Special Regulations for Village Office Zone
1. No neon signs permitted. 2. No window signs permitted with the exception of small signs on doors labeling the name of the business and informing pedestrians of business hours.
3. Indirect lighting and back-lighted signs pertained. Direct fighting permitted. provided that fixtures are ground-nlounled with adequate shielding and/or landscaping.
4. No reader boards, changeable-litter signs, electronic display signage nor similar type devices will be permitted.
5. A Two-square-foot shingle shall be permitted on cacti wall of the building.
6. Litter style. color, material and general design shall be in keeping with the residential professional office neighborhood character.
7. Details for any proposed sign construction shall he submitted to the Dover Township Planning Board's Architectural/landscape Review Committee for review and approval. This Committee shall have the power and the right to approve or disapprove proposals not specified by this chapter, including the configuration and decoration of street furniture, kiosks, directories and other such signs and displays which consist of statuary or other objets Walls. They may also allow a reduction in the required distance between signs and may relax limitations on the Special Regulations for Village Office Zone for good cause.
(3) Ground signs. One ground sign is permitted for each establishment frontage, provided that:
(a) The activity is accessible by automobile and has its own off-street parking. If this condition is not met, only a ground sign of less than six square feet shall be allowed.
(b) The edge of the building or structure in which the activity is conducted is set back at least 30 feet from the edge of the street right-of-way it faces.
(c) The sign itself is set back from the right-of-way at least the distance set forth below for the listed area. Any allowance is subject to the limits imposed by the applicable Table of Basic Design Elements.
(d) The height of the ground sign measured from the ground at the edge of the roadway to which it is adjacent to the top of the sign does not exceed that allowed under the appropriate table.
(e) The sign is not closer than 100 feel to a prior existing ground sign of six square feet or more.
(f) The ground sign is no more than six square feet if there is also a projecting sign on the establishment frontage.
(g) The establishment is not a part of a shopping center or of any group of stores occupying a single site. As to these, special regulations are provided below.
(h) No sign located within a sight easement, in a parking area or within 25 feet of any street intersection or access drive shall occupy the space between 30 inches and seven feet above the ground. This prohibition does not apply to supports one foot or less in diameter.
(i) Any supporting structure which exceeds 18 inches in any single dimension shall be considered part of the sign for area and setback purposes. [Added 2-22-1995 by Ord. No. 3084-95]
(4) Wall sign. A wall sign may be attached to, painted on or pinned away from a wall but may not project more than 12 inches. A wall sign positioned between two floors shall not exceed 2/3 of the vertical distance between the windows. A wall sign may not block or interrupt major architectural details nor exceed or overlap its background (except in a vertical direction by up to four feet) or the height permitted for ground signs at that location, whichever is lower.
(5) Window sign. A permanent window sign of letters more than four inches in height will be counted in the total items of information of that frontage. It shall, under no circumstances, exceed 30% of the glass area. Only permanent window signs may be used above the first floor. Temporary window signs may be used without being counted in the items of information, provided that they do not exceed 50% of the glass area of that frontage.
(6) Roof sign. A roof sign shall not extend above or beyond the roof ridge line, parapet wall or architectural features behind the sign or the ground sign height limitations permitted at that location. All roof signs shall be located between the eaves and the roof ridge line of a pitched roof and shall be of such size that the roof ridge line of the roof is visible above the sign from ground level at a distance of 100 feet from the building. For the purpose of this chapter, a sign located above a canopy roof shall be considered a roof sign. Each establishment shall be permitted one canopy sign, provided that: [Amended 2-24-1981 by Ord. No. 1998]
(a) The main roof be a minimum of three feet higher than the canopy roof.
(b) The area of the canopy sign shall be included in the total allowable area for a wall sign.
(c) The proposed canopy sign height shall not exceed the ground sign height.
(d) The main roof shall be visible above the canopy sign from ground level at a distance of 100 feet from the sign.
(e) The canopy sign shall not block major architectural features on the building.
(f) Maximum height of a canopy sign shall be four feet.
(7) Projecting signs. One projecting sign per frontage is permitted, provided that the following conditions are met. All such signs must:
(a) Clear the grade or sidewalk by at least eight feet.
