(A) Definitions. The following terms, when used in this Title 15 as they relate to signs, shall have the following meaning:
SIGN. Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors, 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, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors or illumination or projected images. SIGNS do not include the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state or city or any political subdivision thereof or any fraternal, religious or civic organizations; merchandise, prices, pictures or models of products or services incorporated in an indoor window display; works of art which in no
way identify a product; or scoreboards located on athletic fields. As they relate to signs, the following words or clauses shall have the following meanings:
ATTACHED SIGN. Any sign erected, constructed or maintained on a building with the principal support of said sign being the building, including specifically the painting of signs or displays on the exterior surface of a building. ATTACHED SIGNS shall be not more than ten inches at any point of the sign from the building to which it is attached.
AWNING OR CANOPY SIGN. Any sign located on or affixed to an awning or canopy.
BILLBOARDS. Any structure or portion thereof on which lettered or pictorial matter is displayed for advertising purposes, which structure is located on a site other than the site to which the advertising relates.
BLADE SIGN. A business identification sign which extends perpendicular from the building to which it is attached.
BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign attached to the building identified by the sign and existing for the purpose of assisting in the location and identification of such building.
BUILDING NUMBER SIGN. A sign containing only the name, number or address of a building.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign or portion thereof that allows for the message portion of the sign to be changed.
DIGITAL CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A changeable copy sign with a display or message composed of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means. For purposes of this chapter, DIGITAL CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN shall include, but not be limited to, signs commonly referred to as “LED,” “plasma,” or “electronic” signs.
DEVELOPMENT SIGNS. A sign designating the name of a subdivision of residential homes, whether single-family or multi-family, attached or detached or an apartment complex.
ERECT. To build, construct, attach, place, suspend or affix, and shall also include the painting of wall signs and the painting of signs or displays on the exterior surface of the building, structure or material surface.
EXTERNALLY LIGHTED. Any sign whose sole source of artificial illumination is outside the display portion of the sign.
FACADE. The face of a building that is considered to be the architectural front, and usually given special architectural treatment. The facade does not include mansard or other roof designs.
FREESTANDING SIGN. Any sign not attached to a building, erected, constructed or maintained on a post or pole, or other bracing or supporting device, being to support the sign.
FUNCTIONAL SIGNS. Directional, information or public service signs, such as signs advertising locations of rest rooms, telephones or similar facilities of public convenience, including entry and exit signs from parking areas. Functional signs shall not include any name, business, logo, or message other than the directional or informational material as above.
INTERNALLY LIGHTED. Any sign whose sole source of artificial illumination is contained within the display portion of the sign.
MANSARD ROOF. A hipped roof usually having a double slope or compound curve, the lower slope being much steeper than the upper slope.
MOBILE SIGN. Any sign which is not permanently attached to a building or not placed in the ground in such a fashion as to be permanent in a manner conforming to the Uniform Construction Code
or which is located or attached to a trailer, is on wheels or another similar attachment such that the sign may be moved from place to place, either within the lot or to another location.
MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY AND TENANCY SIGN. A single sign relating to a use or facility, such as a shopping center, industrial park or office complex, where there is more than one occupancy and/or tenancy of uses, where said multiple occupancy and tenancy use a common parking facility and/or a common private drive or roadway and where the names and professions or business names of the various tenants and/or occupants are displayed.
PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich-board signs; balloons or other inflatable objects 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.
POLITICAL SIGN. A sign expressing support for or opposition to a candidate for political office or an issue specific to a current election or referendum and shall include such political paraphernalia as placards, posters, bumper stickers (when not affixed to a moving object or vehicle), banners or the like.
OFF-SITE SIGN. Any sign located on a lot other than the lot occupied by the use, structure, building or event that the sign identifies.
OFFICIAL SIGN. Any sign, symbol or device, erected, constructed or maintained by the federal, state, county or local government, or any agency thereof, for the purpose of informing or guiding the pubic or for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare.
REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign of an owner of real property or of a licensed real estate broker designating a property “for sale” or “for lease”.
ROOF SIGN. Any sign erected, constructed or maintained upon, over or in front of the roof of any building.
SECONDARY BLADE SIGN. Small signs installed under a soffit or canopy or attached to the building facade to identity a store, office or similar use.
SIGN HEIGHT. In the case of a freestanding sign, the height of the sign will be computed from grade level to the greatest height at any one point in the sign. In case of an attached sign, no sign can be higher than the level of a second floor windowsill in a two-or-more story building, nor can it be higher than the lowest point of the roof line in a single-story building.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign which is not permanently attached to a building structure or permanently affixed to a freestanding structure and which may be erected for a limited period of time.
