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Borough of Westwood, NJ
Bergen County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ADVERTISE
Giving, attempting to give or intending to give any notice or information, or any activity which gives, attempts to give or intends to give notice, information or warning.
AWNING
Any structure made of cloth or metal, with a metal frame attached to a building, projecting over a thoroughfare.
BANNER
Any temporary sign applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind, which shall be permitted by the Borough Council by permit, above a public right-of-way.
BILLBOARD
Any signboard or other surface used for the purpose of displaying a sign not related to the use of the premises.
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix, and shall also include the painting or lettering or otherwise affixing of any sign, insignia or letters to the outside wall of any building or structure or part thereof.
FREESTANDING SIGN
Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.
FRONT FACADE
In a building without dividing walls or partitions, the front width between the two intersecting walls multiplied by the height; and in a divided building, the front width between the side wall and the dividing wall, or between the two dividing walls, as applicable, multiplied by the height.
PENNANT
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs.
PREMISES
A building or structure or tract of land.
ROOF SIGN
Any sign erected, constructed and maintained wholly upon or over the roof of any building, with the principal support on the roof structure.
SIGN
Includes any device, either freestanding or attached to a building or structure or erected, painted, represented or reproduced upon or in (to the extent provided herein) any building or structure, which displays, reproduces or includes any letter, word, name, number, model, insignia, emblem, design, device or representation used for one or more of the following purposes: to identify the premises or occupant or owner of the premises; to advertise any trade, business, profession, industry, service or other activity; to advertise any product or item; to advertise the sale or rental or use of all or part of the premises, including that upon which it is displayed; to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, other than state, county or municipal highway and roadway markers; and shall include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia or any representation used to advertise or intended to advertise or promote the interests of any person. In no event shall the word "sign" be construed to mean any sign in the interior of any structure except as specifically set forth in this chapter.
SIGN AREA
Shall be computed as the total square foot content of the background upon which the lettering, illustration or display is presented, including any frame, but not base support. If there is no background, the sign area shall be computed as the product of the largest horizontal width and the largest vertical height of the lettering, illustration or display. This shall not be construed to include the supporting members of any sign which are used solely for such purposes. For signs with two display faces, the maximum area requirement shall be permitted on each side.
STRUCTURE
Any building, edifice, construction, canopy, awning, device or piece of work, or any part thereof or any combination of related parts.
TEMPORARY SIGN
Any sign that is not permanently mounted as specifically permitted by this chapter.
USE
The occupation, activity, business operation or industrial operation maintained or engaged in by any person. Where a business or industrial building contains no dividing walls or partitions, the one or more uses maintained or engaged in therein shall be considered as one use. Where such business or industrial building is divided by dividing walls or partitions, the one or more uses maintained or engaged in each such division shall be considered as one use.
WALL SIGN
All flat signs of solid-face construction which are placed against a building or other structure and attached to the exterior front, rear or side wall of any building or other structure so that the display surface is parallel with the plane of the wall. Signs painted on an exterior wall shall be deemed to be "wall signs" subject to this chapter. All wall signs shall not extend greater than 12 inches from the exterior surface that the sign is mounted to.
WINDOW
Any opening in the exterior wall of any building for the purpose of admitting air or light and enclosed by glass.
WINDOW DISPLAY SIGN
Includes all signs defined herein which are situated on or within 12 inches of the window surface.
WINDOW SPACE
Includes the aggregate square footage of all windows on any given side and any given story of any structure, regardless of the angle or angles at which they are set. In computing window space there shall be included all portions of any door which contains a window.
A. 
No sign shall be erected, altered, located or relocated within the municipality except upon application and the issuance of a permit as hereinafter provided.
(1) 
Application.
(a) 
Application for a permit for residential signs. Application for a permit for a sign for premises used for residential purposes shall be made in writing to the Zoning Officer and presented together with the appropriate filing fee. Such application shall be sufficient to describe the premises and the location at which the sign is to be placed, together with a rendering of the sign, inclusive of its dimensions, design and color. There shall also be provided a statement as to the means by which said sign shall be constructed on the premises. The Zoning Officer shall act upon such application within 15 days of the receipt thereof.
