[Amended 2-28-1977 by Ord. No. 859; 6-12-1978 by Ord. No.
923; 8-28-1978 by Ord. No. 942; 11-13-1978 by Ord. No. 954; 6-9-1980 by Ord. No. 1037; 8-12-1985 by Ord. No. 1239; 5-22-1989 by Ord. No.
1475-89; 6-12-1989 by Ord. No. 1478-89; 7-10-1989 by Ord. No.
1482]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former §§ 180-75
through 180-79, regarding various sign provisions, as amended, was
repealed 7-10-1989 by Ord. No. 1482-89.
[Amended 5-4-2015 by Ord.
No. 5-2015]
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, 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 enhancing the visual environment of the Township
and promoting its continued well-being and are intended to:
A.
Satisfy the intent and purpose of the Municipal Land Use Law, including
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2a, to guide the appropriate use or development of
all lands in this state, in a manner which will promote the public
health, safety, morals and general welfare; N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2c, to
provide adequate light, air and open space; N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2i, to
promote desirable visual environment through creative development
techniques and good civic design and arrangements; and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2j,
to prevent degradation of the environment through the improper use
of land;
B.
Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication
in the Township;
C.
Maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the Township's
ability to attract sources of economic development and growth;
D.
Improve pedestrian and traffic safety;
E.
Minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and
private property;
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.
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;
H.
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;
I.
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;
J.
Regulate signs in a manner so as not to interfere with, obstruct
the vision of or distract motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians;
K.
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;
L.
Preserve, conserve, protect and enhance the aesthetic quality and
scenic beauty of all districts of the Township;
M.
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;
N.
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; and
O.
Regulate the appearance and design of signs in a manner that promotes
and enhances the beautification of the Township.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 18-2022]
A.
A zoning permit shall be required in all zones for construction,
erection, alteration, location and/or relocation of any signs as defined
within this article, except as follows:
(1)
Nameplates and address signs in a residential zone.
(2)
Real estate sale or rental signs, but only on the premises to
which they relate and located no less than 10 feet from any side property
line, as follows:
(a)
In the SRC, SRC-1, SRC-2, BP-1 and BP-2 Zoning Districts, one
sign per lot or premises that does not exceed 10 square feet of display
area or six feet in height, which is located on the property, not
in the right-of-way;
(b)
On nonresidential properties in the C, CRO, CHS and CIO Zoning
Districts, one sign per lot or premises that does not exceed five
square feet of display area or six feet in height, which is located
on the property, not in the right-of-way;
(c)
On residential properties in the C, CRO, CHS and CIO Zoning
Districts, one sign per lot or premises that does not exceed five
square feet of display area or four feet in height, which is located
on the property, not within the right-of-way;
(d)
In all other Zoning Districts, one sign per lot or premises
that does not exceed five square feet of display area or four feet
in height, which is located on the property, not within the right-of-way.
(e)
If a sign height of greater than four feet is required for visibility
in a residential zone, the sign height or location may be modified,
with the approval of the Township Zoning Officer, provided that the
sign display area is reduced to no greater than five square feet,
and in no case shall the sign be greater than 10 feet in height for
a height waiver. Such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the
sale or change of status of the property.
(3)
Official governmental agency signs.
(4)
Signs advertising the sale of products grown on the premises,
provided that they do not exceed six square feet in area. There shall
be a maximum of two such signs on any one lot.
(5)
Signs prohibiting or controlling trespassing, fishing and/or
hunting, provided that they are limited to one sign for each 50 feet
of street frontage. Each sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(6)
Temporary signs.
(a)
One sign announcing, regardless of the entity or subject involved
and neutral as to content, a special event or related to a specific
date shall be permitted, provided that such sign does not exceed five
square feet or four feet in height and is located on private property,
not within the right-of-way. The temporary sign may be placed 90 days
prior to the event or specific date and shall be removed within 10
days after the conclusion of the event or specific date. No temporary
sign shall be erected, posted or placed on private property without
the express consent of the owner. The owner of said private property
shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this
section.
(b)
On tracts of land containing more than 20 acres and having an
approved residential subdivision, one sign shall be permitted which
does not exceed 10 square feet or four feet in height and is located
on private property, not within the right-of-way. The temporary sign
shall be removed within five days after all lots within the subdivision
have been sold or two years, whichever comes first.
(c)
In the SRC, BP-1 and BP-2 Zoning Districts, one temporary construction
sign shall be permitted which does not exceed 10 square feet or four
feet in height and is located on private property, not within the
right-of-way. The temporary sign shall be removed the later of five
days after the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy or 90
days after the date of installation.
(d)
New construction, renovation or home improvement signs placed
by craftsmen, contractors, architects or developers shall be permitted
one sign, with the consent of the property owner, which does not exceed
five square feet or four feet in height and is located on private
property, not within the right-of-way. The temporary sign shall be
removed no later than 45 days after the date of installation.
