A.
Purpose. The purpose of this article is:
(1)
To regulate the placement of signs in all zones of the Township
of Riverside where signs are permitted so as to create an attractive
business environment that promotes permitted commercial enterprises
with a minimum adverse impact on the zone plan and the community;
(2)
To create uniform sign rules in all zone areas where signs are
permitted so as to reduce obstructions and hazards to pedestrian and
auto traffic which might otherwise be caused by indiscriminate placement
and use of signs;
(3)
To create sign definitions to guide the placement of signs in
permitted areas in the Township.
B.
ABANDONED SIGN
AWNING or CANOPY
BANNER or PENNANT SIGN
BEACON LIGHT
LIGHT REFLECTANCE VALUE (LRV)
ROOFLINE
SIGN
SIGN AREA
SIGN MANAGER
SIGN WINDOW
SIGN, ANIMATED OR MOVING
SIGN, AWNING
SIGN, BENCH
SIGN, BILLBOARD (aka "off-premises sign")
SIGN, BUS SHELTER
SIGN, CANOPY
SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY
SIGN, COMMUNITY INFORMATION
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION
SIGN, CONTRACTOR
SIGN, DEVELOPER
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL
SIGN, DIRECTORY
SIGN, EASEL OR SIGN BOARD
SIGN, FACADE
SIGN, FREESTANDING
SIGN, HOLIDAY DECORATION
SIGN, HOME OCCUPATION or SIGN, HOME PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
SIGN, ILLUMINATED
SIGN, INDENTIFICATION
SIGN, INFLATABLE
SIGN, MARQUEE
SIGN, MEMORIAL OR NAMEPLATE
SIGN, MOBILE
SIGN, NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTIFICATION
SIGN, NONCONFORMING
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES
SIGN, PLACARD
SIGN, POLITICAL
SIGN, PORTABLE
SIGN, PROJECTING
SIGN, PUBLIC UTILITY
SIGN, REAL ESTATE
SIGN, ROOF
SIGN, SPECIAL EVENT
SIGN, SUSPENDED
SIGN, TEMPORARY
SIGN, TIME AND TEMPERATURE
SIGN, TRAILER
SIGN, VEHICLE
SIGN, WALL
SIGN, WARNING
SIGNABLE FACADE AREA
TRAILER
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
A sign no longer used for its original intent or a sign on
a vacant, unoccupied, or abandoned property.
A roof-like covering (which may be temporary or portable)
that projects from the wall of a building for the purpose of shielding
building openings from the elements. Under no circumstances can an
awning or canopy be opaque so that light can shine through it. Awnings
and canopies may extend a maximum of six feet from the exterior wall
with the building.
Any sign intended to be hung either with or without frames,
possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentation applied
to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind. National flags, flags of
political subdivisions, and symbolic flags not conveying a commercial
message of any institution shall not be considered pennant signs or
banners for the purpose of this chapter.
Any light with one or more beams, capable of being directed
in any direction or directions or capable of being revolved automatically.
The LRV of a color indicates the amount of visible light
that a color will reflect. In theory, true black has a LRV of 0% and
absorbs all light. While true white has a high reflectance value of
100% and reflects all light. All color samples have an LRV (for example,
paint chips contain the LRV on the back of the chip).
The juncture of the roof and the perimeter wall of the structure.
Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof,
situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify,
display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution,
organization, business, product, service, event or location by any
means, including words, letters, figure, design, symbols, fixtures,
colors, illumination or projected images.
The area of a sign which is computed by multiplying the greatest
width of the sign face by the greatest height of the sign face. The
sign area shall include the sign face and any framing, trim or molding,
but shall not include the supporting structure.
The area or display surface used for the message.
A sign that is applied to or attached to the exterior or
interior of a window or located in such a manner within a building
that it can be seen from the exterior of the structure through a window.
Any sign or part of a sign, which changes physical position
by any movement, or rotation or which gives the visual impression
of such movement or rotation.
A sign that is mounted to or painted on, or attached to an
awning that is otherwise permitted by this chapter.
A sign painted on, located on or attached to any part of
the surface of a bench, seat, or chair placed on or adjacent to a
public place or roadway.
A freestanding sign which contains a commercial message and
which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment
conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on
which the sign is located.
A sign located in or on a bus shelter, which contains a commercial
message and directs attention to a business, commodity, service or
entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than
the premises on which the sign is located.
A sign that is mounted to, painted on, or attached to a canopy
that is otherwise permitted by this chapter.
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations
can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface
of the sign.
A sign which contains messages of civic groups, places of
worship, and local special events which direct attention to a place
of worship, social or community facility, event, club, or organization.
A temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction
is taking place, during the period of such construction, indicating
the names of architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors,
or similar artisans, and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors,
and similar individuals, or firms having a role or interest with respect
to the structure or project.
Any temporary, on-site sign advertising the name or business
of a mechanic, contractor, or artisan performing work on the premises
where the sign is placed.
Any temporary on-site or off-premises sign identifying or
directing traffic to a particular site or development under construction
for an approved period of time longer than 30 days.
Signs limited to directional messages, principally for pedestrian
or vehicular traffic, such as "one-way," "entrance," and "exit." Window
signs such as those that indicate hours of operation, credit card
acceptance, and business affiliations are considered informational
signs. No sign with a commercial message legible shall be considered
directional or informational.
