Township of East Brunswick, NJ Signs

Decorative neon illumination may be placed on a finished facade only in the HC-2, HC-3 and MXD zones and may not exceed the allowable square footage for facade signs in the particular zone. Decorative neon illumination may not project above the roofline of the structure it is attached to. Decorative illumination may not be placed on any facade which faces any residence or residential zone unless they are separated by a street or other public right-of-way. Decorative neon may not be sequential or flashing.

Permit required. In addition to any requirements of the Uniform Construction Code for the installation of, wiring of any decorative illumination a zoning sign permit shall be required. A zoning sign permit shall be issued by the Director of Planning and Engineering or his/her designee prior to the issuance of a construction permit.

Whenever it is determined that the lighting on any sign now or hereafter erected constitutes a safety hazard to motor vehicle traffic in the vicinity, written notice shall be served upon the property owner and owner of the sign, directing them to correct the condition within fifteen (15) days from the date of the mailing of the notice. Failure to correct the condition or file an appeal within the time specified shall constitute a violation of this section by both the sign owner and property owner.

[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73]

Where illuminated signs are permitted, signs facing a residence or residential zone shall not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. the following morning, unless the business or uses advertised are open to the public later than 10:00 P.M., in which event any such establishment may keep a sign illuminated until the business is closed to the public but not thereafter. Except where otherwise permitted, signs installed at a height greater than fifty (50') feet shall not be illuminated.

[Amended 3-10-97 by Ord. No. 97-8; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

§ 228-247 Permits.

[Amended 5-31-90 by Ord. No. 90-24; 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

In addition to any requirements under the Uniform Construction Code for construction permits, all signs and advertising displays, other than those expressly provided for in Section 228-252, shall require a zoning sign permit, to be issued by the Director of Planning and Engineering or his/her designee.

Editor's Note: See Ch. 75, Construction Codes, Uniform.

All applications for a sign permit shall be made to the Director of Planning and Engineering on forms provided by the Department. All applications shall be signed by the owner of the sign and the property owner on whose premises the sign is to be erected. All applications shall contain a sketch of the proposed sign, drawn to scale, the wording or message, and, where the sign will not be attached to a building, a plot plat showing the location of the proposed sign with tie-ins to the nearest building and lot lines. All applications shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee.

The application fee for a zoning sign permit is $25 and is in addition to any required construction permit fee.

When an applicant proposes to replace the face of a sign with no changes to the size, shape or location of the sign, the applicant shall submit an application to the Department of Planning and Engineering to amend the permit. If only the wording is to be changed, there shall be no additional fee for the amendment. The intent of this section is to keep the sign permit file consistent with the sign which is to be displayed.

All requirements, permits, inspections and fees of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, if any, are in addition to this zoning requirement and must be determined by the Division of Construction Inspection.

§ 228-248 through § 228-249. (Reserved)

§ 228-250 Maintenance.

[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

All signs and displays shall be maintained in good order and repair. In the event that the Director of Planning and Engineering or his/her designee determines that any sign now or hereafter erected has fallen into a state of disrepair, has become dilapidated or constitutes a safety hazard, the sign owner and property owner shall be given written notice to correct the condition within 20 days from the date of the mailing of the notice. Failure to correct the condition or file an appeal within the time provided shall constitute a violation of this section and will result in the issuance of a Municipal Court summons.

§ 228-251 Appeals.

Any party aggrieved by any order, requirement, decision or refusal made by any administrative official or agency shall have the right of appeal to the East Brunswick Township Board of Adjustment as provided for in N.J.S.A. 40:55-39.[1] Where an appeal has been filed, failure to comply with the decision of the Board of Adjustment or any higher court of competent jurisdiction shall constitute a violation of this section.

[1]

Editor's Note: N.J.S.A. 40:55-39 was repealed by P.L. 1975, c. 291, and replaced by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70.

§ 228-252 Signs permitted without permit.

[Amended 1-12-76 by Ord. No 75-8-YY; 10-18-76 by Ord. No. 76-8-III; 8-28-89 by Ord. No. 89-53; 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 11-25-96 by Ord. No. 96-39; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; 12-9-2019 by Ord. No. 19-39]

Nonilluminated or internally illuminated directional signs identifying parking areas, loading zones, entrances, exits and similar locations. The number of directional signs shall not exceed the number of curb cuts on a lot. The signs may include a business name or professional name but shall not include any advertising message. In shopping centers and multitenanted facilities, individual tenants shall not have their business or professional names on the directional signs. Only the name of such center or development is permitted on the sign. Signs shall not exceed three square feet in area nor five feet in height.

Temporary and permanent traffic signs and signals installed by the Township, county and state for the purpose of directing and regulating the flow of traffic.

