This article shall be known as the "Sign Regulations of the
Township of Readington, Hunterdon County, New Jersey."
It is the purpose of this article to promote the public health,
safety and general welfare through reasonable, consistent and nondiscriminatory
sign standards. The sign regulations in this article are not intended
to censor speech or to regulate viewpoints, but instead are intended
to regulate the secondary effects of speech, and especially insofar
as those secondary effects may adversely affect aesthetics and traffic
and pedestrian safety. In order to preserve and enhance the Township
as a desirable community in which to live and do business, a pleasing,
visually attractive environment is of foremost importance. The regulation
of signs within the Township is a highly contributive means by which
to achieve this desired end. These sign regulations have been prepared
with the intent of protecting and enhancing the visual character of
the Township and promoting its continued well-being, and are intended
to:
A. Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication
in the Township;
B. Maintain and enhance the aesthetic character, both visually and spatially,
and the Township's ability to attract sources of economic development
and growth;
C. Improve pedestrian and traffic safety;
D. Minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and
private property;
E. Foster the integration of signage with architectural and landscape
designs;
F. Lessen the visual clutter that may otherwise be caused by the proliferation,
improper placement, illumination, animation, excessive height and
excessive size (area) of signs which compete for the attention of
pedestrian and vehicular traffic;
G. Allow signs that are compatible with their surroundings and aid orientation,
while precluding the placement of signs that contribute to sign clutter
or that conceal or obstruct adjacent land uses or signs;
H. Encourage and allow signs that are appropriate to the zoning district
in which they are located and consistent with the category of use
and function to which they pertain;
I. Curtail the size and number of signs and sign messages to the minimum
reasonably necessary to identify a residential or business location
and the nature of any such business;
J. Establish sign size in relationship to the scale of the lot and building
on which the sign is to be placed or to which it pertains;
K. Categorize signs based upon the function that they serve and tailor
the regulation of signs based upon their function;
L. Preclude signs from conflicting with the principal permitted use
of the site and adjoining sites;
M. Regulate signs in a manner so as to not interfere with, obstruct
the vision of or distract motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians;
N. Except to the extent expressly preempted by state or federal law,
ensure that signs are constructed, installed and maintained in a safe
and satisfactory manner, and protect the public from unsafe signs;
O. Preserve, conserve, protect and enhance the aesthetic quality and
scenic beauty of all districts of the Township;
P. Allow for traffic control devices consistent with national standards
and whose purpose is to promote highway safety and efficiency by providing
for the orderly movement of road users on streets and highways, and
that notify road users of regulations and provide warning and guidance
needed for the safe, uniform and efficient operation of all elements
of the traffic stream;
Q. Protect property values by precluding to the maximum extent possible
sign types that create a nuisance to the occupancy or use of other
properties as a result of their size, height, illumination, brightness
or movement;
R. Protect property values by ensuring that sign types, as well as the
number of signs, are in harmony with buildings, neighborhoods and
conforming signs in the area;
S. Regulate the appearance and design of signs in a manner that promotes
and enhances the beautification of the Township and that complements
the natural surroundings in recognition of the Township's reliance
on its natural surroundings and beautification efforts in retaining
economic advantage for the community;
T. Preserve and enhance the rural and historic character of the Township;
and
U. Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
The following signs and sign types are prohibited within the Township and shall not be erected. Any lawfully existing permanent sign or sign type that is among the prohibited signs and sign types listed below shall be deemed a nonconforming sign subject to the provisions of §
148-15.
C. Flashing, sparkling or glittering signs.
H. Abandoned and discontinued signs.
I. Snipe signs; bandit signs.
J. Projecting signs, except as expressly allowed.
K. Bus bench advertising signs; bus shelter advertising signs.
L. Signs that emit smoke, visible vapor or smoke, sound, odor, or visible
particles or gaseous matter.
M. Signs that have unshielded illuminating devices and/or that do not fully comply with §
148-67, the Township's lighting ordinance regulations.
N. Signs that obstruct, conceal, hide or otherwise obscure from view
any official traffic or governmental sign, signal or device.
O. Signs within a sight triangle.
P. Signs in the public right-of-way, other than traffic control device
signs, warning signs or safety signs.
