The purpose of these provisions is to establish the minimum development requirements and restrictions within the Township's zoning districts. Deviation from the standards of this section will only be permitted when a variance is granted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70c and § 250-9G(3) and (4) of this chapter.

Any building altered or constructed after the effective date of this chapter shall comply with the minimum lot size [with respect to those lots not otherwise subject to the provisions of § 250-44A(1)(a)], minimum yard dimensions, maximum lot coverage, maximum height, minimum landscape area ratio, and minimum gross floor area requirements and all other requirements as enumerated on the Schedule of Area, Height and Yard Requirements set forth in Appendix E.

Except when more stringent standards are otherwise required by this chapter, the minimum spacing between residential structures of similar types, including without limitation townhouse dwellings, three-family dwellings and multilevel dwellings, shall be as follows:

A. End wall to end wall: 1/2 the height of highest wall (minimum 15 feet).

B. Any building face to street curb: height of highest wall (minimum 20 feet).

C. Any building face without garages or driveways to parking area: 1/2 height of highest wall (minimum 12 feet).

D. Any building face with garages or driveways: height of highest wall (minimum 20 feet).

E. End wall to window wall: 11/2 height of highest wall (minimum 30 feet).

F. Window wall to window wall: three times height of highest wall (minimum 75 feet).

A. Separate exterior front entrances shall be provided to townhouse dwellings, duplexes, three-family dwellings and multilevel dwellings, except in the case of three-story multilevel dwellings, which may have interior access.

B. Buildings shall be designed to avoid long straight, unbroken lines. No principal building when viewed from any elevation shall be greater than 175 feet in length. Buildings shall have no more than two dwelling units in a line without setbacks or breaks in building elevations of at least six feet. Attached single-family dwelling units and townhouses shall have not less than four and no more than eight dwelling units in a continuous building. No exterior wall segment shall exceed a length of 50 feet, and adjacent wall segments shall be offset by either four feet or 45.

C. Courtyards bounded on three or more sides by wings of the same building shall have a minimum court width of two feet for each one foot in height of the tallest building or building wing.

D. Garages and/or carports, when not attached to a principal building, shall be located no closer than 25 feet to a facing wall of a building containing windows, nor closer than 15 feet to a facing wall of a principal building which does not contain windows.

A. Every part of a required minimum yard shall be open and unobstructed from its lowest level to the sky, except for the ordinary projections allowed by the State Uniform Construction Code, including, but not limited to, sills, chimneys, flues, buttresses, ornamental features, and eaves; provided, however, that none of the aforesaid projections shall project into the minimum required yards more than 24 inches, unless otherwise permitted by this chapter.

B. No yard or other open space provided for one building shall be considered as providing a yard or open space for any other building.

C. For single-family detached dwellings, the front yard setbacks may be reduced to the average setback of existing dwellings on the subject block, provided that in no case shall the setback be less than 20 feet.

D. Where a portion of an existing single-family residence is in violation of any setback or yard requirement by 7 1/2 feet or less, the remaining portion of the residence may be extended up to the existing building line.

E. Chimneys are specifically permitted to encroach into the minimum yard setback by not more than two feet in depth or side and total side yard requirements may be reduced in equal proportion to the reduction of the required lot width for the zone in which it is located, provided that the minimum of one side yard shall be no less than seven feet and the combined side yards no less than 21 feet.

F. Aboveground and below-ground pools on single-family residential lots are specifically permitted to encroach into the minimum required rear yard or side yard accessory structure setback area, provided that a minimum distance of six feet is provided between the pool wall and the affected property line. [Added 4-11-2005 by Ord. No. 08-2005]

A. An accessory building attached to the principal building shall comply in all respects with the yard requirements of the principal building. Detached accessory buildings shall be located to the rear of the front building line of the principal building, and if located in a side yard area, shall conform to the side yard requirements that would otherwise apply to the principal building.

