[Amended in its entirety 11-23-2004 by Ord. No.
2004:34]
A.
All signs hereafter erected or maintained, except
official traffic and street signs, shall conform to the provisions
of this chapter. Any signs not specifically permitted are hereby prohibited.
B.
Permits required. It shall be unlawful for any person
to erect, structurally alter or relocate any sign without first obtaining
a permit and making payment of the required fee.
C.
Consent. No sign permit will be issued without the
written consent of the landowner or the one in control of the premises.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to
them by this section:
A sign which provides information in addition to the name
and address of the occupant therein or utilizes a trademark.
A sign which has its illumination maintained at a constant
intensity at the source of such illumination, and the animation is
created by other means than the increase or decrease of the intensity
at its source.
A roof-like cover that may be temporary or permanent in nature
and projects from the wall of a building for the purposes of shielding
a doorway or window or providing decorative or architectural detail
for nonresidential buildings. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter,
permanent awnings that cannot be retracted shall be subject to the
setback requirements of the district in which the building is located.
A sign that is painted or attached to an awning. Awning signs
shall be permanent in nature and not retractable.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether
or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire
or string, or otherwise affixed to the structure or erected in any
manner on the property.
[Added 6-21-2005 by Ord. No. 2005:14]
See definition for "sign, off-premises."
[Amended 9-12-2006 by Ord. No. 2006:19]
A sign containing directional information about public places
owned or operated by federal, state or local governments or their
agencies; publicly or privately owned natural phenomena, historic,
cultural, scientific, educational and religious sites; and areas of
natural beauty or naturally suited to outdoor recreation. Signs containing
directional information whose purpose it is to regulate and control
the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
To construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach,
create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or establish,
but not any of the foregoing activities when performed as an incident
to the change of advertising message or normal maintenance or repair
of a sign or sign structure.
A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or other support,
made of cloth, canvas, fabric or like material, designed or intended
to advertise, identify or attract attention to a business organization,
service or event.
A flashing sign is a sign, the illumination of which is not
kept constant in intensity at all times when in use.
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.
A sign designed to hang from a building canopy, awning, awning
sign or a frame or other mechanical device attached to a building
wall and oriented at a 90° angle from the plane of the building
facade. Permitted hanging signs and associated design standards for
such signs are depicted in Illustration E of this chapter.[1]
A sign, which states the name or address of the occupant
therein or identifies a place or development.
Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs
or outline illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes or similar
as a part of the sign.
Any illuminated sign whose illumination is derived from an
external artificial source.
An insignia, emblem or registered trademark used to identify
a company or business.
Includes replacement, without substantial change, of any
parts or support of any sign, and the painting, without change of
text, design or size of any sign, without removal of the sign from
the wall or structure supporting it.
Any hood or awning of permanent construction projecting from
the wall of a building above an entrance and extending over a thoroughfare,
including signs attached thereto, the supports of which are an integral
part of the original structure, and which is not retractable.
Historical tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems
which do not exceed six square feet in surface area and which are
installed under the auspices of public or quasi-public bodies and
religious organizations.
Any sign, other than a pole sign, place upon or supported
by the ground, independent of any other structure.
A sign which states the name or address of the occupant where
the sign is located.
See definition for "sign, off-premises."
[Amended 9-12-2006 by Ord. No. 2006:19]
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 a series, designed to move in the wind.
Any individual, association, partnership, firm or corporation.
A sign listing only the name and profession of each resident
practitioner.
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;
balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs
attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public
right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day
operations of the business for transport.
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that
its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of
such building or wall.
A sign constructed or supported upon the roof of any building
or structure.
A name, identification, description, display or illustration
which is affixed to or printed, painted or represented directly or
indirectly upon a building, structure, window or parcel of land and
which directs attention to a person, institution, organization, activity,
place, object or product of business, provided that the display of
public notices or the flag, emblem or insignia of a nation or political
unit shall not be considered signs under the provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 5-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2019:20]
A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise,
service or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured
or furnished at the property on which said sign is located; e.g.,
”billboards” or ”outdoor advertising.” Off-premises
signs are considered a principal use.
[Added 9-12-2006 by Ord. No. 2006:19]
A sign in connection with special events in the community.
Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting
any sign or signs.
A sign which is intended to advertise community or civic
projects, real estate for sale or lease, or other sale or special
events on a temporary basis.
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 or a wall shall be deemed to be "wall signs"
subject to this chapter.
Includes any opening in the exterior wall or roof of any
structure for the purpose of admitting air or light, whether or not
covered with glass, plastic or other covering.