(b) Project no more than four feet from the building wall or the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
(c) Be clear of the wall to which it is attached by a minimum of six inches.
(d) Be attached to a building which is at least 20 feet in width and be no closer than 40 feet to another, then existing, projecting sign unless either sign consists only of a logo, a symbol or a store identification.
(e) Project only at right angles to a wall.
(8) Additional regulations. Additional regulations shall apply in all districts unless specifically provided otherwise: [Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 2729-90]
(a) Street numbers of three to six inches in height and visible from the street are required for each establishment or residence.
(b) Awnings, canopies and marquees extending to a point no closer than one foot to the curbline and time-and-temperature displays are permitted for all commercial, institutional and industrial establishments in all districts.
(c) Banners are permitted in the Toms River Village District only.
(d) Floodlight illumination is permitted in all districts, provided that the light is not directed onto adjoining property or into the eyes of motorists or pedestrians in the public right-of-way in such a manner as to create traffic hazards.
(e) Internal and indirect illumination of signs is permitted in all districts.
(f) Bare bulb illumination is not allowed except that bulbs of 25 watts or less per bulb are permitted for all retail, entertainment, hotel, motel and restaurant service establishments in all districts, provided that the bulbs are an integral part of the sign.
(g) All combinations of color and material are permitted for all commercial and industrial establishment signs as long as there is no traffic safety hazard as a result of the same.
(h) Reader boards or changeable letter areas of signs erected may not exceed 30% of the constructed sign area. The combined areas of the static/fixed and changeable letter portion of the sign shall not exceed the sign area limits of this chapter. [Added 2-22-1995 by Ord. No. 3084-95; 12-9-2003 by Ord. No. 3843-03]
(i) Each and every establishment shall install a street number identification on the establishment and any ground sign erected being not less than six inches in height and contrasting in color to the background upon which it is installed. [Added 2-22-1995 by Ord. No. 3084-95]
(j) As part of a freestanding/ground sign, a motor vehicle service station may display one changeable letter sign per frontage which lists the type and price of any motor fuels and the same shall not be considered in any calculation of items of information or sign area. Said sign shall be exempt from Subsection A(8)(h) above. [Added 2-22-1995 by Ord. No. 3084-95]
B. Exempted signs. The following described signs shall be exempted from licensing and control if they contain seven or fewer items of information and meet the specific requirements set forth below and the setback requirements noted above in § 348-8.26A(3)(c). If the criteria are met, no application need be made or license need to be obtained to allow the erection of such signs. All signs which are not located or designed to be seen from the right-of-way of a street or highway or any vehicular circulation area shall also be exempt from the provisions of this section. All signs which are located or designed to be seen from the right-of-way of a street or highway and which are considered exempted signs shall not exceed the sign area limitations for the specified portion of the Township in which the sign is located. [Amended 3-25-1992 by Ord. No. 2897-92; 5-13-1992 by Ord. No. 2911-92; 11-28-1990 by Ord. No. 2769-90; 2-22-1995 by Ord. No. 3084-95; 6-11-2002 by Ord. No. 3698-02; 12-9-2003 by Ord. No. 3843-03]
(1) Construction signs. One nonilluminated sign, not exceeding 40 square feet in area or eight feet in height, denoting the architect, engineer, contractors or other participants in construction and owners and future occupants, may be placed upon the property where the work is under construction.
(2) Directional signs. Signs not exceeding four square feet, containing lettering not exceeding six inches in height and designed to direct and inform the public as to entry, exit, service areas, loading or special parking instructions or similar information, whether internally lighted or not, are exempt. Moving directional lights are allowed where required for safety reasons. Any such signs must be not less than 10 feet from the street right-of-way and may not exceed 30 inches in height within 25 feet of any access drive.
(3) Government flags and historic markers. Any flag of the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, the Township of Dover, any other governmental entity or any other religious or fraternal organization and memorial or historic tablets, information as to the name of a building, date of erection, special description or other material of historic interest, when cut into a masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other similar material and not exceeding six square feet, shall be exempt.
(4) Nameplates. One nameplate sign, as defined above, is allowed per frontage, provided that it does not exceed two square feet in size and is not illuminated by a total of more than 25 watts.