Signs indicating public transportation stops when installed by the Township or a public transportation utility.

Historic tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems which do not exceed six square feet in area and which are installed by government agencies or civil or religious organizations.

Warning and no-trespassing signs, not exceeding three square feet in area.

Flags or emblems of religious, educational, civic or governmental organizations flown from supports on the buildings or grounds occupied by the organization and the American flag whenever and wherever flown in accordance with the laws and rules promulgated by the federal government.

Name and number plates identifying residents and affixed to a house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding 50 square inches in area.

Lawn signs identifying residents, not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet in area for each side. The signs shall not contain any advertising message and shall be nonilluminated except by a light which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support.

Signs posted by governmental agencies or pursuant to governmental statute, order or regulation.

Signs which are an integral part of vending devices, including gasoline pumps, as well as signage utilized for the sale of merchandise or services being sold or rendered on the premises, provided the signs are securely fastened to a structural face or the vending device and provided that they do not exceed three square feet in area. The contents of the sign may only reflect the contents of the vending device or the item being sold on the premises. The sign must be permanent and may not be interchangeable with other signage.

Nonilluminated real estate signs announcing the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is located. The sign shall only contain the announcement of sale, lease or rental, the name of the broker and phone number. No other advertising material shall be permitted on the sign. Signs shall be removed 10 days following sale, rental or lease. The sign may be double-faced, and, except as noted below, only one sign shall be permitted on each lot or parcel. The maximum size of the sign shall be in accordance with the following schedule:

RP, RP-2, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, VGI, VGII, VGIII, VGIIIA, TG, MMHC, MXD/R, HR, HRP, HR/C and HCR Zones: three square feet.

O-I, C-1, HC, OP-1 and OP-2 Zones: 10 square feet.

C-2, C-3, HC-1, HC-2, HC-3, H-1, P-I, I/M, O/I, MXD Zones: one sign on each bordering street, to be no larger than 45 square feet.

Window signs and interior floor displays which obstruct the window area shall be restricted in order to assure adequate visibility from outside the building, subject to the following:

Restrictions shall only apply from three feet to seven feet above the first-floor elevation.

Within any five-foot measurement of horizontal window space, a business must maintain two consecutive feet of open and unobstructed window area.

Restrictions shall not apply to open lettering printed on windows as long as the lettering does not obstruct vision into the store.

Temporary signs and posts for advertising public functions or fundraising events for charitable or religious organizations shall be permitted for a period of 60 days prior to and during the event and shall be removed within five days after the event. The sign shall be nonilluminated, not larger than 24 square feet in area, not exceeding eight feet in height and may be erected flat against the building or freestanding.

Temporary political signs and posts for a period of 30 days prior to an election, which must be removed five days after the election. Political signs in residential zones shall not exceed six square feet, the dimension shall not exceed 2 x 3 feet, and they shall not exceed the height limitation for residential zones. Political signs in all other zones shall not exceed the maximum size and height limitation for the zone in which they are placed.

The street address in block numbers may be placed on the top of the outside edge of the sign frame in a C-2, C-3, HC-1, HC-2, and HC-3 Zone. The number shall be a uniform twelve-inch height on all freestanding signs and shall not be considered as part of the area of the sign.

Relocation information signs for a period of 30 days. Relocation signs shall be restricted to the present location of the relocating business and the future location of the relocating business. The signs, one each at the present and the future business sites, shall not be in excess of standards set forth for the zone in which the business is located in.

Construction signs. One sign announcing the name of architects, engineers and/or contractors and the building enterprise shall be permitted at a site under construction, alteration or repair, provided the sign shall not exceed the standards set forth for the zone in which the construction site is situated and that the sign shall be removed before a certificate of occupancy is issued. The sign shall not exceed 45 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

Menu boards not visible from the right-of-way as part of a drive-through facility.

One price sign per vehicle, not to exceed one square foot in area.

"Help wanted" signs. One sign announcing an available position, the establishment (employer) and contact phone number, not to exceed six square feet in area. The sign may be of a temporary nature but must be securely and safely fastened to the building facade or an existing freestanding sign on the premises of the establishment. The sign must be removed within five days of filling the announced position.

Farm stands for the sale of farm produce grown on the premises may have two freestanding signs, each not larger than 12 square feet in area and not exceeding eight feet in height. In addition, one sign no larger than 20 square feet in area may be erected flat against the face of the farm stand or farm building where the produce or products are sold.

Signs painted on or attached to motor vehicles or trailers or other portable devices. Signs painted on or attached to motor vehicles or trailers or other portable devices are exempt, provided that such signs pertain to the function of the vehicle or to the business of its owner. The parking or storing of these motor vehicles, trailers or portable devices is prohibited, except:

Sites containing only residential uses and permitted by the zoning designation may have one commercial motor vehicle (20 feet by seven feet by eight feet) or less if the occupant of the residence owns the motor vehicle.