Signs listing the tenants or occupants of a building or group
of buildings. The respective professions or business activities may
also be included as part of the sign.
A temporary sign, which is a portable, fixed copy sign mounted
on a freestanding A-frame pedestal, sandwich board, or easel frame,
which is placed outside a commercial establishment and does not protrude
into the public right-of-way. Any easel or sign board must be removed
and taken in doors at the close of business each day. Under no circumstances
is an easel or sign board permitted to remain outside a commercial
structure when it is closed for business.
See "sign, wall."
Any immovable sign not affixed to a building.
Temporary signs, in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental
to and customarily and commonly associated with any national, local,
or religious holiday or observance.
A sign containing only the name and occupation or profession of a permitted home occupation or permitted home professional office as defined in § 255-42D(6).
A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either
by lights on or in the sign or directed towards the sign.
A sign giving the nature, logo, trademark or other identifying
symbol; address; or any combination of the name, symbol and address
of a building, business, development, or establishment on the premises
where it is located.
Any display or object capable of being expanded by air or
other gas and used on a permanent or temporary basis to advertise
a product or event.
A permanent canopy or structure mounted over the entrance
of a building, bearing a signboard that is mounted, or painted on,
or attached and which is otherwise permitted by this chapter.
Memorial signs or tablets, names of building and date of
erection when cut into any masonry surface, integral to the construction
of a building, or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible
material mounted on the face of a building, bench, bike rack, planter,
pavilion, gazebo, or other structure.
Any sign designed to be transported, including signs transported
or mounted on a trailer or wheels that do not contain any interior
volume for storage or transportation.
Signs which identify any type of housing development, by
name. No advertising for real estate agents, developers, contractors,
builders, architects or others is permitted on neighborhood identification
signs.
Any sign that does not conform to the regulations of this
chapter.
See "sign, billboard."
A sign made of vinyl, cardboard, paper, plastic, or other
similar materials that is either hand-drawn or preprinted and typically
supplied by a manufacturer, purveyor, distributor, or similar entity.
A temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates
or issues in connection with any national, state or local election.
A sign that is not permanent, whether affixed to, freestanding
on or at a building, structure or the ground.
A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building
for support and which projects more than 12 inches from such building.
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A sign pertaining to identification, warning, or other public
utility use or location.
A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or
a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located.
A sign mounted on or above the roof of a building. A sign
that projects above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat
roof, above the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable, or
hip roof, or above the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.
See "sign, temporary."
A sign hanging down from a marquee, awning, canopy, porch,
or roof overhang that would exist without the sign.
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A sign ordinarily constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, plastic,
plywood, or other lightweight material intended to be displayed for
a short period of time, normally less than 30 days, exclusive of construction
signs, contractor signs, and developer signs. Temporary signs also
include any sign, notwithstanding its material construction, designated
as "temporary" in this chapter.
A sign or a portion of a sign whose sole purpose is to indicate
the time and/or temperature.
Any sign designed to be transported and affixed either temporarily
or permanently on any registered trailer typically used in the course
of business for deliveries and transport of services, goods, persons,
or materials.
A sign affixed or painted on a vehicle or trailer and parked
at a specific location for a period of four or more days so that its
primary purpose is as a commercial message.
A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or
structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure
for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and which does not
project more than six inches from such building or structure.
Any announcement or admonition sign such as, but not limited
to "beware of dog," "private property," "no trespassing," "no hunting,"
or advising the public of the use of herbicides, pesticides or any
other hazardous material.
The rectangular, continuous area on the wall of a building,
which extends from the top line of windows and doors on the first
floor, and the bottom line of the second floor windows, roof, or cornice
above, in an area that is uninterrupted by windows, architectural
details, or openings.
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A structure standing on wheels, towed or hauled by another
vehicle, and used for short-term human occupancy or as a temporary
office or for the transport of materials, goods, or objects.
C.
Applicability.
(1)
All signs within the Township of Riverside shall be subject
to the provisions of this section.
(2)
No sign shall be placed on, or attached to a building, or erected
independently, for any purpose other than to advertise a permitted
business or use conducted on the same premises unless specifically
permitted or exempted herein.
(3)
Jurisdictional permits may be required from the following agencies
including, but not limited to, the County of Burlington, the New Jersey
Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection, and/or the New Jersey Pinelands Commission.
D.
Approvals required.
(1)
Each application for development shall include a sign plan depicting
a visual rendering of the designed message, trademark, symbol, or
insignia, which contains the location, size, dimensions, colors, materials,
height above ground, construction, and type of illumination of the
proposed sign(s) in accordance with these regulations.
(2)
Any sign hereafter erected in Riverside Township which is exposed
to public view shall conform to the provisions of this chapter and
any other ordinance or regulation of Riverside Township, the County
of Burlington, the State of New Jersey or the federal government relating
to the erection and maintenance of signs. In the event of conflicting
regulations, the most restrictive regulation shall prevail.
(3)
No existing sign shall be enlarged, rebuilt, replaced, structurally
altered, or relocated except in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter.
(4)
All signs, whether properly permitted or not, shall be safely
and decorously maintained at all times. Failure of the owner or lessee
of any premises to safely and decorously maintain any such sign and/or
sign structures shall constitute a violation of this chapter. Such
violation may result in the Township removing the sign at the building
owner or lessee's expense.