(e)
The maximum size for any other temporary sign shall be five
square feet in area, and the maximum height shall be four feet in
height, inclusive of supports. A double-sided sign shall be treated
as one sign. No temporary sign shall be artificially illuminated.
No temporary signs shall be affixed to a fire hydrant, telephone booth,
utility pole or other public utility structure. No temporary signs
shall be posted, painted or otherwise affixed to trees, rocks or natural
features within a street right-of-way. Signs shall be placed behind
the sidewalk or bicycle path. Where there is no sidewalk or bicycle
path, signs shall be placed on private property, not within the right-of-way.
Temporary signs shall be placed no closer than or within 10 feet of
any intersection.
(f)
No temporary sign shall be erected, posted or placed on public
property unless placed there by the public entity owning or maintaining
the property or placed there with the public entity's written
consent.
(7)
Real estate open house signs, subject to the following standards:
(a)
Directional signs.
[1]
A maximum of four directional signs per open house
from the nearest designated main street, plus one open house sign
on the premises to which they relate. The following are designated
main streets:
Borton Landing Road
Bridgeboro Road
Camden Avenue
Centerton Road
Chester Avenue
Church Street
Creek Road
Hartford Road
Kings Highway
Lenola Road
Main Street
Riverton Road
Route 38
Westfield Road
[2]
Directional signs may be posted in nonpaved areas
within street rights-of-way.
(b)
No directional signs leading to open houses in other municipalities
shall be permitted.
(c)
Such signs shall be posted no earlier than one hour prior to
an open house event and shall be removed no later than one hour after
such event; such signs shall not be posted before 3:00 p.m. on Fridays,
after 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, before 12:00 noon on Sundays and after
5:00 p.m. on Sundays; such signs shall be prohibited on all other
days and times.
(d)
Directional signs shall be no larger than eight inches high
and 24 inches wide.
(e)
Directional signs shall be posted so that the top of the sign
is no more than 18 inches above grade.
(f)
Only one on-premises sign shall be permitted; either a sale
sign or an open house sign or a combination sale and open house sign.
In no event shall the permitted sign be larger than six square feet
in area; no directional sign shall be posted in the right-of-way in
front of the premises for sale.
(g)
No more than one sign per direction at street intersections.
(h)
No balloons, streamers, flags or stickers and other like appurtenances
shall be attached to any directional/open house sign.
(i)
Realtors may print their multiple-listing service office identification
number in pen in the designated area on directional signs.
(j)
Only one type of generic directional sign shall be permitted,
and it shall be approved by the Appearance Committee and shall be
limited in color to forest green with white lettering for the words
"open house" and the directional arrow.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
Relating only to uses of the premises on which the sign is
located, or indicating the name or address of a building or occupants
or management of a building on the premises where the sign is located.
A sign structure and/or sign utilized for: advertising an
establishment, an activity, a product or service or entertainment
that is sold, produced, manufactured, available or furnished; or promoting
any activity, including noncommercial activity and solicitation, such
as but not limited to charitable solicitation and noncommercial speech,
at a place other than on the property on which said sign structure
and/or sign is located.
[Added 5-4-2015 by Ord.
No. 5-2015]
Information which relates to changing events and/or messages
relating to the structure and use to which the sign relates.
A freestanding sign erected during the construction of a
project, with information, including but not limited to the name of
the project, architect, developer, engineer, builder and/or leasing
agent, the development schedule and the address and/or telephone number
for information. Such signs shall be removed at the time of issuance
of a permanent sign permit or the first occupancy permit, whichever
is applicable.
A detached sign located on the premises and directing motorists
to access drives, parking areas or occupants of the premises.
A sign with two parallel or nearly parallel faces, back to
back, and located not more than 24 inches from each other.
To build, construct, attach, place, suspend or affix, and
shall also include the painting of signs or displays on the exterior
surface of a building, structure or natural surface.
A residential property at least five acres in size.
[Added 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
Any sign whose sole source of artificial illumination is
outside the display portion of the sign.
A sign fastened to or painted on the facade of a building
in such a manner that the facade becomes the supporting structure
for or forms the background surface of the sign and which does not
project more than one foot from such facade.
An illuminated sign on which the artificial or reflected
light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color
at all times when in use. Any sign which revolves or moves, whether
illuminated or not, shall be considered a "flashing sign," except
for signs which display time, temperature or date.
Any nonmovable sign not affixed to a building.
The distance between property lines of any property measured
along the right-of-way lines of any street.
Directional, informational or public service signs, such
as signs advertising locations of rest rooms, telephones or similar
facilities of public convenience and signs located on mechanical dispensing
equipment that identify its product.