[Amended 9-4-2001 by Ord. No. 01-19[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(b) 
Application for a permit for nonresidential signs. Any sign associated with a change in occupancy or ownership necessitates an application for a sign permit. Application for a permit for a permitted nonresidential sign conforming to the regulations set forth herein shall be made in writing to the Zoning Officer. Such application shall be sufficient to describe the premises and location at which the sign is to be affixed and shall include at a minimum the following items:
[Amended 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 11-04]
[1] 
The name and address of the applicant.
[2] 
The name and address of the owner of the premises.
[3] 
A statement as to whether the owner has consented to the application, if the applicant is other than the owner.
[4] 
A rendering to scale of the sign, reflecting its composition, colors, dimensions, elevation from grade level and lighting; the address of the premises; specification and location of all existing signs; the sight distances, in the case of freestanding signs, with relation to accessways to the premises on which such sign is to be located and adjacent premises; the information to be stated on the sign, and the method by which said sign shall be secured and/or illuminated.
(c) 
Application for a permit for a sign which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be submitted to the appropriate approving authority, including any sign associated with a change in occupancy or ownership which does not comply with the provisions set forth herein. Such application shall be in writing and, upon notice and a public hearing where the same is required by law, submitted at least 25 days before the next meeting preceding the succeeding public meeting date of the appropriate authority, together with a filing fee as hereinafter set forth. Such application shall be in triplicate and accompanied by no less than 15 sketch plats in the case of an application for a freestanding sign, and 15 building elevations where the application is for other than a freestanding sign, each of which shall be drawn to scale and reflect the sign location and designation. In addition, on such drawing or separate sheet, the information set forth above shall be provided.
[Amended 9-4-2001 by Ord. No. 01-19]
(2) 
Issuance of permit.
[Amended 9-4-2001 by Ord. No. 01-19; 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 11-04]
(a) 
A permit shall be issued by the Zoning Officer, depending on the size of the sign, upon the favorable action of the approving authority, subject to any other applicable governmental regulations, or as otherwise provided herein.
(b) 
A permit for replacement of an existing sign may be issued by the Zoning Officer without the necessity of Board approval only upon satisfaction of the following conditions:
[1] 
There is no physical alteration or expansion to the existing sign beyond the limits provided herein.
[2] 
The sign conforms in all respects to the ordinance provisions specified herein.
[3] 
No other signage is proposed to be added to the premises beyond that which is permitted herein.
[4] 
Proof of permit for existing signage is provided.
B. 
Exceptions. The provisions and regulations of this section concerning permits shall not apply to the following signs:
(1) 
Residential nameplates identifying a single-family residence and/or street address, not to exceed one square foot in area.
(2) 
A sign identifying the architect, engineer or contractor, when placed upon a work site under construction, not to exceed 16 square feet in area, provided the sign is set back at least 15 feet from the curb, and further provided that same is removed within 24 hours after the final certificate of occupancy is issued.
(3) 
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.
(4) 
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger signs and such temporary or emergency signs or signs of other governmental agencies deemed necessary to the public welfare.
(5) 
Flags of the United States, State of New Jersey or other governmental or quasi-public agencies.
(6) 
Holiday decorations and lights on residential properties. Temporary seasonal and holiday window paintings on commercial business windows as regulated herein.
[Amended 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 12-15]
(7) 
Signs erected to control traffic movement on premises, provided these signs provide traffic directions only and shall not be used for any advertising purpose. These signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and four feet in height.
(8) 
Election or political signs, provided that said signs are placed entirely on private property, set back minimally 15 feet from lot lines, and do not exceed 12 square feet in area and four feet in height.
(9) 
Garage sale signs, subject to the following provisions:
(a) 
In connection with an impending garage sale, two signs of not more than four square feet shall be permitted to be displayed on the property of the residence where the garage sale is being conducted.
(b) 
No sign or other form of advertisement shall be exhibited for more than two days prior to the day such sale is to commence.
(c) 
Signs must be removed each day at the close of the garage sale activities or by the end of daylight, whichever occurs first.