Q. Signs other than a traffic control device sign that use the word
"stop" or "danger," or present or imply the need or requirement of
stopping or the existence of danger, or which copy or imitate any
official traffic control device signs, and which are adjacent to the
right-of-way of any road, street or highway.
R. Signs prohibited by state or federal law.
S. Vehicle sign or signs which have a total sign area on any vehicle
in excess of 10 square feet, when the vehicle is not regularly used
in the conduct of the business or activity advertised on the vehicle,
and is visible from a street right-of-way within 100 feet of the vehicle,
and is parked for more than five consecutive hours within 100 feet
of any street right-of-way. A vehicle shall not be considered "regularly
used in the conduct of the business or activity" if the vehicle is
used primarily for advertising, or for the purpose of advertising,
or for the purpose of providing transportation for owners or employees
of the business or activity advertised on the vehicle.
T. Signs located on real property without the permission of the property
owner.
U. Beacon signs, except as required by federal or state law.
W. Sandwich board signs, except as specifically provided in individual
zone districts.
X. Signs located, painted or affixed on a water tower, storage tower,
communications tower or other utility structure that are visible from
a public street or roadway.
Y. Signs with changeable copy/graphics that exhibit any one of the following
characteristics:
(1)
Change more frequently than once every 24 hours.
(2)
Exceed 12 square feet in area.
(3)
Are accessory to a principal use that is not specifically permitted.
(4)
Would otherwise constitute a prohibited or nonconforming sign.
(5)
Transition between messages using scrolling, fading, dissolving,
pixilation, zooming, wiping, moving copy or any graphic effect other
than an instantaneous static replacement of the message.
(6)
Contain/exhibit more than a single color of copy/graphics.
(7)
Contain/exhibit more than a single-color background.
(8)
Contain/exhibit a background color that is lighter in contrast
to the copy/graphics color.
(9)
Contain/exhibit copy consisting of more than a single font type.
A nonconforming sign that was lawfully erected may continue
to be maintained until the nonconforming sign is substantially damaged
or destroyed. At such time that the nonconforming sign is substantially
damaged or destroyed, the nonconforming sign must either be removed
or be brought into conformity with this article and with any other
applicable law or regulation.
This article does not pertain to the following:
A. A sign, other than a window sign, located entirely inside the premises
of a building or enclosed space.
B. A sign on a car, other than a prohibited vehicle sign or signs.
D. A traffic control device sign.
E. Any sign not visible from a public street, sidewalk or right-of-way,
except that the foregoing does not exempt a sign for a commercial
use that is visible from an abutting residential property or use.
The illumination of signs, where allowed, shall comply with
§ 165-67 of the Land Development Ordinance of Readington
Township.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this article or this chapter
to the contrary, any sign erected pursuant to the provisions of this
article or this chapter with a commercial message may, at the option
of the owner, contain a noncommercial message unrelated to the business
located on the premises where the sign is erected. The noncommercial
message may occupy the entire sign face or any portion thereof. The
sign face may be changed from a commercial to a noncommercial message,
or from one noncommercial message to another, as frequently as desired
by the owner of the sign, provided that the sign is not a prohibited
sign or sign type, and provided that the size, height, setback and
other dimensional criteria contained in this article and this chapter
have been satisfied.
Notwithstanding anything in this article or this chapter to
the contrary, no sign or sign structure shall be subject to any limitation
based upon the content (viewpoint) of the message contained on such
sign or displayed on such sign structure.
Required setbacks for signs in all zoning districts shall be
measured from the property line to the nearest part of the sign.
Double-faced signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts,
provided the signs are designed and constructed such that the two
sign faces are back to back with a maximum distance of 18 inches between
the two sign faces and directionally oriented 180 degrees from each
other. The maximum sign area allowed shall be permitted for each sign
face.
The regulations in this article apply in every zoning district,
except where otherwise specified or indicated. Sign permits are not
required for the signs and sign types described and identified in
this section.
A. Street address signs. For each parcel, residence or business, one
street address sign may be displayed. For each residence, the street
address sign shall not exceed two square feet in sign area unless
required by applicable law. For each business or parcel in nonresidential
use, the street address sign shall not exceed six square feet in sign
area unless required by applicable law.