The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of
the ground where the sign support structure meets the ground.
A sign that relates to any business or profession conducted
within a structure whose primary use is residential and the occupant
of that residence conducts the business therein.
Any sign whose sole source of artificial illumination is
contained within the display portion of the sign.
The distance between building side lines of any building
measured along the right-of-way of the street.
Any sign attached to or hung from the marquee. For the purpose
of this article, a "marquee" is a covered structure projecting from
and supported by the building with independent roof and drainage provisions
and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against
weather.
A portable sign which is not affixed to the building structure
or permanently attached to a freestanding structure.
A sign relating to a use or facility containing multiple
occupancy and tenancy and displaying the names, professions and interests
of the various tenants.
Those signs which do not meet the criteria of this article
for any reason, such as, but not limited to, size, location, construction,
attachment or affixture to building or ground.
An awning structure attached to a building, typically made
of tubular frame and covered with canvas or similar material.
A sign which has become no longer useful for any on-site
purpose.
A building containing a room or group of rooms used for conducting
the affairs of a business, profession, service, industry or government
or like activity and which may contain ancillary services for the
building occupant.
Two or more office buildings with common parking areas.
Any sign, symbol or device erected and maintained by the
federal, state, county, or local government agency for the purpose
of informing or guiding the public; or for the protection of health,
safety, convenience and general welfare as determined by the Planning
Board.
Any sign located on a lot other than the lot occupied by
the use, event or product which said sign identifies.
A club or lodge organized for fraternal or social purposes,
the buildings and services of which are for the use of members and
their guests only.
[Added 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
Any sign or sign structure which is permanently affixed or
installed and is intended for long-term use.
A corporation, company, association, society, firm, partnership
or joint-stock company, as well as an individual, a state and all
political subdivisions of a state or any agency or instrumentality
thereof.[1]
A sign of an owner of real property or of a licensed real
estate broker that indicates that a particular parcel or portion of
real property is available for sale or lease.
A sign erected, constructed and maintained on or above the
roof of any building and attached thereto.
Any identification, description, illustration or device,
illuminated or nonilluminated, which is visible from any public place
and which directs attention to a product, service, place, activity,
person, institution, business or solicitation. This definition does
not include nonlighted displays in the windows of commercial establishments.
Includes all lettering, wording, coloring and accompanying
designs and symbols, together with background, whether open or enclosed,
but not including any supporting frame work or bracing incidental
to the display itself.
The molding, battens, cappings, nailing strips, latticing,
platforms, letters, figures, characters or representations in cut
out or irregular form, which are attached to the sign structure.
A temporary sandwich-board-type sign located on the ground
or a sign mounted on an easel advertising or describing retail goods
or services provided or made available on the premises.
[Added 6-11-2001 by Ord. No. 1965-01]
A sign that is not permanently attached to a building, structure,
pole or land and which is either: (a) designed of materials such as
paper, cardboard, plastic or other lightweight material, with or without
frames, that are not suitable for long-term or permanent display,
and/or (b) intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 18-2022]
Any sign permanently or temporarily attached to a nonoperating
vehicle. Such a vehicle shall include, but not be limited to, a car,
truck, van or bus.
Any sign painted on, attached to or placed in the window
of a commercial, office of industrial building.
[Added 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "political sign,"
which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 9-12-2022
by Ord. No. 18-2022.
The following regulations apply generally to
all signs and are in addition to other regulations contained elsewhere
in this article.
A.
Bulk requirements. The following bulk requirements
apply to any sign in the Township of Moorestown other than those permitted
in the street right-of-way or permitted elsewhere in this article:
[Amended 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
(1)
Minimum lot frontage: 50 feet.
(2)
Minimum front yard setback: 10 feet from the
right-of-way and 50 feet from any intersection of a street or driveway.
The minimum front yard setback shall not apply if the height to the
bottom of the sign is seven feet above grade level.
(3)
Minimum side yard setback: 15 feet.
(4)
Maximum height limitation for a freestanding
sign: 20 feet
(5)
Minimum distance between freestanding signs:
50 feet.
B.
Computation of sizes.
(1)
The size of any sign shall be computed by multiplying
its greatest height by its greatest length, exclusive of supporting
structures, unless such supporting structure is illuminated or is
in the form of a symbol or contains identifications copy, but for
the purpose of making such determination, the applicant may block
off portions of the sign into not more than three rectangles in order
to exclude large areas of open space caused by the particular design
or shape of the sign.
[Amended 5-10-1993 by Ord. No. 1660-93; 4-27-2015 by Ord. No. 6-2015]
(2)
Signs with two faces carrying the same message
on both sides shall be measured by using the surface area of one side
of the sign only. When there is a different message on each side of
the sign, each side will be considered a separate sign.
(3)
For signs with three or more faces, the total
size shall not exceed 1 1/2 times the permitted sign area.