Shall include all signs defined herein which are situated
within six feet of the window surface, and such signs shall be regulated
as provided herein.
[Amended 5-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2019:20]
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.
[1]
Editor's Note: Illustration E is included at the end of this chapter.
The following signs, limited to one per parcel,
shall not require permits or the payment of fees, but are subject
to the other provisions of this chapter.
A.
Professional nameplate and home occupation signs indicating
the name and profession of the occupant of a dwelling, provided that
such signs do not exceed one square foot. The signs shall not be lighted
outside of posted business hours.
B.
Temporary signs inside windows of commercial establishments not covering
more than 20% of any given window and which shall be removed within
30 days of the date of erection, which date shall be indicated thereon
in a prominent manner. Where multiple windows are present along a
building facade, no more than 20% of any individual window may be
obstructed by such temporary sign or signs. These signs shall not
unreasonably obstruct light and visibility. No additional temporary
sign may be permitted for a period of 30 days following the removal
of the prior temporary sign.
[Amended 5-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2019:20]
C.
Directional signs not exceeding 16 square feet, containing
directional information about public places owned or operated by federal,
state, county or local governments or their agencies; publicly owned
natural phenomena; historic, cultural, scientific, educational and
religious sites; and areas of natural beauty or naturally suited to
outdoor recreation.
D.
Bulletin boards not over 24 square feet in area for
public, charitable or religious institutions, when they are located
on the premises of such institutions.
E.
Signs denoting the architect, engineer or contractor,
when placed upon work under construction and not exceeding 16 square
feet in area, and which are to be removed within 10 days after the
issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
F.
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and
dates of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed
of bronze or other durable material, not to exceed six square feet
of surface area.
G.
Any signs forbidding trespassing, hunting, fishing
or trapping as authorized by the fish and game laws, not to exceed
two square feet.
H.
Temporary signs indicating a political preference
or a political event, provided that such signs do not exceed 32 square
feet in area on any one surface. The signs shall be removed within
15 days after the completion of the political function. Nothing herein
shall be deemed to permit the erection or installation of any political
signs upon any pole, tree or in a public right-of-way, and their erection
or installation is hereby specifically prohibited. This section shall
not be deemed to prohibit temporary lawn signs or street banners as
set forth elsewhere in this chapter.
I.
Name and number plates, identifying the residents,
on a house, apartment or mailbox, not to exceed 60 square inches.
J.
Garage sale signs located on the premises only, not
exceeding two square feet, and containing the date of sale, and which
sign shall be removed within 24 hours after the last day of sale.
K.
Temporary signs advertising the sale or rental of
the premises upon which it is situated, provided that such signs do
not exceed four square feet, and which shall be removed when the purpose
of the sign is fulfilled. Balloons may only be attached to signs
permitted at the premises on weekends and legal holidays, a list of
which is kept on file in the Zoning Department. Open house signs
and directional signs to the open house shall also be permitted in
the public right-of-way at the closest intersections to the property
on weekends and legal holidays only. A violation of the open house
signs and directional signs to the open house provisions, regardless
of whether posted by a realtor or homeowner, shall result in a warning
for the first offense. A second offense shall be punishable, upon
conviction, by a fine of $250 per sign. The person or company to
whom the sign belongs shall be held responsible for any and all penalties
associated with the sign.
[Amended 4-11-2006 by Ord. No. 2006:03]
M.
Signs erected to control the movement of traffic on
premises, provided these signs shall provide traffic directions only
and shall not be used for any advertising purpose. These signs shall
not exceed four square feet in area and shall have been approved by
the appropriate approving authority.
N.
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad
crossing signs, danger signs and such temporary, emergency or nonadvertising
signs, or signs of any governmental agency deemed necessary to the
public welfare.
O.
Flags of the United States, State of New Jersey or
other governmental or quasi-public agencies.
P.
Holiday decorations and lights on residential premises.
A.
Any sign existing at the time of the passage of this
chapter and which violates any provisions thereof shall be deemed
a nonconforming use and may be continued, maintained and repaired
upon the present premises or location; provided, however, that such
sign was lawful under any prior ordinance. Any nonconforming sign
to be modified in association with a change in occupancy or ownership
shall be required to modify said sign to conform to the ordinance
provisions provided for herein. Any sign nonconforming under the prior
ordinance shall remain nonconforming unless it complies with the provisions
of this chapter and there exists an issued sign-erection permit by
the Zoning Officer for said nonconforming sign.
B.
In owner-occupied or one-tenant cases, no permit shall
be issued for any additional sign if the property contains a nonconforming
sign.
