A.
Purpose and intent. In all zoning districts except those included in any Historic District Overlay, within the jurisdiction of this chapter, signs may be used, erected, maintained, altered, relocated, removed, or demolished only in compliance with the provisions of this section and any and all ordinances and regulations of the municipality relating to the use, erection, maintenance, alteration, moving, or removal of signs or similar devices. Section 160-76 shall govern all signs within any Historic District.
B.
General design standards and requirements.
(1)
Permitted signs. The following regulations shall be
observed for all signs in all zoning districts in the municipality:
(a)
Only signs which promote or draw attention to
a product, article or business, or service offered, sold, or rendered
at or in the place or premises where such sign is located shall be
permitted in the municipality, except for political signs as regulated
by this section.
(b)
Any signs not specifically permitted are hereby
prohibited.
(c)
Identification signs of a prototype design and
corporation logos shall conform to the criteria for all other signs.
(d)
A sign should complement the architectural style
and scale of the building and should be designed as an integral architectural
element of the site to which it principally relates. As an architectural
element, the sign should reflect the period of architecture and should
be in harmony with a building's character and use. It must not interfere
with architectural lines and details and shall conform to landscape
standards associated with signs. Components of signs (supporting structures,
backs, etc.), not bearing a message shall be landscaped and constructed
of materials that blend with the natural environment or shall be painted
a neutral color, to blend with the natural environment.
(e)
Any sign located along the right-of-way of a
state or federal highway shall comply with any more restrictive requirements
of the state and federal government relating thereto.
(f)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as
to endanger traffic by obscuring view or by confusing with official
street signs or signals because of position, color, or reflective
surface.
(g)
No sign shall project over a public walkway,
except where a local right-of-way abuts a structure, or for signs
of governmental authority. For those exceptions where a sign is permitted,
the lowest edge of such sign shall be at least eight feet above the
sidewalk elevation.
(h)
Every permitted sign must be constructed with
durable materials, must conform to the requirements of the Uniform
Construction Code (UCC), and must be kept in good condition and repair.
(i)
Height. No portion of the top edge of any freestanding
sign shall be greater than 22 feet above the elevation at the center
line of the street in front of the property on which the sign shall
be situated.
(j)
Setback. Except where otherwise provided, no
sign or any part thereof shall be located closer than 10 feet from
any right-of-way line or lot line. Any new sign shall be not less
than a distance of 50 feet from any existing adjacent freestanding
sign, except as otherwise provided.
(k)
Location. No freestanding sign shall block the
view of any existing signs.
(l)
Size calculation. Except where specifically
prohibited, all signs may be double-faced, and the maximum area restrictions
shall apply to each side of the sign. The area of the sign shall include
each and every part of the sign, including moldings and frames. Where
the sign is supported by a post or pylon whose surface is being used
for advertising purposes, the area of this post, pylon or other supporting
members shall be considered as part of the total allowable sign area.
Wherever the name or advertising message on a sign is divided between
a number of panels or parts, the total area of all of the panels or
parts shall be considered as one sign, and where a sign consists of
individual letters or numbers, the area of the sign shall be considered
as the total area of the smallest rectangle or rectangles which can
collectively enclose all of the letters or numbers.
(m)
Shape. The face of every freestanding sign,
except for political signs, shall be a regular geometric shape. It
shall not contain characters or graphics exceeding three inches in
relief from the sign face. The maximum distance between the faces
of the double-faced sign shall not exceed 18 inches.
(n)
Directory signs. Each shopping center or multitenanted
facility may erect, at the discretion of the Board, no more than three
directory signs on the property to provide a listing of occupants.
Each sign shall not exceed 36 square feet in area and six feet in
height. All directory signs shall be located a minimum of 200 feet
away from major streets and highways.
(o)
Construction of freestanding signs. Freestanding
signs shall be supported by posts or pylons of durable materials which
may include concrete, steel, treated wood, other suitable material
or any combination of same. Supports for freestanding signs shall
be set securely in the ground or concrete so that the sign will be
capable of withstanding high winds. No other bracing or guy wire shall
be permitted.
(p)
Items of information. Freestanding signs and
facade signs closer than 75 feet to the right-of-way of a major arterial,
arterial or collector road shall contain not more than 13 items of
information.
(q)
Civic signs off-premises.
[1]
Churches, schools, clubs, and nonprofit organizations
shall also be allowed a maximum of two directional signs located off-premises.
Such signs shall state the name of the church, school, club or organization
and provide a directional arrow. The sign shall be of no more than
two colors, shall not exceed two square feet and not more than four
feet high and shall not be placed closer than 20 feet from an intersection,
measured from the extension of the curbline or the edge of pavement
at the intersecting street. The sign shall not be illuminated.
C.
Facade signs.
(1)
Location on buildings. All signs attached to a building
shall be attached flat against the facade of the building and shall
not project or extend beyond the edge of the facade to which it is
attached. Signs erected flat against the side of a building shall
not extend above the height of a vertical wall or eave to which they
are attached. Signs located on a mansard facade shall be attached
in the following manner:
D.
Illumination. Unless specifically prohibited, signs
may be illuminated as provided for below:
(1)
Wiring for illuminated signs shall be installed and
maintained in accordance with the UCC of the Township.
(2)
Where illuminated signs are permitted, illumination
may be provided by floodlights, spotlights, ordinary incandescent
bulbs, fluorescent tubes or mercury-vapor lamps. Free-form exposed
neon lights are specifically prohibited. Regardless of the type of
illumination employed, all illuminated signs, and or the light fixtures
illuminating the signs, shall be properly shielded and so located
as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon motor vehicle traffic
and so as not to cause a nuisance to residents of the area.
(3)
Whenever it is determined that the lighting on any
sign now or hereafter erected constitutes a safety hazard to motor
vehicle traffic in the vicinity, the appropriate Township official
shall serve written notice upon the property owner and owner of the
sign, directing the correction of the condition within 15 days from
the date of the mailing of the notice. Failure to correct the condition
or file an appeal within the time specified shall constitute a violation
of this section by both the sign owner and property owner.
(4)
Where illuminated signs are permitted, signs facing
a residence or residential zone shall not be illuminated between the
hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning, unless the
business or uses advertised are open to the public later than 10:00
p.m., in which event any such establishment may keep a sign illuminated
until the business is closed to the public but not thereafter.
E.
Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited
in all zones in the Township:
(1)
Signs using red, yellow and green lights placed within
100 feet of any traffic control signal now or hereafter erected.
(2)
Moving or revolving signs and signs using blinking,
flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting.
(3)
Signs using any material which sparkles or glitters,
but nothing herein contained is intended to prohibit the use of reflective
paint on signs directing traffic or identifying various locations
within a lot or parcel. Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or
particles, sound or odor.
(4)
Roof signs, except mansard facade signs.
(5)
Signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene
nature.
