[Amended by Ord. No. 96-4]
In addition to the definitions set forth in § 215-9, the following definitions shall apply to these regulations:
A single structure having two parallel and directly opposite
faces, oriented in opposite directions and spaced no more than 10
feet apart.
The average height of that part of the curb directly in front
of the area in question.
An imaginary vertical plane which begins at the curb and
extends directly upwards.
Official signs and notices, public utility signs, service
club and religious notices, limited to those containing directional
information about public places owned or operated by federal, state
and local governments or their agencies, publicly or privately owned
natural phenomena, historic, cultural, scientific, education and religious
sites, and areas of natural scenic beauty or naturally suited for
outdoor recreation. Directional signs shall not exceed 10 square feet
in area.
To construct, build, assemble, place, affix, attach, create,
paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or establish. It
shall not include any of the foregoing activities when performed as
an incident to the change of advertising message or customary maintenance
and repair of a sign structure. Customary maintenance and repair shall
not include major physical changes, such as increasing in size or
height, or addition of or change in lighting.
Any person who conducts a business separate and distinct
from that conducted by any other such entity on the same lot or in
the same building.
All signs not attached to any building and held erect by
supports whose major purpose is to support such sign.
That which faces a public street or highway.
A public right-of-way improved primarily for vehicles. Unimproved
rights-of-way, private roads and drives are not to be regarded as
highways, roads or streets.
Any structure or part thereof or device attached thereto
or painted or represented thereon, which displays any letter, symbol,
trademark, word or similar device used to identify the product made
or the activity being pursued by any individual, business, service,
commercial or industrial enterprise which is displayed upon the lot
or premises occupied by such an enterprise for the purpose of apprising
the public of the location of such enterprise or the type of activity
in which it is engaged.
Signs and notices erected and maintained by public officers
or public agencies within their territorial or zoning jurisdiction
and pursuant to and in accordance with direction or authorization
contained in federal, state or local law for the purposes of carrying
out an official duty or responsibility. Historical markers authorized
by state law and erected by state or local government agencies or
nonprofit historical societies may be considered official signs.
Signs located on school bus stop shelters, which signs:
Identify the donor, sponsor or contributor of
such shelter.
Contain safety slogans or messages, which shall
occupy not less than 60% of the area of the sign.
Contain no other message.
Are located on school bus shelters which are
authorized or approved by Township, county or state law, regulation
or ordinance, and at places approved by the Township, county, state
or other agency controlling the highway involved.
May not exceed a total of 32 square feet in
area. Not more than one sign on each shelter shall face in any one
direction.
Warning or informational signs, notices or markers which
are customarily erected and maintained by publicly or privately owned
public utilities, as essential to their operations.
Signs and notices, whose erection is authorized by law, relating
to meetings of nonprofit service clubs or charitable associations,
or religious services, which signs do not exceed eight square feet
in area.
A structure, building wall or other outdoor surface, or any
device used for visual communication, which is used for the purpose
of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public, or
to display, identify and publicize the name, location and product
or service of any person.
That area defined by the outside edge of the frame surrounding
the sign, or by the edge of the sign if no frame exists. Where no
frame or edge exists, the area shall be defined by a projected, enclosed
four-sided, straight sides, geometric shape which most closely outlines
such sign.
In addition to the definition of “temporary sign” contained in § 215-9, the following additional definition shall also be applicable: Any sign which primarily advertises, presents information about or calls to the attention of the public or any part of the public an event or occurrences which will take place at an ascertainable time or date and place.
Capable of being seen, whether or not legible, without visual
aid by a person of normal visual acuity.
A single structure having two faces in the shape of the letter
“V” when viewed from above, with the faces oriented in
opposite directions.
Any flat sign of solid face permanent construction, including
any sign painted, embossed or applied directly on to a wall, which
sign is placed against a building or other structure and attached
to the exterior front or rear wall of any building or other structure
and which does not extend or project more than 16 inches beyond the
surface of the portion of such building or structure to which it is
attached.