(d) 
These regulations shall apply to other similar casual sales of tangible personal property (such as attic sales and rummage sales) which are to be advertised so the public at large is aware of the sale.
(10) 
Illuminated "open" signs for permitted commercial establishments, subject to the following:
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 21-2]
(a) 
Only one such open sign shall be permitted per business;
(b) 
The open sign shall not exceed 10 inches high by 20 inches wide;
(c) 
The "open" sign shall be placed inside the store;
(d) 
The "open" sign shall not be animated or flash in accordance with § 195-158D;
(e) 
The "open" sign shall consist of no more than two colors.
The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and sign height.
A. 
Computation of area of individual signs. The area of a sign face shall be computed by drawing a square or rectangle that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with the sign frame and any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, or by delineating the area established by reason of distinctive variation in background color or by borders, whichever is greater.
B. 
Computation of area of multifaced signs. The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical signs are placed back-to-back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 42 inches apart at any one point, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.
C. 
Computation of height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.
A. 
Permitted in all districts. The following temporary signs are permitted within any district:
(1) 
Real estate "for sale" signs. One sign per lot is permitted to advertise the sale or rental of the premises upon which it is located by the owner or by a real estate agent or broker. This sign is not to exceed an area of eight square feet and shall be removed seven days after the execution of a contract or the expiration of the listing agreement. In the event the contract is voided or canceled within 60 days, the sign may be placed back on the property without an additional fee. All "for sale" signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from the curbline and shall not, under any circumstances, block the vision of the driver of an automobile.
(2) 
Real estate "open house" signs. The owner of a single-family residential home which is being offered for sale may erect, in addition to a "for sale" sign, an "open house" sign. Only one "open house" sign will be permitted on the property for sale and shall be placed no sooner than one hour before the beginning of the scheduled open house and removed no later than 5:00 p.m. of the day on which the open house was conducted. "Open house" signs shall not be permitted on the paved roadway, and where there is curbing, the sign must be placed at least three feet from the curb.
(3) 
Major subdivision signs. Signs advertising a major subdivision that has received preliminary approval shall not exceed two in number, each on a separate lot of the major subdivision. No sign is to exceed 20 square feet in area. Said signs shall be removed within 90 days after the completion of construction work within the subdivision or within 10 days after the issuance of the last certificate of occupancy, whichever is sooner.
(4) 
Building under construction. One sign per lot is permitted to identify the work of a builder and all subcontractors on new construction. Said sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall be removed within seven days after the completion of construction.
(5) 
Announcement of future events. One sign per lot is permitted to announce any educational, charitable, civic, religious or like campaign or event, and such sign may be displayed for a consecutive period not to exceed 30 days in any one calendar year. No such sign shall exceed 12 square feet in total area. Said sign may relate to the use of a premises other than that upon which the sign is located.
(6) 
Streamers, flags and pennants. Strings of streamers, flags, pennants, spinners or other similar devices are permitted on the lot occupied by a new business. Such devices are permitted to be displayed only at the time of the opening of the new business, and then only for a period of 15 days from the date of the opening.
(7) 
Temporary seasonal and holiday scene window paintings on commercial window storefronts. Such paintings are permitted for a maximum of 45 days during the time of the observed holiday or no more than seven days after such event and are limited to a maximum of four holidays per year. The holiday paintings shall be painted on to a storefront window and cover no more than 50% of any given window. Such paintings are not permitted on a door.
[Added 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 12-15]
B. 
Restrictions applicable to all temporary signs.
(1) 
Said signs may be freestanding or attached to buildings.
(2) 
Said signs shall not be illuminated.
(3) 
Permits for the erection and maintenance of signs described herein shall be obtained from the Construction Official.
(4) 
Signs shall not be permitted on telephone poles or trees.
C. 
Temporary signs in H Hospital Zone.