(5)
All development applications shall include all proposed signs
to be approved by the Riverside Township Planning Board.
(6)
In applications where only sign modification is sought and no
other site modifications are proposed, any sign exceeding the maximum
area, height, or otherwise not in conformance with the requirements
of this section shall require application and approval for minor site
plan by the Riverside Township Planning Board.
(7)
No sign, other than exempt signs, shall be erected without first
obtaining an approved zoning application from the Zoning Officer.
Applications shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn to scale or dimension,
showing details of the sign, type of illumination, type of materials,
colors, its size, and location on the building and/or lot. Permits
for window signs and changeable copy signs shall be valid as long
as there is no change in the sign area, location, and type of such
signs that have been authorized by the application.
(8)
A building permit from the Construction Official may be required.
(9)
Historic District (reserved).
E.
General provisions.
(1)
No sign other than street, traffic or similar official signs
shall be erected within or project over the right-of-way of any public
street, sidewalk, or public promenade, except as hereafter provided.
(2)
Street signs shall be in conformance with the New Jersey Department
of Transportation Standards and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices for Streets and Highways, latest edition. The location of
street signs shall be determined by the Township Engineer and shall
be free from visual obstruction.
(3)
No signs shall be erected, altered or replaced which are not
in accordance with the standards established in this section.
(4)
No sign except traffic signs and those of a duly constituted
governmental body or agency shall be erected within the street right-of-way.
(5)
No sign shall be placed on any property without the consent
of the property owner.
(6)
No sign shall be attached to utility poles, public structures,
trees, stumps, fenceposts, other signs or sign posts, but shall be
freestanding or attached to buildings in accordance with this section,
except as otherwise provided herein.
(7)
No sign shall be erected so as to project over any property
line.
(8)
No signs shall be clustered and no commercial shopping center
or office complex identification signs shall contain individual signs
for individual tenants except as part of an approved site plan or
waiver of site plan approval by the appropriate municipal agency.
(9)
In order to protect the public health and safety, signs shall
be placed so that there is no visual clutter, conflict or interference
with traffic signs or sight triangles.
F.
Exemptions. The following signs shall be permitted in any zone without
prior approvals.
(1)
One real estate sign per street frontage advertising the sale,
lease, or rent of the premises upon which the sign is located, which
sign shall not exceed six square feet. These signs shall be set back
five linear feet from all property lines. The sign must be mounted
so that the top of the sign is no more than 36 inches above the ground.
"For sale" and "sold" signs shall be removed within 30 days of the
completion of business being advertised. Temporary directional real
estate signs may be temporarily erected to advertise an open house,
provided such signs are erected for a period not to exceed 48 consecutive
hours in three consecutive days and provided they are immediately
removed following the event they advertise.
(2)
One temporary construction sign of architects, engineers, real
estate agencies, and/or corporations on the lot(s) to which it relates.
The content of such sign shall consist of an architectural or engineering
plan or rendering, contact names and phone numbers and other details
of the project for marketing purposes. Said signs shall not exceed
three feet high by four feet wide or 12 square feet. In addition,
said signs must be removed within seven days of the issuance of the
final construction department certificate of occupancy of the project
to which the sign relates. It must be mounted so that the top of the
sign is no more than 48 inches above the ground, supported by four-inch-by-four-inch
posts. The sign shall not be located in any sight triangle and shall
be set back five linear feet from all property lines.
(3)
One temporary contractor sign per contractor shall be permitted
only during the period when the mechanic, contractor, or artisan is
actively performing work on the lands or premises where the sign is
placed. The sign shall not exceed three square feet in area, and shall
not be more than three feet above the ground measuring from the ground
to the top of the sign. The sign shall not be located in any sight
triangle and shall be located five linear feet from all property lines.
(4)
Decorations for a recognized federal or state officially designated
holiday or observance, whether religious or secular, provided that
they do not create a traffic or fire hazard, and provided that said
signs are erected not more than 30 days prior and removed within 30
days after the holiday.
(5)
Official municipal, county, state or federal governmental signs.
(6)
Political and personal opinion signs shall be permitted throughout
the municipality. Political signs and personal opinion signs shall
be permitted prior to any municipal, county, state or national election
or referendum and shall be removed within seven days after the event
they advertise. Political signs and personal opinion signs shall not
exceed nine square feet and shall not be attached to trees or utility
poles. Personal opinion signs not related to an election or referendum,
shall not exceed nine square feet and may not be placed for more than
14 consecutive days. All signs identified in this subsection shall
be set back five linear feet from any property line.
(7)
To enhance public safety, premises identification signage shall provide approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers should contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be in accordance with the International Property Maintenance Code as designated by the governing body in Chapter 209 of the Code of the Township of Riverside.[1] Signs denoting the name and address of the occupants of
the premise shall not exceed two square feet in area.
(8)
Cornerstone, memorials, tablets or nameplate signs shall not
exceed two square feet and shall be masonry, bronze, or other durable
material. These signs are associated with historic and civic significance
and shall be limited to identification and date of construction of
buildings, persons present at dedication or involved in development
and construction, or significant historical events relating to the
premises or development.