(6)
Signs using words such as "stop," "look," "danger,"
etc., which are placed in a manner or position which constitutes a
traffic hazard or otherwise interferes with the free flow of traffic.
(7)
Signs which attempt to imitate or otherwise cause
confusion with existing signs erected by any governmental board, body
or agency.
(8)
Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes or stairways
or keeping light or air from windows used for living quarters.
(9)
Flags, string of banners, pinwheels and any sign within
the public right-of-way.
[Amended 12-4-2007 by Ord. No. 29-12-2007]
(10)
Signs attached, affixed or painted on trees,
fences, utility poles, light poles, attached to or painted on motor
vehicles which are continuously or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous
location to serve as a sign, but nothing herein contained is intended
to prohibit the placement of signs directing traffic or identifying
various locations within a lot or parcel on light poles and utility
poles erected therein.
[Amended 12-4-2007 by Ord. No. 29-12-2007; 7-23-2013 by Ord. No. 22-7-2013]
(11)
Any series of two or more signs placed along
a street or highway carrying an advertising message, part of which
is contained on each sign.
(12)
Other than those presently existing outside
the Pinelands Area, no new billboard or billboard-type signs shall
be erected.
(13)
No billboards shall be permitted in the Pinelands
Area, except that:
(a)
Preexisting billboards, in existence as of January
14, 1981, shall be permitted in the REG-1 and REG-2 Districts and
in the Regional Growth Area portion of the OP District. Such preexisting
signs shall also be permitted in the NPS/S District and in the Rural
Development area portion of the OP District, provided the signs are
located on a U.S. highway within 1,000 feet of a Pinelands Regional
Growth Area or Pinelands Town. New signs, and preexisting signs not
in conformance with this provision, are not allowed; and
(b)
Off-site signs advertising agricultural commercial
establishments shall be permitted, provided that:
(14)
Unless otherwise permitted by this chapter, portable signs of
a nonpermanent nature are prohibited.
[Amended 7-23-2013 by Ord. No. 22-7-2013]
(15)
Off-premises real estate directional signs.
(16)
For cannabis-related businesses, signage may contain the name of
the entity only and no signage reflecting a cannabis leaf or leaves
or other symbol will be permitted. The word "cannabis" may be used,
but not "marijuana," "pot" or any other common terms for cannabis;
the word "dispensary" may not be used. No advertising signs shall
be permitted. No display of pricing shall be permitted.
[Added 3-29-2023 by Ord. No. 9-3-2023]
F.
Signs permitted without a zoning permit.
(1)
Nonilluminated or internally illuminated directional
signs identifying parking areas, loading zones, entrances, exits and
similar locations. The number of directional signs shall not exceed
the number of curb cuts on a lot. The signs may include a business
name or professional name but shall not include any advertising message.
In shopping centers and multitenanted facilities, individual tenants
shall not have their business or professional names on the directional
signs. Only the name of such center or development is permitted on
the sign. Signs shall not exceed 2 1/2 square feet in area nor
4 1/2 feet in height.
(2)
Nonilluminated or internally illuminated information
or public service signs, such as those advertising the availability
of rest rooms, telephone, or similar public conveniences, provided
that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity,
organization, product, goods or services, except those of public utilities.
Informational signs provided for the guidance and convenience of the
public within commercial properties may also be erected. Any sign
covered by this subsection shall not exceed two square feet.
(3)
Temporary and permanent traffic signs and signals
installed by the Township, county and state for the purpose of directing
and regulating the flow of traffic.
(4)
Signs indicating public transportation stops when
installed by the Township or a public transportation utility.
(5)
Historic tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and
emblems which do not exceed six square feet in area and which are
installed by government agencies or civil or religious organizations.
(6)
Trespassing signs; signs indicating the private nature
of a road, driveway, or premises; and signs prohibiting or otherwise
controlling the fishing or hunting upon a particular premises, provided
that area of one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square
feet.
(7)
Flags or emblems of religious, educational, civic
or governmental organizations flown from supports on the buildings
or grounds occupied by the organization and the American flag whenever
and wherever flown in accordance with the laws and rules promulgated
by the federal government, except no American flags shall be used
for advertising purposes.
(8)
Name and number plates identifying residents and affixed
to a house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding 50 square inches in
area.
(9)
Lawn signs identifying occupants, not exceeding 1 1/2
square feet in area for each side. The signs shall not contain any
advertising message and shall be nonilluminated except by a light
which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support.
(10)
Signs posted by governmental agencies or pursuant
to governmental statute, order or regulation.
(11)
Illuminated and nonilluminated signs which are
an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps and
milk machines, provided that they do not exceed two square feet in
area.
(12)
Nonilluminated real estate signs announcing
the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is located.
The sign may be double-faced and, except as noted below, only one
sign shall be permitted on each lot or parcel.
(13)
Temporary signs for advertising public functions
or fund-raising events for charitable or religious organizations shall
be permitted for a period of 30 days prior to and during the event
and shall be removed within five days after the event. The sign shall
be nonilluminated, not larger than 12 square feet in area, not exceeding
eight feet in height and may be erected flat against the building
or freestanding.
(14)
Temporary political signs for a period of 60
days prior to an election, which shall be removed within 15 days after
the election. Political signs in residential zones shall not exceed
16 square feet, the dimension shall not exceed four feet on any side
and they shall not exceed the height limitation for residential zones.
Political signs in all other zones shall not exceed the maximum size
and height limitation for the zone in which they are placed.
(15)
Path-marking signs for garage sales, provided
that not more than six signs not exceeding two square feet in size
are posted no earlier than one week before the beginning of the sale,
are removed the day following the sale and are not otherwise prohibited.
(16)
The street address in block numbers may be placed
on the top of the outside edge of the sign frame in a commercial zone
except in an Historic District Overlay. The number shall be a uniform
twelve-inch height on all freestanding signs and shall not be considered
as part of the area of the sign.
(17)
Relocation information signs for a period of
30 days. Relocation signs shall be restricted to the present location
of the relocating business and the future location of the relocating
business. The signs, one each at the present and the future business
sites, shall not be in excess of standards set forth for the zone
in which the business is located.
(19)
Permanent and temporary window signs and internal
signs visible from the exterior of the building; permanent window
signs that do not exceed 10% of all available window signs. Temporary
window signs and internal signs advertising or describing sales or
special merchandise are permitted, provided that the same sign does
not remain visible from the exterior of the building for a period
of longer than 20 days and that all of the signs individually or collectively
do not exceed 33 1/3% of all available window space on the wall
on which the signs are located.
(20)
A temporary facade sign, pending the erection
of a permanent sign, when it has been determined by the Zoning Officer
that a sign is permissible and a permit is issued, but for a period
of no longer than 30 days.
(21)
A-type signs and sandwich signs occupying an
area not greater than 16 square feet of the sidewalk area in front
of a business premises shall be allowed if an outdoor sales/display
permit is first obtained and the use of such signs does not compromise
the effective use of any pedestrian right-of-ways, handicap ramps,
handicap spaces, handicap facilities or handicap accommodations.