[Added 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 12-23]
(1) 
Temporary signs of any size promoting healthcare or wellness shall be permitted in the H Hospital Zone subject to the following limitations:
(a) 
The sign shall be displayed for a maximum of 120 days;
(b) 
Any such sign greater than four feet by eight feet shall be attached to the principal building on the property;
(c) 
Signs of 32 square feet or less may be displayed at any locations on the property other than the public right-of-way or a location which obstructs a sight triangle. Such signs shall not exceed one sign per five acres;
(d) 
Building-mounted signs shall be permitted without regard to size, provided they do not extend above the parapet, obstruct the windows of any rooms occupied by a patient or create any type of hazard.
The following permanent signs are permitted within the zones specified:
A. 
Permitted signs, all zones. The following signs are allowable in all zones where they apply to a permitted use:
(1) 
Official signs of any governmental agency. Such signs may be freestanding or attached.
(2) 
One professional nameplate, not to exceed two square feet per professional occupant. Such sign shall not be freestanding.
(3) 
One attached sign indicating the name of a building or the date of its erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material and mounted on the building surface, not to exceed eight square feet in area.
(4) 
Such signs as required by law, that is, licenses and permits, which signs shall not be freestanding.
B. 
Permitted signs, residential districts. The following signs are allowable in all residential districts where they apply to a permitted use:
(1) 
Those permitted in all zones, where applicable.
(2) 
One nameplate sign bearing only the name of the principal occupant and/or street number of a private dwelling, not to exceed 1.5 square feet in area.
(3) 
One sign identifying an incidental home occupation, as permitted by this chapter, bearing only the name of the person residing on the premises and the permitted incidental home occupation being conducted there. The sign shall not exceed 1.5 square feet in area.
(4) 
Freestanding signs identifying residential areas. Such signs shall show only the name assigned to the area and shall not exceed six square feet in area.
C. 
Permitted signs in the CBD/SPE District:
(1) 
Those permitted in Subsection A above, where applicable.
(2) 
Wall signs.
(a) 
Wall signs are permitted, subject to the following requirements, for uses occupying the first floor (or ground level) of a building:
[1] 
One attached sign is permitted for the purpose of identification and advertising the use of the premises. The sign shall not exceed 75% of the storefront in length and two feet in height. The maximum length of said sign shall not exceed 20 feet. The maximum size of the lettering of a sign shall be no larger than 12 inches. If a wall sign for an establishment is 50 feet or more from the closest street right-of-way, then said sign lettering shall be permitted to be 18 inches high. Ascending or descending lower-case lettering shall be permitted to extend an additional six inches from the letter height limitation noted above. All wall signs shall be on any one wall abutting a street.
[Amended 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 12-15]
[2] 
The wall sign may not be located more than 15 feet from the ground. No wall sign shall be less than six feet from the ground. No wall sign shall project above the parapet or roof. No wall sign shall project more than 12 inches from the wall on which said sign is mounted.
[Amended 9-17-2013 by Ord. No. 13-21]
[3] 
Where the rear or the side of the building, or portion of the building occupied, has a public entrance from the rear or side of the building, one additional wall sign on the respective building facade of said side or rear public entrance shall be permitted. The sign shall not exceed 25% of the facade in length and one foot in height. The maximum length of said sign shall not exceed 10 feet.
[Amended 9-17-2013 by Ord. No. 13-21]
[4] 
Where the side of a building or portion of an occupied building abuts a public street, there shall be permitted one additional sign on the side building facade. The area of the sign shall not exceed an area equivalent to 10% of the total area of the side facade, and in no event shall such sign exceed 50 square feet.
[5] 
Materials utilized for wall signage should reflect the traditional period style that is encouraged in the Master Plan. Source of illumination should similarly reflect the traditional period style that is encouraged in the Master Plan. Particular attention should be given to the use of stylized lighting fixtures that serve to illuminate signage.
[6] 
Internally illuminated signs shall only be permitted to illuminate the text or logo of the sign, with the remainder of the sign background to be opaque or nonilluminated with no illumination showing from the light source.
[Amended 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 21-2]
(b) 
In cases where a use occupies the second floor of any premises (exclusive of the first floor), the following sign regulations apply:
[1] 
One wall sign is permitted, provided the sign does not exceed 5% of the front facade or 24 square feet, whichever is less.