B. Nameplate or occupant identification signs. For each residence, business
or other occupancy, one nameplate sign may be displayed. For residences,
the nameplate or occupant identification signs shall not exceed two
square feet in sign area. For any nonresidential use, the nameplate
or occupant identification sign shall not exceed six square feet in
sign area.
C. Directional signs. Noncommercial on-site directional signs, not exceeding
2.5 square feet in sign area and 3.5 feet in height, shall be allowed
on each parcel.
D. Parking space signs. Noncommercial on-site parking space number signs,
not exceeding one square foot of sign area, shall be for a noncommercial
use having multiple parking spaces on site. One such sign shall be
allowed for each parking space.
E. Free expression signs. For each parcel, one free expression sign
not exceeding four square feet in sign area may be displayed. The
free expression sign may be displayed as an attached sign or as a
freestanding sign; if displayed as a freestanding sign, the freestanding
sign shall not exceed three feet in height. A free expression sign
is in addition to any other sign permitted under this article and
is permitted in any zoning district. Only one such sign shall be permitted
on each lot.
F. Election signs. For each parcel, one election sign for each candidate
and each issue may be displayed. An election sign may be displayed
as an attached sign or as a freestanding sign. The election sign shall
not exceed four square feet in sign area if located on a lot in a
residential district and shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area
if located on a lot in a nonresidential district. If the election
sign is displayed as a freestanding sign on the parcel, the election
sign shall not exceed three feet in height. An election sign shall
be removed within seven calendar days following the election to which
it pertains.
G. Flagpoles. One flagpole is allowed for each parcel. A flagpole shall
not exceed 35 feet in height and shall be subject to setbacks in the
applicable zones in which it is located.
H. Flags. For each flagpole, two flags not greater than 24 square feet
in sign area each may be displayed.
I. Warning signs and safety signs. Warning signs and safety signs, not
exceeding four square feet in sign area, shall be allowed in all districts.
J. Temporary construction signs. One temporary construction sign shall
be allowed on a lot, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
Number. For each lot, one temporary construction sign shall
be permitted.
(2)
Size and height. For a lot in a residential district, a temporary
construction sign shall not exceed four square feet in sign area and
three feet in height; and for a lot in a nonresidential district,
a temporary construction sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign
area and six feet in height.
(3)
Setback. Temporary construction signs shall be set back from
any lot line by at least five feet.
(4)
Duration. Temporary construction signs shall be removed within
seven days following the issuance of the certificate of occupancy
or the expiration date of any applicable building permit, whichever
shall first occur.
K. Temporary real estate signs.
(1)
Number. One temporary real estate sign may be displayed on each
parcel of land or part thereof that is for sale, lease, or rent; however,
when more than one dwelling unit or nonresidential space on a parcel
of land is for sale, lease or rent, there may be one real estate sign
for each such unit or space. For a parcel with dual street frontage,
such parcels may have one additional temporary real estate sign per
frontage.
(2)
Size and height. For residential uses, the temporary real estate
sign shall not exceed four square feet in sign area and three feet
in height; and for a nonresidential use, the temporary real estate
sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area and six feet in
height.
(3)
Setback. Temporary real estate signs shall be set back from
any lot line by at least five feet.
(4)
Duration. Temporary real estate signs shall be removed within
seven days following the closing or settlement of a sale, lease or
rental of the real estate that was offered for sale, lease, or rent.
L. Temporary garage-yard sale signs. For each parcel with a lawful residential
use, a temporary garage-yard sale sign may be displayed, subject to
the following limitations:
(1)
Number. One temporary garage-yard sale sign may be displayed.
(2)
Size and height. A temporary garage-yard sale sign shall not
exceed four square feet in sign area and three feet in height.
(3)
Setback. A temporary garage-yard sale sign shall be set back
from any lot line by at least five feet.
(4)
Duration. A temporary garage-yard sale sign may not be displayed
for a period longer than three days twice a year.
M. Temporary window signs. For each lot, one or more temporary window
signs may be displayed. On lots that are in residential use, the temporary
window sign(s) shall not exceed an aggregate of three square feet
in sign area. On lots that are in nonresidential use, the temporary
window sign(s) shall not exceed an aggregate of 24 square feet in
sign area. Temporary window signs shall not cover more than 25% of
any window surface.