B. No accessory building or structure in conjunction with a residential dwelling shall exceed 600 square feet in gross floor area. [Amended 7-24-2000 by Ord. No. 28-00]

C. For all accessory buildings 150 square feet, or less, in gross floor area, except those buildings intended to house animals, the side yard and rear yard requirements may be reduced to three feet.

D. No detached accessory building, in any residential zone, shall be less than three feet from the principal building.

E. Wood decks shall be deemed to be an accessory structure in conjunction with a residential unit whether attached or detached from the house itself. The minimum side and rear yard setback for a wooden deck in the R-5, R-6, R-7 and R-9 Zones shall be seven feet, providing the height of the deck does not exceed two feet. For wood decks higher than two feet, the side and rear yards shall be increased two feet for each additional vertical foot or fractional part of a vertical foot above the initial two-foot provisional height. For the purpose of this section, the height of the deck shall be deemed to be the vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the proposed finished grade along the perimeter of the deck to the elevation of the floor of the deck. Wood decks in the R-12, R-15, R-20, R-30, R-40, R-80 and R-120 Zones shall conform to the side and rear year requirements set forth for accessory buildings. For the purpose of this section, wood platforms which are less than or equal to one foot in height shall be considered to be raised patios rather than decks, and shall be subject to all necessary building permits, but not to the accessory yard requirements of wood decks. [Added 7-24-2000 by Ord. No. 28-00]

A. No structure shall extend higher than the limit provided in each zone created hereunder for building height.

B. No building or structure shall exceed the height set forth in the Schedule of Area, Height and Yard Requirements set forth in Appendix E, provided that the height limitations may be exceeded if:

(1) The front, rear and side yards are increased two feet for each foot by which the building exceeds the height limitation for the zone; and

(2) In no case shall any building exceed 125% of the footage limitation otherwise applicable in the zone.

C. In all districts except the O-G Zone, television and radio antennas may extend above the height limit by not more than 25 feet; the height limitations shall not apply to church spires, belfries, cupolas, penthouses and domes, not used for human occupancy, nor chimneys, ventilators, skylights, water tanks, bulkheads, similar features and necessary mechanical appurtenances usually carried above the roof level; provided that, in all nonresidential zones, any such features other than church spires shall be prohibited unless the approving board finds that screening or other treatment consistent with the materials and architectural lines of the building will be provided or that such features are of such size and placement as to be not noticeable from any street or property lines. A parapet wall or cornice for ornament may extend above the height limit by not more than five feet.

D. Public and quasi-public buildings, schools and churches may exceed the height limitations; provided that the front, rear, and side yards shall be increased one foot for each foot by which such the building exceeds the height limitation for the zone; and further provided that in no case shall any building have a height which exceeds 50 feet.

E. No accessory building or structure shall exceed a height of 15 feet or be taller than one story.

In all zoning districts, signs may be erected, altered, maintained, used and removed only when in compliance with the provisions of this section.

A. Permitted signs in all zones. In all zoning districts the following signs are permitted:

(1) Signs advertising produce or nursery products on roadside stands in accordance with the special regulations hereinbelow set forth.

(2) Two freestanding signs or bulletin boards identifying churches, clubs, lodges, hospitals, schools, libraries, museums, parks and playgrounds and public utility installations on each public street abutting same. Such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and six feet in height.

(3) One freestanding sign on each public street adjoining a permitted golf course which advertises same.

(4) Temporary project signs.

(a) Temporary project signs not exceeding 15 feet in height or width or 150 square feet in area, including border, trim, cutouts, and extensions, but excluding supports. Signs may be double-faced, back-to-back or V-type, and may be illuminated. Not more than one sign will be allowed on any one street frontage.

(b) Temporary project signs may be erected after final approval has been granted by the approving board and shall be removed within seven days after the final certificate of use and occupancy has been issued.

B. Permitted signs in residential and apartment zones. The following signs are authorized in conjunction with permitted and prior nonconforming residential and apartment uses:

(1) Personal signs which are exempt from the requirements of obtaining a sign permit under Article XI.

(2) Signs for a permitted home occupation, home business or home professional office.