D.
All nonconforming signs with the exception of billboards
shall be required to conform with the regulatory provisions of this
chapter within five years of the passage of this chapter.
E.
Any sign which has been damaged to the extent that
reconstruction of the original sign structure shall exceed 50% of
the sign shall be deemed as destroyed, and the owner thereof shall
not be permitted to erect or restore said sign except in accordance
with this chapter.
A.
No sign shall be erected, used or maintained in any
way which simulates official, directional or warning signs erected
or maintained by the State of New Jersey, by any county or municipality,
or by any public utility or similar agency concerned with the protection
of the public health or safety.
B.
No neon or similarly illuminated advertisement sign or decorative element shall be permitted, except that one illuminated sign indicating that the business is open shall be permitted. Such sign shall not exceed three square feet and shall not have flashing or blinking lights or similar forms of animation. In addition, one illuminated sign advertising and providing information on lotteries shall be permitted in businesses that sell lottery tickets, as provided for in § 430-282E.
[Amended 5-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2019:20]
C.
The following advertisements are specifically prohibited:
any advertisement which uses a series of two or more signs placed
in a line parallel to the highway or in similar fashion, all carrying
a single advertisement message, part of which is contained on each
sign.
D.
No sign shall have flashing lights or exposed high-intensity
illumination or reflective material.
E.
No sign may obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway or opening
intended to provide light of ingress or egress to or from any building
or structure, with the exception that 20% of any individual window
may be occupied by a temporary sign or signs, provided that the sign
does not unreasonably obstruct light and visibility. In addition,
one permanent window sign indicating that the business is open is
permitted per business establishment, and one permanent window sign
providing hours of operation is permitted per business establishment.
Each such permitted permanent window sign is limited to three square
feet in area. Also, one permanent window sign advertising and providing
information about lotteries operated in accordance with the New Jersey
State Lottery Law (N.J.S.A. 5:9-1 et seq.) shall be permitted for
businesses that sell lottery tickets. Such permanent window sign shall
not unreasonably obstruct light and visibility, and shall not exceed
four square feet.
[Amended 5-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2019:20]
F.
No sign may be placed in such a position to cause
a danger to traffic by obscuring visibility.
G.
Exterior signs using moving parts or banners, spinners,
flags and pennants, with the exception of clocks and weather information.
Temporary signs in connection with special events are exempt from
this requirement.
H.
No sign shall be placed, located or displayed upon
any sidewalk or area between sidewalk and curb, except as provided
in the B-5 Zone as regulated herein.
I.
No roof sign shall be permitted.
J.
No signs shall be erected or painted or composed of
fluorescent or phosphorescent or similar material.
K.
No sign shall have more than five colors, inclusive
of its background, frame, logo and decorative parts. For the purposes
of this chapter, black and white shall be considered colors. Should
the color be shown as a faded gradient of the same color, said color
shall be considered one color.
L.
No sign or other advertising structure as regulated
by this chapter shall be erected at or within a minimum distance of
25 feet of the intersection of any streets (or more if so provided
anywhere in this chapter) in such a manner as to obstruct free and
clear vision, or at any location where, by reason of the position,
shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, cause
an optical illusion or be confused with any authorized traffic sign,
signal or device, or which makes use of words, phrases, symbols, or
characters in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse
traffic.
The following shall be prohibited:
A.
Signs mounted on cars, trailers or platforms, A-type
signs, sidewalk signs, sandwich signs, curb signs, portable and mobile-type
signs erected on trailers, or similar advertising devices.
[Amended 9-12-2006 by Ord. No. 2006:19]
B.
Projecting signs which extend more than 18 inches
from the wall of a building and all roof signs.
C.
Signs visible from the street using the word "stop"
or "danger" or any other word, phrase, symbol or character with the
intent of simulating a public safety warning or traffic sign.
D.
Signs other than officially authorized signs tacked,
pasted, painted or otherwise attached to poles, posts, trees, fences,
sidewalks or curbs.
E.
No sign other than official traffic control devices
or street signs shall be erected within or encroach upon the right-of-way
of any street unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or
regulations of the Township.
F.
Rotating or moving signs.
G.
Signs within 100 feet of an historic building, site
or monument.
H.
Signs shall not be painted on or affixed to water
towers, storage tanks, smokestacks or similar structures.
J.
Signs painted on the surface of a building.
A.
Exempt signs. The signs referred to in § 430-280 will comply with the restrictions stated therein.
B.
Shielding of signs. Any sign which is illuminated
shall be shielded in such a manner as to prevent direct rays of light
from being cast beyond the property line of the site.