[2] 
The wall sign may not be located more than 12 feet from the ground. No wall sign shall be less than six feet from the ground. No wall sign shall project above the parapet.
(c) 
Nonflashing illuminated interior signs of LED, neon or technology creating a similar effect is permitted only internally in a building subject to the following:
[Added 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 12-15]
[1] 
Such sign shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the nearest window wherein the sign can be viewed from outside of the same window.
[2] 
Said sign shall be no larger than three square feet and contain no more than three colors.
[3] 
There shall be no more than three such signs at any one premises as viewed from outside the same window.
(d) 
Hanging signs, perpendicular to building facades subject to the following:[1]
[Added 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 12-15]
[1] 
One hanging sign shall be permitted per first-floor business or commercial use conducted in said building.
[2] 
The maximum area of said hanging sign shall be no more than six square feet. The hanging sign area permitted is in addition to the wall-mounted sign permitted herein.
[3] 
Hanging signs shall not be lower than eight feet from the adjacent grade plane to bottom of said sign.
[4] 
Hanging signs shall be no higher than 15 feet above the adjacent grade plane to top of said sign or not higher than the top of the window frame of the second-story windows of said building, whichever is less.
[5] 
Signs and supportive framework shall extend no more than three feet from the building face where said sign is mounted.
[6] 
Hanging signs shall be tethered to prevent their swinging in the wind.
[7] 
No hanging sign shall move or be animated as noted herein.
[8] 
No hanging signs shall extend above the roof of any building containing such sign.
[9] 
No hanging signs shall obstruct a fire escape or window opening.
[10] 
Hanging signs shall comply with the maximum letter height of wall signs.
[11] 
Barbershop pole hanging sign: used as a sign for a barbershop, consisting of a rotating pole with diagonal stripes of red and white or of red, white, and blue, subject to the following:
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 21-2]
[a] 
Only one such barber pole sign shall be permitted per business in leu of a hanging sign;
[b] 
Maximum height of 30 inches;
[c] 
Maximum diameter: nine inches;
[d] 
Maximum projection from wall: 12 inches;
[e] 
Minimum clearance from grade at base of pole: seven feet;
[f] 
Such barbershop pole may be internally illuminated, although shall not be illuminated after business hours.
[1]
Editor's Note: A hanging signage illustration is located at the end of this chapter.
(3) 
Window signs are permitted for uses occupying the first and second floors in a building. The following regulations apply to window signs:
(a) 
One window sign on a door serving the premises is permitted to occupy a maximum of 10% of the door, but may not exceed three square feet.
(b) 
One window sign is permitted to occupy a maximum of 20% of a window on the first or second floors, but may not exceed 10 square feet.
(c) 
All window signs shall be nonilluminated.
D. 
Permitted signs in the CBD, CO and O Districts:
(1) 
Wall signs as permitted in the CBD/SPE District, except nonflashing illuminated interior signs shall only be permitted in the CBD District as noted herein. Perpendicular hanging signs are not permitted in the CO and O Districts.
[Amended 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 12-15]
(2) 
In addition to permitted wall signs, one freestanding sign shall be permitted to identify the name of the building or the businesses on the premises. The freestanding sign shall have a maximum sign area of 24 square feet. The sign shall have a maximum height of five feet. It shall have a minimum setback of five feet from a street line or right-of-way line and 10 feet from a property line. The bottom of the sign face shall not be more than two feet above the ground.
(3) 
Internally illuminated signs shall only be permitted to illuminate the text or logo of the sign, with the remainder of the sign background to be opaque or nonilluminated.
E. 
Permitted signs in the SC District:
(1) 
Wall signs are permitted, subject to the following requirements:
(a) 
One attached sign is permitted for the purpose of identification and advertising the use of the premises. The sign shall not exceed 75% of the storefront in length and 2.5 feet in height, provided the length of the sign in no event exceeds 20 feet in length, and further provided that a store with a front linear building wall of minimally 200 feet may have a sign with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum size of 100 square feet. All wall signs shall be level to the ground.