Any sign attached to a glass area or any sign placed immediately
behind a glass area and visible from the outside of such building
or structure through such window, aperture or glass area of any door.
[Amended by Ord. No. 96-4]
A.
The following types of signs shall be permitted in
residential districts:
(1)
Home accessory use sign. Signs indicating professional
use, accessory use, home occupation or name signs indicating the occupant
of a dwelling and trespassing signs, or signs indicating the private
nature of a driveway or premises, provided that the area on one side
of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet, shall not be of
neon and shall be situated within the property lines of the premises
it identifies.
(2)
Street signs. Official highway route number signs,
street name signs, direction signs and other official traffic signs.
(3)
For-sale signs. Signs advertising the sale or rental
of premises, and signs bearing the word “Sold” or the
word “Rented,” with the name and address of the person
to be contacted. The area on one side of any sign shall not exceed
one square foot for each 10 feet of lot frontage, with a maximum of
12 square feet, but no such sign need be less than six square feet.
Signs bearing the word “Sold” or the word “Rented”
shall be removed within seven days after sale or rental of the premises
involved.
(4)
Contractor’s signs. Signs of mechanics and artisans,
but only during the period of time such persons are performing work,
provided that such signs shall be erected only on the premises where
such work is being performed, that the area on one side of any such
sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, and that such signs shall be
removed promptly upon completion of work.
(5)
Subdivision signs.
(a)
One permanent freestanding sign for each major
subdivision, provided such sign shall not exceed 64 square feet in
area on each side. Such signs shall not be closer than 25 feet to
the street right-of-way.
(b)
Signs advertising major subdivisions which have
received final approval by the Township shall not exceed two in number
on any one street or highway, shall not be erected in districts zoned
as residential, shall not exceed an area of 256 square feet on each
side, and shall not exceed a maximum height of 25 feet above the average
ground level in the immediate area of the sign. The location, size
and design of such signs shall not constitute a public hazard or be
detrimental to the value of adjoining lands and premises, and such
signs shall be removed when 90% of the lots have been sold by the
developer.
(6)
No-trespassing signs. Signs prohibiting or otherwise
controlling trespassing upon particular premises, or indicating the
private nature of a road, driveway or premises, provided that the
area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
(7)
Name signs. Signs indicating the name of a particular
organization, farm or estate, provided that the area on one side of
any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(8)
Roadside stands. Signs advertising roadside stands
selling farm products, produce and related products, provided that
such signs shall not exceed four in number, shall not exceed an area
of 10 square feet on each side of each sign, and shall not be located
in any public right-of-way. Such signs must be removed during seasons
when products are not offered for sale.
(9)
Painted barn signs. Signs attached to or painted on
the wall of a barn or similar farm building, provided that such signs
shall not exceed 20% of the total single wall area, including windows
and doors.
B.
Number of signs permitted. No more than one permanent
sign per lot shall be permitted, unless otherwise specified, for each
use permitted in these zones.
The following types of signs shall be permitted
in neighborhood commercial districts:
A.
Identification signs. Each commercial use may have
one identification sign located on or attached to the principal facade
of the use. Such sign shall not project more than two feet beyond
the building line and shall not exceed 40 square feet in area.
[Amended by Ord. No. 96-4]
The following types of signs shall be permitted
in industrial districts:
A.
Facade signs. The main business sign of an industrial
use, located on the principal frontage or facade of the building occupied
by such permitted use, shall not exceed 200 square feet in area.
B.
Freestanding signs. Each permitted industrial use
may have one freestanding sign, provided such sign shall not exceed
150 square feet in area on any one side, shall not exceed 25 feet
in height and shall be erected within the property lines of the premises
to which it relates. All refuse and paper shall be kept constantly
removed from the ground spaces at least five feet in all directions
around the sign, and any grass shall be trimmed to not more than six
inches in height.
C.