(3) All multifamily conditions which meet the requirements hereinbelow set forth.

C. Permitted signs in office districts. The following signs are authorized in conjunction with permitted and prior nonconforming office uses: [Amended 6-14-2004 by Ord. No. 14-04]

(1) One facia sign placed or inscribed upon the front wall of a building containing only the name of the building and/or the type of use therein and the street address and not other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the facade of the building.

(2) Office buildings with a maximum of three occupants may have one freestanding sign not to exceed the height of the principal building in the complex or 18 feet, whichever is the lesser, and not to exceed 50 square feet in area and subject to the following criteria:

(a) Each occupant may be permitted a maximum of 10 square feet of sign space.

(b) The masthead portion of the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.

(c) Company logotypes must fit within the allowed square footage of sign space.

(3) Office buildings with a single occupant may use the signage permitted.

(4) Office buildings with more than three up to a maximum of 10 occupants may have one freestanding sign not to exceed the height of the principal building in the complex or 20 feet, whichever is the lesser, and not to exceed 120 square feet in area and subject to the following criteria:

(a) Each occupant shall have not less than 10 square feet nor more than 15 square feet of sign space.

(b) The masthead portion of the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.

(c) Company logotypes must fit within the allowed square footage of sign space.

(d) Masthead portion of sign may include time and temperature displays.

(e) Masthead portion of sign may include the name of the building and street address.

(5) If the building is located on a corner lot a second freestanding sign, indirectly illuminated, may be erected, provided that the area of the second sign does not exceed 1/2 of the area and 1/2 of the height of the primary sign erected on the major street.

(6) At each entrance to the building, one directory sign attached to the building and listing the occupants therein. Such sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area.

D. Permitted signs in commercial zoning districts. The following signs are authorized in conjunction with permitted and prior nonconforming commercial uses:

(1) One facia sign, which may be internally illuminated, placed or inscribed upon the front wall of a building or on each storefront in the case of a shopping center, containing only the name of the store and/or the type of use therein and not other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the facade of the storefront. All such signs must be of the same area and dimension for similar stores, but the content or color may vary. Such sign may incorporate a time and temperature display.

(2) Three or more stores: one freestanding sign, which may be internally illuminated and which may state the name of the shopping center or commercial activity, the street address, occupants and not other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed a total area of 10 square feet for each store in the complex or 75 square feet, whichever is less. However, if the building or complex is located on a corner lot, a second freestanding sign, which may be illuminated, may be erected, provided that the area of the second sign does not exceed 1/2 of the area and 1/2 of the height of the primary sign erected on the major street. Such sign may incorporate a time and temperature display.

(3) Two stores or less: one freestanding sign, which may be internally illuminated, and which may state the name of the shopping center and/or commercial activity, the street address, the name and primary business of each of the occupants and no other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet, and shall not exceed the height of the principal building in the complex or 18 feet, whichever is less. However, if the building or complex is located on a corner lot, a second freestanding sign, which may be illuminated, may be erected, provided that the area of the second sign does not exceed 1/2 of the height of the primary sign erected on the major street. Such sign may incorporate a time and temperature display.

(4) One canopy sign. In the case of a shopping center, wherein walkways are roofed over with a permanently installed rigid canopy or other structural device, a sign may be hung vertically from the underside of said canopy for each storefront in the center. Such sign shall not be less than eight feet above the walkway and may not exceed eight square feet.

(5) One sign in the valance of an awning containing only the name of the store and no other advertising material. The area of such sign shall not exceed eight square feet.

(6) One freestanding directory sign for every 10,000 square feet of gross floor area, which may state the name of the occupants of the building or complex and other advertising material at the discretion of the approving board. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and six feet in height.

(7) Freestanding signs within the parking areas to identify particular areas or sections of said parking lot, provided that not more than one such sign shall be permitted for each parking area and further provided that such signs shall not exceed three square feet in area on any one side nor exceed a height of 20 feet. In addition, freestanding signs may be erected at each end of a parking aisle for identification purposes, provided that such signs shall not exceed one square foot in area nor exceed a height of four feet.

