Where a use is not specifically permitted in any zone, it is prohibited.
The provisions of this section are intended to apply to public or quasi-public utility installations, such as power generating stations, electric substations, power transmission lines, telephone exchanges and similar facilities, but shall not apply to telephone, gas, water, sewer, electric or community antenna television facility distribution lines and similar facilities intended to provide direct service to properties when the same are approved by the appropriate township agency. Utility installations are permitted as conditional uses in all zones in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-67. Before the Planning Board shall authorize such a use, it shall ascertain that all the following requirements are complied with:
A. The lot shall conform to the lot area requirements of the zone in which it is located.
B. All buildings shall meet the yard and height requirements of the zone in which the use is located.
C. Adequate provision shall be made for landscaping in parking areas in accordance with § 224-14, Landscaping in parking and loading areas, of Chapter 224, Site Improvement Standards.
D. Any such building, structure or use shall be designed and arranged so as not to detract from the value of adjoining property.
E. The Board may impose such conditions as it may deem appropriate with respect to, among other matters, traffic and parking arrangement, the amount of off-street parking, building design and appearance and landscaping.
A. Findings.
(1) The Planning Board of the Township of Pohatcong has found and so recommended and the Township Council hereby finds and determines that farming has existed and been carried on in the township for hundreds of years and long before the residential development that has since been prevalent in the township. The Planning Board further finds that residences have been located in close proximity to existing working farms that engage in spraying, the spreading of animal wastes, fertilizing and irrigation, as well as other activities which are indigenous to farming. The Planning Board has found and deternined that farmers must be secure in their ability to earn a livelihood and utilize customary farming procedures and techniques.
(2) It is hereby determined that whatever nuisance may be caused to others by these farm uses and activities is more than offset by the benefits from fanning to the neighborhood, community and society in general by preservation of open space, presentation of the beauty of the countryside, production of necessary food products and preservation of clean air and water.
(3) The preservation and continuance of fanning operations in Township of Pohatcong and in the State of New Jersey will ensure a source of agricultural products for this and future generations and preserves land, a nonreplenishable resource.
B. Right to farm declared a permitted use. The right to farm lands and properties herewith zoned for that use within the Township of Pohatcong is hereby recognized to exist as a right to the farmer, his agents or assigns to utilize his land and properties in such manner as to pursue his livelihood, and is hereby declared to be a permitted use in all zones of the township, notwithstanding specific and prohibited uses set forth elsewhere in the land use regulations of the Township of Pohatcong, subject only to the restrictions and regulations set forth in any applicable township, county and state health codes and regulations.
C. Examples of activities. The right to farm recognizes the following activities, which are by
(1) Use of irrigation pumps and equipment, aerial and ground seeding and spraying equipment, tractors and other equipment.
(3) The application of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, and the application of manure.
(4) The grazing of animals and use of range for fowl, subject to the standards and regulations for intensive fowl and livestock use.
(5) Construction of fences for animals and livestock.
(6) The traveling and transportation of large, slow-moving equipment over roads within the township.
(7) The control of vermin and pests, provided that such control is practical pursuant to applicable state fish and game laws.
(8) The use of land for recreation purposes, e.g., snowmobiling, etc., shall be done only with the permission of the farm owners. Any recreational use of the farmland which changes the underlying agricultural nature of the use shall be subject to the usual site plan review, variance applications and all permits where otherwise required.
D. Time, noise and odors. The activities set forth herein are incidental to the right to farm and, when reasonable and necessary 'for that particular fanning activity and livestock or fowl production, and when conducted in accordance with generally accepted agricultural practices, may occur on holidays, Sundays and weekdays, at night and during the day. The noise, odors, dust and fumes that are caused by these activities are recognized and are declared ancillary to the permitted activities set forth in this section and to the right to farm.
E. Notice of right to farm. For the purpose of giving due notice of nearby uses to proposed residents, the Planning Board shall require an applicant for a major or minor subdivision, as a condition of approval thereof, to include the following notice, both on the subdivision plat itself and in an instrument in recordable form, to provide constructive record notice to buyers of the existence of any proximate, nonresidential uses, such instrument to be approved by the Planning Board prior to the filing of the final subdivision plat or recording of any deed(s), as the case may be. Such notice shall read as follows: "Grantee is hereby noticed that there is, or may in the future be, farm use near the described premises from which may emanate noise, odors, dust and fumes associated with agricultural practices permitted under this section of the Township of Pohatcong Zoning Ordinance."
