may appeal a decision of the Zoning Officer with regard to this article by filing an appeal with the Borough of Closter Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment (whichever board has jurisdiction over the application), as appropriate, within 20 days of the decision of the Zoning Officer. Such appeal shall be considered by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment in accordance with the standards and time limitations as contained in the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Act. Any interested party may appeal the decision of the Construction Official by filing an appeal with the Bergen County Construction Board of Appeals. See also § 173-82A(1), (2) and (3).
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014:1163]
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a penalty as set forth in Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article II, Violations and Penalties, of this Code. Violations of certain provisions of the Code may be enforced by the Closter Police Department, the Zoning Officer, the Construction Official and/or the Code Enforcement Officer.