(b) 
No wall sign shall project above the parapet or roof. No wall sign shall project more than 12 inches from the wall which said sign is mounted.
(c) 
Where the rear of the building, or portion of the building occupied, has a public entrance from the rear of the building, one additional wall sign on the rear building facade shall be permitted. The sign shall not exceed 25% of the facade in length and one foot in height. The maximum length of said sign shall not exceed 10 feet.
(2) 
One freestanding sign shall be permitted on the premises to advertise the name of a shopping center. The sign shall not advertise the name or names of any tenant or occupant and shall not exceed 75 square feet in area. The sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from a street line or right-of-way line and property line.
F. 
Permitted signs in the LB-1, LB-2, LB-3, RW and LM Districts:
[Amended 1-18-2011 by Ord. No. 11-04]
(1) 
Wall signs, as permitted in the CBD/SPE District above.
(2) 
In addition to permitted wall signs, one freestanding sign shall be permitted to identify the name of the building or the businesses on the premises. The freestanding sign shall have a maximum sign area of 30 square feet. The sign shall have a maximum height of five feet. It shall have a minimum setback of five feet from a street line or right-of-way line and 10 feet from a property line. The bottom of the sign face shall not be more than three feet above the ground.
[Amended 12-17-2002 by Ord. No. 02-19]
G. 
Permitted signs in the HSO District:
(1) 
One directory sign listing the users of the property, provided that four or more users have an allowed use of the property. Such sign may be freestanding or attached and shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
(2) 
One freestanding sign shall be permitted on the premises to advertise the business on premises. The sign shall not be greater than 24 square feet in area. The sign shall be set back at least five feet from a street line, right-of-way line, and property line.
(3) 
One front-facing wall sign is permitted, provided the dimensions of such sign do not exceed 1.5 square feet per linear foot of the front building wall.
H. 
Permitted signs in the H District:
[Added 4-22-2008 by Ord. No. 08-10]
(1) 
One freestanding sign shall be permitted at each entrance drive that intersects a county roadway. These freestanding signs individually shall not exceed 24 square feet in area per sign face, exclusive of the sign's pedestal. No sign and pedestal combination shall exceed 10 feet in height. Said signs shall be set back no less than five feet from any property line and be located outside any necessary sight distance triangle.
(2) 
One front-facing wall sign shall be permitted on a hospital building, provided the dimensions of such sign do not exceed 1.5 square feet per linear foot of the front building wall, with no sign to exceed 80 square feet.
(3) 
Medical schools in this zone are permitted two additional wall-mounted signs. Said signs individually shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
I. 
The following sign provisions shall govern all signage associated with gasoline and service stations:
(1) 
One freestanding sign bearing the brand, trade name and/or trademark, with unit prices of the station, not exceeding 40 square feet on each side, shall be permitted. The bottom of the sign shall not be less than 10 feet from the average grade elevation below the sign, nor shall any part of the sign be more than 25 feet above ground level.
(2) 
No sign shall be permitted on a canopy over the gas pumps.
(3) 
Signs attached to fuel pumps indicating the unit price per gallon of fuel are permitted. Such signs shall not exceed one square foot in area per sign per individual pump.
(4) 
No signage may be illuminated after business hours.
(5) 
Lettering or other insignia which are a structural part of the gasoline pumps, as manufactured, shall be permitted.
(6) 
Credit card signs may be placed on or near the gasoline pump islands, not to exceed a maximum one square foot per sign per island.
(7) 
Not more than two temporary signs located within the property lines advertising services and product prices shall be permitted, provided that each sign shall not exceed nine square feet in area on each side. All temporary signs must be removed from public display after business hours.
A. 
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
B. 
Any permanent sign permitted by the provisions of this article may be illuminated, subject to the following limitations:
(1) 
No sign shall be internally illuminated by neon gas-filled tubes or lighting designed to create a visual effect similar to neon, except where specifically permitted herein.
[Amended 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 12-15]
(2) 
Flashing signs, highly reflective glass or fluorescent paint and illuminated tubing outlining roofs, doors, windows or wall edges of a building are prohibited.