TEMPORARY EXTERIOR ADVERTISING SIGN. A temporary sandwich-board type sign located on the ground or a sign mounted on an easel advertising or describing retail goods or services provided or made available on the premises.
VEHICULAR SIGN. Any sign permanently or temporarily attached to a non-operating vehicle. Such a vehicle shall include, but is not limited to, a car, truck, van or a bus.
WARNING SIGN. A sign indicating no trespassing or no fishing and/or hunting and an existing danger where a warning is necessary.
WINDOW SIGN. Any sign erected, constructed or maintained in or on a window of a building, visible from outside the building, whether illuminated or non-illuminated.
(B) Signs may only be erected, installed, altered, maintained, used, removed or moved if done in compliance with these regulations.
(C) Permitted purpose of signs.
(1) Only signs which identify an establishment, enterprise or business are permitted.
(a) Signs are not permitted for purposes of advertising the business of the property user.
(b) Signs may only state the name of the establishment, enterprise or business and give a brief description of the principal goods or services offered.
(2) The following are not considered signs for purposes of these regulations:
(a) Nameplate and address in residential zone.
(b) Prospective sale or rental signs.
(c) Official government agency signs.
(d) Signs advertising sale of products grown on the premises.
(e) Signs prohibiting or controlling trespassing, hunting and/or fishing and warning signs.
(D) Permit requirements.
(1) A zoning permit must be obtained prior to the erection, installation, alteration or relocation of any sign, except those signs permitted under division (F) below.
(2) A building permit must be obtained prior to the erection, installation, alteration or relocation of any sign except as follows:
(a) Non-illuminated functional/ direction signs.
(b) A change in the copy of an approved sign.
(3) A certificate of conformance must be obtained after erection, installation, alteration or relocation of any sign to confirm that the property and the sign conform to and with the requirements of this chapter and this section.
(E) Regulations applicable to all signs in all zoning districts.
(1) There shall be a minimal distance of 15 feet between any side property line and the nearest portion of any freestanding sign erected under the provisions of this chapter, and there shall be a minimum distance of 50 feet between the nearest portions of any freestanding sign and another freestanding sign.
(2) No sign shall be placed in a position that will cause danger to traffic on a street or entering a street by obscuring the view of traffic on either street. In no case shall any sign, other than an official governmental sign or functional/direction sign, be erected within the official right-of-way of any street unless specifically authorized by ordinance or regulations of the Township.
(3) All signs shall be permanently fixed to the ground or attached to a building or structure in a manner conforming to the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) and other applicable state and Township statutes and ordinances.
(4) No sign shall be erected containing information on it which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
(5) Except as provided in division (G)(9) of this section, banners, spinners, flags and pennants solely for the purpose of announcing the grand opening of a business or use on the property shall be permitted for a 30 day period during the opening of a new business or change of ownership. Notice of the installation of a sign permitted under this division must be provided to the Zoning Officer not later than five days before the sign is to be erected.
(6) Functional/directional signs shall not exceed three square feet in area per sign, and shall not include company logos or other advertising information.
(7) Except as specifically required in any specific zoning district, all freestanding signs other than those permitted within the right-of-way shall be erected either with the bottom of the sign at least six feet above grade level or shall be set back from the street right-of-way line a distance not less than ten feet.
(8) The following signs shall be prohibited in all zones:
(a) A flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated, moving or projected sign of any type or a sign which presents an illusion of movement. This prohibition shall not apply to static time and temperature displays.
(b) Any sign erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, window, door or opening used as a means of egress or ingress.
(c) Any sign whose form, character or shape may confuse or dangerously distract the attention of the operator of a motor vehicle.
(d) Any advertisement or message which uses a series of two or more signs or units placed in a line parallel to the highway or in a similar fashion, all carrying a single advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.
(e) Any freestanding sign exceeding 20 feet in height or exceeding 20 feet above grade level.