[Added 12-4-2007 by Ord. No. 29-12-2007]
(22)
Temporary signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans,
erected and maintained on the premises during the duration of the
work only, one such sign per trade, each having an area of not more
than six square feet and not greater than five feet in height. Each
sign shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work to which
it refers; however, under no circumstance shall the sign remain posted
longer than three months. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
[Added 7-23-2013 by Ord. No. 22-7-2013]
G.
Maintenance.
(1)
All signs and displays shall be maintained in good
order with periodic painting, repairing and cleaning. In the event
that the Zoning Officer of the Township determines that any sign now
or hereafter erected has fallen into a state of disrepair, has become
dilapidated or constitutes a safety hazard, the sign owner and property
owner shall be given written notice, by certified return receipt mail,
to correct the condition within 20 days from the date of the mailing
of the notice. Failure to correct the condition or file an appeal
within the time provided shall constitute a violation of this section.
(2)
If a sign other than a billboard advertises a business,
service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise
or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted,
that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall, within 30 days
after such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, owner of the
property where the sign is located, or other party having control
over such sign.
H.
Unlawful cutting of trees or shrubs. No person may,
for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign,
damage, trim, destroy, or remove any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation
located:
(1)
Within the right-of-way of any public street or road,
unless the work is done pursuant to the express written authorization
of the Township or agency having jurisdiction over the streets.
(2)
On property that is not under the ownership or control
of the person doing or responsible for such work, unless the work
is done pursuant to the express authorization of the person owning
the property where such trees or shrubs are located.
(3)
In any area where such trees or shrubs are required
to remain under a permit issued under this chapter.
I.
Permits.
(1)
All signs shall require sign permits except as otherwise
set forth in this chapter.
(2)
All applications for sign permits shall be made to
the Department of Community Development on forms provided by the Township.
All applications shall be signed by the owner of the sign and the
property owner, or his designee, on whose premises the sign is to
be erected. All applications shall contain a sketch of the proposed
sign, drawn to scale, the wording or message and, where the sign will
not be attached to a building, a plot plan showing the location of
the proposed sign with dimensions to the nearest building and lot
lines. As soon as the sign has been erected, the applicant shall notify
the Department of Community Development for a final inspection.
(3)
After a sign permit has been obtained, the copy, wording
or pictures may be changed without the necessity of obtaining a new
permit or paying any additional fees, as long as the new copy, wording
or picture complies with the provisions of this section; but no change
shall be made in the size or shape of a sign nor shall any structural
alterations be made without first obtaining a new sign permit.
J.
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Subject to the remaining restrictions of this section,
nonconforming signs that were otherwise lawful on the effective date
of this article may be continued except as provided below.
(2)
No person may engage in any activity that causes an
increase in the extent of nonconformity of a nonconforming sign. No
nonconforming sign may be enlarged or altered in such a manner as
to aggravate the nonconforming condition, nor may illumination be
added to any nonconforming sign.
(3)
If a nonconforming sign is destroyed by natural causes,
it may not thereafter be repaired, reconstructed, or replaced except
in conformity with all the provisions of this chapter, and the remnants
of the former sign structure shall be cleared from the land. For purposes
of this section, a nonconforming sign is "destroyed" if damaged to
an extent that the cost of repairing the sign to its former stature
or replacing it with an equivalent sign equals or exceeds 50% of the
value (tax value if listed for tax purposes) of the sign so damaged.
(4)
The message of a nonconforming sign may be changed
as long as this does not create any new nonconformities.
(5)
Subject to the other provisions of this section, nonconforming
signs may be repaired and renovated as long as the cost of such work
does not exceed within any twelve-month period 50% of the replacement
value of such sign.
(6)
If a nonconforming sign other than a billboard advertises
a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other
enterprise of activity that is no longer operating or being offered
or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall be
removed within 30 days after such abandonment by the sign owner, owner
of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control
over such sign.
(7)
If a nonconforming billboard remains blank for a continuous
period of 180 days, and an intent exists to terminate the use of that
billboard, that billboard shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within
30 days after such abandonment, be altered to comply with this article
or be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign
is located, or other person having control over such sign. For purposes
of this section, a sign is "blank" if:
(a)
It advertises a business, service, commodity,
accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that is
no longer operating or being offered or conducted; or
(b)
The advertising message it displays becomes
illegible in whole or substantial part; or
(c)
The advertising copy paid for by a party other
than the sign owner or promoting an interest other than the rental
of the sign has been removed.
(8)
Removal of any nonconforming, prohibited or nonpermitted signs.
[Amended 7-23-2013 by Ord. No. 22-7-2013]
(a)
The Township Zoning Officer shall give written notice for the
removal of any nonconforming or permanent sign erected or maintained
in violation of this chapter. Upon failure to comply with this notice
within 10 calendar days of the date of the notice, the Township Zoning
Officer shall issue a summons to the property and/or business owner
into the Evesham Municipal Court.
(b)
Temporary signs erected or maintained in violation of this chapter
may be removed by the Zoning Officer without notice. If the temporary
sign presents an immediate threat to the safety of the public, the
Zoning Officer may remove any sign immediately and without notice.
(c)
Any sign removal shall be at the expense of the property owner.
(9)
Any existing billboard which does not conform to § 160-75E(13) shall not be permitted to continue beyond December 8, 1996.
K.
Signs permitted in the residential and institutional
districts.
(1)
Religious institutions, nursing homes, private schools,
service organizations and public buildings and facilities may have
one freestanding informal sign or bulletin board, not more than 20
square feet in area, not to exceed five feet in height, on each major
street bordering the property. In addition, incidental signs, not
to exceed four, necessary to provide directions or describe the use,
provided that each such sign does not exceed three square feet in
area shall be permitted.
(2)
For permitted or existing legal nonconforming business
uses, one sign flat against the building or on a single freestanding
post, such as a lawn sign, is permitted. The sign shall not exceed
three square feet in area, and a freestanding sign shall not exceed
five feet in height. Where more than one business use is conducted
on the premises, the area of the sign may be increased by two square
feet for each use up to a maximum of eight square feet. The information
on the sign shall be limited to the name of the occupant, his business
or profession and house number.
(3)
Farm stands for the sale of farm produce grown on
the premises may have two freestanding signs, each not larger than
12 square feet in area and not exceeding eight feet in height. In
addition, one sign no larger than 20 square feet in area may be erected
flat against the face of the farm stand or farm building where the
produce or products are sold.
(4)
Signs are permitted in connection with each housing
or land development, as follows:
(a)
At the main entrance to the development, one
illuminated freestanding sign which shall state the name of the development
and no other advertising material. Each sign shall not exceed 25 square
feet in area and eight feet in height. At each entrance other than
the main entrance, one nonilluminated freestanding sign not exceeding
15 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height shall
be permitted. If the signs are not to be maintained by a homeowners'
association (or the equivalent), such signs shall be removed within
30 days of project completion and performance bonding provided by
the developer.