F. Standards for Farm Animals. The following standards shall apply to the keeping of farm animals.
(1) A minimum two(2) acre lot is required for the keeping of one (1) animal unit. For farms larger than two (2) acres in area, one(l) animal unit shall be permitted for each acre.
(2) A minimum two(2) acre lot is required for the keeping of up to one (1) dozen free ranging fowl. An additional acre is required for each additional dozen fowl up to a total of one-hundred (100) fowl. The keeping of more than one-hundred (100) fowl or the erection of a poultry shed larger than 150 square feet shall be considered a commercial operation and shall require site plan approval. Poultry sheds shall conform with the size and setback requirements specified in the Performance Regulations for Accessory Uses in the zone in which they are located.
(3) Anyone keeping fowl shall be required to provide a plan which is approved by the Agricultural Extension Service or Soil Conservation District which addresses the disposal of waste from the fowl.
(4) Anyone keeping pigs and swine shall be required to conform with Chapter 299, Pigs and Swine of the Pohatcong Township Code.
(5) A horse farm shall be considered a commercial operation when the number of rental stalls exceeds two (2) or if lessons, trail rides or other organized activities are provided. A commercial horse farm shall require a minimum ten (10) acre lot and shall require site plan approval. Adequate off street parking shall be provided at the rate of one (1) space for every rental stall and one (1) horse trailer space for every two(2) rental stalls. Driveways and parking areas need not be asphalt or concrete but shall be constructed of stone or gravel.
(6) The storage of animal manure shall be accomplished in accordance with proper management practices as suggested by the Agricultural Extension Service and the Soil Conservation Service.
**Webmasters Note: The previous Section 285-31F has been amended as per Ordinance No. 01-9.
Farm stands shall be subject to the following restrictions:
A. The sale of manufactured, processed or refined vegetables, fruit, animal, fish or insect produce, packaged off site is not permitted, except for live plant material which has been packaged on site or off site, in planters, pots, flats, or other means of containment for ease of transporting the produce.
B. The sale of manufactured, processed or refined products, chemical fertilizers and sprays, equipment and similar items is not permitted.
C. The farm stand shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in size.
D. Outside sale or display areas shall not exceed 1/2 the structure coverage of the farm stand or 500 square feet, whichever is greater, and is subject to the same setback and parking requirements of the farm stand.
E. Setbacks for the farm stand and display area shall be 25 feet from the street line and 50 feet from any property line.
F. Access shall be controlled and limited and driveways shall not exceed 24 feet in width.
G. An adequate, nonpaved parking area shall be provided. Parking shall be provided at a ratio of one space for every 200 square feet of gross floor area of farm stand and associated permitted outside sale or display area.
H. No permanent exterior lighting shall be permitted.
I. One unlighted nonseasonal sign, no larger than eight square feet, shall be permitted; a freestanding sign shall not exceed 10 feet in height and shall be located at least 10 feet from the street line. Seasonal agricultural signs shall be permitted.
J. Minor site plan approval by the Planning Board is required for a farm stand.
A. Purpose and Intent. In all zoning districts signs may be used, erected, maintained, altered, relocated, removed or demolished only in compliance with the provisions of this section. The intent of these regulations are to:
(1) Control the size, location, character and other pertinent features of all signs, whether interior or exterior which are visible to the public
(2) Promote signs which are compatible with the surroundings and are orderly, readable, appropriate, helpful and non-distracting to motorists
(3) Discourage and render unlawful signs which contribute to visual pollution and clutter, are in disrepair or of faulty construction or are a detriment to public safety and welfare
B. Permit procedure.
(1) Permit required. A sign permit shall be required prior to the construction, reconstruction, alteration, relocation, laminating or changing of plastic panels of any permanent sign permitted by this chapter. No sign shall be constructed or displayed unless a permit shall have been obtained from the Construction Code Official.
(2) Permit application.
(a) An application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Construction Code Official. The application shall include the appropriate application form and fee required by the Uniform Construction Code and shall include construction documents which include sign dimensions, materials, construction details, electrical details, anchorages, loadings, and stress analyses as required by the Uniform Construction Code.