(f) Off-site signs, including commercial billboards; except that billboards may be permitted on Route 73 subject to the following:
1. Compliance with all state permitting and regulations;
2. All lighting shall be directed onto the billboard structure;
3. The area underneath and around the off-premises sign structure shall include a landscaping bed containing evergreens and flowering materials;
4. The landscaping bed shall be continuously maintained by the property owner;
5. The minimum lot size shall be one-half acres and maximum lot size shall be three acres;
6. The minimum lot frontage shall be 100 feet and the maximum lot frontage shall be 300 feet;
7. The sign structure shall be a minimum of 500 feet from any residential zoning district;
8. It shall be the primary and only principal use on the lot;
9. The maximum height of the structure from grade shall be 80 feet;
10. The maximum size of the off-premises sign faces shall be 20 by 60 feet with a maximum area per face of 1,000 square feet;
11. The minimum distance between off-premises signs shall be 500 feet;
12. The total number of off-premises signs permitted shall be three in addition to those existing as of the effective date of this section;
13. All off-premises signs shall be located on the west side of Route 73 within the first 5,000 feet of the northern Township line;
14. Off-premises signs shall not resemble any traffic sign;
15. No off-premises signs shall be located within 300 feet of an intersection; and
16. Side yard shall be 20 feet; rear yard shall be 20 feet; front edge of the sign shall be 20 feet from the right-of-way.
(g) Any sign which, when applying contemporary community standards, has a dominant theme or purpose which appeals to prurient interests.
(h) Mobile signs, including “A” or “T” frame signs, menu or sandwich board signs, tethered balloons and inflatable signs, except that temporary exterior advertising signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations in division (G)(8) of this section.
(i) Vehicular signs.
(j) Signs bearing laudatory text or including service or product names normally furnished by any such proprietor. Identification signs shall allow the principal name of the establishment or proprietor and a brief description of the principal goods or service offered.
(k) Signs attached to the facade of a building or structure that extend beyond the highest point of the facade on which they are erected.
(9) The size of any sign shall be computed by multiplying its greatest height by its greatest length, inclusive of supporting structures, unless such supporting structure is a pole or other similar apparatus that allows clear view around and under such sign. Two-sided freestanding signs containing the same copy on both sides shall be measured by using the surface area of one side of the sign only. Where there is different copy on each side of the sign, each side shall be considered a separate sign.
(10) Individual channel letter signs illuminated by neon gas are permitted only where illuminated signs are permitted. The envelope around the exterior perimeter of all channel tubing shall be determined and must comply with the size regulations applicable to such sign. Neon logo signs which may be seen from the exterior of any establishment, enterprise or business are signs for purpose of these sign regulations.
(11) When the name or other identifying information with respect to any establishment, enterprise or business, except for the building number, street address or building name, is located on any awning or canopy attached to the building in which the establishment, enterprise or business is located, the entire awning or canopy shall be considered the sign for purposes of these regulations. The maximum permitted size of an awning or canopy sign shall be determined as follows:
(a) For non-illuminated canopy or awning signs, only the wording and/or logo installed, painted or printed on such awning or canopy shall be considered the sign.
(b) For illuminated canopy or awning signs, the entire canopy or awning shall be considered the sign.
(12) Only roof signs meeting the definition of attached signs are permitted. Permitted roof signs may not be erected any higher than centered on the roof surface to which such sign is attached.
(F) Signs permitted in all districts without zoning permits.
(1) No more than one non-illuminated temporary sign indicating the prospective or completed sale or rental of the premises upon which it is located. This sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and four feet in height for a residential use and shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height for a commercial or industrial establishment. The sign shall be removed within seven days after consummation of a lease or sales transaction.
(2) Temporary signs announcing any educational, charitable, civic, religious or similar event, excluding temporary political signs, which shall be governed by division (F)(6) below, for a consecutive period not to exceed 31 days before the event and seven days after the event. The size of all temporary signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height. The number of temporary signs shall be limited to one sign per property and shall contain no commercial message or logo. Temporary signs shall be made of wood or plastic and shall not be illuminated. The person or organization erecting the sign shall be responsible for taking the sign down within the allowed time limit.
(3) Not more than two temporary ground signs advertising a subdivision which has been approved by the Township, provided that each sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area. In no case shall any such sign be located closer than 25 feet to any street line. Temporary subdivision signs shall not be permitted after residences have been erected on 75% of the lots in the subdivision or after more than 75% of the lots have been sold by the developer.
(4) A sign indicating site development or construction by a builder shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall be limited to one sign per street frontage. The sign shall not be erected until final approvals are obtained from the reviewing board. The sign may remain up until the project is completed.
(5) Signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling trespassing, fishing and/or hunting shall be limited to one sign for each 50 feet of street frontage. Each such sign shall not exceed one square foot in area.
(6) Temporary political signs shall be permitted, subject to the following:
(a) Temporary political signs shall not be installed in any municipal, county or state right-of-way, or on any Township owned property.