(4)
Cylindrical signs shall be computed by multiplying
1/2 of the circumference by the height of the sign.
C.
Sign construction shall be in accordance with the
following provisions:
(1)
All signs shall be maintained in good condition
and appearance, including the exposed backs of all signs visible to
the public, which shall be suitably finished.
(2)
All signs shall be permanently fixed to the
ground or attached to a building or structure in a manner conforming
to article 29, as amended, of the BOCA National Building Code and
other applicable state and Township statutes and ordinances.
(3)
Structural and safety features and electrical
systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of the applicable
codes and ordinances. No sign shall be approved for use unless it
has been inspected by the Construction Official and is found to be
in compliance with all requirements of this article and applicable
technical codes.
D.
Other regulations.
(1)
No sign shall be illuminated between the hours
of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless the business or establishment
is open to the public during these hours, in which case the sign may
be kept illuminated until the business is closed to the public. Signs
advertising businesses or establishments in the CRO Zone or along
Route 38 shall be exempt from this requirement as long as the signs
are within current sign regulations.
[Amended 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
(2)
Official governmental signs which can be regulated
by this article shall conform to the zone in which they are placed.
(4)
No sign shall be placed in such a position that
it will cause danger to traffic on a street or which is entering a
street, by obscuring the view of traffic on either street. In no case
shall any sign, other than an official sign, be erected within the
right-of-way of any street.
(5)
No sign shall be erected containing information
on it which states or implies that a property may be used for any
purpose not permitted under the provision of the Township Zoning Ordinance.
F.
Illuminated signs. Illuminated signs shall be arranged
to reflect the light and glare away from adjoining lots and streets.
No signs shall be permitted with a beam, beacon or flashing illumination.
All signs lighted exteriorly shall be shielded from adjoining lots,
streets, sidewalks and interior drives. All lights shall be either
shielded or shall have a translucent fixture to reduce off-site effects.
G.
Service stations shall be permitted the following
signs:
[Amended 11-18-1996 by Ord. No. 1795-96]
(1)
One externally lit freestanding sign to advertise
the name of the station and/or the products sold on the premises,
including any special company or brand name, insignia or emblem, provided
that such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.
(2)
A six-square-foot sign for the purpose of advertising
the gasoline price shall be permitted if attached to the approved
freestanding sign structure located on the site.
(3)
One externally lit wall sign, not exceeding
24 square feet, may be located on each face of the building which
fronts on a public street.
(4)
Service stations shall also be permitted a four-square-foot,
nonilluminated service bay sign for each service bay located on the
property.
H.
Prohibited signs. All signs which are not permitted
by this article are prohibited with the following signs specifically
prohibited:
(1)
Any sign which may obstruct a fire escape, window,
door or opening used as a means of ingress or egress or interfere
with an opening required for ventilation.
(2)
A flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or
projected sign of any type which presents illusion of movement. Digital
and analog time and temperature displays are permitted.
(3)
Any sign whose form, character or shape may
confuse or dangerously distract the attention of the operator of a
motor vehicle.
(4)
Signs which in any way simulate official, functional,
directional or warning signs erected or maintained by the State of
New Jersey, county or municipality, any railroad, public utility or
similar agency concerned with the protection of public health and
safety.
(5)
Off-site signs.
(6)
Mobile signs.
(7)
Vehicular signs.
(8)
Any sign attached to or painted on trees, fences,
utility poles, rocks, curbs, walks, lamps, water towers, hydrants,
benches or bridges. This does not apply to no-trespassing, no-fishing,
and/or no-hunting signs and warning signs.
(9)
It is the goal of this subsection to limit the
use of all permanent signs to identification or directional purposes
only. Identification signs shall allow only the principal name of
the establishment or proprietor, phone number and a brief description
of the principal goods or services offered.
[Amended 5-10-1993 by Ord. No. 1660-93]
(10)
Any signs which, applying contemporary community
standards, have a dominant theme or purpose and appeal to prurient
interest.
[Amended 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
(11)
Signs advertising an establishment or use no
longer in existence.
(13)
Pennants, banners, streamers and all other fluttering,
spinning or similar-type signs and advertising devices, except for
national flags and flags of political subdivisions of the United States,
and except for flags of bona fide civic, charitable, fraternal and
welfare organizations during nationally recognized holiday periods
or during a special civic event except as otherwise permitted in this
article.
(14)
Home occupation signs, other than for such specific
uses as permitted by the Zoning Ordinance.
(15)
A- or sandwich-type signs on sidewalks or other
temporary signs on sidewalks.
(16)
Roof signs.
(17)
Interior or exterior lights that surround windows
and doorways, except for a fifty-day period during the holiday season,
November through January.