(b)
At the rental or sales office of the development,
one temporary freestanding illuminated sign advertising the office,
not to exceed 15 square feet in area and not more than five feet in
height.
(c)
Real estate signs, the sole purpose of which
is to direct the public to a housing or land development shall be
permitted four temporary freestanding nonilluminated signs, located
outside the road or highway right-of-way, at key intersections. Each
sign shall not exceed 15 square feet in area and eight feet in height
above ground.
(5)
Religious institutions, public school and municipal properties are
permitted to have one electronic sign on the property. The maximum
size of sign is 16 square feet. The message contained on the electronic
sign may not change more than one time per hour. The electronic display
may contain only one color. The sign shall be turned off between the
hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. if any of the surrounding properties
are a residential use or within a residential zoning district.
[Added 7-23-2013 by Ord. No. 22-7-2013]
L.
Signs permitted in the OP Office Professional Districts.
(1)
Each business use may have one sign flat against the
front of the building facade, facing the street on which the lot fronts
not to exceed 5% of the area of that side of the building to which
the sign is attached.
(2)
Each office center or office park may have one double-faced,
freestanding, internally illuminated sign not exceeding six feet in
height, nor 16 square feet in area for the advertisement of all or
some of the tenants in the center or park.
(3)
No colored lights may be used to illuminate the signs.
(4)
On a corner lot an additional freestanding sign and
an additional building facade sign may be permitted for each street
on which the lot fronts; provided, however, that no additional signage
shall be authorized on a side of such building, which side borders
on a residential zone.
M.
Signs permitted in the Commercial-1, -2 and -3 Districts.
(1)
Uses in the C-1 District:
[Amended 8-10-2010 by Ord. No. 18-8-2010; 12-30-2014 by Ord. No. 39-12-2014]
(a)
Each principal commercial building not part of a shopping center
may have one freestanding and one attached sign, each of which having
an area not exceeding 15% of the front facade of the principal building
or 80 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
For buildings that have two street frontages, that are at a
corner, or that have visibility from public areas from multiple directions
within the site, two facade signs may be permitted, but the total
aggregate area of both signs shall not exceed 15% of the front facade
area or 80 square feet, whichever is less. The second facade sign
may not be at the rear of a building when the rear is primarily a
service and loading area.
(c)
Facade signs shall consist of channel letters. "Box" signs existing
at the time of adoption of this subsection (December 2014) may remain,
until such time as they are replaced. Channel letters may be backlit
or internally illuminated.
(d)
Freestanding signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from all
street and property lines.
(e)
Where a principal use occupying at least 750 square feet of
segregated area within a building has direct access from the outside,
a sign not exceeding eight square feet in area identifying the name
of the business or activity shall be permitted. Such additional sign(s)
shall be either attached flat against the building at the entrance
to the activity or suspended in perpendicular fashion from a roof
over a common walkway. Suspended signs shall be no closer than eight
feet at their lowest point to the finished grade below.
(2)
Uses in the C-2 district.
[Amended 8-10-2010 by Ord. No. 18-8-2010]
(a)
Uses in the C-2 District shall be permitted one major sign type,
either freestanding monument-style or attached (facade), each not
exceeding 20 square feet in area.
(b)
If freestanding, one sign is permitted per street frontage where
there is access from the street to the site, with a maximum of two
freestanding monument style signs. The sign shall be set back from
all right-of-way and property lines a minimum distance of 10 feet.
Sign height shall not exceed six feet.
(c)
If attached (facade), one sign is permitted per street frontage,
or if an end unit or freestanding building is visible from public
areas from multiple directions within the site, then two facade signs
may be permitted, each not to exceed 20 square feet. The second facade
sign may not be at the rear of a building when the rear is primarily
a service and loading area.
(d)
Where a principal use occupying at least 750 square feet of segregated
area has direct access from the outside, a sign not exceeding four
square feet in area, identifying the name of the activity, may also
be attached to the building at the entrance.
(3)
Uses in any C-3 District outside of an Historic District
shall be permitted one major sign, either freestanding, attached,
or projecting. If freestanding, the sign shall be set back from all
street and property lines a distance equivalent to one linear foot
for each two square feet of sign area, shall not exceed 20 square
feet in area and a maximum height of five feet. If projecting, the
sign shall not extend more than five feet from the building and shall
not exceed 12 square feet in area, 15 feet to its highest point and
no closer than eight feet at its lowest point to the walkway or finished
surface below. Attached signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area,
15 feet in height and a minimum of eight feet at its lowest point.
Where a principal use occupying at least 750 square feet of segregated
area has direct access from the outside, a sign not exceeding four
square feet in area, identifying the name of the activity, may also
be attached to the building at the entrance or suspended from a pent
roof or a porch ceiling.
(4)
Opening signs. Notwithstanding other provisions of
this chapter, a newly established business, a business which is located
in a commercial zoning district which has expanded its floor area
or a business which has relocated may display temporary signs but
only if such temporary signs meet the following criteria:
[Added 12-4-2007 by Ord. No. 29-12-2007]
(a)
Only one temporary ground sign, window sign
or wall sign for each street frontage shall be allowed.
(b)
No such temporary sign may exceed 120 square
feet of face area.
(c)
Ground signs may not exceed six feet in height
and must be set back from the curb face or edge of curbway a distance
of at least 20 feet.
(d)
Such temporary signs may only be displayed for
a period of 30 days unless the Director of the Department of Community
Development agrees to permit the sign to remain for an additional
45 days. Such additional time shall be allowed only if the Director
first finds that the business owner has requested additional time,
that the continued display of the temporary sign does not present
any undue distraction to drivers of motor vehicles, and that the continued
display of the temporary sign does not constitute a nuisance.
(e)
Any temporary sign permitted to be displayed
must be kept and maintained in good condition.
(5)
Construction signs.
(a)
One sign announcing the name of the architects,
architectural firm, engineer, engineering firm and/or the contractor
performing the work shall be allowed subject to the following restrictions:
(b)
Any such sign must be removed prior to the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy and as a condition to the issuance of
any certificate of occupancy.
[Added 12-4-2007 by Ord. No. 29-12-2007]
(6)
Now hiring banners.
(a)
For new or relocated businesses only, one sign
announcing that the business at that location is hiring may display
a “now hiring” banner. Such banner shall be allowed subject
to the following restrictions:
(b)
Such banner may be displayed before or after
the issuance of a certificate of occupancy but shall not be displayed
for any period exceeding 75 days.
[Added 12-4-2007 by Ord. No. 29-12-2007]
(7)
Service stations/gasoline fueling stations.
[Added 3-8-2016 by Ord.