C.
Signs over public right-of-way. No portion of any
sign shall be located within or suspended over a public right-of-way
or pedestrian walkway.
D.
Setback from residential district. No sign shall be
located in a required buffer area. No sign shall be located closer
than 10 feet to any residential property line or closer than 20 feet
if the sign is illuminated; and, further, shrubbery or another suitable
device shall be provided as a visual barrier between the sign and
adjoining residential properties.
E.
Directional signs. Directional signs for the convenience
of the general public to identify parking areas, loading zones, entrances,
exits and similar signs shall not exceed four square feet in area
and shall be limited in number as deemed reasonable and appropriate
by the Zoning Officer to accomplish the sign's purpose.
F.
Temporary signs. Temporary signs, exclusive of temporary
window signs, shall not remain in place for a period exceeding six
months, but a temporary sign may remain in place for an additional
six-month period upon application to and approval by the Township
Zoning Officer. No temporary sign shall be placed in such a position
to cause a danger to traffic by obscuring visibility. Temporary signs
shall be removed by the person owning such sign or by the owner of
the structure or building or premises upon which such sign is affixed.
G.
Special events signs. The Zoning Officer shall issue
permits for the erection of temporary signs for and in connection
with special events in the community, as authorized by the Township
Council or proclaimed by the Mayor. Any such sign shall not be erected
more than 30 days prior to commencement of the event and shall be
removed within 10 days after the event has taken place; and provided,
further, that:
H.
Miscellaneous provisions.
(1)
No existing sign shall be enlarged, rebuilt, structurally
altered or relocated except in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter and until a permit has been issued by the Zoning Officer.
The issuance of a permit shall not relieve the owner or lessees of
the premises from the duty of maintaining safely any of the structures.
(2)
No sign of any description shall be installed, erected,
enlarged, constructed or maintained in such manner as to obstruct
any fire escape or any window or door, nor shall any sign be attached
in any manner to a fire escape.
(3)
Every sign constructed or maintained shall be plainly
marked with the name of the person, firm or corporation erecting or
maintaining such sign.
(4)
The area of a sign shall include every part of the
sign, including moldings, frames, posts, pylons or other supporting
members.
(5)
Where the face of a sign has openings, if it is an
irregular shape or is composed of individual letters, the area of
the sign, exclusive of supporting members, shall be considered as
the total surface area including openings.
(6)
Unless otherwise provided for, all signs shall relate
to the premises on which they are erected.
(7)
Only one side of a freestanding sign will be used
to measure size limitations.
I.
Canopies, awnings and marquees. Awnings are permitted in all Business Districts, as regulated by § 430-288B(5). Canopies, awnings and marquees containing signage (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 and B-5) shall be considered to be a business sign. Awnings attached to a building shall be permitted to extend a maximum of three feet into the front yard setback.
J.
Illumination.
(1)
No sign shall be an illuminated sign except as provided
herein.
(2)
No monument sign shall be illuminated externally from
the ground by more than two floodlights per surface of said sign.
Such lighting shall be at grade and properly directed.
(3)
All signage lighting shall be shielded so as not to
produce glare or offensive light off the property.
(4)
Flashing signs, highly reflective glass, or fluorescent
paint (red or green) and illuminated tubing or similar outlining roofs,
doors, windows or wall edges of a building, are prohibited.
(5)
No sign shall be artificially illuminated after 11:00
p.m. or before 7:00 a.m. unless said premises are occupied and attended.
(6)
No ground-mounted lighting shall be used for lighting
a sign that exceeds eight feet in height.
K.
Banners and pennants no larger than 32 square feet shall be temporarily
permitted in nonresidential districts for a maximum of four weeks
per calendar year and require a permit approved by the Zoning Office
prior to being erected. Banners are not permitted to be attached to
the existing freestanding sign. Temporary banners and pennants shall
be allowed during construction or similar activities that obstruct
permanent signage, where such temporary signage is necessary to prevent
long-term business disruption. These temporary banners and pennants
shall not be subject to the time limit of four weeks per calendar
year, but shall comply with all other applicable conditions of the
zoning permit and shall be removed upon completion of the construction
or removal of the signage obstruction, whichever is sooner.
[Added 5-8-2010 by Ord.
No. 2010:09; amended 5-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2019:20]
A.
Administration. The Zoning Officer shall only issue
a permit for the erection or construction of a sign which meets the
requirements of this article and, where applicable, in accordance
with site plans.
B.
Filing procedure. Application.
(1)
No sign shall be erected, altered, located or relocated
within the Township except upon application and issuance of a permit
as hereinafter provided.