(b) The Construction Code Official shall not issue a construction permit for any sign unless he has first received an approved sign permit from the Zoning Officer.
(c) An applicant for a sign permit shall make application to the Zoning Officer by completing the sign permit application form supplied by the Zoning Officer and by submitting a plan or documentation showing the location of the proposed sign, sign dimensions, mounting height, sign message with dimensions, illumination, sign supports or means of attachment, and setbacks from right-of-way or property lines.
(d) Immediately following the erection of a sign which received a sign permit under this section, the applicant shall notify the Construction Code Official who shall perform a final inspection of the sign. The Construction Code Official shall notify the applicant of any deviations from the permit and, if necessary, take enforcement action as provided for in this section.
(3) Permit application fee. A sign permit application fee shall be submitted with each application to the Zoning Officer for a sign permit. The fee shall be as required in Chapter 45 Land Use Procedures of the Pohatcong Township Code.
(4) Variances. In hearing any application for a variance from the provisions of this section pertaining to signs, the Land Use Board may require the applicant to consider modifying the design of the sign to promote the purposes of this section in an effort to allow a finding that the benefits of granting the relief will outweigh the detriments.
C. General Sign Standards. The following regulations shall be observed for all signs in all zoning districts within the municipality:
(1) Except for certain directional signs as defined in this section, all signs must be located on the premises which they identify. No sign shall be erected on any lot or building which does not pertain to the use on the lot or building.
(2) Any signs not specifically permitted in this section are hereby prohibited.
(3) Identification signs of a prototype design and corporate logos shall conform to the standards established in this section.
(4) A sign should complement the architectural style and scale of the building and should be designed as an integral architectural element of the site to which it principally relates. As an architectural element the sign should reflect the period f architecture and should be in harmony with a building's character and use. It must not interfere with architectural lines and details. Components of signs such as supporting structures, backs, etc. not bearing a message shall be constructed of materials that blend with the natural environment or shall be painted a neutral color to blend with the natural environment.
(5) Sign area measurement. The area of signs shall be measured in accordance with the standards contained in the definition of Sign Area Measurement in Chapter 123 of the Pohatcong Code.
(6) Where a building requires several different signs, a consistent design theme shall be created utilizing similar elements such as material, size, background and lettering color, letter style, illumination and borders.
(7) Any sign located along the right-of-way of a state or federal highway shall comply with any more restrictive requirements of the state and federal government relating thereto. Limitations on signs as set forth in this section shall not apply to any sign or directional device erected by the federal, state, county or township government or agency thereof.
(8) No sign shall be placed in such as position as to endanger traffic by obscuring view or by confusing with official street signs or signals because of position, color or reflective surface.
(9) Only one (1) sign of a permitted type for which a permit is required shall be located on a lot unless otherwise specified in this section.
(10) Flags other than official national, state, county or municipal flags shall be considered to be signs and shall comply with applicable regulations. Flagpoles shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height or be located closer than thirty-five (35) feet to any street right-of-way line or property line.
(11) Every permitted sign shall be constructed with durable materials, shall conform with the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code and shall be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated may be removed by the municipality at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.
(12) All illuminated signs shall conform with the Electrical Subcode of the Township.
(13) No sign, including temporary signs or any part thereof shall be located closer than ten (10) feet to any street right-of-way line or property line, except where specific zone requirements are more restrictive, in which case said zone requirements shall apply.
(14) For multi-tenant buildings and shopping centers, the Township Land Use Board may waive requirements of this section where the applicant presents an overall sign plan to the Board indicating a detailed design vocabulary, and placement and signage plan which would, in the opinion of the Board, be consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter and promote the objectives of this section.
D. Exempt signs. The following signs do not require a sign permit and are exempt from the provisions of this section provided that they meet the following requirements where applicable:
(1) Public signs of a public, noncommercial nature, including street signs, safety signs, danger signs, no trespassing signs, signs indicating scenic or historical points of interest and all signs erected by a public officer or agency in the performance of a public duty.
(2) Non-illuminated memorial signs or tablets, indicating the name of a building or date of erection, not exceeding two (2) square feet in surface area, which are part of the building construction or attached wall signs.
(3) One non-illuminated or shielded illuminated name plate, not exceeding two (2) square feet in surface area, shall be permitted for each single family residence or home occupation.