(5) Political signs. Political signs shall be exempt for a period commencing 30 days prior to the election and five days subsequent to the election. All such political signs shall be subject to the requirements of §§ 427-3D(5), (6) and (7) and 427-5 of the Code of the Township of Dover, New Jersey.
(6) Real estate signs. One nonilluminated sign per frontage shall be exempt, provided that the same does not exceed 12 square feet and four feet in height in residential areas, nor 32 square feet and eight feet in height in all other zones.
(7) Outdoor Christmas decorations. Commercial outdoor Christmas decorations are exempt, provided that they do not advertise a product or establishment and are not erected prior to October 30 and are removed by January 15 of the following year.
(8) Special events signs. Special events signs are exempt, provided that the event advertised has been approved by the planning Board, and provided that the sign is not erected for a period longer than 35 days, which period shall terminate within five days after the event.
(9) Subdivision sign. One nonilluminated sign advertising premises under development shall be exempt, provided that the same does not exceed 40 square feet in area nor eight feet in height.
(10) Temporary window signs. Any window sign meeting the definition of a temporary sign is exempt.
(11) Traffic or other municipal signs. Any sign erected by the Township of Dover, County of Ocean or State of New Jersey or required to be erected by law; and no-trespassing or no-hunting signs, provided that the same do not exceed two square feet in area, are exempt.
(12) Signs painted on or attached to motor vehicles or trailers. Signs painted on or attached to motor vehicles or trailers are exempt, provided that such signs pertain to the function of the vehicle or to the business of its owner and that the vehicle or trailer is not itself used as a sign. The placement of a vehicle or trailer and the duration of its location at a specific place in relationship to a public right-of-way shall be factors to be considered in determining whether or not the vehicle is itself being used as a sign.
C. Special situations. The following standards for special situations are hereby established: [Amended 9-14-1982 by Ord. No. 2116; 9-25-1991 by Ord. No. 2859-91]
(1) Multiple frontage. An establishment having frontage on more than one street may display signs on each frontage as if it had no other frontage.
(2) Shopping centers and multiple use or joint occupancy of a site or building.
(a) If a site or building is shared by distinctly separate proprietorships as in the case of a shopping center, each such establishment shall be treated separately as to items of information and other factors. This exception shall not apply to ground signs. Those premises having in excess of 600 feet of frontage on a street shall be allowed an additional ground sign for each 500 feet in excess of 100 feet, provided that such signs are located at least 300 feet apart. Each ground sign so provided for may contain up to seven items of information.
(b) A shopping center of over 15 acres is permitted, per frontage, one ground sign which exceeds by 50% the basic design element height and area limitations at that location, provided that the items of information on the sign are limited to the name of the center and the names of attractions at theaters within the center, if any.
(3) Billboard areas. Billboards are limited in size to a maximum of 20 feet vertically by 30 feet horizontally and are allowed in areas, if any, zoned for that use. Such billboards shall be considered conditional uses within those areas, and application shall be made for permission to erect or maintain billboards under the provisions contained within this chapter.
(4) Industrial parks. Industrial parks may have one ground sign for each frontage, and each sign shall meet all of the requirements of the Table of Basic Design Elements which applies to the area. Within the site, and not designed to be seen from the roads outside the site, one ground sign is permitted for each establishment. The individual signs shall not exceed 10 feet in height, and the maximum area shall be based on the signable area of the plant wall facing the public right-of-way.
(5) Super graphics. Super graphics shall be allowed if the design is approved by the Planning Board. Applications shall include design details and written permission of the owner of the building. No advertising words may be included in the design.
(6) Sidewalk showcases and kiosks. Sidewalk showcases and kiosks are permitted if the structure, design and use are approved by the Planning Board, which shall consider such application with particular reference to traffic and safety considerations.
(7) Motorist information signs. Signs of up to 20 square feet, meeting all other requirements of this section, may be located in the Industrial or Highway Business Zones to direct motorists to essential services only.
(8) One-story commercial buildings, wall sign. Every one-story commercial building shall be considered to have a signable area extending five feet above the top of the window line. Within that area, a wall sign may be attached to the building and may extend above the roofline. No sign may extend more than five feet above the top window line, and all other requirements of this chapter and the tables annexed to it shall be met.