No. 3-2-2016]
(a)
Where permitted, service stations/fueling stations may have
one freestanding sign that includes the name of the business and the
gas prices. The freestanding sign must be set back a minimum of 10
feet from the right-of-way line and may not exceed 60 square feet
in area. The sign must be a minimum of 100 feet from the nearest other
freestanding sign.
(b)
The base and support structure of the freestanding sign shall
be designed to complement the building and site design.
(c)
The freestanding sign may be either externally illuminated with
a shielded light source or internally illuminated such that only the
letters, numbers, and symbols are illuminated (i.e., the copy is transparent
and the background area is opaque).
(d)
Gas prices may be displayed digitally on the gas price display
sign. No other portion of this sign and no other signs on the property
may be digital.
(e)
Building facade signs for the service station and/or associated convenience store shall comply with the requirements for facade signs for the applicable zoning district as set forth in § 160-75M.
(f)
Two additional facade signs consisting of channel letters identifying
the name of the service station, a maximum of 20 square feet each,
may be permitted on the fueling station canopy (if there is a surface
that can accommodate such facade signs).
(8)
For
cannabis-related businesses, signage may contain the name of the entity
only and no signage reflecting a cannabis leaf or leaves or other
symbol will be permitted. The word "cannabis" may be used, but not
"marijuana", "pot" or any other common terms for cannabis; the word
"dispensary" may not be used. No advertising signs shall be permitted.
No display of pricing shall be permitted.
[Added 8-11-2021 by Ord. No. 31-8-2021; amended 3-29-2023 by Ord. No. 9-3-2023]
N.
Signs permitted in the IP District.
(1)
Office buildings, research and engineering activities
shall be permitted one sign not larger than the equivalent of 5% of
the area of the front wall of the building or 75 square feet, whichever
is smaller. If attached, the sign shall be attached flat against the
building and shall not be higher than the roofline; if freestanding,
the sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height and shall be set back
at least 30 feet from all property and street right-of-way lines.
No sign shall be permitted on the side of any building bordering on
a residential zone unless the residential zone and the business property
are separated by a street.
(2)
Each subdivided development park may have one sign
along each arterial or collector road which the tract in question
abuts, provided there exists at least 250 feet of unbroken frontage.
Such sign(s) shall not exceed 20 feet in height, shall be set back
from the street rights-of-way, driveways and property lines at least
50 feet, shall not exceed an area of 100 square feet, and shall be
used only to display the development's or industrial park's name.
(3)
Entrance, exit, shipping, receiving and other directional
signs, each not to exceed six square feet in area and not to exceed
three feet in height, shall be permitted.
(4)
For
cannabis-related businesses, signage may contain the name of the entity
only and no signage reflecting a cannabis leaf or leaves or other
symbol will be permitted. The word "cannabis" may be used, but not
"marijuana," "pot" or any other common terms for cannabis; the word
"dispensary" may not be used. No advertising signs shall be permitted.
No display of pricing shall be permitted.
[Added 3-29-2023 by Ord. No. 9-3-2023]
O.
Signs permitted in shopping and planned commercial
developments.
[Amended 8-10-2010 by Ord. No. 18-8-2010; 12-30-2014 by Ord. No. 39-12-2014]
(1)
One freestanding sign is permitted on each roadway frontage, except
that tracts with more than 400 feet of continuous frontage along Route
70 or Route 73 may have up to two freestanding signs along one frontage,
spaced at least 300 feet apart and consistent with the requirements
below.
(4)
The base and support structure of freestanding signs shall be designed
to complement the building and site design.
(5)
Freestanding signs may be either externally illuminated with a shielded
light source or internally illuminated such that only the letters,
numbers, and symbols are illuminated (i.e., the copy is transparent
and the background area is opaque).
(6)
Freestanding and ground signs shall have a landscaped area around
the base. The landscaped area shall be a minimum of 1.5 times the
area of the sign. For example, a twenty-four-square-foot sign must
have a minimum thirty-six-square-foot landscaped area at the base
consisting of evergreen shrubs, ground cover and seasonal flowers.
(7)
Facade signs.
(a)
Each business use in a shopping center or planned commercial
development containing less than 20,000 square feet may have a facade
sign not exceeding 15% of the front facade area of said business or
80 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
Each business in a shopping center or planned commercial development
containing more than 20,000 square feet may have a facade sign not
exceeding 15% of the front facade area of said business or 120 square
feet, whichever is smaller.
(c)
For an end unit or freestanding building in a shopping center
that has two street frontages or that is at a corner or that has visibility
from public areas from multiple directions within the site, two facade
signs may be permitted, but the second sign shall not exceed 15% of
the front facade area or 80 square feet, whichever is less. The second
facade sign may not be at the rear of a building when the rear is
primarily a service and loading area.
(d)
Illuminated facade signs may be externally illuminated with
a shielded light source, backlit, or internally illuminated channel-type
letters.
(8)
Where a canopy or roof extends over a common walkway, each business
use shall be permitted a sign not greater than four square feet in
area identifying the name of the use or business. Such sign shall
be attached flat against the building at the entrance to the business
or shall be suspended in a perpendicular fashion from the roof or
canopy over the walkway; suspended signs shall be no closer than eight
feet at their lowest point to the walkway below.
P.
Temporary signs. (A zoning permit is required for this type of sign.)[2]
[Added 7-23-2013 by Ord. No. 22-7-2013]
(2)
One temporary sign is permitted for the advertisement of an award
granted to a business for a duration not to exceed three months within
any calendar year. An award may be of a nature of "Best of South Jersey"
or similar recognition of a business or service offered. The sign
shall be located on the premises of the business receiving the award.
(3)
Temporary signs shall not be installed in any municipal, county or
state right-of-way. Signs shall not be placed in a manner that restricts
the use of any pedestrian path.
(4)
Temporary signs shall only be constructed of a durable material and
must be kept in good condition and repair. The temporary sign shall
not be illuminated unless applicable electrical permits have been
issued for the illumination work.
(5)
No temporary sign shall be affixed to a utility pole, telephone pole,
light standard, traffic sign, fire hydrant or other public utility
or structure or posted, painted or otherwise affixed to trees, rocks
or other natural features on any lot or within any street right-of-way
or in another manner placed within any street right-of-way or placed
on any property owned by the Township. Violations of this section
will be removed and disposed of by Township personnel at the Township's
discretion as deemed appropriate.
(6)
The organization, owner and/or tenant owning or erecting or causing
or permitting to be erected a temporary sign in violation of this
subsection who does not cause such violation to be removed and/or
corrected within 48 hours after receipt of notice, either oral or
written, of the existence of such violation shall also be subject
to receiving a summons to municipal court for noncompliance with this
subsection. The erection, posting and/or placing of each individual
sign shall constitute a separate offense.
(7)
Temporary signs to promote special public events may be approved
by the Township Manager or the Director of Community Development.