E. Permitted signs in industrial zoning districts. The following signs are authorized in conjunction with permitted or prior nonconforming industrial uses:

(1) One facia sign placed or inscribed upon the front wall of the building containing only the name of the company or division and the type of product manufactured or produced and not other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed an area equal to 5% of the facade of the building.

(2) One freestanding sign, which may state the name of the company or division and the type of product manufactured or produced, the street address and no other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed an area equal to 5% of the facade of the building.

(3) One freestanding sign, which may state the name of the company or division and the type of product manufactured or produced, the street address and no other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed an area of 24 square feet, and the height shall not exceed 1/2 of the building height measured at its highest point on the frontage street of the property.

F. Special regulations. The following types of signs shall meet the criteria set forth below:

(1) Gas stations.

(a) One freestanding sign which may be internally illuminated and not to exceed 18 feet in height or 40 square feet in area on any one side. Rotating units are permitted.

(b) Two add-on signs pertaining to the products or services offered by the gasoline service station may be displayed on the freestanding sign. Each add-on sign shall not exceed four square feet.

(c) One freestanding A-frame or add-on sign indicating prices, goods or services, not illuminated and not to exceed six feet in height or three feet in width.

(d) The use of all flags, windmills, banners and any flashing or animated signs shall be prohibited. However, the use of pennants may be utilized for the purpose of advertising the opening of a new station, but shall be restricted to a thirty-day period.

(e) All signs or parts thereof, the supporting structures or parts thereof, shall be within the owner's property line and at no time project into or over the public right-of-way.

(2) Sales and rental signs. Signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which they are located in all zoning districts in accordance with the following schedule:

(a) The sign may be double-faced, and the maximum size shall be in accordance with the following schedule:

[1] Single-family homes, regardless of the zoning district: one sign per lot which shall not exceed six square feet in area nor six feet in height.

[2] Commercial and industrial uses and offices regardless of the zoning district:

[a] Lot area smaller than one acre: only one sign per lot, not more than 32 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height.

[b] Lot area larger than one acre: only one sign per lot, not more than 64 square feet in area and not more than 12 feet in height.

[3] Vacant land regardless of the zoning district, including preconstruction signs of an approved project.

[4] Whenever the property is bordered by more than one public street, an additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on each major street.

(b) Such signs shall not be illuminated and shall be situated within the property lines of the premises to which it relates.

(c) All sales and rental signs shall be of a freestanding design and may not be erected upon or attached to any building.

(d) Such signs shall be removed immediately upon the signing of a lease in the event that the property involved is the subject of a lease or is of a rental nature and the closing date in the event that the property involved is the subject of a sale. No certificate of use and occupancy shall be issued until said sales or rental signs are removed.

(3) Single-family and multifamily developments.

(a) At the main entrance to the development, one freestanding sign, which may state the name of the development, the street address, the presence or lack of units for sale, rental or lease and no other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed 20 feet in area and six feet in height.

(b) At each entrance, other than the main entrance, one freestanding sign, which may state the name of the development, the street address, the presence or lack of units for sale, lease or rental and no other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area or four feet in height.

(c) At the sales or rental office of the development, one freestanding sign, which may be illuminated, advertising the office. Such sign shall not exceed four square feet in area or four feet in height.

(d) At four off-premises key intersections, one freestanding temporary nonilluminated sign directing the public to the development. Each sign shall not exceed four square feet in area or six feet in height. The sign permit shall be issued for a period of six months and shall be renewable for additional periods of six months during the period of construction.

(e) Nonilluminated directional signs identifying points of ingress and egress, parking areas and similar locations in such numbers as approved by the approval board. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet in area or three feet in height.

(4) Roadside produce and nursery product stands.

(a) One nonilluminated freestanding sign which may state the name of the business and the type of products sold therein and no other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed the height of the building or six feet, whichever is greater.

(b) One nonilluminated facade sign placed or inscribed upon the front wall of the building containing only name of the business and the types of products sold therein and no other advertising material. Such sign shall not exceed an area equal to 5% of the facade of the building or 75 square feet, whichever is less.