(9)
(10)
Flags of the United States of America, any of the individual
States of the United States, the county, or the municipality, any
foreign nation, and/or any other flag adopted and sanctioned by an
elected legislative body or competent jurisdiction, provided that
such flag shall not exceed 25 square feet and shall not be flown from
a pole that exceeds 35 feet in height. Flags shall be higher than
seven feet from the sidewalk elevation or adjacent grade, whichever
is less. These flags may be illuminated. Other flags shall be considered
freestanding signs and shall be governed by such regulations that
may apply in the zoning district in which such flag is located. Flying
of flags shall comply with applicable state and federal law.
(11)
The following firmly affixed or attached signs will be permitted
in any public, quasi-public, commercial, or industrial districts without
prior approvals:
(a)
Change in the copy of a changeable sign, so long as the copy
is not offensive and is consistent with generally accepted community
standards, or a changeable time and temperature sign, once a permit
for the sign has been issued.
(b)
A restaurant menu when displayed in a glass case affixed to
the exterior building wall for that purpose, or when displayed on
a easel or sandwich board sign located in close proximity to the restaurant
entrance located on private property. The area of the easel or sandwich
board sign or display case shall not exceed the menu size by more
than 30%. Under no circumstances can these signs impede pedestrian
flow.
(c)
Directional and informational window signs including hours of
operation, credit card acceptance, and business affiliations are considered
informational signs, and are not included in the 25% maximum permitted
window sign area. These signs shall be legible from adjacent drive
aisles and walkways and shall not exceed a total of six inches in
height as measured by a rectangle around the sign and shall not exceed
a total of four signs.
(d)
Flags for holiday decoration, and for other decoration and to
indicate a business is open shall be permitted, provided that such
flag shall not exceed 25 square feet and shall not be flown from a
pole that exceeds 35 feet in height. Flags shall be higher than seven
feet from the sidewalk elevation or adjacent grade, whichever is less,
measured from the ground to the bottom of any such flag. These flags
may be illuminated with a downward light fixture with not more than
100 watts of incandescent light or other light sources of comparable
wattage. Under no circumstances can these signs impede pedestrian
flow or be displayed when the enterprise is not open.
(e)
Bus shelter signs.
(f)
Public utility signs.
(g)
One internally illuminated sign using the text "open" or "closed"
shall be permitted if LED lights or other similar low energy lights
are utilized.
G.
General sign design guidelines.
(1)
The design of any sign shall complement the design of its host
building or site or the overall character of the zone district. Signs
should be designed and painted by professional sign makers or experienced
graphic artists. Each sign shall be designed in accordance with the
following standards. All signs shall have a consistent sign design
throughout a particular project. The sign design shall include style
of lettering, construction, material, type of pole or standard (wood
or metal), masonry, size and lighting. If freestanding, or mounted
to a wall, the design shall also include a description and detail
of the manner in which it will be affixed to the ground or wall, showing
type of hardware (if wall-mounted) or details of anchorage (if ground-mounted).
Color of letters and background should be carefully considered in
relation to the color of the material of the buildings or where the
signs are proposed to be located. Signs shall be a subordinate, rather
than a predominate feature of a sign plan.
(2)
Appearance. Signs shall be compatible with their surroundings.
Signs for businesses in a common building, shopping, office, or industrial
center shall be compatible with each other. Signs shall relate to
and complement their surroundings. Signs attached to the same building
shall be the same shape, color and height, regardless of individual
business ownership or tenancy in the building.
(3)
Materials. High-quality materials will ensure that a sign will
look attractive, reduce maintenance costs, and last. Sign materials
and finished textures shall complement the building materials where
the sign is to be placed. Permanent signs shall be made of either
wood, high-density foam simulating wood, medium-density overlay and
finished plywood, brass, copper, or bronze. Generally, signs made
of inferior grade unfinished wood and plastic are inappropriate and
are discouraged. Matte cotton and mixed fabrics shall be used for
awning signs. Plastic and lexan materials shall be used for internally
illuminated signs, but not for exterior awnings or canopies.
(4)
Placement. Signs shall be designed and placed so that they integrate
with the building without obscuring important architectural features
or storefront windows. On buildings where it exists, signs shall be
placed in the signable facade area. Signs shall be mounted so as to
minimize damage to historic building facades. Sign supports shall
be finished with architectural details to complement the sign, such
as ornamental iron or brass supports and/or routed wood posts and
edges to provide detail and relief. Window and door signs shall avoid
cluttering and blocking views. Freestanding signs shall be placed
so as to appear most visible to pedestrian and vehicular traffic,
without obstructing movement or sight triangles.
(5)
Letter heights and font style. Lettering and character typefaces
should match the scale of the building and size of the sign. Consideration
shall also be given to any adjacent roadway speed limits and whether
pedestrians are in the area. Commercial messages applying to the business
entity in words or symbols shall be legible from sidewalks and streets.
Taglines and mottoes shall not be required to be legible from sidewalks
and streets. In no case shall any letter height exceed 10 inches or
26 centimeters.
(6)
Color. Colors influence a sign's legibility, character, and
general appearance. A sign's colors shall be compatible with the style
and color scheme of the building and its neighbors. Color schemes
shall be kept simple, limited to two or three colors, not garish and
based on a host building's painted exterior detailing, such as window
trim and cornices. Earth tones, primary colors, and pastels are appropriate
and can be designed with subtle combinations and variations. Fluorescent,
luminescent, and iridescent colors and tones shall only be used for
traffic safety signs. No sign's color scheme shall clash with neighboring
business signs. Signs with a strong color contrast are more legible.