N. Temporary future development signs. A temporary future development
sign shall be allowed in new subdivisions, subject to the following
limitations:
(1)
Number. No more than one such sign shall be allowed upon any
property held in single and separate ownership.
(2)
Size and height. A temporary future development sign shall not
exceed 24 square feet in sign area. A temporary future development
sign shall not exceed six feet in height.
(3)
Setback. A temporary future development sign shall be set back
from any lot line by at least five feet.
(4)
Duration. Temporary future development signs shall be removed
within seven days after the last dwelling has been sold.
O. Government or government agency signs.
In addition to the permanent and temporary signs and sign types that are allowed pursuant to §
148-116.8 of this article, the following permanent and temporary signs are also allowed within the residential districts designated in the Readington Township Land Development Ordinance, as amended from time to time. The permanent signs described below require a sign permit.
A. Freestanding signs and wall-mounted signs for multifamily residential
uses. For each permitted multifamily residential use, there may be
one permanent freestanding identification sign located on each public
street frontage from which public vehicular access is derived and
one wall identification sign for each building. A permanent freestanding
identification sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from any property
line, shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area and shall not exceed
six feet in height. A permanent wall identification sign shall not
exceed four square feet in sign area.
B. Freestanding signs and wall-mounted signs for institutional, quasi-public
and public uses. For each permitted institutional, quasi-public or
public use, there may be one permanent freestanding or wall-mounted
identification sign that does not exceed 20 square feet in sign area.
Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height.
C. Temporary agricultural signs. For a permitted agricultural farm stand
or agricultural-entertainment use, four temporary agricultural signs
may be displayed. A temporary agricultural sign shall not exceed four
square feet in sign area. A temporary freestanding agricultural produce
sign shall not exceed four feet in height.
D. Permanent agricultural signs. For a permitted active agricultural
use, one freestanding or attached sign at the entrance to the farm
may be displayed. Such a sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in sign
area. If freestanding, it shall not exceed six feet in height and
shall not be located closer than 10 feet from a property line or street
right-of-way.
In addition to the permanent and temporary signs and sign types that are allowed pursuant to §§
148-116.8 and
148-116.9 of this article, the following permanent signs are also allowed within the nonresidential districts designated in the Readington Township Land Development Ordinance, as amended from time to time. Other than incidental signs, the permanent signs described below require a sign permit.
A. B and PO Zones. One permitted freestanding sign based on the following
schedule:
(1)
For lots less than two acres in size, a freestanding sign shall
not exceed 20 square feet in area.
(2)
For lots from two acres to less than five acres in size, a freestanding
sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area.
(3)
For lots five acres or greater in size, a freestanding sign
shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
(4)
Freestanding signs shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from
any property line.
(5)
The height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed eight feet
above the street pavement elevation.
(6)
The freestanding sign for a multitenanted center or building
(three or more tenants) shall contain only the name or name and address
of the center.
(7)
Facade signs shall be permitted based on the following schedule:
(a)
Single-tenanted buildings shall be permitted one facade sign
not to exceed one square foot of sign area per linear foot of the
front building facade, not to exceed 24 square feet. If no freestanding
sign exists or is proposed, the area of the facade sign may be increased,
provided that the amount of the increase does not exceed the maximum
permitted sign area that would have otherwise been allowed for a freestanding
sign.
(b)
For multitenanted buildings where the primary entrance to each
tenant's space is directly from the exterior of the building, one
facade sign per tenant shall be permitted that does not exceed one
square foot of sign area per linear foot of the facade of the space
occupied by the business that contains the main entrance to the business'
portion of the building, but sign area shall not exceed 12 square
feet.
(c)
For multitenanted buildings where the primary entrances to each
business' space is from an internal lobby, hallway or common area,
individual businesses shall not be permitted to have an external facade
sign unless the business has a private customer or client entrance
to the exterior. In this case, one facade sign shall be placed immediately
adjacent to the private external entrance and shall not exceed six
square feet in area. Anchor businesses with major external entrances
shall be permitted one facade sign per major entrance not to exceed
24 square feet in area. At the main common entrances to multitenanted
buildings, one facade sign per such entrance shall be permitted to
indicate the name of the center or building and shall not exceed 24
square feet in area.