[2]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. 20-7-2013, adopted 7-23-2013,
provided the following regarding a pilot program for temporary signs:
"A. Temporary signs shall be limited to the greater number
of signs based on the following:
(1) One sign per lot.
(2) One sign per 200 feet of frontage for lots with less than
1,000 feet frontage, and one sign per 400 feet for lots over 1,000
feet frontage.
(3) In the case of shopping centers, one sign per business
in the shopping center or based on the road frontage as calculated
in Subsection A(2) above, whichever yields the greater number.
B. All temporary sign applications must be signed by the owner
of the shopping center and the tenant on whose behalf the sign is
requested. All temporary signs shall be limited to a period of 90
calendar days during the eighteen-month pilot program. Temporary signs
shall be removed from the outside and taken inside each night.
C. This pilot program does not provide vested rights to commercial
properties to any signage in the future, and the Township Council
reserves the right at any time to suspend the program, repeal this
ordinance, or otherwise revisit and reevaluate this program."
A.
Findings and purpose. The enhancement and improvement
of the Township's historic district area and individually designated
historic structures is in the best interest of the municipality, its
residents and commercial business owners. Improvements to buildings
located in the locally designated historic districts and individually
designated historic structures will enhance the appearance of not
only the central business district area, but also the adjacent residential
areas and thereby help foster the economic vitality of not only the
businesses in the historic districts by attracting more customers
to that area, but the Township as a whole. Through the implementation
of a series of building improvement initiatives, including improvements
to the signage within the locally designated historic districts, the
Township is attempting to enhance the appearance of the community
as a whole. This chapter is intended to compliment Section 12A of
this Code, specifically the "Historic Preservation Commission."
B.
Sign requirements for office and commercial uses within
a Historic District or an individually designated historic structure.
Signs in the Historic District shall follow the Guidelines for the
Design of New and Replacement Signs within the Designated Local, State
and National Historic Districts of the Township of Evesham.
[Amended 7-23-2013 by Ord. No. 22-7-2013]
(1)
Permitted signs. The following types of signs, subject
to the limitations prescribed for them, shall be the only signs permitted
for office and commercial uses authorized in the locally designated
Historic District Zones or for individually designated historic structures
in the Township of Evesham.
(a)
Business signs.
[1]
Each ground floor occupant of a business structure is permitted
one business sign, facing each street upon which that business fronts
or upon which ingress or egress to the business is affected.
[2]
Business establishments situated on the second or third floors
of business structures shall be permitted to have lettering on the
glass of the ground floor entrance door and/or transom, not to exceed
10% of the total glass area of the door and transom; lettering on
one of the office windows that faces the street, to be no more than
10% of that window area; and one ground sign for all second and third
floor businesses and shall not to exceed eight square feet.
[3]
The business sign may be a ground sign, wall sign, projecting
sign, or permanent show window sign, subject to the following restrictions:
[a]
Wall signs shall not be higher than the roofline
of the building and shall not exceed 14 square feet in area.
[b]
Ground signs shall be a maximum of 20 square feet
(four feet by five feet) and shall be situated at least 10 feet from
the edge of the cartway or curb of a public street or outside the
public right-of-way, whichever is farther. Such a ground sign shall
be used by all businesses located on the first floor of the building.
Berms or landscaping shall not be allowed for the purpose of elevating
signage, except as provided through the site plan review process.
Ground signs shall not exceed six feet in height.
[c]
No ground sign shall be located closer than 20
feet in any direction from any other business sign.
[d]
All projecting signs shall be placed not less than
8 1/2 feet from the pedestrian travel way to the bottom of the
sign. The lead projecting edge of the sign shall be no closer than
four feet back from any curbline or the edge of the cartway. The area
of the surface of the projecting sign shall be calculated by measuring
the width of the facade of the subject building and multiplying that
number by 1/3 to determine the maximum amount of square footage permitted.
In no case, however, shall the projecting sign have more than 12 square
feet of surface area per side. The structural supports for such signs
shall comply with all applicable building construction codes and shall
be reviewed and approved by the Municipal Construction Official.
(2)
Opening signs.
(a)
Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter,
a newly established business, a business which is located in a commercial
zoning district which has expanded its floor area or a business which
has relocated may display temporary signs but only if such temporary
signs meet the following criteria:
[Amended 12-4-2007 by Ord. No. 29-12-2007]
[1]
Only one temporary ground sign, window sign
or wall sign for each street frontage shall be allowed.
[2]
No such temporary sign may exceed 30 square
feet of face area.
[3]
Ground signs may not exceed six feet in height
and must be set back 20 feet from the right-of-way, or the front building
line, whichever is less.
[4]
Such temporary signs may only be displayed for
a period of 30 days unless the Director of the Department of Community
Development agrees to permit the sign to remain for an additional
45 days. Such additional time shall be allowed only if the Director
first finds that the business owner has requested additional time,
that the continued display of the temporary sign does not present
any undue distraction to drivers of motor vehicles, and that the continued
display of the temporary sign does not constitute a nuisance.
[5]
Any temporary sign permitted to be displayed
must be kept and maintained in good condition.
(b)
A business may request a temporary sign permit
from the Township Zoning Officer so as to allow more than one temporary
sign (window or wall) per frontage for a period not to exceed 10 days.
These temporary signs shall be consistent with the requirements regarding
square footage and placement as set forth in the preceding subsection.
(3)
Construction signs. During the course of physical
construction under a valid building permit issued by the Township
of Evesham, a ground construction sign not to exceed 24 square feet
in face area shall be permitted. Construction signs shall be no greater
than six feet in height and located on the premises no less than 30
feet from the face of curb or edge of the cartway. If the distance
is less than 30 feet, then the construction sign shall be mounted
against the wall on the first floor level of the building. Said construction
signs shall be permitted to stand no longer than the period during
which construction is physically in progress under a valid building
permit.
(4)
Exterior directory signs.
(a)
Exterior directory signs shall be allowed in
any project where one or more tenants do not have an exterior entrance
or do not qualify for an exterior sign. The purpose of the directory
shall be for customer convenience, direction and safety. The number
of directories shall be limited to one for each main entrance to the
building. Directories shall not exceed the following sizes: 10 square
feet per face, and total sign face areas shall not exceed 20 square
feet when located within 55 feet of any public right-of-way. In the
event that there is less than 55 feet in distances, then the exterior
directory sign shall be one-sided and wall-mounted.
(b)
Exterior directory signs shall be located either
behind the main building line or a minimum of 75 feet from any public
right-of-way. No exterior directory sign shall exceed six feet in
height as measured from the surrounding grade.
(c)
Building identification letters shall not exceed
six inches in height, and tenant identification shall not exceed three
inches. Each tenant listed shall occupy the same size and shape space.