A sign with a dark background will make lighter lettering more visible
with less glare. Because storefront windows usually appear dark, window
signs should be done in light colored paint or gold leaf.
(7)
Lighting. Decorative light fixtures, such as gooseneck, hooded,
historic reproduction, and alcove fixtures, are encouraged that are
complimentary to the design of building, sign, and/or site. Signs
should be evenly lit with no isolated bright or dark spots. No substantial
light or glare may be directed or reflected onto adjacent streets
or properties. Internally illuminated signs shall use LED lights to
the extent feasible and lettering should be channel set.
(8)
Energy conservation. The energy efficiency of lighting and electrical
power shall be considered for all sign designs and constructions.
H.
Specific design standards.
(1)
All height limitations shall be measured from the average surrounding
grade to the top or bottom of the sign, as is specified, or its supporting
structure.
(2)
Where any sign, flag, or banner is located over a walkway, sidewalk,
pedestrian way, or other public area, the bottom of the sign, flag,
or banner shall be at least seven feet above grade level of the pedestrian
area.
(3)
Signs shall be located outside of sight triangles. If signs
must be placed in the sight triangle, they shall not obstruct the
area between 30 inches and 120 inches above the center line grade
of the street or driveway and shall not be erected in any public rights-of-way.
(4)
Externally illuminated signs shall be arranged to reflect the
light and glare away from adjoining lots and streets to prevent glare
or blinding effects upon motor vehicle traffic and so as not to cause
a nuisance to neighbors of the area. All exterior lighted signs shall
be shielded or have translucent fixtures to prevent glare. The external
light source shall be focused down when the initial output exceeds
200 lumens, and not upwards towards the sky.
(5)
An application for an externally illuminated sign must include
a lighting fixture catalogue cut or manufacturer's product description
sheet with isolux or lumens specifications and mounting information.
It shall indicate the lighting intensity (lumens) that would be generated
by any lighting devices shining onto the sign and the rest of the
property and neighboring properties and the lumens that would be projecting
from any illuminated signs as part of the sign plan. (This information
is part of the manufacturer's data sheet.) Externally illuminated
signs consisting of three or fewer 100-watt incandescent light bulbs,
or other light sources of comparable wattage including, but not limited
to, compact fluorescent lights of comparable wattage, or LED lights
of comparable wattage shall be exempt from submitting a lumens plan.
In no instance shall the lighting intensity of any sign, whether resulting
from internal illumination or external illumination, exceed 20 footcandles
when measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face
of the sign from a distance measured one foot from the face of the
sign.
(6)
Signs shall provide 70% contrast between letters and logos and
background or field and have dark background or field with lighter
lettering to reduce glare and nuisance and to provide enhanced readability.
To compute the required color contrast, obtain the light reflectance
value (LRV) from the paint sample. Lighter colors have higher LRV
and the LRV of light colors for sign text shall not be less than 45.
The darker background color shall be lower than 45. Subtract the lower
LRV from the higher LRV. Divide the answer by the higher number. Change
the number to a percentage and in order for it to meet the identified
criteria the number cannot be below 70%.
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For example:
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Light Color LRV = 50
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Dark Color LRV = 15
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50-15=35
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35/50=0.70 (70%)
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(7)
The sign area of two-sided signs shall be computed using one
side of the sign.
(8)
The area of wall signs shall be computed as follows:
(a)
For signs that are composed of letters and/or numbers and/or
symbols but which have no visible or identifiable box type structure,
the area of the initial letter, number or symbol shall be first calculated
by drawing a box around the initial letter, number, or symbol and
multiplying the height by the length of the box. A box shall then
be drawn around the remainder of the sign and the height of this box
shall be multiplied by the length. The results of the areas of the
two boxes shall be added together to arrive at the area of the sign.
(b)
For signs with an identified box structure, the sign area shall
be computed by multiplying the height by the length of the sign box.
(9)
Wall signs shall be located on the lintel of commercial buildings,
which extends horizontally across the top of the storefront. No sign
shall obscure important architectural details of the building. (See
signable facade area.)
(10)
Wall, marquee, projecting, awning, canopy, suspended, and other
applied or affixed signs shall be located between the top line of
windows or doors on the first floor, and the bottom line of the second
floor windows, roof, or cornice above, in an area that is uninterrupted
by windows, architectural details, or openings.
(11)
Wall signs shall not project beyond the roof or sides of the
building. Wall signs may not project more than six inches beyond the
front surface of the building.
(12)
Attached wall signs shall be affixed parallel to the wall to
which they are attached, and the face of the sign shall project no
more than nine inches from the surface of the wall, except that perpendicular
signs may be permitted in a particular zone.
(13)
Prohibited signs.
(a)
All signs not expressly permitted or exempt from regulation
are prohibited.
(b)
No sign of any type shall be permitted to obstruct sight triangles
for driving vision, pedestrian or vehicular traffic, traffic signals,
traffic directional and identification signs, walkways, entrances,
exits, fire escapes, doorways, other places of business, 48 inches
wide sidewalks, or other signs or windows of the building on which
they are located, or in any way affect the safety of the public. The
Township of Riverside is authorized to remove any such sign at the
expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is
located or person or entity responsible for erecting the sign.