(4) Non-illuminated or internally illuminated information or public service signs, such as those advertising the availability of rest rooms, telephones or similar public conveniences, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services, except those of public utilities. Informational signs provided for the guidance and convenience or the public within commercial properties may also be erected.
(5) Signs indicating public transportation stops when installed by the municipality or a public transportation facility.
(6) Trespassing signs, signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway, or premises, and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling fishing or hunting upon a particular premises, provided that the area of one side of any such sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet.
(7) Flags or emblems of religious, educational, civic or governmental organizations flown from supports on the buildings or grounds occupied by the organization and the American flag whenever and wherever flown in accordance with the laws and rules promulgated by the federal government.
(8) Illuminated and non-illuminated signs which are an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps and mild machines.
(9) Non-illuminated signs advertising the sale of farm produce located on the farm from which it is sold provided that the area of one side of any such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.
(10) Temporary signs which comply with the requirements for temporary signs as defined in this section.
E. Temporary signs. The following temporary signs are permitted in any zone.
(1) Non-illuminated real estate signs announcing the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is located. The sign may be double faced and, except as noted below, only one (1) sign shall be permitted on each lot or parcel unless it fronts on more than one street, whereby one sign shall be permitted per frontage. The maximum size of the sign shall be eight (8) square feet and the maximum height of the sign shall not exceed four (4) feet.
(2) All real estate signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after closing or settlement on said property or the execution of the lease.
(3) Developments with four (4) or more homes for sale may be advertised on a sign not to exceed eight (8) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height. One (1) such sign shall be permitted on each frontage if the development fronts on more than one (1) street. The sign shall be removed when all of the homes or lots have bee sold or rented.
(4) If the advertised use of a structure appears on any sign, said use shall be a permitted use in the zoning district in which it is located.
(5) Temporary signs for advertising public functions or fund raising events for charitable or religious organizations shall be permitted for a period of thirty (30) days prior to and during the event and shall be removed within five (5) days after the event. The sign shall be non-illuminated and shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and may be erected flat against the building or ground mounted. If ground mounted, the sign shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet.
(6) Temporary political signs and signs not related to a political campaign but containing political expressions may be erected for a period of sixty (60) days. Campaign signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the election. Political signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height.
(7) Relocation information signs for a period of thirty (30) days. Relocation signs shall be restricted to the present location of the relocating business and the future location of the relocating business. The signs, one each at the present and the future business sites, shall not be in excess of the standards set forth for the zone in which they are erected.
(8) Construction signs. One (1) ground mounted sign announcing the name of architects, engineers and/or contractors, the building enterprise and related information shall be permitted at a site under construction, alteration or repair, provided that the signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height and that the sign shall be removed before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
(9) Temporary window signs and internal signs visible from the exterior of the building that are in conformance with the standards set forth for facade signs and other applicable requirements of this chapter. Temporary window signs and internal signs advertising or describing sales or special merchandise are permitted, provided that the same sign does not remain visible from the exterior of the building for more than twenty (20) days and that all of the signs, individually or collectively, do not exceed fifteen (15%) percent of all available window space. Not more than one such signs shall be permitted at any time.
(10) The Construction Code Official may issue a temporary permit for a period no exceeding two (2) weeks for not more than one special sign advertising the opening of a new business or commercial enterprise subject to the following conditions
(a) The sign shall be located on the same property as the business or enterprise they advertise and be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from a street right-of-way line or property line.
(b) The sign shall conform to all other requirements for signs in the zone in which it is located, except that banners, pennant, pinwheels etc. shall also be permitted until the expiration date of the permit.
(c) The sign shall be maintained in an orderly manner at all times.
(d) The sign shall be removed immediately upon expiration of the permit.
F. Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zones in the municipality:
(1) Signs using red, yellow or green lights placed within one hundred (100) feet of any traffic signal now or hereafter erected.
(2) Moving or revolving signs and signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting, LED signs with intermittent or scrolling messages, excepting any time or temperature signs as permitted by this section.
(3) Signs using materials which sparkle or glitter, except that nothing contained herein is intended to prohibit the use of reflective paint on signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a lot or parcel.
(4) Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor.
(5) Signs having more than two (2) sign faces.
(6) Signs or decorative building lighting using free form exposed neon or fiber optic lights, except as permitted under facade signs in this section.