(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 affixed, together with a rendering of the sign, inclusive
of its dimensions, design and color. The applicant 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.
(b)
Application for a permit for nonresidential
signs. Any sign modification 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: name and address of applicant and owner
of premises; a statement indicating owner has consented to application,
if the applicant is other than the owner; 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 the 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.
(c)
All applications under review by the Planning
or Zoning Board of the Township shall submit details of all proposed
signage for review by said approving authority. Such application shall
be in writing and, upon notice and a public hearing where the same
is required by law, submitted at least 30 days before the next meeting
preceding the succeeding public meeting date of the appropriate authority,
together with a filing fee as hereinafter set forth.
(d)
Application for a permit for a sign which does
not comply with the provisions of this article shall be submitted
to the appropriate approving authority, including any sign associated
with a change of 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 30 days before the next meeting preceding
the succeeding public meeting date of the appropriate authority, together
with a filing fee as hereinafter set forth.
C.
Issuance of permit.
(1)
A permit shall be issued by the Zoning Officer upon
the favorable action of the approving authority, subject to any other
applicable governmental regulations, or as otherwise provided herein.
(2)
A permit for the replacement of an existing sign may
be issued by the Zoning Officer without the necessity of Board approval
only upon satisfaction of all of the following conditions:
D.
Fee schedules.
[Amended 5-18-2010 by Ord. No. 2010:09]
(1)
At the time of the filing for a permanent sign permit,
the following fee shall be paid by the applicant to the Township of
Parsippany-Troy Hills: $3 per square foot of surface area of the sign,
computed by one side only for double-faced signs. The minimum fee
shall be $35.
(2)
The applicant for a temporary sign permit shall pay
a fee of $35, which may be renewed after the initial six-month period
upon payment of an additional fee of $35. Temporary signs for and
in connection with special events in the community will be issued
permits without a fee.
(3)
The
applicant for a banner/pennants permit shall pay a fee of $35. If
the maximum four weeks per calendar year are not consecutive weeks,
a separate permit and fee of $35 shall be required for each time period.
E.
Computation of sign area and sign height.
(1)
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.
(2)
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 sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces
cannot be viewed from any one 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 point, the sign area shall be computed by the
measurement of one of the faces.
(3)
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.
The following signs shall be permitted in the
RCW, R-R, R-1, R-1M, R-2, R-2M, R-3, R-3 and 3A (RCA), R-4, R-5, AHD-1&2,
APRD-2, PRD and PRD-2 Districts:
A.
Temporary signs advertising the sale, rental or development
of a lot or premises shall be permitted, provided that:
B.
Other signs are permitted in accordance with the following
regulations:
(1)
One residential nameplate sign, situated within the
property lines and not exceeding one square foot.
(2)
One sign advertising a farm or nursery activity, situated
not less than 20 feet from any street or property line and not exceeding
six square feet in area on any one side.
(3)
One sign located on the premises of and identifying
a public building, playground, community center, quasi-public building,
church or other similar uses and not exceeding 20 square feet in area
on any one surface and located not less than 10 feet from any lot
line.
A.
The following signs shall be permitted in the B-1,
B-2, O-1, O-2 and O-3 Districts:
(1)
Temporary signs advertising the sale, rental and development
of a site shall be permitted, provided that:
(a)
No more than one such sign shall be permitted
per street frontage.
(b)
No one surface of any such sign shall exceed
24 square feet in area.
(c)
No such sign shall exceed six feet in height.
(d)
No such sign shall be located less than 25 feet
from any lot line.
(e)
No such sign shall be illuminated in any manner.
(2)
Signs attached to buildings shall be permitted as
follows:
(a)
No sign shall exceed 1.5 square feet in area
for each one foot of linear width of the front building wall on which
the sign is to be located, provided that no sign may exceed 85% of
the front wall of the storefront that is occupied.
(b)
No sign shall exceed 150 square feet in total
area. All signs shall be placed on the front area of the building.
(c)
Such signs shall advertise only such business
as is conducted on the premises and be limited to one such sign per
business.
(d)
Such signs shall not project more than 18 inches
from the building facade to which they are attached; provided, however,
that where a sign extends more than three inches from the face of
the wall, the bottom edge of the sign shall not be less than 10 feet
from the ground or have a vertical dimension in excess of five feet.
(e)
No sign shall be higher than 25 feet from the
ground.
(f)
Such signs may be internally lighted with nonglaring
lights or may be illuminated by shielded floodlights and must be on
and designed to be visible from the principal access frontage.