(c)
Billboard or off-premise signs. The purpose of this section
is to promote the unique scenic beauty of Riverside. Specifically
N.J.A.C. 16:41C entitled "Roadside Sign Control and Outdoor Advertising,"
prohibits billboards and off-premises signs adjacent to scenic areas
and in residential areas. Inasmuch as there are no highways located
in or adjacent to the Township and, since residential districts are
located in proximity to commercial districts and industrial districts,
no billboard and/or off-premises signs shall be permitted in the Township
of Riverside. This prohibition extends to any billboard type sign
intended to be mounted on the roof of any building. Developer's signs
as permitted in this section are exempt from this provision.
(d)
Commercial vehicles or trailers displaying signage shall not
be permitted as signage on any lot or street. Commercial vehicles
or trailers displaying signage shall not be parked on a public street
in front of the applicable business, or parked on-site in a front
yard setback, except for the limited purpose and time period for loading
and unloading. Where parking is located only in the front of a building
or lot, the signage vehicles and/or trailers shall be parked in the
spaces or areas furthest from the street. Nothing herein prohibits
a property owner from parking a work vehicle on his/her own property.
(e)
Additional prohibited signs include but are not limited to:
[1]
Changeable copy signs, except as otherwise permitted
in this chapter;
[2]
Neon or gas tubing attached to facades and roof
lines to accentuate architectural elements;
[3]
Beacons or search lights;
[4]
Tethered balloons and/or inflatable and/or inflating
nylon objects and signs and similar products;
[5]
Signs using red, yellow, and green lights which
mimic the operation of any traffic control signal;
[6]
Signs using words such as "stop," "look," "danger,"
which may constitute a traffic hazard or interfere with the free flow
of traffic;
[7]
Roof signs or signs mounted on the roof;
[8]
Signs painted directly onto buildings;
[9]
Pennants, except as may be permitted elsewhere
in this chapter;
[10]
Strings of light (not including holiday lighting
and decorations);
[11]
Inflatable signs;
[12]
Animated, illusionary, or moving signs;
[13]
Mobile signs;
[14]
Mechanical or electrical signs employing devices
to revolve, flash or display movement or the illusion of movement,
except for time and temperature signs as provided elsewhere in this
chapter;
[15]
Internally illuminated plastic, lexan or vinyl
awning and canopy signs;
[16]
Internally illuminated box, wall, projecting and
suspended signs;
[17]
Signs which present lewd language or graphic sexual
depictions;
[18]
Bench signs; and
[19]
Hand-drawn and/or pre-printed cardboard, plastic
placards and/or temporary signs affixed to windows, doors, bollards,
poles, sign supports or other permanent or temporary fixtures, except
as otherwise specified in this chapter. Flyers in support of local
events are permitted, but must be removed at the conclusion of the
event.
[20]
Banners, except those permitted by action or resolution
of the governing body.
I.
Developer signs.
(1)
Applicability. All zoning districts.
(2)
One on-site temporary developer sign for projects that have
received final site plan or subdivision approval from the Riverside
Township Planning Board shall be permitted. The sign shall identify
the project and shall be shown on the final site plan or subdivision
map. The sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet and the sign height
shall not exceed four feet above the adjacent ground level, measured
from the finished grade to the bottom of the sign. The sign shall
be located outside of sight triangles and shall be located behind
the street line by a minimum of five linear feet. Once construction
is completed, and prior to the release of sureties, or when the project
is dormant for three months or longer, the on-site temporary sign
shall be removed. Failure to timely remove the sign shall be a violation
of this chapter and may be removed by the Township of Riverside at
the developer or lot owner's expense.
(3)
Off-premises developer signs directing traffic to a development
site, sales office, model homes or similar development shall require
a change of use application or site plan exemption by the appropriate
Riverside Township jurisdictional board. Prior to submission of the
application, the applicant shall obtain outside agency approvals or
a letter of no interest from a jurisdictional agency other than the
Township of Riverside who may have any such interest, including by
not limited to, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the County
of Burlington, and/or the Department of Environmental Protection.
Developer signs located along a right-of-way with three or more travel
lanes shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and the sign height
shall not exceed four feet in height measured from the ground to the
bottom of the sign. Developer signs located along a street with two
lanes or less shall not exceed four square feet in area and the sign
height shall not exceed four feet in height measured from the ground
to the bottom of the sign. The sign shall be located outside of sight
triangles and shall be located behind the street line by a minimum
of five linear feet.
J.
Directional signs. Directional signs shall be permitted on sites
where necessary to safely and effectively convey persons to their
intended destination. Directional signs shall be required as part
of a site plan application, waiver or approval by the jurisdictional
reviewing body. The number of directional signs shall be limited to
the number necessary to achieve this goal. Directional signs shall
be consistent with each other and the site's other signage, and shall
be limited to six square feet in area and four feet in height. The
signs shall not be used for advertising purposes.
K.
Public and quasi-public uses.
(1)
Community event signs sponsored by a civic organization, club,
municipality or house of worship shall be permitted.
(2)
Community event signs shall be no larger than two feet by three
feet and no higher than four feet, measured from the ground to the
bottom of the sign.
(3)
Community event signs shall be set back at least five feet from
any street or property line, and such signs may only be erected within
14 days to the event it advertises and must thereafter be removed
within three days of the conclusion of the event.
(4)
Community event signs shall be constructed of durable weatherproof
materials and have suitably designed copy and graphics. The municipality
reserves the right to reject signs which are incongruous to the neighborhood
where it is proposed to be placed or which might pose a health and
safety hazard, or which may otherwise be prohibited by this chapter.