[Added 2-28-1994 by Ord. No. 1698-94]
(18)
Billboard signs.
[Added 5-4-2015 by Ord.
No. 5-2015]
I.
[2] Banners. No sign, other than an official traffic sign,
shall be erected within the lines of any street unless specifically
authorized by other ordinances or regulations of the Township of Moorestown,
except that permits for installation and maintenance of banners over
Township streets, for a maximum of 15 days where property along at
least one side of the street is zoned commercial, may be issued by
the Zoning Officer, subject to the following conditions:
[Amended 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1571-91]
(1)
The applicant has submitted a certificate of
liability insurance with limits equaling or exceeding $50,000.
(2)
The Township is named as an additional insured
in the above certificate.
(3)
Said banner shall not contain any lights, flags,
pennants, streamers or other fluttering or spinning types of attachments.
(4)
The applicant shall provide for the removal
of the banner immediately upon the expiration of the permit. Failure
of the applicant to remove the banner shall constitute abandonment
of the banner. Said applicant shall be liable for the cost the Township
incurs in removing the banner and shall forfeit the privilege of obtaining
any further banner permits unless outstanding removal costs are paid
and removal costs for future banners are prepaid.
[Amended 2-14-1994 by Ord. No. 1694-94]
(5)
Said banner shall be installed and maintained
at a height of not less than 14 feet above the crown of the roadway
under the banner.
(6)
The applicant is a Moorestown-based, nonprofit,
philanthropic, charitable or civic organization.
(7)
The wording on the banner is related to promoting
a Moorestown activity which will take place in Moorestown or adjacent
communities sponsored by the applicant.
(8)
The wording and/or symbols on the banner shall
not indicate commercial endorsement or sponsorship.
(9)
The wording on the banner shall exactly reproduce
the wording shown on the banner application and permit.
In R-1, R-1-A, R-2 and R-3 Residential Districts,
the following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted:
A.
One (1) wall and one (1) ground sign not exceeding
one (1) square foot each in area, stating only the name and profession
of the occupant or the street address on the premises.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 18-2022]
B.
Signs erected by the state, municipal, county or federal
government as may be deemed necessary for their respective functions.
C.
Identification signs for churches, hospitals, schools,
playgrounds, parks and public utility installations shall be permitted
one (1) freestanding sign not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet in
an area. In addition, a changeable copy sign not exceeding eight (8)
square feet in area and six (6) feet in height shall also be permitted.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 18-2022]
D.
Real estate sale or rental signs.
E.
Construction, building renovation and home improvement
signs.
[Amended 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89; 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1571-91; 11-18-1996 by Ord. No. 1795-96; 1-26-1998 by Ord. No. 1844-98]
F.
Temporary signs in accord with the requirements of § 180-80.1A(6) above.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 18-2022]
G.
Signs advertising the sale of products grown on the
premises.
H.
Signs prohibiting or controlling trespassing, fishing
and/or hunting.
I.
Signs indicating the name of a particular organization,
farm or estate, provided that the area shall not exceed six (6) square
feet.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 18-2022]
In the RLC Districts, the following types of
signs, and no others, shall be permitted:
A.
All signs permitted by this article in the residential
districts for residential uses.
[Amended 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
B.
One freestanding or one wall-mounted identification
sign, not exceeding 12 square feet in area or six feet in height for
a freestanding sign, relating to the use conducted on the same premises.
[Amended 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
C.
Individual name plates, not exceeding one square foot
in area, indicating the name and profession or business of each of
the occupants, may be erected flat against the wall of the building.
[Amended 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
A.
The Town Center is a district containing the following
zoning districts: RTC-1 and RTC-2 Residence Town Center; CIO Commercial-Institutional
Office; CRO Commercial-Retail Office; and CHS Commercial-Highway Service.
B.
In addition to conforming to the regulations contained
in this chapter, approval for the construction, alteration, erection
or display of any sign within the Town Center shall be subject to
Appearance Committee review and recommendation. The Planning Board
shall refer the plans to the Appearance Committee and take its comments
under consideration while conducting the review of the proposed plans
as they relate to the appearance, lettering, color, size, position,
method of attachment, texture of materials and design in order to
establish that the proposed sign conforms to the historical and districtive
character of the Town Center and does not injuriously affect the same
or impair the value of the adjoining properties, the district in general
or those buildings having architectural and historical worth in the
immediate area.
C.
All applications for sign permits within the Town
Center shall be either submitted directly to the Appearance Committee
or forwarded to the same by the Zoning Officer before a permit may
be issued. Such application shall be accompanied by sketches and drawings
showing details of construction, support and attachment and shall
delineate the size, shape, design, coloring, lettering, lighting and
position in relation to the building from or upon which it shall be
displayed.
D.
No sign in the Town Center shall be placed on a building
or structure in such a way as to obscure or mar any architectural
feature deemed to be important to the architectural integrity of the
building or structure.