(g)
One additional identifying sign shall be permitted
for a business which fronts on two or more streets, provided that
the total permitted sign area is not increased.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
No more than one such sign shall be permitted
per street frontage.
(b)
No one surface of any such sign shall exceed
60 square feet in area.
(c)
Freestanding signs shall be no higher than 15
feet or the height of the principal building, whichever is the lesser,
and the maximum width of any one side of the sign shall not exceed
15 feet, and the bottom of the sign shall not be closer than 10 feet
from the ground level of the sign.
(d)
A freestanding sign shall be set back at a minimum
distance of 15 feet from the front lot line or a distance equal to
its height, but in no case less than 15 feet from the front lot line.
(e)
Such signs may be internally lighted with nonglaring
lights or may be illuminated by shielded floodlights.
(4)
Shopping centers.
(a)
The temporary sign provisions of this section
shall apply to shopping centers.
(b)
Freestanding signs in shopping centers shall
be permitted as follows:
[1]
One freestanding sign per main driveway entrance
to identify the shopping center and the occupants therein, not to
exceed 100 square feet. The total area of such signs shall not exceed
200 square feet and shall not be closer to one another than 1,500
feet.
[2]
No such sign shall exceed 20 feet in height.
[3]
Such signs shall be located so that the plane
of the largest surface area of such sign is perpendicular to the road
and set back at least 1/2 the distance of the required front yard
depth of the zoning district in which the sign is located, and no
sign shall encroach upon the side yard setbacks.
[4]
The freestanding signs herein provided for shall
be in lieu of all other freestanding signs in this section.
(c)
A unified design theme shall be provided which
integrates the architectural design, materials and colors of the primary
structure, facade signs, freestanding signs, awnings, landscaping
and lighting fixtures.
(d)
The following regulations shall apply to building-mounted
signs:
[1]
Such sign shall be restricted to the front wall
area.
[2]
No sign shall exceed 1.5 square feet in area
for each one-foot linear width of the front building wall on which
the sign is to be located, provided that no sign may exceed 85% of
the front wall of the storefront that is occupied, and further provided
that no sign shall exceed 150 square feet in total area.
(5)
Monument signs. Monument signs may be permitted in lieu of the freestanding signs permitted in § 430-287A(3). Monument signs shall conform to the following standards:
(a)
One monument sign identifying the development
shall be permitted per street frontage.
(b)
The total area of the monument sign, including
sign face and support structure, shall be limited to 50 square feet.
(c)
The height of the sign shall not exceed a height
of six feet above the grade.
(d)
The monument sign shall be set back a minimum
of 15 feet from any property line.
(6)
Gasoline station signage is regulated as follows:
(a)
One freestanding identification sign which may
include the company or brand name, insignia or emblem shall be permitted,
provided that the sign not exceed 32 square feet in area on each side.
The freestanding sign shall be located a minimum of ten feet from
all property lines and shall not exceed 20 feet in height. The sign
shall have an open area of not less than 10 feet between the baseline
of the sign and the ground level. In addition, a unit pricing sign
may be affixed to the freestanding sign; such sign shall not exceed
25 square feet in area.
(b)
The gasoline pump structure may include signage,
which is limited to an emblem or insignia, brand name of gasoline,
lead warning sign, price indicator, and other sign required by law,
provided that this signage shall be limited to two square feet per
pump.
(c)
One wall identification sign shall be permitted,
except where a building has street frontage on more than one street;
in which case, one additional sign (facing the second street) shall
be permitted. The wall sign shall not project more than six inches
from the building, nor be attached to the wall at a height of less
than eight feet above grade. The wall sign shall be limited to 20
square feet in size.
(d)
In the event there is a canopy that is located
over the pump island, one sign limited to the brand name, insignia,
or emblem of the station shall be permitted per canopy side, provided
that each sign does not exceed an area of 10% of the canopy face and
provided that, if the canopy face fronts on a residential zone or
use, no signage on that face shall be permitted.
(7)
Awnings and awning signs. Awning signs are permitted in the B-1 and B-2 Districts as regulated by § 430-288B(5).
B.
Direction/identification signs in the O-1, O-2 and
O-3 Districts shall be permitted as follows:
(1)
One direction sign shall be permitted in lieu of all
other signs. Said sign shall include name and identification of the
building and its occupants and may not exceed 32 square feet if affixed
to the building and 25 square feet if freestanding. Said freestanding
sign shall not be less than five feet and no more than 10 feet from
the ground and, minimally, 10 feet from the property line.
The following signs shall be permitted in the
B-3, B-4, B-5 and O-S Districts.
A.