[1] Within multitenanted buildings and multibuilding
complexes, the signs shall be of the same construction type and uniform
in design, letter type and colors used.
[2] Within multibuilding complexes, on-site directory
signs shall be permitted as approved by the Board; each sign shall
not exceed 12 square feet in size and six feet in height.
B. VC Zone.
(1)
One freestanding sign shall be permitted per lot that does not
exceed 20 square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed
six feet in height and shall be located a minimum of two feet from
a sidewalk or from the edge of road pavement, whichever is greater.
(2)
One facade sign per building is permitted that does not exceed
a total of one square foot of sign area per linear foot of the front
facade. In the VC Zone, a facade sign may be two-sided and attached
perpendicular to the building, provided that the bottom of the sign
is not less than eight feet above grade if it overhangs a sidewalk.
If no freestanding sign exists or is proposed, the area of the facade
sign may be increased, provided that the amount of the increase does
not exceed the maximum permitted sign area that would have otherwise
been allowed for a freestanding sign.
(3)
Signs in this zone shall be oriented to pedestrian traffic and
shall be designed to complement the architecture of the building.
Internally illuminated signs shall be discouraged.
(4)
Sandwich board sign. Nonresidential uses in the VC Zone may
have one sandwich board sign per property that does not exceed a height
of three feet and an area of six square feet.
C. ROM-1, ROM-2 and RO Zones.
(1)
One permitted freestanding sign is permitted per road frontage,
not to exceed two freestanding signs, based on the following:
(a)
For lots less than 10 acres in size, a freestanding sign may
have an area not exceeding one square foot per five linear feet of
road frontage and not exceeding 35 square feet in size.
(b)
For lots 10 acres in size or greater, a freestanding sign may
have an area not exceeding equal to one square foot per five linear
feet of road frontage and not exceeding 50 square feet in size.
(c)
Where developments contain three or more tenants or uses on
one lot, the freestanding sign shall contain only the name of the
development or the name and address of the development.
(d)
Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from
the street right-of-way and shall not exceed eight feet in height
above the grade.
(2)
Facade signs shall be permitted based on the following schedule:
(a)
Single-tenant buildings shall be permitted one facade sign at
the main entrance with a maximum permitted sign area equal to one
square foot per linear foot of the front building facade, not to exceed
24 square feet.
(b)
For multitenanted buildings where the primary entrance to each
business' space is directly from the exterior of the building, one
facade sign per business shall be permitted that does not exceed one
square foot of sign area per linear foot of facade of the business
space containing the main entrance to the business' portion of the
building, not to exceed 12 square feet.
(c)
For multitenanted buildings where the primary entrance to each
business' space is from an internal lobby, hallway or common area,
individual business signs shall not be permitted. One facade sign
identifying the building shall be permitted and shall not exceed six
square feet in sign area.
(3)
Within multibuilding complexes, on-site directory signs shall
be permitted as approved by the Board; each sign shall not exceed
12 square feet in size and six feet in height.
D. Incidental signs. Up to four incidental signs are permitted to be
attached to a freestanding sign structure or to a building wall, but
not perpendicular to the wall. An incidental sign shall not exceed
one square foot in area.
Whenever it is alleged that there has been an error in any order,
action, decision, determination or requirement by an administrative
official in the enforcement and application of any provision contained
within this article (including any allegation that an administrative
official has failed to act within applicable time frames), the aggrieved
party shall file a written appeal with the Board of Adjustment in
accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A.
40:55D-70. The appellate decisions of the Board of Adjustment shall
be deemed final, subject to judicial review as provided by law.
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate, disobey, omit, neglect or refuse to comply with any provision of this article shall be, upon conviction thereof, liable to all of the penalties set forth in §
148-124, except imprisonment.
Any permit issued prior to the effective date of the adoption
of the sign regulations that comprise this article shall remain valid
until the earlier of the date that said permit expires by its own
terms or 90 days after the effective date of the adoption of this
article.