(5)
Real estate signs. In the Historic District Zone,
one ground or wall sign advertising the sale or lease or real estate
shall be permitted upon the premises of the property for sale or lease,
provided said sign does not exceed four square feet in face of sign
area. If not attached to a building, said sign shall not exceed five
feet in height and shall be set back no less than 30 feet from the
face of curb or edge of the cartway. Real estate signs shall be removed
within five days of the closing of the sale, rental or lease of the
premises or as determined by the Township Zoning Officer in the case
of multiple lease or rental spaces in a single project.
(6)
Show window signs. Show window signs shall be permitted in commercial businesses in the Historic District Zone. Show window signs shall not occupy more than 20% of the window opening. The area of the sign shall be calculated as indicated in § 160-75B(1).
(7)
Site plan review. In all instances where site plan
review is a requirement of any applicable municipal ordinance, the
type of signs planned or proposed to be a permanent part of such development
shall be presented at the time of the site plan review to the Historic
Preservation Commission.
C.
Sign requirements for institutional and residential
uses within an Historic District or an individually designated historic
structure; permitted signs and regulations. The following types of
signs, subject to the limitations prescribed for them, shall be the
only signs permitted for uses authorized for residential and institutional
uses authorized in the Historic District Zones or individually designated
historic structures in the Township of Evesham:
(1)
Civic signs.
(a)
Schools, clubs, and nonprofit organizations
shall be permitted one civic sign facing each street upon which it
fronts, in lieu of a business sign. Such signs shall generally be
subject to the same restrictions as provided for business signs with
regard to height, location, size, and type. The height, location and
landscaping of all proposed ground signs shall require the review
and approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.
(b)
Churches shall be permitted one ground-mounted
civic sign facing each street upon which it fronts, in lieu of a business
sign. Churches shall also be allowed one wall-mounted sign facing
each street upon which it fronts; provided, however, that a wall sign
may designate only the name and/or denomination of the church. Such
signs shall generally be subjected to the same restrictions as provided
for business signs with regard to height, location, size and type.
The height, location and landscaping of all proposed ground signs
shall require the review and approval of the Historic Preservation
Commission.
(c)
Churches, schools, clubs, and nonprofit organizations
shall also be allowed a maximum of two directional signs located off-premises.
Such signs shall state the name of the church, school, club or organization
and provide a directional arrow. The sign shall be of no more than
two colors (example: brown with white letters), shall not exceed two
square feet and not more than four feet high. The sign shall not be
illuminated. The design, color scheme, and placement shall be subject
to review and approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.
(2)
Construction signs.
(a)
A ground sign shall be permitted during the
course of physical construction under a valid building permit issued
by the Township of Evesham. For a single-family detached dwelling
or a duplex, the sign face area shall not exceed eight square feet.
For other uses or a multifamily project, the sign face area shall
not exceed 12 square feet, and shall be only single-sided.
(b)
Construction signs for single-family detached
dwellings and duplexes shall be set back at least 10 feet behind the
curb face or edge of the cartway, and shall not exceed eight feet
in height. Said construction signs shall not be permitted to stand
more than 90 days without the express approval of the Historic Preservation
Commission, and are further subject to the lighting, construction
and content requirements of this chapter. The sign shall not be put
up until construction begins and shall remain on the site no more
than 10 days after construction is completed.
(3)
Real estate signs. In all areas of residential and
institutional uses within the locally designated Historic District
Zones or individually designated historic structures, one temporary
ground sign shall be permitted upon the premises of the property for
sale or lease. Said signs shall not exceed the dimensions of two feet
by two feet, with a total maximum sign face area of four square feet
per face, with a maximum of two faces on a single panel of material.
The maximum height of said signs shall be five feet, and said signs
shall be set back no less than 15 feet from the curb face or edge
of the cartway.
D.
Exempt signs.
(1)
General. The following signs are exempt from the provisions
of this chapter:
(a)
Official public notices and notices posted by
public officers in the performance of their duties.
(b)
Governmental signs for the control or direction
of traffic and other regulatory purposes.
(c)
Flags or emblems of the United States, the State
of New Jersey, or their political subdivisions, or religious, educational
or civic organizations.
(d)
Temporary signs for a period not to exceed 30
days, totaling not over two square feet of surface area on any lot,
appertaining to campaigns, drives or events of civic, philanthropic,
educational or religious organizations.
(e)
Signs posted in conjunction with door bells
or mailboxes, none exceeding 36 square inches in surface area.
(f)
Small, nonilluminated instructional signs, none
exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in surface area.
(g)
Address signs, not more than one for each street
frontage of each principal use on a lot and none exceeding 72 square
inches in surface area, showing only the numerical address designations
of the premises upon which they are situated. All address signs shall
be prominently displayed and written in contrasting colors to the
color of the structure or background against which said signs are
placed in order to facilitate emergency identification for public
service employees.
(h)
Decals, numerals, names, addresses, hours, credit
information, etc. attached to doors or windows and all of which occupy
a total area of 1 1/2 square feet or less.
E.
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Intent. Signs which were legally in existence prior
to the adoption of this chapter which do not conform to the provisions
of this chapter are declared nonconforming signs. It is the intent
of this section to recognize that the eventual elimination, as expeditiously
and fairly as possible, of nonconforming signs is as much a subject
of health, safety and welfare as is the prohibition of new signs that
would violate the provisions of this chapter. It is also the intent
of this section that any elimination of nonconforming signs shall
be effected so as to avoid any unreasonable invasion of established
property rights.
(2)
General nonconforming sign provisions. Subject to
the exceptions hereinafter set forth, any nonconforming signs may
be continued in operation and maintenance after the effective date
of this chapter, provided that nonconforming signs shall not be:
(a)
Changed or replaced with another nonconforming
sign including changing the sign face (except on changeable-copy signs
and billboards).
(b)
Structurally altered so as to extend their useful
life.
(c)
Expanded.
(d)
Relocated.
(e)
Reestablished after damage of more than 50%
of the sign at the time of such damage or destruction.
(f)
Modified in any way that would increase the
degree of nonconformity of such sign.
(g)
Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the strengthening
or restoring to a safe condition of any portion of a sign or structure
declared unsafe by the Construction Official. Such signs may be improved
only to the extent that such improvement does not exceed 50% of the
existing sign structure.
(3)
Termination of nonconforming signs.
(a)
Any nonconforming sign or sign structure which
is partially destroyed by fire, accident, or natural cause beyond
50% of its structure or surface shall thereafter be removed or reconstructed
in conformance to the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
Any nonconforming sign or sign structure which
is improved and altered to comply with the provisions of this chapter
shall thereafter be considered as conforming.
(c)
For the purposes of this section, existing signs
and sign structures prohibited by this chapter shall be treated as
nonconforming.
(d)
Upon the determination of the Township of Evesham
that a sign remains nonconforming after termination of the allowable
time periods provided for above, the Township shall notify the sign
owner and/or the owner of the land upon which the nonconforming sign
is located and such owner shall have 14 days after such written notice
within which to remove said sign. At the end of the fourteen-day period,
if the sign has not been removed or brought into compliance, the Township
shall issue a summons into the Evesham Municipal Court.