(b) Temporary signs shall be removed within 30 days of the election date.
(c) Temporary political signs shall only be constructed of wood, cardboard or other recyclable material and shall not be illuminated.
(d) The owner and/or tenant of the lot or any structure on the lot and the owner, organization, tenant, candidate and/or erector of each sign shall be held responsible for any violation of these regulations and the costs of removal of any sign found to be in violation of this division (F)(6).
(e) The organization, owner, tenant and/or political candidate owning or erecting or causing or permitting to be erected a temporary sign in violation of this division (F)(6) who does not cause such violation to be removed and/or corrected within 48 hours after receipt of notice, either oral or written, of the existence of such violation shall be subject to penalties and/or fines as provided in § 156.999. The erection, posting and/or placing of each individual sign shall constitute a separate offense.
(f) If a temporary sign is erected, posted or placed in violation of this division (F)(6) and is not removed and disposed of in accordance with this division (F)(6), and the trash and health regulations of the Township and the state, the Township, in addition to all other remedies provided herein and otherwise available at law or in equity, has the right, but not the duty, to cause such sign to be removed and disposed of, and the organization, owner, tenant and political candidate shall be strictly liable for all costs and expenses incurred by the Township with respect to such removal and disposal.
(7) One temporary sign advertising hiring of employees which shall only be a plastic or wooded type sign, which shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall not be installed within any local, county or state right-of-way. A temporary hiring sign shall be limited to a maximum time period of 30 calendar days and for no more than four time periods during any one calendar year.
(8) Temporary contractor signs. Temporary contractors' advertising signs may be installed on a residential lot under the following conditions:
(a) One sign may only be installed at the commencement of the improvements, renovation or construction.
(b) The sign may not exceed five square feet in size.
(c) The sign shall be removed when the improvements, renovation or construction is completed.
(d) The maximum duration of any such sign shall not exceed 30 calendar days per contractor.
(e) No sign is to be installed in any municipal, county or state right-of-way.
(9) Temporary real estate directional signs.
(a) Temporary real estate directional signs shall be defined as removable, freestanding signs, to be placed in or on the ground, not to exceed 18 inches in height, 24 inches in width and no higher than 30 inches above existing grade and shall only indicate the location or directions to a residential property in the township to announce an open house utilized in connection with the marketing of that property.
(b) No more than one temporary directional sign shall be located on any one lot or within 500 feet of any other temporary directional sign in any right-of-way. The maximum number of temporary signs shall be limited to four for any one open house.
(c) A temporary directional sign may only be installed during the hours from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. on the day the open house is being conducted. All temporary signs shall be removed no later than 6:00 p.m. of the day of the open house.
(d) A temporary directional sign, as defined herein, shall not include any illumination, nor shall there be affixed thereon any balloon, streamer or any other decorative accessory.
(10) Signs identifying the presence of a security system on the property shall be limited to one sign for each premises and shall not exceed one square foot in area.
(G) Signs and flag poles permitted in all districts with zoning permit.
(1) All signs other than signs specifically prohibited by this chapter or signs permitted without a zoning permit pursuant to division (F) above, are permitted, subject to divisions (G)(2) through (G)(6) of this section and division (H) below, with a zoning permit and all applicable building permits.
(2) Changeable copy signs shall be permitted only as follows:
(a) Movie theaters.
(b) As permitted under division (G)(4) below.
(c) As a portion of the identification sign for any professional office provided the following criteria are met:
1. Only on properties within the OI - Office 1, O3 - Office 3, O4 - Office Campus, ORB - Office Retail Business, B - Business, GB2 - General Business 2, MB - Major Business, TC - Township Center and EIB Economic Industrial Business zones and which contain a single use building.
2. The changeable copy portion of the sign may not exceed 75% of the total sign area.
3. The changeable copy cannot be used to advertise any business located on the property, or any products or services sold at the property or provided on or from the property.
(d) Each business which has a Class C plenary retail consumption liquor license may have, as part of its facade or as a free standing sign, a changeable copy portion subject to the following restrictions:
1. No more than one sign of this type shall be permitted.
2. The changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed one-third of the total sign area or 24 square feet, whichever is less.
3. The copy of such signs shall be limited to three lines indicating entertainment or special and limited commercial or professional events.