(9) Off-site subdivision signs. Three nonilluminated signs advertising premises under development may be located off-site from said premises, provided that they are located along minor or principal arterial highways and on properties zoned other than residential. The location(s) and detail(s) of all off-site subdivision signs shall be approved by the Planning Board and shall meet all other requirements of this section.
D. Prohibited signs. No sign shall be constructed, reconstructed, erected or maintained which: [Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 2729-90; 9-25-1991 by Ord. No. 2859-91]
(1) Is located in the public right-of-way.
(2) Offends public morals or decency.
(3) Is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic sign.
(4) By reason of its size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination may be confused with or hide a traffic control device.
(5) Advertises or publicizes an activity, business, product or service which is itself not available on the site upon which the sign is located. The only exception to this prohibition shall be those signs which are provided for under Subsection C(3), Billboard areas, Subsection C(7), Motorist information signs, and Subsection C(9), Off-site subdivision signs. [Amended 9-14-1982 by Ord. No. 2116]
(6) Consists of streamers, propellers, pennants or other wind-activated devices.
(7) Is animated.
(9) Obstructs motorist's view on ingress or egress.
(10) Is unsafe in construction according to applicable structural and electrical codes.
(11) Is illuminated in such a manner that it produces glare sufficient to be a safety hazard.
(12) Violates the purpose, intent and specific regulations of this section.
(13) Is painted on or attached to a motor vehicle, trailer or other portable device which is so located or placed as to be visible from a public street and intended, as determined by its location and the duration of its stay, to function as a sign.
(14) Is an air-supported or -inflated sign. [Added 4-I1-19911 by Ord. No. 2729-90]
Solid wastes from all uses other than single- or two-family homes, if stored outdoors, shall be placed in metal receptacles within a screened refuse area subject to the following minimum standards:
A. The screened refuse area shall not be located within any front yard area. [Amended 9-25-1991 by Ord. No. 2859-91; 12-9-2003 by Ord. No. 3843-03]
B. The refuse storage area shall be surrounded on three sides by a solid uniform fence or wall not less than five feet nor more than eight feet in height. Such fence shall be exempt from the provisions of any ordinance of the Township of Dover regulating the height of fences and requiring permits therefor [Amended 9-25-1991 by Ord. No. 2859-1]
C. A five-foot minimum width landscaping area shall be provided along the fence or wall enclosing the refuse storage area. The landscaping to be provided shall be shown on the site plan submitted for Planning Board approval.
D. The container and solid uniform fence or wall comprising the refuse area shall be painted subject to the approval of the Dover Township Planning Board's Architectural/Landscape Review Committee, and the opening of said enclosure shall be located to minimize the view of the refuse container(s) from adjoining properties or public streets. [Amended 12-26-1990 by Ord. No. 2781-90]
E. If located within or adjacent to a parking area or access drive, the enclosed refuse areas shall be separated from such parking area or access drive by curbing.
F. The enclosed refuse area shall not be located so as to interfere with traffic circulation or the parking of vehicles.
G. All refuse shall be deposited in containers maintained within the refuse area. No containers shall be maintained anywhere on a site except in a refuse area meeting these requirements.
H. If outdoor storage of solid waste is not proposed, the site plan submission shall detail the methods proposed for accommodating solid waste within the structure. The Planning Board may require that a suitable area be set aside, but not improved, for a future solid waste storage area meeting these requirements even if indoor accommodations for solid waste are proposed.
I. No refuse storage area shall be placed within 10 feet of any public right-of-way or any property line and shall conform to the provisions for refuse storage areas in accordance with Ordinance No. 2-80, Solid and Liquid Waste Code, of the Code of the Township of Dover. [Added 2-9-1982 by Ord. No. 2068; amended 9-25-1991 by Ord. No. 2859-91]
J. All uses, other than single- or two-family dwellings, shall provide adequate areas for the storage of mandatory recyclable materials. [Added 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 2729-90]
K. The base of the proposed refuse area shall provide a means to reduce noise generated during the loading and unloading of containers reserved for refuse and recyclable materials to the extent as may be required by the Dover Township Planning Board. [Added 12-26-1990 by Ord. No. 2781-90]