(5)
Community event signs are exempt from permit filing as long
as the event has been approved by the Township Committee.
(6)
A house of worship may have a total of two signs displayed on
the property, which shall not exceed a total of 32 square feet. One
sign may be an identification sign and one sign may be a changeable
copy sign. If only one sign is erected, such sign shall not exceed
a total of 16 square feet. Any wall sign must otherwise conform to
the design standards set forth in this chapter. Any freestanding sign
shall also conform to the design standards set forth in this chapter
and must not be placed any higher than four feet, measured from the
finished grade to the bottom of the sign. Any freestanding sign must
also be placed at least five linear feet behind any property line.
(7)
Public utility signs shall be permitted, which include warnings,
locations, and other required direction information in order to protect
public safety.
L.
All residential districts and uses located in riverside.
(1)
A permitted home professional office or approved home occupation
may have one sign not to exceed four square feet in area or be higher
than four feet above surrounding grade level measured from the ground
to the bottom of the sign. The sign shall not extend beyond a vertical
plane five linear feet from all property lines displayed on the property.
Where a permitted building housing a home occupation is located within
six feet of the front lot line or the street line one projecting sign
may be used in lieu of a small freestanding sign outlined above. The
projecting sign shall not exceed four square feet in area. The projecting
sign shall be permitted to be located between an imaginary line drawn
perpendicular to the top of any first or ground floor windows and/or
doors and the top of the floor of the second floor.
(2)
No other displays or changes in facade that alter the residential
character of the building shall be permitted in any residential district.
(3)
Neighborhood identification signs shall not exceed 24 square
feet in area and shall not project more than 18 inches above ground
level and shall not exceed six feet in height.
(4)
The minimum permitted letter height applying to the trading
entity and its logo and not including taglines and mottoes shall be
a minimum of four inches and a maximum of eight inches.
(5)
No window signs shall be permitted in residential businesses.
M.
Commercial districts and uses except automotive service stations.
(1)
All building signs. A total of two non-exempt signs totaling
no more than 50 square feet shall be permitted to be mounted to buildings
and may include the following:
(2)
Wall signs and marquee signs, as defined. Wall and marquee sign
area shall not exceed one square foot in area for each linear foot
of frontage of the establishment to which it relates.
(3)
Projecting or suspended signs, as defined.
(a)
Projecting or suspended signs with a display area not greater
than four square feet shall be permitted under a canopy for each storefront
or business service having an individual public entrance from the
exterior of the building.
(b)
Projecting or suspended signs may be provided over the sidewalk
if the bottom of the sign is a minimum of seven feet above the surrounding
grade, measured from the finished grade to the bottom of the sign.
(c)
Projecting signs may not project more than 30 inches from the
exterior wall of the building.
(d)
Suspended signs may not extend farther away from the exterior
wall of the building than the structure from which it is supported.
In no case shall the suspended sign be greater than one foot from
the exterior wall of the building.
(e)
The minimum permitted letter height applying to the trading
entity and its logo, not including taglines and mottoes, shall be
two inches to a maximum of six inches.
(f)
Projecting signs shall contain only the name and type of the
business but may also include the location address.
(4)
Window signs. One etched or painted permanent window sign shall
be permitted in one storefront window of any retail or commercial
business, providing it does not exceed 25% of the window area.
(5)
Awning or canopy sign. One awning or canopy sign shall be permitted
on the awning or canopy provided that the maximum letter height does
not exceed 18 inches. Opaque matte cotton and opaque mixed fabric
awnings may be illuminated, consisting of three or fewer 100-watt
incandescent light bulbs, or other light sources of comparable wattage,
including but not limited to compact fluorescent lights of comparable
wattage, or LED lights of comparable wattage. Such lighting shall
be exempt from submitting a lumens plan. Awnings and canopies are
permitted to encroach upon the sidewalk up to eight feet, except the
bottom of the awning or canopy shall be located seven feet above surrounding
adjacent finished grade level.
(6)
Changeable copy signs.
(a)
Changeable copy signs are permitted and shall not exceed one
square foot in area for each five linear foot of frontage of the establishment
to which it relates.
(b)
The minimum permitted letter height applying to the trading
entity and its logo, not including taglines and mottoes, shall be
a minimum of four inches and a maximum of 10 inches.
(c)
Copy signs shall conform to all other requirements of this chapter.
(d)
Directory signs. Directory signs shall be permitted in relation
to each building provided the directory is no more than six square
feet in area and four feet in height as measured from the finished
grade to the bottom of the sign. The principal commercial message
letter height should be visible from drive aisles and sidewalks and
shall be a minimum of two and a maximum of six inches in height. Commercial
taglines shall not have a minimum letter height requirement.
(7)
Neon or gas tubing signs are permitted and subject to the following
conditions:
(a)
No neon or gas tubing sign may revolve, flash, or display movement
or the illusion of movement.
(b)
Neon or gas tubing signs may be installed in windows but shall
not exceed 10% of the total window area. The area of neon signs is
calculated by creating a rectilinear area around the sign and calculating
the sign area within the rectilinear space.
(c)
Neon and gas tubing signs are prohibited in any lot of the commercial
district directly across the street from residential districts as
shown on the Official Zoning Map,
(d)
All neon or gas tubing signs are required to have an initial
outlet of less than 200 lumens.