(e) In addition to the signs authorized in the zones permitting filling stations, fuel, oil and gasoline filling stations may display one sign for the purpose of indicating their gasoline price only. The additional price sign shall not be attached to the building, but shall be attached to the approved freestanding station identification sign located on the site. The size of the price sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(3) Digital changeable copy signs shall be permitted in accordance with an approved site plan as follows:
(a) On properties within the OI - Office 1, O3 - Office 3, O4 - Office Campus, ORB - Office Retail Business, B - Business, GB2 - General Business 2, MB - Major Business, TC - Township Center and EIB -Economic Industrial Business zones and which contain a single use building.
(b) As permitted under division (G)(4) below.
(c) The LED portion of a digital changeable copy sign shall be subject to the following conditions:
1. The digital changeable copy portion of the may not exceed 75% of the total sign area.
2. The LED portion of a sign shall change messages at intervals of no less than five minutes.
3. LED messages shall be stationary during the minimum five minute interval. Message crawls are not permitted.
4. The LED portion of the sign shall only be in operation during the hours of operation of the business, organization or facility which operates the sign.
5. The LED sign may advertise only the products and services offered by the business, organization or facility operating the sign and may not advertise specials or sales offered by any business, organization or facility.
6. Permitted messages may be displayed no more than 20 minutes in any one hour. The balance of the LED messages shall include community messages supplied by the Township of Voorhees and informational messages about driver and motorist safety and the like.
(d) Each business which has a Class C plenary retail consumption liquor license may have, as a free standing sign, a digital changeable copy portion subject to the following restrictions:
1. No more than one sign of this type shall be permitted.
2. The digital changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed one-third of the total sign area or 24 square feet, whichever is less.
3. The copy of such signs shall be limited to three lines indicating entertainment or special and limited commercial or professional events.
(e) In addition to the signs authorized in the zones permitting filling stations, fuel, oil and gasoline filling stations may display one digital changeable copy sign for the purpose of indicating their gasoline price only. The additional price sign shall not be attached to the building, but shall be attached to the approved freestanding station identification sign located on the site. The size of the price sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(4) One identification sign for churches, hospitals, schools, police, fire, playgrounds, parks and public utility installations shall be permitted and shall not exceed 24 square feet in area. In addition, a changeable copy sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and six feet in height shall also be permitted. The changeable copy sign may be substituted with a permanent sign 16 feet in area and six feet in height to indicate charitable functions such as but not limited to bingo.
(5) One sign advertising the sale of farm produce raised on the property from which it is sold, provided that such sign shall not be greater than 30 square feet in area.
(6) A sign identifying a multi-family residential development shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall be limited to one sign per street frontage.
(7) Permanent signs identifying a residential subdivision shall be permitted in accordance with the following:
(a) Signs may be illuminated by external low level, ground-mounted spot lights.
(b) Sign, including any structure on which the sign is mounted, must be ground-mounted and no larger than 32 square feet.
(c) If the sign is to be installed by the developer, it must be shown on the final subdivision plat and located on a private lot or parcel, or within the common areas owned and controlled by the homeowners' association applicable to the development.
(d) The homeowners' association shall be solely liable for all maintenance, repair, utility cost and insurance for such sign. The sign and all adjacent landscaping shall be kept in a well maintained state.
(e) The provisions applicable to such sign in the homeowners' association governing documents must be reviewed and approved by the Township Solicitor.
(f) The homeowners' association documents must give the Township the right and power but not the obligation to maintain the sign if the homeowners' association fails to maintain the same and to assess the owner of the lot on which the sign exists for the costs to complete such maintenance and repair.
(g) If the sign is installed upon the application of the homeowners' association, the applicant shall execute an agreement containing provisions similar to this division (G) as a condition of such approval. The form of agreement shall be approved by the Township Solicitor.
(h) The sign must be located outside of all applicable site triangles.
(8) Temporary exterior advertising signs shall be permitted on the property on which the retail business being advertised thereon is operated in accordance with the following:
(a) Temporary exterior advertising signs shall be permitted for non-residential uses only.
(b) No more than one temporary exterior advertising sign shall be located on the property on which the retail business which is being advertised is operated.
(c) A temporary exterior advertising sign shall not be located in a public right-of-way and shall be located so as not to impair pedestrian or vehicular traffic or so as not to block or obstruct any required fire or other exit.
(d) Temporary exterior advertising signs shall be constructed of wood or framed wood and shall not exceed five feet in height and three feet in width except that a one-sided, hand-lettered sign which includes a handcrafted design of the product or service being advertised may be up to nine square feet. A temporary exterior sign may be two-sided; provided that in the case of a two-sided sign, neither side shall exceed five square feet in area. All temporary exterior advertising signs shall be of sufficiently stable construction so as to withstand windy conditions and not create a hazard to pedestrians and shall be maintained in good physical condition at all times.