In all other sites, the parking or storing of these motor vehicles, trailers or portable devices may be located:

In the side yard or rear yard as established by the zoning designation where the subject property is located.

In the front yard as established by the zoning designation where the subject property is located, if parking spaces are approved for such uses by the East Brunswick Township Planning Board or Zoning Board or if there are no side or rear yard parking stalls.

The storage of motor vehicles or trailers or other portable devices shall be located on the property for which the business is conducted.

§ 228-253 Prohibited signs.

[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 2-14-00 by Ord. No. 00-2; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; 5-15-06 by Ord. No. 06-21]

The following signs are prohibited in all zones in the Township of East Brunswick:

Signs using red, yellow and green lights placed within 100 feet of any traffic control signal now or hereafter erected.

Moving or revolving signs and signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting.

Any sign which, in the judgment of the Director of Public Safety, unreasonably tends to distract drivers or otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.

Roof signs on buildings, structures, and vehicles.

Signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene nature.

Signs using words such as "stop", "look", "danger", etc., which are placed in a manner or position which, in the judgment of the Director of Public Safety, constitutes a traffic hazard or otherwise interferes with the free flow of traffic.

Signs which attempt to imitate or otherwise cause confusion with existing signs erected by any governmental board, body or agency.

Except where specifically permitted, signs advertising a product or service not sold on the premises, signs advertising or directing attention to another premises and any other signs unrelated to the premises on which the sign is erected, except for billboards as a conditional use in the P-I and C-2 zones.

[Amended 2-14-00 by Ord. No. 00-2]

Signs causing interference with radio or television reception.

Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes or stairways or keeping light or air from windows used for living quarters.

Flags, banners, string of banners, pinwheels, A type signs, sandwich type signs, sidewalk signs, curb signs and similar advertising devices, except as provided for in § 228-256C.

Any sign or banner spanning a public street.

[Amended 10-29-74 by Ord. No. 74-8-OO]

Signs placed on trees, fences, utility poles, light poles, signs attached to other signs and signs placed upon motor vehicles which are continuously or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous location to serve as a sign.

[Amended 12-23-68 by Ord. No. 68-8-U; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

Any series of two or more signs placed along a street or highway carrying an advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.

Signs on vacant property advertising a proposed use without prior issuance of Township Planning or Zoning Board approval for the proposed use.

[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

Signs with manual or electronic changeable type or symbols except for movie marquees and signs indicating the time and temperature only.

[Added 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

Except where specifically permitted any sign which is inflatable, airborne, floating or of a balloon type including but not limited to search lights, balloons, dirigibles and blimps.

[Added 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; amended 5-15-06 by Ord. No. 06-21]

Except where specifically permitted, portable or permanent search lights.

[Added 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18; amended 5-15-06 by Ord. No. 06-21]

§ 228-254 Signs permitted in residential districts.

[Amended 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 11-25-96 by Ord. No. 96-39; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

The following signs are permitted in the RP, RP-2, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, VGI, VGII, VGIII, VGIIIA, HR, HR/C, HRP and HCR Residential Districts:

Religious institutions, nursing homes, private schools, service organizations and public buildings and facilities may have one freestanding informal sign or bulletin board, not more than thirty five (35) square feet in area, not to exceed six (6') in height, on each major street bordering the property, together with incidental signs, not to exceed four, necessary to provide directions or describe the use, provided that each such sign does not exceed three square feet in area.

[Amended 6-14-76 by Ord. No. 76-8-EEE; 12-27-93 by Ord. No. 93-73; 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

For business uses, one sign flat against the building or on a single freestanding post, such as a lawn sign, is permitted. The sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area, and a freestanding sign shall not exceed five (5) feet in height. Where more than one use is conducted on the premises, the area of the sign for multiple users may be a maximum of 10 square feet. The information on the sign shall be limited to the name of the occupant, his business or profession and house number.

[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

Signs are permitted in connection with each housing or land development, as follows

[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

At the main entrance to the development, two illuminated freestanding signs which shall state the name of the development and no other advertising material. Each sign shall not exceed twenty five (25) square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height. The sign shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or property line. The sign may not obstruct any sight easement or sight distance.

[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]

At each entrance other than the main entrance, one nonilluminated freestanding sign not exceeding fifteen (15) square feet in area and not more than eight (8) feet in height. The sign shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or property line. The sign may not obstruct any sight easement or sight distance.

[Amended 7-22-02 by Ord. No. 02-18]