Temporary signs. One temporary sign advertising the
sale or rental of real estate on which it is located, provided that
the area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed an area of
64 square feet.
D.
Limitation on signs. Signs for an industrial use shall
not exceed two in number on any one street or highway, shall not be
erected in districts zoned as residential, shall not exceed an area
of 64 square feet on each side and shall not exceed a maximum height
of 15 feet above the average ground level in the immediate area of
the sign. The location, size and design of such sign shall not constitute
a public hazard or be detrimental to the value of adjoining lands
and premises.
[Amended by Ord. No. 96-4]
A.
Permit required. All signs hereafter erected, constructed,
altered or maintained, except permitted signs for private residences
and temporary signs, shall require a sign permit.
B.
Permit application. All application for sign permits
shall be made to the Construction Code Official.
C.
Conformance to regulations. Any sign hereafter erected
or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this section and
any other ordinance or regulation of Springfield Township not inconsistent
herewith. All freestanding signs and attached wall signs shall conform
to the structural requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.
D.
Height. Maximum height for freestanding signs, unless
otherwise provided in this section, shall not exceed 25 feet.
E.
Location.
(1)
All signs must be located within the property lines
of the property on which they are placed, unless otherwise specifically
provided.
(2)
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it
will cause danger to traffic on a street by obscuring the view.
(3)
No sign or sign structure, other than official traffic
signs, shall be erected within the lines of any street right-of-way,
unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations
of the Township of Springfield.
(4)
No sign or sign structure shall be located in such
a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or highway
intersection, or in such a manner as to materially impede the view
of the intersection of a street or highway with a railroad grade crossing.
(5)
No sign or sign structure shall be placed on private
or public property without the written consent of the owner or agent
thereof.
(6)
No point of any sign, including trim, border and supports,
shall be located within 10 feet of any property line.
F.
Corner properties. Where a business structure is located
at the intersection of two public streets, an additional sign may
be erected or inscribed upon the side wall on the side street, provided
that such sign shall conform to the requirements for the sign permitted
on the facade or principal frontage.
G.
Rear and side wall signs. Where the side or rear of
business structure adjoins a public parking area or a private parking
area intended for the use of the structure in question, signs may
be placed or inscribed on such side or rear wall to identify the business
or uses in the structure and access thereto. Such signs shall not
exceed 20% of the wall area, including windows and doors, of the wall
upon which the sign is inscribed. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
Except as permitted in this section, no signs shall be permitted to
be placed or inscribed on a side or rear wall of a structure.
H.
Limitations. Except as otherwise specifically provided
for, not more than one sign shall be permitted for each use or activity.
No part of any sign shall extend above the top or beyond the ends
of the wall surface upon which it is placed.
I.
Marquees and canopies. No permanent marquees or canopies
extending over a required front yard or over a public walk shall hereafter
be erected, except in connection with entrances to theaters, hotels
and similar buildings. Business signs placed on such marquees or canopies
shall conform to the type and area requirements as herein noted. The
area of such signs shall not exceed the maximum aggregate permitted
on the facade of the building permitted for such use.
J.
Official signs. Official signs erected by the Township,
county, state or federal government shall be permitted in all districts.
K.
Identification signs.
(1)
One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted
for schools, churches, hospitals or similar institutions and for clubs
and lodges, provided that the area shall not exceed 64 square feet
on each side and that it shall be erected within the property lines
of the premises which it identifies.
(2)
Identification signs shall be permitted on the principal
facade of schools, churches, hospitals or similar institutions and
of clubs and lodges, provided that the area of such sign shall not
exceed 12 square feet.
L.
Gasoline stations. Gasoline filling stations, in addition
to the main business sign, may display one freestanding sign advertising
the name of the station or the principal products sold on the premises,
including any special company or brand name, insignia or emblem, provided
that such sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area on each side,
shall be erected within the property line and shall not exceed a maximum
height of 20 feet above the ground.
M.
Floodlights. Floodlights at ground level, or located
within 12 feet of ground level, shall be so located and shielded as
to prevent any glare or blinding effect upon any lane of moving traffic.