(c) Three nonilluminated freestanding or facade signs may specify the particular types of products sold therein. Such signs shall not exceed two square feet in area and, if freestanding, shall not exceed four feet in height.

G. General regulations and restrictions.

(1) Prohibited signs and advertising devices. The following signs are specifically prohibited in all zoning districts of the Township:

(a) Animated display signs except where specifically permitted herein.

(b) Signs that flash, blink, move or simulate motion.

(c) Add-on signs of any type.

(d) Neon tubing signs.

(e) Signs using red, yellow/amber or green lights placed within 100 feet of any traffic signal or any intersection where sight distance is inadequate.

(f) Projecting wall signs of any type unless otherwise classified herein as an exempt sign.

(g) Roof-mounted signs.

(h) Signs using words such as "stop," "look," "danger," etc., which are placed in such a manner or position as to constitute a traffic hazard or otherwise interfere with the free flow of traffic.

(i) Painted wall signs.

(j) Outdoor advertising signs.

(k) Mobile signs.

(l) Signs with any lighting or control mechanism which may cause radio or television interference.

(m) Any sign so erected, constructed or maintained as to obstruct or be attached to any fire escape, window, door, or opening used as a means of egress and ingress, or for fire-fighting purposes, or placed so as to interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation.

(n) Any sign which is of such form, character, or shape as to confuse or dangerously distract the attention of the operator of a motor vehicle or a pedestrian.

(o) Banners, spinners, flags, pennants or any moving object used for advertising purposes whether containing a message or not. This provision does not include flags or pennants attached directly to permanent poles.

(p) Any advertisement which uses a series of two or more signs or units, placed in a line parallel to the highway, or in a similar fashion along any road, and carrying a single advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.

(q) Signs which simulate the official signs of the State of New Jersey, County of Middlesex or Township of Old Bridge, or any railroad or public utility or similar agency concerned with the protection of the public health or safety.

(r) Signs bearing texts of a laudatory nature or explaining services or products furnished by any establishment or proprietor, it being the purpose of this section to limit the use of all signs to identification or directional purposes only. Identification signs allow the principal name of the establishment or proprietor and a brief description of the principal goods or services offered.

(s) Any sign which, applying contemporary community standards, has a dominant theme or purpose which appeals to prurient interests.

(t) No sign shall be erected, containing information in it which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.

(u) Any sign or banner spanning a public street except those advertising or drawing attention to a recognized charitable fund-raising campaign or an official Township function.

(2) Prohibited location of signs.

(a) Signs, other than municipal, county or state, traffic or direction signs, shall not be erected within the right-of-way of any street, nor shall any sign be located so as to constitute a traffic hazard.

(b) Signs shall not be painted on or affixed to water towers, storage tanks, smokestacks, rooftops, trees, fences, utility poles, rocks, curbs, walks, lamps, hydrants, benches or bridges, except as otherwise permitted in this chapter.

(c) Signs are prohibited from sight triangle easements unless they are clear from two feet to 10 feet above the pavement.

(3) Layout and arrangement of special elements. All space other than typography or corporate logotype or identification marks will be considered white space and should be designed to allow optimum readability of the message. Space between lines of copy are also considered to be important and will be considered in the same way.

(4) Construction of signs flat against buildings. Any sign attached flat against the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable material and attached securely to the building with nonrusting metal hardware. When a sign is to be installed on a masonry building, holes shall be drilled in the masonry and proper nonrusting hardware of the expansion type shall be used. The use of wood or fiber plugs is prohibited.

(5) Lot line setbacks. All freestanding signs shall be placed at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way or 20 feet from the pavement, whichever is greater. Before a permit for a sign is granted, its location in relation to blocking visual access to existing signs shall also be considered.

(6) Height limitations. All height limitations shall be measured from ground level to the highest part of the sign or its supporting structure, whichever is higher. In no event shall any part of any sign exceed 18 feet in height.