Temporary signs advertising the sale, rental or development
of a lot shall be permitted, provided that:
(1)
No more than one such sign shall be permitted per
street frontage.
(2)
No one surface of such sign shall exceed 16 square
feet in area.
(3)
No such sign shall exceed eight feet in height.
(4)
No such sign shall be located less than 10 feet from
any lot line.
(5)
No such sign shall be illuminated in any manner.
B.
Signs attached to buildings shall be permitted as
follows:
(1)
One sign only shall be permitted to be attached to
the main building identifying or advertising a business conducted
on the premises and shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Such sign shall be restricted to the front wall
area.
(b)
No sign shall exceed 1.5 square feet in area
for each one-foot linear width of the front building wall on which
the sign is to be located, provided that no sign may exceed 75% of
the front wall of the storefront that is occupied and further provided
that no sign shall exceed 100 square feet in total area.
(c)
With the exception of awning signs as set forth in § 430-288B(5), such sign shall not project more than 18 inches from the building facade to which it is attached, and where a sign does extend more than three inches from the face of the wall, the bottom edge of the sign shall not be less than 10 feet from the ground.
(d)
Such sign shall not have a vertical dimension
in excess of three feet.
(2)
No sign shall be higher than 25 feet from the ground.
(3)
Such sign may be internally lighted with nonglaring
lights or may be illuminated by shielded floodlights.
(4)
One additional identifying sign shall be permitted
for a business which fronts on two or more streets. The second permitted
sign may be no more than 75% of the size of the first permitted sign.
(5)
Awnings and awning signs.
(a)
Awning signs, as permitted herein, shall be
subject to the area and dimension requirements listed in Illustration
D.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Illustration D is included at the end of this chapter.
(b)
Awnings shall be limited to one solid color.
(c)
In cases of multi-tenanted buildings, all awnings
shall be the same color, size and style.
(d)
Awning signs may project into the front and
side yard setbacks but only to the extent provided in Illustration
D.
(e)
The area permitted for awning signs shall be in addition to the total area permitted for wall signs as specified in § 430-288B(1)(b).
(f)
Awning signs shall be mounted on the wall facing
the primary street frontage.
(g)
An awning sign shall not extend closer than
six inches from the edge of a building, except that when a building
is located at the corner of two or more streets, the awning may wrap
around the corner of the building as part of a single continuous awning.
(h)
An awning shall not extend closer than four
feet to the inside edge of the curb along the street.
(i)
Awning signs shall be located no higher than
the first floor level of a building.
(j)
Sign text shall be permitted only on the front
valance of an awning sign and company logos may be permitted on the
roof of the awning as specified below:
[1]
No more than two awnings may be used for valance
signs or logo signs on any building wall.
[2]
Where valance signs are used, logo signs may
only be located on the awning roof that has the valance sign.
[3]
Valance signs shall display only the name of
the business occupying that space as it is recorded on the certificate
of occupancy.
[4]
Text for valance signs shall not exceed six
inches high, and may not exceed a length of two-thirds the total length
of the awning.
[5]
Logos shall not exceed six square feet in area
as measured as a rectangle around the limits of the logo.
[6]
All awning signage shall be limited to two colors,
exclusive of the background of the awning.
[7]
Awning signs shall not be illuminated.
[8]
All awning signs must be located on fixed, nonretractable
awnings.
[9]
Awnings attached to a building shall be permitted
to extend a maximum of three feet into the front yard setback.
(6)
Hanging signs.
(a)
Hanging signs are permitted in the B-5 District
subject to the area and dimension requirements listed in Illustration
E.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Illustration E is included at the end of this chapter.
(b)
Hanging signs may project into the front and
side yard setbacks, but only to the extent provided in Illustration
E.
(c)
The maximum area for a hanging sign shall be
four square feet.
(d)
When attached to an awning or awning sign, the area permitted for hanging signs shall be in addition to the total area permitted for wall and awning signs as specified in § 430-288B(1)(b) and B(5)(a).
(e)
Only hanging signs that are attached to an awning
or awning sign as shown in Illustration E may be located below an
awning or awning sign. Hanging signs attached to the building facade
may not be located below an awning or awning sign. Hanging signs are
permitted above awnings or awning signs as shown in Illustration E.
(f)
One hanging sign shall be permitted for each
first floor business or commercial use.
(g)
Hanging signs may not be internally illuminated.
(h)
A hanging sign may not extend beyond the front
edge of any awning or awning sign.
(i)
The lettering on hanging signs shall be no more
than six inches in height.
