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:
ALTERING
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.
ANIMATED SIGN
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.
APPLIQUE
A graphic element made separately then affixed to a cloth
or fabric covering such as an awning.
AREA OF SIGN
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)
![](/attachment/CL0218/0218-173 Figure 1 Sample Sign.tif.SM.png) |
AWNING SIGN
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.")
BACKLIGHTED LETTER
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.")
BACKLIT AWNING
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.")
BACKLIT SIGN
A sign where the sign face is illuminated from behind. (Also
called "illuminated sign." See also "internally illuminated sign"
and "exterior illuminated sign.")
BANNER
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.")
BENCH SIGN
A sign mounted onto, or incorporated into, a seat in a public
area such as a bus stop bench. (See also "street furniture.")
BILLBOARD
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.
BLADE SIGN
A type of projecting sign mounted such that the face of the
sign is perpendicular to the normal flow of traffic.
BLANK
An uninstalled sign panel with no lettering or graphics applied.
(Also called an "insert.")
BLOCK COLOR
An area of solid color having no gradation.
BORDER
A line or band of color or material that defines that outer
edges of a sign and/or elements within the sign.
BOX 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.")
BRIGHTNESS
A.
The perceived amount of light that a visual target emits or
reflects. Its relative luminance.
B.
The amount of white in a given color. The greater the amount
of white, the brighter the color is said to be.
C.
Brightness is one of the three attributes of color along with
hue and saturation.
BUILDING CODE
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.
BUNTING
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.
CANDELA
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.
CANOPY SIGN
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.")
CHANNEL LETTER
A three-dimensional letter formed out of channel into which
a light source, such as a neon tube, may be placed.
CLEARANCE
The measured distance between the lowest portion of a sign
and the highest point of the grade underneath. (Also called "height
above grade.")
CONSTRUCTION SITE 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 "job site sign.")
DIMENSIONAL LETTER
Any letter, logo or symbol that has a raised profile in relation
to the sign substrate.
DIRECT ILLUMINATION
Illuminating a sign by means of an external light source
directed at the sign face. (See also "exterior illuminated sign.")
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign providing information, either written or visual, that
helps direct a person to a destination.
DIRECTORY SIGN
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.
ELECTRIC SIGN
Any sign that contains and utilizes electrical components.
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix
and shall also include the painting of a wall sign.
EXTERIOR ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign that is illuminated by an external light source directed
at the sign face. (See also "direct illumination.")
FACADE
The exterior walls of a building, especially the front or
the most prominent side of the building.
FASCIA SIGN
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.
FLAG
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.")
FLASHING SIGN
An illuminated sign having an intermittent or flashing light
source as a means of drawing attention to its message.
FLUORESCENT LAMP
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.
FOOTING
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.
FOUNDATION
A concrete substructure that anchors a sign and its supporting
structure to the ground. (See also "footing.")
GROUND SIGN
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.
HALO LIGHTING
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.
HANGING SIGN
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.")
ILLUMINATED 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.")
INCIDENTAL 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.
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign that is illuminated by a light source contained within
the sign structure or housing. (See also "backlit sign" and "exterior
illuminated sign.")
JOB SITE 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.")
LIGHT BOX
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.")
LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE (LED)
A small electronic device that emits light when electrically
charged. In computer controlled arrays, LEDs can be used to create
an electronic message center.
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) SIGN
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.
LOGO
A visually distinctive name and/or symbol that identifies
a business, product or service. (See also "trademark.")
MAINTENANCE; MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS
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.
MALL SIGNAGE
A general term for on-premises signs located within a multitenant
building or mall.
MARQUEE SIGN
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.
MEMORIAL SIGN
A sign, typically a plaque, which commemorates a person,
place or event.
MENU BOARD
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.")
MOBILE 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.")
MONUMENT SIGN
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.")
NAMEPLATE
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.
NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE (NEC)
A set of codes and standards set forth by the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) for the safe use of electrical wiring
and equipment.
NEON SIGN
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.
NEON TUBING
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.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
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.")
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.")
OPEN CHANNEL LETTER
A channel letter with returns that project forward from face
of letter such that the neon tubing is visible.
PAINTED WALL SIGN
A sign that is painted directly onto an exterior wall of
a building.
PAN CHANNEL LETTER
A dimensional letter that is constructed with integrated
face, back and sidewalls so as to make the letter appear as a single
solid unit.
PARAPET
A low wall built along the edge of a building's roof.
PARAPET SIGN
A sign mounted on the parapet of a building. (See also "building-mounted
sign.")
PENNANT
A triangular flag. (See also "banner.")
PERMANENT SIGN
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.
PERMIT
A legal document (license) granted by the appropriate government
agency that gives official permission to take a specific action, e.g.,
erect a sign.
POLE SIGN
A freestanding sign, usually double-faced, mounted on a round
pole, square tube, or other fabricated member without any type of
secondary support.
PORTABLE SIGN
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.
PRECINCT SIGN
A sign marking the entrance to a town, neighborhood, development,
park or other public area. (Also called "gateway sign.")
PROJECTING 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.")
PYLON SIGN
A freestanding sign that is not a pole or ground sign.
READERBOARD
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.
REGULATORY SIGN
Signs installed by various government bodies to inform the
public of traffic laws and other regulations.
RE-LETTERING
To change the lettering or descriptive symbol on a sign without
changing any of the structure, parts or components of the sign.
RETRACTABLE AWNING
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.
REVERSE CHANNEL LETTER
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.
REVOLVING SIGN
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.
ROOF SIGN
A sign structure that is erected on or above a roof or that
is installed directly on a roof's surface.
SANDWICH 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 "sidewalk sign.")
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.")
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.
SIGN BAND
A horizontal area above a multitenant building entrance,
architecturally designed to accommodate signage in a signcentric manner.
SNIPE SIGN
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.
SPINNER SIGN
A sign, either freestanding or wall-mounted, where the messages
rotate in the wind. A spinner sign is not considered an animated sign.
SPOTLIGHT
A source of illumination for an extremely illuminated sign;
a lamp with a strong focused beam directed toward a sign.
STATIONARY SIGN
A sign with a power cord for attachment to a source of electrical
power that is not readily moveable or portable.
STONE SIGNS
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.
TEMPORARY SIGN
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.
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.")
WIND LOAD
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.
WINDOW SIGN
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]
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.
K. Religious institution signs located on the property of the institution.
[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]
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.