(e) A temporary exterior advertising sign may be displayed during business hours only, but in no case more than 12 hours per day.
(f) A temporary exterior advertising sign shall not remain for longer than 30 continuous days and shall not be utilized more than twice in one calendar year. A temporary exterior advertising sign shall be removed within two days after the event or activity.
(g) No temporary exterior advertising sign shall be illuminated or have any parts or features attached to it that move or give the illusion of movement or that produce any sound;
(h) Any and all temporary exterior advertising signs in use prior to the effective date of this amendment are considered illegal. Any retail user using an illegal temporary exterior advertising sign as of the effective date of this amendment shall be required to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(9) Banners located in a designated area approved as part of the final site plan approval for the development, so long as they meet the following conditions:
(a) Banners will be permitted only to identify a promotional event.
(b) The property owner/occupant may only display a banner a total of four times each calendar year.
(c) Each banner may only be displayed up to a total of 14 consecutive days. If fewer days are used, the extra days are forfeited.
(d) The maximum size of any banner is the maximum permitted size of any facade or attached sign applicable to the property.
(e) The maximum number of banners displayed at any one time shall not exceed three.
(10) Flag poles may be installed on a lot and must meet the following requirements:
(a) No more than one flag pole may be installed on any lot.
(b) The front and side yard setbacks applicable to flag poles shall be one-half of the applicable minimum building front and side yard setback: provided, however, that no flag pole may be installed or erected in any required buffer area.
(c) The maximum height of flag poles is the maximum height for buildings permitted in the applicable zoning district.
(H) Sign regulations applicable to specific zoning districts.
(1) Specific signs in the ORB - Office Retail Business and O1 - Office 1 Zoning Districts.
(a) Each commercial (business) establishment may have one sign on or attached to the facade of the establishment on each public street frontage. The sign shall not project or extend more than two feet beyond the building line and shall not exceed an area equal to either 15% of the facade area of the establishment facing the street, including window and door area on which they are displayed, or 50 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b) Each development with at least 100 feet of lot frontage on a public street may have one freestanding sign on each public street frontage, provided that such signs are not larger than one-half square foot of sign per linear front foot of building, with a maximum of 75 square feet of area and shall be erected within the property lines of the development to which they relate. In the case of a group of two or more business uses sharing a common parking area, one freestanding sign shall be permitted for the purpose of identifying the site as an office complex, shopping center or other commercial professional use or identifying the users within the development. Such sign shall not be larger than one-half square foot of sign per linear front foot of building with a maximum of 75 square feet and must be erected within the property lines of the use to which it relates.
(2) Specific signs in the B - Business, EIB - Economic Industrial Business, MB - Major Business, O3 - Office 3 Zoning Districts, and O4 - Office Campus Zoning Districts and for non-residential uses only in the CR - Cluster Residential, SH - Senior Housing and RR - Rural Residential Zoning Districts.
(a) Each commercial (business) establishment may have one sign on or attached to the facade of the establishment on each public street frontage. If the principal facade frontages of a group of commercial establishments located in a shopping center or office complex are oriented toward an internal pedestrian walkway or roadway, each commercial business establishment may have one sign on or attached to the facade facing such walkway or roadway. The sign shall not project or extend more than two feet beyond the building line and shall not exceed 15% of the facade area of the establishment facing the street, including window and door area on which they are displayed or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b) Each development with at least 100 feet of lot frontage on a county road or municipal street may have one freestanding sign on each public street frontage, provided that such signs are not larger than one-half square foot of sign per linear foot of building frontage, with a maximum of 75 square feet of area and shall be erected within the property lines of the development to which they relate.
(c) In the case of a group of two or more business uses sharing a common parking area, one freestanding sign shall be permitted for the purpose of identifying the site as an office complex, shopping center or other commercial or professional use or identifying the users within the development. Such sign shall not be larger than one-half square foot of sign per linear foot of building frontage for all uses sharing the parking areas with a maximum of 75 square feet and must be erected within the property lines of the use to which it relates.
(d) Each development with at least 100 feet of street frontage on a state highway may have one freestanding sign on the state highway (subject to Department of Transportation approval, if required), provided that such sign shall not be larger than one-half square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage, with a minimum of 32 square feet and a maximum of 75 square feet of area and shall be erected within the property lines of the development to which such sign relates.
(e) Blade signs. One blade sign shall be permitted along walking promenades to identify an individual business use in lieu of a building identification sign under division (H)(2)(a) above. The sign shall not exceed six square feet in size, and the bottom of the sign shall not be less than eight feet above the paving ground.