(7) Roof signs. No sign shall be attached to or erected on the roof of any building.
(8) Signs or advertising matter of an obscene nature.
(9) Signs using words such as "stop", "look", "danger", etc. which are placed in a manner or position which, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, constitutes a traffic hazard or otherwise interferes with the free flow or traffic.
(10) Hanging signs or signs which protrude more than 6 inches from a building or which are fixed to any tree, fence or any utility pole.
(11) Signs which in any way simulate official direction or warning signs or otherwise cause confusion with signs that are maintained by the State of New Jersey, Warren County or Pohatcong Township or by any railroad, public utility or agency concerned with the protection of the public health or safety or signs which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
(12) Any sign which may dangerously confuse or distract the attention of the operator of a motor vehicle.
(13) Signs advertising a product or service not sold on the premises, signs advertising or directing attention to another premises and any other signs unrelated to the premises on which the sign is erected.
(14) Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes or stairways or keeping light or air form windows used for living quarters.
(15) Banners, strings of banners, pinwheels.
(16) Signs attached, affixed or painted on trees, rocks, natural features, fences, utility poles, light poles, signs attached to other signs, and signs placed upon motor vehicles which are continuously or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous location to serve as a sign. Nothing herein contained is intended to prohibit the placement of signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a lot or parcel on light poles and utility poles erected therein.
(17) Any series of two (2) or more signs placed along a street or highway carrying an advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.
(19) Signs which are portable or fixed on a moveable stand, self-supporting without being firmly embedded in the ground, supported by other objects, mounted on wheels or a moveable vehicle, or made easily moveable in any other manner.
(20) Signs located in a public right-of-way or approved sight easement except those owned and maintained by a duly constituted governmental agency.
(21) Signs located, painted or affixed on a water tower, storage tank, tower or other similar structure.
G. Nonconforming signs. Subject to the restrictions of this subsection, nonconforming signs that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of this section may be continued except as provided below.
(1) No person may engage in any activity that causes an increase in the extent of nonconformity of a nonconforming sign. No nonconforming sign may be enlarged or altered in such a manner as to aggravate the nonconforming condition, nor may illumination be added to any nonconforming sign.
(2) A nonconforming sign may not be moved or replaced except to bring the sign into complete conformity with the standards of this section.
(3) If a nonconforming sign is destroyed by natural causes it may not thereafter be repaired, reconstructed or replaced except in conformity with the provisions of this section and the remnants of the former sign structure shall be cleared from the land. For purposes of this section a nonconforming sign is "destroyed" if damaged to an extent that the cost of repairing the sign to its former stature or replacing it with an equivalent sign equals or exceeds fifty (50%) percent of the value of the sign so damaged.
(4) Subject to other provisions of this section, nonconforming signs may be repaired and renovated as long as the cost of such work does not exceed fifty (50%) percent of the value of such sign.
(5) The message of a nonconforming sign may be changed as long as it does not create any new nonconformity.
(6) If a nonconforming sign other than a billboard advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that has not been operating or conducted for sixty (60) days, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed within sixty (60) days after such abandonment by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located or other party having control overt such sign.
(7) If a nonconforming billboard remains blank for a continuous period of one hundred eighty (180) days that billboard shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within sixty (60) days after such abandonment be altered to comply with this section or be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign. For purposes of this section a sign is "blank" if:
(a) It advertises a business service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted; or
(b) The advertising message it displays becomes illegible in whole or in substantial part; or
(c) The advertising copy paid for by a party other than the sign owner or promoting an interest other than the rental of the sign has been removed.
H. Maintenance of signs.
(1) All signs together with their supports, braces, hooks, anchors and other fastening devices shall be of substantial and sturdy construction, shall be kept in good repair and shall be painted or cleaned as often as necessary to maintain a clean, neat, safe and orderly appearance. In the event that the Zoning Officer determines that any sign has fallen into a state of disrepair, has become dilapidated or constitutes a safety hazard, the sign owner and property owner shall be given written notice to correct the conditions within thirty (30) days from the date of the mailing of the notice. Failure to correct the condition or file an appeal within the time provided shall constitute a violation of this section.
(2) If a sign advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall, within sixty (60) days after such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign.
(3) If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting shell or braces, anchors or similar components, the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within thirty (30) days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining components of the sign. This shall not be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a sign.