(j)
Hanging signs shall be designed and constructed
as either painted signs on metal or wood, incised or carved lettering
on wood background, or individual letters arranged on painted wood
or metal backgrounds. Flashing, oscillating and moving signs; boxed
or fluorescent signs; and formed plastic signs are not permitted.
C.
Freestanding signs shall be permitted as follows:
(1)
No more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted
on any one street frontage.
(2)
No one surface of any such sign shall exceed 25 square
feet in area.
(3)
Such signs shall be no higher than 15 feet or the
height of the principal building, whichever is the lesser. The maximum
width of any one side of the sign shall not exceed six feet, and the
bottom of the sign shall not be closer than eight feet to the ground
level of the sign.
(4)
No freestanding sign shall be located closer than
15 feet to any property line, with the exception of B-5 Zones, which
may be 10 feet.
(5)
Such signs may be internally lighted with nonglaring
lights or may be illuminated by shielded floodlights.
(6)
Such signs shall identify or advertise only such businesses
as are conducted on the premises.
(7)
There shall be a minimum frontage of 50 feet to permit
a freestanding sign.
E.
Gasoline station signage. Gasoline station signage shall be permitted pursuant to the regulations set forth in § 430-287A(6).
The following signs shall be permitted in the
O-T, ROL, POD, COD, SED and LIW Districts:
A.
All temporary and building identification signs as permitted in § 430-287 shall be permitted, except that only one such sign shall be permitted.
B.
Freestanding signs shall be permitted as follows:
(1)
No freestanding or monument style sign shall exceed
10 feet in height, the maximum width of any one side of the sign shall
not exceed 15 feet, and such signs shall not exceed 64 square feet
in area.
(2)
Such signs shall be set back 20 feet from the property
line.
(3)
One such sign shall be permitted; except that one
directional sign shall be permitted per site entrance road, set back
10 feet minimum from the property line, and shall not exceed four
square feet, and shall be positioned at or near the subject development's
site entrance road.
A.
All signs shall be kept in good repair: lettering
legible, properly painted, properly illuminated and all features operable
and consistent with the permit issued. No sign shall be allowed to
become a danger to public health, safety or general welfare.
B.
The area surrounding ground signs shall be kept neat,
clean and landscaped. The owner of the property upon which the sign
is located shall be responsible for maintaining the condition of the
area.
C.
Maintenance of signs. Any sign that is or shall become
dangerous or unsafe or is maintained in violation of this article
shall be repaired or made safe in conformity with this article or
shall be removed by the owner, lessor, agent or occupant of the building,
property or land upon which a dangerous or unsafe sign is located.
D.
Nonconforming signs shall be required to be maintained
in accordance with this article.
E.
All signs attached to a building shall be thoroughly
and rigidly secured in a manner approved by the Building Inspector
and shall be repaired and maintained as necessary to keep them secure,
safe and free from danger.
F.
All electrical wiring of signs shall conform to the
requirements of the municipality.
G.
No sign shall obstruct access to fire escapes or required
windows, doors, exits or standpipes.
A.
It shall be the responsibility of the Zoning Officer
to issue notices, summonses and complaints for violations of the provisions
of this chapter and to maintain a log of such notices, summonses and
complaints.
B.
Any person may report an alleged violation of this
sign article to the Zoning Officer. This report shall be logged and
inspection of finding made within 30 days. Summonses, notices and
complaints will be issued if appropriate, and the action taken by
the Zoning Officer shall be duly recorded in the log.
C.
The log shall be maintained as a public record and
reported periodically to the Township Council.
A.
Removal of certain signs. Any sign now or hereafter
existing which no longer identifies or advertises the business conducted
or product sold, or fulfills the purposes provided for herein, shall
be removed, modified or obliterated so that the message contained
thereon is no longer visible. These actions shall not relieve the
owner from the responsibilities of maintenance and repair as required
by this article.
B.
Notice requirements and abandonment.
(1)
The Zoning Officer shall issue a written notice to
identify and require necessary action to be taken within 15 days from
the date of service of the notice, or within such lesser time as shall
be deemed reasonable, in any case where danger to public health, safety
and general welfare is imminent.
(2)
Failure to comply with notice. Any notice of the Zoning
Officer provided for herein which is not complied with within 30 days
after such notice shall cause a conclusion that the sign or advertising
structure has been abandoned, in which event it may not be replaced
or reused, but must be removed by the owner upon issuance of a notice
to remove from the Zoning Officer.
(3)
Any notice served upon the permittee, owner, lessor,
agent or occupant shall be deemed notice upon all.
Appeals in writing may be taken from the action
of the Zoning Officer within 65 days after the date of such action.