(f) Secondary blade signs. One secondary blade sign shall be permitted along walking promenades to identify an individual business use. The sign shall not exceed three square feet, and the bottom of the sign shall not be less than seven feet six inches above the paving grade.
(g) In the O3 - Office 3 Zone where the TC - overlay applies, the following sign regulations shall govern:
1. One sign not exceeding 300 square feet in area identifying or advertising a theater in a community shopping center shall be permitted on each public road adjacent to the community shopping center; no more than two such signs shall be permitted for any theater.
2. No free-standing sign shall be set back less than 25 feet from the street right-of-way.
(3) Signs in the TC - Town Center Zoning District.
(a) Freestanding or pylon signs are permitted subject to the following:
1. No free-standing or pylon sign shall be set back less than 25 feet from the nearest line of any public road or street.
2. One free-standing or pylon sign, not exceeding 500 square feet in area, identifying or advertising a regional shopping center shall be permitted on each public road adjacent to the TC - Town Center Zone; provided, however, that if the adjacent portion of any such public road exceeds 1,000 feet in length, one such additional sign shall be permitted for each additional 1,000 feet of frontage or portion thereof on such road.
3. One freestanding or pylon sign, not exceeding 500 square feet in area, identifying or advertising a theater in a regional shopping center shall be permitted on each public road adjacent to the TC - Township Center Zone; provided, however, that no more than two such signs shall be permitted for any theater.
4. One free-standing or pylon sign, not exceeding 300 square feet in area, identifying a hospital, research and development establishment, testing laboratory or other business primarily engaged in activities of a limited industrial character shall be permitted for each such establishment on each public road adjacent to the establishment.
5. One free-standing or pylon sign, not exceeding 200 square feet in area, identifying or advertising an automobile sales showroom or tire, battery and accessory store in a regional shopping center shall be permitted for each such showroom or store.
6. One free-standing or pylon sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in area, advertising the sale of letting only of premises within the TC - Township Center Zone shall be permitted on each public road adjacent to the TC - Township Center Zone; and one freestanding or pylon sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in area, shall be permitted on each arterial and collector street within the TC - Township Center Zone.
7. One free-standing or pylon sign, not exceeding 100 square feet in area, identifying the TC - Township Center zone by a name and/or symbol shall be permitted at or near each vehicular entrance to such zone.
8. One free-standing or pylon sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in area, identifying a gasoline service station shall be permitted on each public road adjacent to such station.
9. One ground-mounted identification or directory sign, not exceeding 32 feet in area, shall be permitted at or near each entrance to each office building, hotel, motel, hospital, research and development establishment, testing laboratory or other business use.
10. Freestanding directional signs and signs for the regulation of traffic, parking, loading and unloading shall be permitted.
(b) Except as permitted above, all signs identifying or advertising any commercial, limited industrial, public or recreational use in the TC - Township Center Zone shall be affixed to the building or buildings devoted to such use, and no sign or signs so affixed shall occupy more than 20% of the total surface of any side of any building. Directory signs and informational signs affixed to any building in a regional shopping center shall not be included within the foregoing 20% limitation.
(c) No sign shall be illuminated by lighting of intermittent or varying intensity, and no sign affixed to a building shall project above the roof line or the top of any parapet facade of such building.
(4) Signs in the GB2 - General Business 2 Zoning District.
(a) General requirements.
1. No sign shall be illuminated by lighting of intermittent or varying intensity.
2. No sign affixed to a building shall project above the roofline or parapet facade of such building.
3. The size and location of all proposed signs shall be included as part of the submission for final site plan approval.
(b) Freestanding or pylon signs. Freestanding or pylon signs shall be permitted only as follows:
1. One free-standing sign, not exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be permitted on each public street which identifies a retail shopping area of 50,000 gross square feet or larger.
2. Two free-standing or pylon signs not exceeding 50 square feet each shall be permitted at each public street entrance drive (constituting an intersection between an existing public street and the primary interior vehicular circulation system, not a parking lot drive entrance) to identify by name and/or symbol of the development on which such freestanding or pylon sign is located.
3. One free-standing or pylon sign not exceeding 40 square feet shall be permitted to identify each principal non-residential building, including a parking garage building.
4. One free-standing or pylon sign not exceeding 40 square feet shall be permitted to identify each mid-rise or high-rise residential building, as well as one freestanding or pylon sign not to exceed 40 square feet to identify the entrance to each low-rise residential neighborhood.