E.
In addition to those signs which are prohibited generally in § 180-80.3H, internally illuminated and gas-filled or illuminated tubing, such as neon, signs are prohibited in all Town Center Zones.
F.
In the RTC Residence Town Center Zones, signs permitted
by this chapter in residential districts shall be permitted.
[Amended 2-28-1994 by Ord. No. 1700-94]
G.
In the CIO Commercial-Institutional Office Zones,
the following signs, and no others, shall be permitted:
(1)
All signs permitted by this chapter in the RTC
Residence Town Center Zones.
(2)
One wall-mounted or freestanding identification
sign, not exceeding 12 square feet in area, relating to the use conducted
on the same premises.
(3)
Individual nameplates, not exceeding one square
foot in area, indicating the name and profession or business of each
of the occupants, may be erected flat against the wall of the building.
(4)
A maximum of two directional signs, each not
to exceed 1.5 square feet in area, are permitted. The length of each
sign shall be not less than two times the height of the sign. The
overall height of each sign and support structure shall not exceed
three feet. A zoning permit shall be obtained for the sign, in which
case, the Zoning Officer shall only issue a permit upon finding compliance
with the standards as described above by the Appearance Committee.
[Added 6-11-2001 by Ord. No. 1964-01]
H.
In the CRO Commercial-Retail Office and CHS Commercial-Highway
Service Zones, the following signs, and no others, shall be permitted:
(1)
All signs permitted by this chapter in the CIO
Commercial-Institutional Office Zone.
(2)
One (1) wall sign, not exceeding twenty-four
(24) square feet, for each business use to which the property is devoted
may be located on each face of the building which fronts on a street
or a parking area from which there is public access to the interior
of the building. The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed
ten percent (10%) of the area of the face on which the sign is displayed.
In determining the area of the wall, the area of windows, doors and
other apertures through the wall shall be included.
[Amended 7-9-2007 by Ord. No. 21-2007; 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 18-2022]
(a)
For restaurants, no more than two (2) wall signs,
not exceeding a total cumulative area of forty-eight (48) square feet,
may be located on the building facing the public streets. The total
area of these wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the
area of the face on which the signs are displayed. In determining
the area of the wall, the area of windows, doors and other apertures
through the wall shall be included.
(b)
For any retail store fronts with frontage of greater than forty-five
(45) feet, no more than two (2) wall signs, not exceeding a total
cumulative area of forty-eight (48) square feet, may be located on
the building facing the public streets. The total area of these wall
signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the face on
which the signs are displayed. In determining the area of the wall,
the area of windows, doors and other apertures through the wall shall
be included.
(3)
One freestanding sign, not exceeding 12 square
feet and six feet in height, may be erected per lot. In the case of
a single business use located on multiple lots, only one freestanding
sign, not exceeding 12 square feet and six feet in height, shall be
permitted.
[Amended 5-10-1993 by Ord. No. 1660-93]
(4)
Window signs.
(a)
Two business signs may be painted on the windows
and/or doors of each business bearing the name, street number and/or
type of business of the principal occupant, provided that there shall
be no more than one such sign on each window or door and the total
area of all such signs shall not exceed 15% per storefront glass.
(b)
Window signs designed to promote the sale of
any article or business activity shall not exceed in total sign area
15% of the total window area of the first floor or street level of
the building involved. Each individual window sign shall not exceed
six square feet in area. Such signs shall not remain in a window longer
than 30 continuous days. They shall be removed within two days after
the event or activity has taken place. No fee or permit shall be required.
(5)
For retail uses located in the CRO Zone, one
temporary, nonilluminated temporary exterior advertising sign, which
does not have any parts or features attached to it that move or give
the illusion of movement, nor produce any sound, shall be permitted
on the property on which the retail business is operated. The temporary
exterior advertising sign (herein referred to as "the sign") shall
not be located in a public right-of-way, and shall be located so as
to not impair pedestrian or vehicular traffic or so as to block or
obstruct any required fire or other exit. The sign shall be of sufficiently
stable construction so as to withstand windy conditions, not create
a hazard to pedestrians, and shall be kept in good physical condition
at all times. The sign may be displayed during business hours only,
but in no case more than 12 hours per day. The sign shall be made
of wood or framed in wood, and shall not exceed five feet in height,
and shall not exceed two feet in width. The sign may be two-sided,
in which case neither side shall exceed five square feet in area.