N.
Flashing signs. No sign shall be of flashing type,
which shall include any illuminated sign on which the intensity and
color of the light is not maintained constant when in use. No illuminated
sign shall have a flashing, moving, rotating, oscillating, shuttered
or similar device. Signs of which all or any part is in motion by
any means, including fluttering, rotating, revolving or other moving
devices, are prohibited.
O.
Nonconforming uses. Signs for each lawful nonconforming
use shall be subject to and regulated by the provisions herein established
for the district in which such use would be a conforming use.
P.
Temporary signs.
(1)
In all districts there shall be allowed temporary
signs announcing or advertising any political, educational, charitable,
civic, professional, religious or like campaign or event for a consecutive
period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year. All such temporary
signs shall be removed at the termination of the thirty-day period
by the organization or individuals responsible for the posting of
such signs or on behalf of whom such signs were posted.
(2)
Temporary signs shall not be, and shall not be considered
as, included within the requirements relating to temporary structures
and temporary construction as set forth in the Uniform Construction
Code.
Q.
Maintenance. Every sign permitted by this section
shall be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good
condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated
shall be removed at the expense of the owner or lessee, on order by
the Zoning Officer after a determination of dilapidation has been
made.
R.
Color limitation. No sign which is within 200 feet
of a traffic control light shall contain or employ either the colors
red, orange-red, green or blue-green directly illuminated or in high
reflection.
S.
Signs on windows or doors. No sign shall be attached
to the outside face of any window or the glass panel of any door except
for permanent lettering, provided no letter including the blocking
and background is greater than six inches in vertical height or six
inches in horizontal width.
T.
Double-sided signs. In the event a double-faced, back-to-back
or “V” type sign is used, each side shall be considered
a component in determining the total square feet area.
The following are prohibited:
A.
Flashing lights. No rotating beam, beacon or flashing
illumination shall be used in connection with any sign display.
B.
Radio or television interference. Signs with any lighting
or control mechanism which may cause radio or television interference.
C.
Safety or ventilation obstruction. Any sign so erected,
constructed or maintained as to obstruct or be attached to any fire
escape, window, door or opening used as a means of egress or ingress
or for fire-fighting purposes, or placed so as to interfere with any
opening for ventilation required by law.
D.
Traffic distractions. Any sign which is of such a
form, character or shape as to confuse or dangerously distract the
attention of the operator of a motor vehicle.
E.
Serial signs. Any advertisement which uses a series
of two or more signs or units placed in a line parallel to the highway
or in similar fashion, all carrying a single advertising message,
part of which is contained on each sign.
F.
Mock official signs. Signs which in anyway simulate
official, directional or warning signs erected or maintained by the
State of New Jersey, county or Township, or by any railroad or public
utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of the public
health or safety.
G.
Nonresident activity. Signs advertising any business
or industry not conducted within the Township.
H.
Traffic glare. Signs which are not effectively shielded
so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any
portion of the traveled way or which are of such intensity or brilliance
as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor
vehicle, or which otherwise interfere with any driver’s operation
of a motor vehicle, are prohibited.
I.
Obstructing traffic vision. Signs located in such
a manner as to obscure or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness
of an official traffic sign, signal or device or obstruct or interfere
with the driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting
traffic.
J.
Upon natural features. Signs which are erected or
maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural
features.
K.
Temporary signs. Temporary signs, except as otherwise
provided in this article, unless approved for a specific length of
time. All such signs shall be removed at the termination of the time
limit.
All signs and sign structures which are abandoned,
which are in a state of disrepair or which advertise a business no
longer conducted or a product no longer sold shall be taken down and
removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of
the building, structures or land upon which such sign may be found
within 10 days after written notification from the Zoning Officer,
and upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified,
the Zoning Officer shall cause the removal of such sign, and any expense
incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or structure
or lot to which such sign is attached.