5. Each permitted non-residential use with at least 100 feet of lot frontage on a public street may have one freestanding sign on each public street frontage, provided that such signs are not larger than one-half square foot of sign per linear front foot of building, with a maximum of 75 square feet of area, and shall be erected within the property lines of the premises to which they relate. In the case of a group of two or more business uses sharing a common parking area, one freestanding sign shall be permitted for the purpose of identifying the site as an office complex, shopping center or other commercial professional use. Such sign shall not be larger than one-half square foot of sign per linear front foot of building, with a maximum of 75 square feet, and must be erected within the property lines of the use to which it relates.
(c) Building identification signs shall be permitted as follows:
1. Each building containing non-residential uses shall be permitted one building identification sign not to exceed the lesser of 15% of the facade area facing the street (including window and door area) or 100 square feet, except that if the reviewing board determines at the time of final site plan approval that such building contains multiple entrances and/or exposures so that additional building identification signs would be helpful to the public, the reviewing board may increase the number of such signs up to three per individual building, provided that the cumulative square footage of such building identification signs for any one building shall not exceed 200 square feet.
2. Each building containing a combination of residential and non-residential uses shall be permitted one building identification sign, provided that the total number of square feet contained in such building identification sign related to any one building shall not exceed 50 square feet, except that if the reviewing board determines at the time of final site plan approval that such building contains multiple entrances and/or exposures so that additional building identification signs would be helpful to the public, the reviewing board may increase the number of sign up to three per individual building, provided that the cumulative square footage of such building identification signs for any one building shall not exceed 150 square feet.
3. Each individual business may have its own building identification sign attached to a facade of the premises which it occupies. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet or one-half square foot for each linear foot of facade, whichever is greater.
4. Wording or identification logos may be painted or otherwise attached to canopies and awnings at the first floor level of stores, restaurants, offices and similar facilities. Such lettering or identification logo shall relate only to the use located within the premises to which the awning or canopy is attached and shall only be allowed on awnings or canopies for the Plaza 1000, Promenade, Piazza and the Village Shops.
5. Blade signs. One blade sign shall be permitted along walking promenades to identify an individual business in lieu of a building identification sign as permitted above in division (H)(4)(c)3. above. The sign shall not exceed six square feet in size, and the bottom of the sign shall not be less than eight feet above the paving grade.
6. Secondary blade signs. One secondary blade sign shall be permitted along walking promenades to identity an individual business use. The sign shall not exceed three square feet, and the bottom of the sign shall not be less than seven feet six inches above the paving grade.
7. Building numbering signs shall be permitted on any building, provided that the number shall be at least 12 inches high and further, that such signs do not exceed six square feet when building identification and number are on the same sign.
8. Placement. Placement of signs shall be as follows:
A. Signage may be placed on the door of any individual nonresidential tenant or occupant, not to exceed an area 18 inches by 18 inches; and
B. An individual non-residential tenant may erect a facade plaque sign adjacent to any entrance door, not to exceed three square feet; but
C. No entrance door shall have both a door sign and a facade plaque sign.
(d) There is no limit on the number of freestanding directional signs that the reviewing board may approve, as long as such signs are needed to direct the vehicular traffic as aforesaid. Such freestanding directional signs shall, however, meet the following criteria:
1. No individual sign shall exceed six square feet in area except that the six square feet can be increased up to ten square feet if the information contained on the sign exceeds eight individual line items.
2. No individual sign shall be greater than six feet in height.
3. No individual sign shall be installed in any site triangle so as to block visibility in an unsafe way.
(e) Directory and informational signs are defined as signs placed at the pedestrian level intended to guide pedestrians to their destination either to individual buildings or to individual occupants of buildings. There is no limit as to the number of such directory and informational signs so long as the reviewing board determines that they are needed to achieve the purpose of directing and informing pedestrians, provided that they shall meet the following criteria:
1. No individual sign shall exceed nine square feet.
2. No individual sign shall be more than six feet in height.
(I) Non-conforming signs. In the event that an existing non-conforming sign is altered or proposed to be altered, the sign must either be brought into conformance with this chapter or removed immediately. An alteration shall include change of size, location or substantial reconstruction after destruction by fire, storm or other calamity. Substantial reconstruction shall mean that at least 50% of the sign and/or supporting structure will require replacement. All owners of non-conforming signs will be notified that their signs are non-conforming and of the terms of this chapter.
(Ord. 266-15, passed 5-11-15; Am. Ord. 436-23, passed 6-26-23)