(3) 
No action or moving illumination shall be permitted.
(4) 
No illumination is permitted which may cause confusion or interference with traffic control signs or lights of emergency vehicles.
(5) 
No illumination is permitted which may cause interference with radio or television signals.
(6) 
Illumination sources shall be shielded to prevent the extension of glare beyond the lot lines and beyond curbing or road edges adjacent to the property.
The following prohibitions and limitations apply to all signs permitted under this article:
A. 
No sign shall be located or displayed upon any sidewalk or public right-of-way.
B. 
No sign shall be permitted on the surface of any principal roof, and no sign shall project above the parapet or roof ridge.
C. 
No sign shall have more than five colors, exclusive of its background, frame or decorative supports. For the purposes of this article, black and white shall be considered colors. Three shades of one color shall be calculated as one color in the calculations of the maximum number of sign colors. The color red is permitted on signs as an accent but cannot comprise more than 10% of the overall area of color on the sign. Signs shall be compatible with the color of the building facade and of neighboring facades and signs. Signs shall not use iridescent or fluorescent colors.
[Amended 9-17-2013 by Ord. No. 13-21; 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 21-2]
D. 
No sign shall be, in whole or part, moving, mobile or revolving.
E. 
Strings of streamers, flags, pennants, spinners or other similar devices strung across, upon, over or along any premises or building, whether as a part of any sign or not, shall not be allowed except as specifically permitted herein.
F. 
No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
G. 
No sign shall be placed or displayed in any manner which will interfere with traffic or traffic control signs and signals.
H. 
Window signs shall be painted in gold leaf, blue, cream or white.
[Amended 9-17-2013 by Ord. No. 13-21]
I. 
Except as specifically permitted by this article, no sign shall be permitted where the notice, advertisement or other medium to be presented relates to the use of premises other than that upon which the sign is located.
J. 
Permitted advertising signs shall be removed within 30 days after the cessation of the activity of business which the sign advertises, except as specifically provided herein.
K. 
No billboards or roof signs shall be permitted.
L. 
No freestanding signs shall be permitted except as specifically allowed by this article.
If the Construction Official, in his opinion, shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public, he shall give written notice to the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the premises upon which such sign may be erected. Such sign shall be removed within 10 days after such notice.
A. 
Any signs existing at the time of the passage of this chapter and which violate any provisions therein shall be deemed a nonconforming use and may be continued, maintained and repaired upon the existing premises or location; provided, however, that such sign was lawful under any prior ordinance. The owner or occupant of a building must possess a current and valid permit for any sign existing on site for said signs to remain. Any sign for which a permit exists lawfully at the time of the passage of this chapter for which a permit exists may continue. Any nonconforming sign which is associated with a change in occupancy or ownership shall necessitate an application to the approving authority. Any sign unlawful under any prior ordinance shall remain unlawful unless it complies with the provisions of this chapter and there is a sign permit issued by the Zoning Officer.
B. 
Any sign which has been damaged to the extent that the cost of repairs shall exceed 50% of the current value of said sign shall be deemed as destroyed and the owner shall not be permitted to erect or restore said sign except in accordance with this chapter.
A. 
No portion of any awning shall extend more than four feet beyond the building and shall not be less than six feet eight inches in the clear above any surface. All awnings shall be permitted to extend the length of the building within the CBD/SPE and the CBD Districts. All other districts shall be limited to the window and/or doorway area of the building.
[Amended 12-17-2002 by Ord. No. 02-19]
B. 
The lettering on awnings shall be in accordance with the sign regulations set forth in this chapter as permitted wall signs.
[Amended 12-17-2002 by Ord. No. 02-19]
C. 
No awning or canopy shall be illuminated, except for the area of permitted sign text noted herein with illumination shielded from view, or made of any material which is not opaque. All awnings shall be made of woven fabric, such as canvas, with a flat, nonglossy finish.
[Amended 9-17-2013 by Ord. No. 13-21]
D. 
For safety purposes, no awning or canopy shall be red or yellow in color.
E. 
A sign on an awning or canopy shall not exceed 12 inches in height.