(4) The area surrounding permitted freestanding ground or pylon signs shall be kept neat, clean and free of litter. The owner of the property upon which said sign is located shall be responsible for maintaining the condition of the sign and of the surroundings.
I. Illumination. Unless specifically prohibited all signs may be illuminated subject to the following limitations:
(1) Illuminated signs shall be either internally lit or shall be illuminated by external lights directed onto the sign face. No sign shall be lit by means of flashing or intermittent illumination except for intermittent illumination necessary for time and temperature signs.
(2) Floodlights used for illumination of any facade sign, whether or not such floodlights are attached to or are separate from the building, shall not project light above the highest elevation of the front wall of the building or more than 18 feet above the ground level, whichever is less. Floodlights used for illumination of ground mounted signs shall project light only on the sign face. All illuminated signs shall be properly shielded and so located as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon motor vehicle traffic and so as not to cause a nuisance to residents of the area.
(3) Light from illuminated signs or display windows which is visible from the street right of way shall be limited to a light intensity of fifty (50) footcandles on the illuminated surface or display window. Light intensity levels from signs or displays shall not exceed 0.5 footcandles at the property line.
(4) All illumination shall be of a continuous (non-intermittent) nature and of a uniform color value.
(5) Illuminated signs facing a residence or residential zone shall not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM the following morning, unless the business or uses advertised are open to the public later than 10:00 PM, in which event such establishment may keep a sign illuminated until business is closed to the public.
J. Freestanding and Ground Mounted Signs. Freestanding and ground mounted signs shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Any new sign shall be not less than a distance of one hundred (100) feet from any existing freestanding or ground mounted sign.
(2) One such sign is permitted on each property, except in the case of a corner lot where the distance between each sign on separate frontages exceeds one hundred (100) feet measured along the right of way.
(3) All signs shall be placed in a location which will allow sufficient reaction time for drivers on the adjacent roads to safely enter the site.
(4) All signs and supports shall be constructed of durable materials which may include concrete, steel, treated wood, other suitable material or combination of same and shall be designed to withstand all loading conditions required by the Uniform Construction Code.
(5) All such signs shall consist of materials and colors similar to and compatible with the primary structure.
(6) All such signs may be double faced. The maximum area requirement established for such sign is the area permitted for each face.
(7) No such sign shall have more than two sign faces. The maximum distance between the faces of a double face sign shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches.
(8) The components of such sign relating to any assemblage of businesses such as a shopping center shall be arranged in an aesthetically compatible and visually coordinated manner.
(9) Free standing signs supported by posts or pylon shall be erected such that the bottom of the sign face is not less than eight (8) feet above the ground.
K. Facade signs. Facade signs shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) All signs attached to a building shall be attached so that the face of the sign is parallel to the wall and does not extend more than six (6) inches from the wall on which it is mounted. Signs shall not extend above the height of the vertical wall or eaves to which they are attached, nor closer than six (6) feet to ground level below said sign and shall be positioned so as not to interrupt architectural details.
(2) Signs attached to the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable material and be attached securely to the building with non-rusting metal hardware.
(3) The maximum vertical dimension of any facade sign shall not exceed two (2) feet unless such sign is located on a building fronting on N.J. Route 22, in which case the vertical dimension shall not exceed four (4) feet.
(4) There shall not be more than one facade sign for each tenant on the premises, except where the tenant's premises fronts on two (2) streets, then one (1) facade sign may be permitted per frontage. Where a building is served with a rear entrance or entrances opening on a parking area and intended to be used by the public, each tenant with such entrance shall be permitted an additional facade sign over such entrance.
(5) Multiple facade signs in multi-tenant buildings and shopping centers shall maintain a consistent design theme pursuant to the design standards and requirements subsection of this section and shall be of a uniform height above grade.
(6) Window signs and internal signs, whether illuminated or non-illuminated, which are visible from the exterior of the building shall be considered facade signs for the purposes of compliance with this subsection. One (1) such sign shall be permitted in a window and the total area of all window signs, individually or collectively shall not exceed fifteen (15%) percent of the available window space.
(7) One (1) neon or fiber optic sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area shall be permitted within a window however the total number of such signs on the property shall not exceed one (1) for each building facade facing a public street.