If the sign is one-sided, hand-lettered and includes a handcrafted
design of the product or service, the sign may be up to nine square
feet. A zoning permit shall be obtained for the sign, in which case,
the Zoning Officer shall only issue a permit upon a finding of compliance
with the standards described above by the Appearance Committee. Any
and all temporary exterior advertising signs in use prior to the effective
date of this amendment are illegal and the retail user shall comply
with the provisions hereof and shall seek a permit for such sign from
the Zoning Officer
[Added 6-11-2001 by Ord. No. 1965-01]
[Amended 2-28-1994 by Ord. No. 1700-94]
In the C Commercial Districts, the following
types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted:
A.
All signs permitted by this article in residential
districts.
B.
One wall sign, not exceeding 24 square feet, for each
business.
[Amended 11-18-1996 by Ord. No. 1795-96]
C.
One freestanding sign, not exceeding 12 square feet
and 10 feet in height, may be erected per lot.
[Amended 11-18-1996 by Ord. No. 1795-96]
D.
Window signs are permitted, provided that they do
not exceed 10% of the glass area of any required entrance or exit
door or 25% of the total window area of the first floor or street
level of the building involved and subject to the overall limitation
of the area of signs on any one facade as is set forth above.
[Amended 11-14-1994 by Ord. No. 1728-94; 1-26-1998 by Ord. No. 1844-98; 4-27-2015 by Ord. No. 6-2015; 5-10-2021 by Ord. No. 11-2021]
In SRC Specially Restricted Commercial Districts
and the Business Park Districts BP-1 and BP-2, the following types
of signs, and no others, shall be permitted:
A.
All signs permitted by this chapter in the C Commercial
Districts, except in shopping centers and in planned industrial or
office building developments.
B.
In shopping centers and in planned industrial or office
building developments, the following signs are permitted:
(1)
One freestanding sign identifying or advertising
the shopping center or development as an entity, provided that the
area of the sign does not exceed 100 square feet or 10 feet high in
an industrial or office building development or 200 square feet or
20 feet high in a shopping center. The design and location of such
sign shall be subject to approval by the Planning Board or the Board
of Adjustment at the time of site plan review, but in no case shall
such sign be located in the front half of the required front yard.
(2)
One freestanding sign for each lot or for each
main building identifying the name of the enterprise or building located
thereon. The total area on one side of such sign shall not exceed
16 square feet, and the overall height of such sign shall not exceed
six feet. The design and location of such signs shall be subject to
approval by the Planning Board or the Board of Adjustment at the time
of site plan review, but in no case shall such signs be located in
the front half of the required front yard.
(3)
Applicable only to the Business Park Districts, (SRC-1) Specially
Restricted Commercial District One and (SRC-2) Specially Restricted
Commercial District Two. Only signs relating to an individual enterprise
conducted within an industrial or office building development may
be erected as follows:
(a)
One sign may be located on each outside or exterior face of
the building housing the enterprise, provided that the total area
of one side of any such sign shall not exceed whichever is the smaller
of the following: an area equal to or less than 15% of the principal
facade area (including window and door area) on which they are displayed;
or a maximum of 100 square feet. In no case shall the overall sign
height exceed 45 feet, nor shall the area on any one side of the sign
exceed 100 square feet without bulk variance relief from the Zoning
Board of Adjustment.
(4)
Applicable to the Specially Restricted Commercial District only,
signs relating to an individual enterprise conducted within a shopping
center or mall may be erected as follows:
(a)
One sign may be located on each outside or exterior face of
the building housing the enterprise, provided that the total area
of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed whichever is the
smaller of the following: an area equal to or less than 15% of the
principal facade area (including window and door area) on which they
are displayed; or a maximum of 150 square feet. In no case shall the
overall sign height exceed 45 feet, nor shall the area on any one
side of the sign exceed 150 square feet without bulk variance relief
from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
C.
Multiple-occupancy office building signs as follows,
provided that each of the uses for which a sign is sought shall first
have been authorized by a certificate of conformity approved by the
Planning Board:
(1)
One freestanding sign identifying the multiple-occupancy
building as an entity, with a directory sign identifying the occupants
thereof, provided that the area of any one side of such sign shall
not exceed 32 square feet, nor shall the sign exceed 10 feet in height
or be located in any required side yard.
(2)
One sign relating to each of the individual
enterprises located within the multiple-occupancy building may be
located on each face of the building which fronts on a street, provided
that the area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed 20 square
feet; and further provided that the total area of all such signs shall
not exceed 15% of all of the area of the wall on which the signs are
displayed. In determining the area of the wall, the area of windows
and doors through the wall shall be included. On each face of a building
which does not front on a street, each individual enterprise may erect
a directional or nameplate sign not exceeding four square feet in
area. Individual enterprise signs on any building shall be generally
uniform in size and type and located on a building with a view to
achieving maximum visual attractiveness.
A.
Conformity with article. It is the intent and purpose
of this article that as soon as reasonably possible all existing signs
not conforming to the provisions of this article be brought into conformity
with the provisions hereof or eliminated.
B.