(e)
Abandonment of a nonconforming sign shall terminate
immediately the right to maintain such a sign.
(f)
Any nonconforming on-premises sign shall be
removed or brought into compliance with this chapter immediately upon
a change in the principal use of the site.
F.
Prohibited signs.
(1)
General. The following styles or types of signs or
signage is specifically prohibited within the areas of the locally
designated Historic District Zones or individually designated historic
structures in the Township of Evesham:
(a)
Animated signs; provided, however, that temporary
street banner signs approved by the Mayor and Township Council shall
be exempt from this prohibition.
(b)
Flashing signs.
(c)
Strips or strings of lights outlining property
lines, sales areas, rooflines, doors, windows, wall edges, or other
architectural features of a building; provided, however, that this
prohibition shall not apply to Christmas lights displayed between
Thanksgiving Day and five calendar days after New Year's Day of each
calendar year.
(d)
Signs on public property, other than those erected
at the direction or with the permission of a public authority having
competent jurisdiction.
(e)
Signs which are not securely affixed to the
ground, or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved
supporting structure, including but not limited to portable signs;
provided, however, that temporary signs specifically allowed under
this chapter shall be exempt from this prohibition.
(f)
Signs visible from a public right-of-way that
use the word "stop" or "danger" or otherwise present or imply the
need or requirement of stopping, caution, the existence of danger,
or which for any reason are likely to be confused with any sign displayed
or authorized by a public authority.
(g)
Signs which blend with or can be confused with
traffic signals.
(h)
Signs which contain reflective materials, which
present a hazard or danger to traffic or the general public.
(i)
Signs which exhibit more than two faces; provided,
further, that no double-face signs shall be permitted if the distance
between the back of the faces is at any point greater than 12 inches.
(j)
Advertising signs, including but not limited
to billboard signs.
(k)
Signs which contain works or pictures of an
obscene, indecent, or immoral character which could offend public
morals or decency.
(l)
Signs which show pictures of human figures,
animals, food, characters, or cartoons. It shall be permissible to
include within the allotted sign square footage simplistic trade emblems
if the same are nationally registered or reflect the principal trade
activity of the applicable business, upon the specific review and
approval of the Historic Preservation Commission. However, in no case
shall the Historic Preservation Commission alter the color combination,
graphic devise, lettering or combination of such so as to effectively
alter a nationally registered trademark.
(m)
Beacon lights.
(n)
Signs which are structurally unsound or which
are rendered structurally sound by guy wires or unapproved facing
or bracing.
(o)
Mobile or portable signs, attached to, suspended
from or painted on any vehicle, including a trailer, which is parked
on or visible from any street or public place. However, this prohibition
shall not apply to those signs which are required to be affixed to
service vehicles by the requirements of any state, federal, or local
regulations; nor is this prohibition to be construed as prohibiting
the identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle
operating during the normal course of business.
(p)
Pole signs, and snipe signs.
(q)
Signs installed, erected, enlarged or structurally
altered in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(r)
Roof signs.
(s)
Any changeable-copy sign (manual) that does
not have a locked, vandal-proof cover.
(t)
Bench signs.
(u)
Internally illuminated signs.
(v)
Mural signs.
(w)
Signs containing any form of neon illumination, located either on the outside of the building, or inside the business display window, except as set forth in Subsection G(1)(f) of this section.
(x)
All signs which are not expressly permitted
by this chapter or any other ordinance of the Township of Evesham.
(2)
Portable and flashing signs.
(a)
Due to the manifest traffic safety hazards,
the use of portable and/or flashing signs, with or without changeable-copy
board attached, are declared a public nuisance.
(b)
Upon written notice by the Zoning Officer of
the Township of Evesham to the owner or lessee of such flashing sign,
such sign shall be removed within 14 days. Upon failure to comply
with this notice, the Township Zoning Officer shall cite the sign
owner or lessee into Evesham Municipal Court. If found in violation,
the owner shall be responsible for all costs incurred in removing
the sign in addition to any court-assessed fees and penalties.
G.
Illumination.
(1)
General. Externally illuminated signs shall adhere
to the following provisions and restrictions in addition to those
stated in the sign requirements by zone:
(a)
The light for or from any externally illuminated
sign shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that intensity will
not be objectionable to surrounding areas, as determined by the Historic
Preservation Commission. In the case of a wall-mounted sign, no more
than 0.5 footcandle of illumination from the lights for the sign shall
be no more than 10 feet from the front of the building.
(b)
No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering
lights or other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity,
brightness or color.
(c)
No colored lights shall be used at any location
in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control
devices.
(d)
Neither the direct nor reflected light from
primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of
motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.
(e)
Exposed bulbs shall not be used on the exterior
surface of any sign, except when approved by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
(f)
Exposed neon shall not be allowed, except in
such instances that the Historic Preservation Commission determines
that the sign is compatible to the architectural features of the building
in question.
(g)
Externally illuminated signs shall be permitted,
with the specific design of the illumination to be approved by the
Historic Preservation Commission.
H.
Structural requirements. All signs shall comply with
the pertinent requirements of the building code, as adopted by the
Township of Evesham.
I.
Inspection, removal and safety.
(1)
Inspection. All signs shall be inspected periodically
by the Township Zoning Officer for compliance with this chapter.
(2)
Maintenance. All signs and components thereof shall
be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean and attractive condition.
(3)
Removal of sign. The Township Zoning Officer shall
give written notice for the removal of any permanent sign erected
or maintained in violation of this chapter. Upon failure to comply
with this notice within 10 calendar days of the date of the notice,
the Township Zoning Officer shall issue a summons to the property
and/or business owner into the Evesham Municipal Court. Temporary
signs erected or maintained in violation of this chapter may be removed
by the Zoning Officer without notice. The Zoning Officer shall remove
any sign immediately and without notice if the sign presents an immediate
threat to the safety of the public. Any sign removal shall be at the
expense of the property owner.
(4)
Abandoned signs.
(a)
Any sign which advertises or pertains to a business,
product, service, event, activity, or purpose which is no longer conducted
or that has not been in use for three months or which is no longer
imminent, or any sign structure that no longer displays any sign copy
for a like period, shall be deemed to be abandoned.
(b)
Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily
suspended because of a change of ownership or management shall not
be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period
of six months for nonconforming signs, or 12 months if the signs otherwise
conform to all provisions or this chapter.
(c)
Abandoned signs are prohibited and shall be
removed by the owner of the property, his agent, or person having
the beneficial use of the building or site upon which such sign or
structure is erected within 30 days after written notification from
the Township Zoning Officer.
(d)
In the event of noncompliance with the aforesaid
terms and provisions, then the Township Zoning Officer shall have
the authority to issue a summons to the property and/or business owner
and/or lessee to appear before the Evesham Municipal Court for a hearing.