L. Canopy Signs. Where a business establishment has a canopy or awing constructed as an integral part of the building a sign may be attached to the face of the canopy or awning in place of a facade sign. For the purpose of this section a canopy or awning shall mean a covering extending from a building wall, having horizontal or nearly horizontal top and bottom surfaces, located at least eight (8) feet above the sidewalk or the ground below, but not including any extension of the building roof. The canopy or awning sign shall be subject to the following:
(1) The sign shall not extend above the highest point of the building wall.
(2) Signs attached to the face of the canopy or awning shall not extend above, below or to the sides of the face of the canopy or awning.
(3) Signs erected on top of the canopy or awning shall not extend beyond the face or edge of the canopy or awning.
(4) The dimensions of the sign and area of the sign shall comply with the requirements for facade signs.
M. Time and Temperature Signs.
(1) Signs shall be non-rotating.
(2) Signs may be double faced and the area of one face shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.
(3) Only one (1) such sign shall be erected on a lot.
(4) There shall no other time and temperature sign within 1,000 feet of the proposed sign.
(5) The sign shall conform with the requirements for free standing signs or facade signs in this section depending upon the method of erection.
N. Institutional signs. Signs of schools, colleges, churches, hospitals, nursing homes or other institutions of a similar public or semi-public type as permitted by this chapter may be erected and maintained in accordance with the following:
(1) The minimum sign setbacks for the zone in which they are located are observed.
(2) The area of any freestanding sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.
(3) The height of any freestanding signs shall not exceed four (4) feet.
O. Directional signs.
(1) Non-illuminated or internally illuminated directional signs identifying parking area, loading zones, entrances, exits, and similar locations shall be permitted on any lot where such information is deemed to be necessary to provide safe and convenient access for the public. The number of directional signs shall not exceed the number of driveway openings on a lot. The sign may include a business name or professional name but shall not include any advertising message. In shopping centers and multi-tenanted facilities, individual tenants shall not have their business or professional names on the directional signs. Only the name of such center or development is permitted on the sign. Signs may be dual faced and shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height.
(2) Billboards are prohibited within the Township, however a business or establishment may erect a non-illuminated sign which is located off of their property which provides the name of the business or establishment but not the name of a product or commodity, whose exclusive purpose is to be a directional sign providing guidance to the consumer public attempting to locate such business or establishment subject to the following limitations:
(a) The sign shall not exceed a total area of two (2) square feet and may be dual faced.
(b) The information contained upon such sign shall be limited to the name of the business establishment and its street address and may include directions or a directional arrow if the sign is located at an intersection or at an intersecting street.
(c) The applicant shall provide documentation of permission to erect the sign from the owner of the property where the sign is to be erected.
(c) Such sign shall otherwise adhere to all of the requirements of this section and shall comply with all sign regulations applicable within the zone district in which such sign is located.
P. Signs in R-1, R-3 and R-4V Zones. No signs shall be permitted in any residential zone except those signs which are exempt signs as previously defined in this section.
Q. Signs in the B-1 Zone. The following signs are permitted in the B-1 Zone:
(1) A business establishment shall be permitted one (1) facade sign for each building wall of the establishment that fronts on a public street, subject to the following conditions:
(a) Said sign shall conform with the requirements for facade signs in this section.
(b) The maximum area of the facade sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.
(2) Freestanding or ground mounted signs shall not be permitted.
R. Signs in the B-2, B-3, OR, I, and Q Zones. The following signs are permitted in the B-2, B-3, OR, I and Q Zones:
(1) A business establishment shall be permitted one facade sign for each building wall of the establishment that faces on a street, subject to the following conditions:
(a) Said sign shall conform with the requirements for facade signs in this section.
(b) The maximum area of the facade sign shall not exceed four (4%) percent of the area of the wall of the establishment to which it is attached or forty (40) square feet, whichever is less.
(2) Where a business has a canopy or marquee constructed as an integral part of the building, a sign may be attached to the face of or erected on top of the canopy or marquee in place of a permitted wall sign, provided that said sign conforms with the dimensional requirements for facade signs and conforms with the requirements for canopy and awning signs in this section.
(3) A business shall be permitted one sign containing time and temperature changes subject to said sign conforming with the requirements for time and temperature signs in this section.
(4) In addition to the foregoing signs, a business shall be permitted one (1) freestanding or ground mounted sign, unless the establishment has erected a free standing time and temperature sign which also advertises the name of the business, in which case no additional free standing or ground mounted sign shall be permitted.