(8)
Temporary signs.
(a)
A portable swinger, A-frame, or sandwich sign that can be no
larger than five square feet when utilized to advertise daily specials,
special events, restaurant menu specials and the like, providing the
sign is only displayed when the establishment is open for business.
These signs cannot be lighted. Changeable copy lettering is permitted
for daily specials only. These signs should advertise the name of
the business entity and daily specials. These signs shall not advertise
the name of products, manufacturers, or purveyors. Under no circumstances
shall these signs impede pedestrian flow or be displayed when the
enterprise is not open.
(b)
Temporary window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total storefront
window area, and shall be promptly removed upon termination of the
sale or event, and shall not be displayed for longer than 30 days.
(c)
Temporary banner signs on buildings shall be permitted 14 days
prior to an approved event and shall be removed no later than three
days after the event. These signs shall not exceed 20 square feet.
These signs must be firmly affixed to the facade or the building and
must be at least seven feet above the adjacent sidewalk elevation
as measured from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign and no higher
that the second habitable floor of the building.
N.
Industrial districts and uses. Each industrial use shall be permitted
one square foot of wall and freestanding sign area for each two linear
feet of frontage of the establishment to which it relates.
O.
Maintenance.
(1)
The general requirements of the International Property Maintenance
Code 2006 or later as adopted by the Riverside Township governing
body shall apply.
(2)
All signs shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and in
good structural condition at all times. As used in this section, sign
maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, the replacement
of defective parts or landscaping, painting, repainting and cleaning.
The owner of any property on which a sign is located, and any person
responsible for the maintenance of the sign, shall be equally responsible
for the condition of the area in the vicinity of the sign and shall
be required to keep this area clean, sanitary, and free from noxious
or offensive substances, rubbish, and flammable waste materials. If
the sign at anytime fails to comply with adequate safety standards,
the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer shall require its repair
or removal within 30 days.
(3)
The property owner shall be responsible for maintaining all
signs erected on a tax lot. This maintenance shall include, but is
not limited to, repainting, repairing and cleaning, as necessary.
No sign shall be permitted to exhibit:
(a)
Excessive chipped or peeling paint or lettering;
(b)
Damaged or broken lettering or signboard;
(c)
Illegible material due to fading, obliteration, or other condition;
(d)
Dirty, torn, broken, or otherwise damaged awning, canopy, projecting
sign, or other sign support structure;
(e)
Damaged or inoperative lighting.
(4)
If the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer determines
that any sign is in a state of disrepair so as to no longer be reasonably
capable of presenting its message, is a danger to the public health
or public safety, or is determined to be abandoned, the Zoning Officer
or Code Enforcement Officer shall give written notice of the condition
of the sign to the owner of the sign and to the owner of record of
the offending tax lot. The property owner shall thereafter have 30
days to repair or remove said sign. If said sign is not satisfactorily
repaired or removed within the thirty-day period, the Zoning Officer
or Code Enforcement Officer may thereafter take such actions as are
permitted pursuant to this chapter.
P.
Abandonment. A sign is considered abandoned when one of the following
occurs:
(1)
The business to which the sign relates has been permanently
closed;
(2)
The business to which the sign relates has been temporary closed
for more than 180 days;
(3)
The sign owner and/or the tax lot owner have failed to respond
to a notice from the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer that
the sign is in disrepair within 10 consecutive business days; or
(4)
Abandoned signs and their supporting structures shall be removed
within 30 days. The Township may thereafter take such actions as are
permitted, pursuant to this chapter.
Q.
Permits, fees.
(1)
All signs, excluding those specifically exempted within this
section, shall require an approved application from the Zoning Officer
and any and all applicable permits from the Construction Code Official.
The applicant shall furnish the Zoning Officer with the necessary
information from which to determine whether the subject sign meets
the requirements of this section.
(2)
Individual signs placed within a multiple sign structure subsequent
to its installation shall require a separate permit.
(3)
Where the erection of a sign has not been completed within six
months after the date of issuance of an approved application, the
application shall become null and void. The Zoning Officer shall have
the discretion to grant a reasonable continuation of time after this
six-month period where unavoidable conditions prevented the initiation
of, or completion of, work within the prescribed time period. Failure
to complete the installation within six months, without an approved
extension, shall require reapplication by the sign applicant.
(4)
Fees shall be established pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 202 of the Code of the Township of Riverside.
(5)
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Township
Committee in its absolute and sole discretion, or by contract or agreement,
may provide advertising for any business, organization or use, when
such advertising is deemed to be in furtherance of the public good,
health, safety and/or general welfare.
R.
Enforcement.
(1)
If the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer shall find
that any sign regulated herein is unsafe, insecure, in need of repair,
equipped with flashing or blinking lights, or otherwise in violation
of this chapter, the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer shall
give written notice to the sign owner and the tax lot owner, if different
from the sign owner, or to the respective attorney(s). If the owner
fails to remove, alter or repair the sign within 30 days after such
notice, the Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer may initiate
further action as provided in this section in order to abate or remedy
the violation.
(2)
Upon failing to comply with the violation notice from the Zoning
Officer or Code Enforcement Officer within the time specified, the
Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to cause
the removal of the sign, and any expense incidental thereto shall
be paid by the permittee or owner of the property upon which the sign
is located.