Nonconforming signs. Any sign located within the Township
of Moorestown, existing as of the effective date of this article and
which does not meet the requirements of this article, shall be considered
a legal nonconforming sign. It may continue in use until it loses
its legal nonconforming status under this article.
C.
Losing nonconforming status. Any legal nonconforming
sign shall immediately lose its status as a legal nonconforming sign
upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
(1)
The sign is relettered or altered in any way.
(Periodic maintenance of a sign or change in copy of a previously
approved changeable copy sign shall not be considered to be an alteration
resulting in the loss of legal nonconforming status.)
[Amended 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
(2)
The sign is removed or abandoned.
(3)
The sign is damaged in such a way, regardless
of the cause of any such damage, that the cost of restoration of the
sign would exceed 1/2 of the replacement cost of the sign as of the
date of damage.
(4)
The sign is one concerning which the Zoning
Officer has given a notice to the owner of the sign and the owner
of record of the tax lot, and the owner of the sign or owner of record
of the tax lot has failed to correct the condition for which the notice
was issued.
(5)
The sign is located on a tax lot, building or
storefront for which a sign application under this article has been
filed.
(6)
Five years have elapsed from the effective date
of this article, as originally passed.
[Amended 2-28-1994 by Ord. No. 1699-94]
(a)
Nonconforming signs in CRO (Commercial-Retail
Office) and CHS (Commercial-Highway Service):
[1]
Signs 24 square feet or greater
in size shall become conforming by October 1995.
[2]
Signs less than 24 square feet
in size shall become conforming by April 1997.
[3]
If any structural or content change
is made by an owner to a hanging sign projecting over the Township
right-of-way, other than regular maintenance (as determined by the
Department of Community Development), prior to April 1, 1995, the
resulting sign size shall not exceed 12 square feet. Any change after
April 1, 1995, shall result in a sign size no greater than nine square
feet.
(b)
This subsection shall not apply to the following:
[1]
All existing signs in the R-1,
R-2, R-3, R-1-A, RTC-1, RTC-2, RLC-1 and RLC-2 Residential Zones as
of January 1, 1994.
[2]
All existing signs for church,
schools, playgrounds and parks.
[3]
All signs reviewed and approved
by the Appearance Committee prior to January 1, 1994, that also have
a zoning and/or a building permit issued by said date.
[4]
All existing interiorly illuminated
signs that comply with the sign ordinance with respect to size and
location and all noninteriorly illuminated facade signs (no more than
one sign per site).
(7)
Any nonconforming sign now or hereafter existing
which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or a product
sold shall be taken down and removed, including all supporting structures,
mounting, brackets, wiring, etc., by the permittee, owner, agent or
person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon
which such sign may be found within 10 days after written notification
from the Zoning Officer and upon failure to comply with such notice
within the time specified in such notice. The Zoning Officer is hereby
authorized to cause removal of such sign and any expenses incident
thereto shall be paid by the permittee or owner of the building or
structure to which such sign is attached.
D.
Appeals.
[Added 11-27-1989 by Ord. No. 1499-89]
(1)
The owner of any nonconforming sign which will lose its nonconforming status under § 180-80.9C(6) of this chapter may file an appeal, with the Township Zoning Officer, who will immediately schedule a hearing before the Appearance Committee.
(2)
The Appearance Committee shall forward a recommendation
to the Township Council. The recommendation shall be based on the
degree of nonconformity, including size, lighting and number of nonconforming
signs and the relationship of the sign to the site and to the streetscape.
The Appearance Committee may also consider the age of the sign and
the original cost of the sign. The recommendation may be for denial
of the appeal; approval, which would allow the sign to permanently
remain; or partial approval, whereby the sign would be allowed to
remain for an additional period of time. The Appearance Committee
shall specify its reasons for its recommendation.
(3)
The Township Council shall, by resolution adopted
at a public meeting, approve, deny or modify the recommendation of
the Appearance Committee. The decision of the Township Council shall
be considered as final for purposes of nonconformity status.
(4)
No appeals shall be filed under this subsection
until June 1993.
[Amended 6-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1532-90]
A.
The owner and/or tenant of the premises and the owner
and or erector of the sign shall be held responsible for any violation
of these regulations. Where a sign has been erected in accordance
with the regulations, the sign company shall be relieved of further
responsibility under these regulations after a certificate of occupancy
has been issued for the sign by the Construction Official.
B.
Any sign erected or maintained in conflict with the
regulations of this article shall be removed or corrected within five
days of the written notice of violation from the Township Zoning Officer.
C.
Any political candidate who, directly or indirectly
by his agent, representative or campaign official, permits a violation
of this article for 72 hours after notification to said political
candidate, his agent, representative or campaign official to remove
the same shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $150. The erection,
posting and placing of each individual political sign shall constitute
a separate offense.