(a) Said sign shall conform with the requirements for freestanding or ground mounted signs in this section.
(b) The maximum height from the ground to the top of any freestanding or ground mounted sign shall not exceed twelve (12) feet, except that for properties fronting on N.J. Route 22 the maximum height shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet.
(c) Free standing or ground mounted signs shall not be located within fifteen (15) feet of any street right-of-way line or property line.
(d) The sign face of any freestanding or ground mounted sign shall not exceed forty (40) square feet, except that for properties fronting on N.J. Route 22 the area shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet.
S. Signs in AH and ARH Zones.
(1) Each development located within an AH or ARH Zone may display one (1) ground mounted sign identifying the name of the development and up to five (5) additional signs within the development identifying neighborhoods within the project. The main project identification sign shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in area and the neighborhood signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area. All such sign(s) shall be ground mounted, shall be landscaped with low growing shrubs and shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet.
(2) Each freestanding or ground mounted sign shall be setback a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from any street right-of-way line or property line.
(3) A signing system shall be submitted for each development, which shall be comprehensive and coordinated for graphics, color, sizes and locations of signs. Such signs shall include street names, project identification, directional and similar signs.
T. Signs in motor vehicle service stations or fueling stations. Motor vehicle service stations and fueling stations, where permitted, may display the following signs which are deemed customary and necessary to their respective business:
(1) One (1) freestanding sign advertising the name of the station or garage and the principal products sold on the premises including any special company or brand name, insignia or emblem, subject to the following:
(a) The free standing sign shall conform with the requirements for freestanding signs in this section.
(b) The maximum height from the ground to the top of any permitted freestanding sign shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet.
(c) The sign face of any freestanding sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet.
(2) Directional signs or lettering displayed on the building wall over an individual entrance door or bays, consisting only of the words "washing", "lubrication", "repair", "mechanic on duty" or other words closely similar in import, provided that there shall be not more than one (1) such sign over each entrance or bay, that the letters thereof shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in height and that such letters shall be limited to a single line.
(3) Customary lettering or other insignia on the gasoline pumps consisting only of the brand name of gasoline sold, lead warning sign, a price indicator and any other sign required by law and not exceeding a total of two (2) square feet on each pump.
(4) Where a canopy is provided over pump islands such canopy shall be permitted to display a sign attached to the face of the canopy advertising the name of the station and any company logo provided that the sign complies with the requirements for facade signs in this section and that the letters shall not exceed two (2) feet in height and the area of the sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet. Where the property fronts on more than one (1) public street one (1) such facade sign shall be permitted for each frontage.
U. Enforcement and removal of signs.
(1) Whenever, in the opinion of the Zoning Officer, any sign becomes unsafe or endangers the safety of a building or premises or endangers the public safety, the Zoning Officer shall by certified mail notify the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises on which the sign is located, ordering that such sign be made safe or removed within thirty (30) days of receipt of the letter. If the owner fails to remove or repair the sign within the time specified, such sign may be removed by the Zoning Officer at the reasonable expense of the holder of the permit. The Zoning Officer may cause any sign or sign structure to be removed summarily and without written notice if it is an immediate peril to persons or property by virtue of its construction or moorings.
(2) Any sign which no longer advertises a business conducted or a product sold or no longer represents the use actually being conducted on the property shall be removed by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises on which the sign is located within ninety (90) days after receiving written notification from the Zoning Officer. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the Zoning Officer is authorized to cause removal of such sign and any reasonable expense incurred for that purpose shall be paid by the permittee or owner of the premises where such sign is located.
(3) Any sign which has been erected without having first obtained a sign permit as required in this section or any sign which does not comply with any of the requirements of this section or any sign for which the required application fee has not been paid shall be removed by the owner of the sign or the owner the premises on which the sign is located within 90 days after receiving written notification from the Zoning Officer. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the Zoning Officer is authorized to cause removal of such sign and any reasonable expense incurred for that purpose shall be paid by the permittee or owner of the premises where such sign is located.
(4) Signs erected on public land or within public right-of-ways contrary to the provisions of this chapter are subject to immediate removal.
**Webmasters Note: The previous section has been amended as per Ordinance No. 05-9.
