§ 154-83. Definitions.

All words used in this article shall carry their customary dictionary meanings, except that the following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this article, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

AASHTO

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

ABANDONED OR DISCONTINUED SIGN OR SIGN STRUCTURE

A sign or sign structure is considered abandoned or discontinued when its owners fails to operate or maintain a sign for a period of six months or longer. The following conditions shall be considered a failure to operate or maintain a sign:

A. 

A sign displaying advertising for a product or service that is no longer available or displaying advertising for a business that is no longer licensed; or

B. 

A sign that is blank.

ADVERTISING

Sign copy intended to aid, directly or indirectly, in the sale, use or promotion of a product, commodity, service, activity, entertainment or real or personal property.

AGRICULTURAL SIGN

A sign for a permitted agricultural use whose function is exclusively for advertising for the normal, incidental and customary sale of products, produce or livestock raised on the premises.

ANIMATED SIGN

A sign that includes action, motion or color changes, or the optical illusion of action, motion or color changes, including signs set in motion by movement of the atmosphere or made up of a series of sections that turn.

APPROVED COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL

Wood or materials that are not more combustible than wood and approved combustible plastics.

APPROVED COMBUSTIBLE PLASTIC

Only those plastics which, when tested in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials standard method for test for flammability of plastics over 0.050 inch in thickness (C635-44), burn no faster than 2.5 inches per minute in sheets of 0.060 inch thickness.

ARTWORK

A one- or two-dimensional representation of a creative idea that is expressed in a form and manner as to provide aesthetic enjoyment for the viewer rather than to specifically convey the name of the business or a commercial message about the products or services offered on the property upon which the artwork is displayed.

ATTACHED SIGN

A wall sign or a marquee sign but not a canopy sign.

BANDIT SIGN

See "snipe sign."

BANNER

Any sign or string of one or more signs, usually made of cloth or other lightweight material, which is used to attract attention, whether or not imprinted with words or characters, including, but not limited to, balloons and other inflatables and pennants. Flags shall not be considered banners.

BEACON

A stationary or revolving light that flashes or projects illumination, single colored or multicolored, in any manner that has the effect of attracting or diverting attention, except, however, this term does not include any kind of lighting device that is required or necessary under the safety regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration or other similar agency. This definition does apply to any similar type of lighting device contained entirely within a structure and that does not project light to the exterior of the structure.

BILLBOARD

A sign structure and/or sign utilized for: Advertising an establishment, an activity, a product or service or entertainment that is sold, produced manufactured, available or furnished; or promoting any activity, including noncommercial activity and solicitation, such as but not limited to charitable solicitation and noncommercial speech, at a place other than on the property on which said sign structure and/or sign is located.

BUILDING FRONTAGE

The length of the single face of a building or that portion of a building occupied by a single office, business or enterprise, commonly referred to as "storefront," which is abutting a street, parking area or other means of customer access such as in an arcade, a mall or a walkway.

CANOPY SIGN

Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.

COMMERCIAL MESSAGE

Any sign wording, logo or other representation or image that directly or indirectly names, advertises or calls attention to a product, service, sale or sales event or other commercial activity.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN

A temporary on-premises sign identifying the ongoing construction activity during the time a building permit is active and prior to completion of the work for which the permit was issued, containing sign copy limited to the ongoing construction activity and identifying the contractor and/or any subcontractor engaged to perform construction activity on the site and the building architect.

COPY

The linguistic or graphic content of a sign.

DOUBLE-FACED SIGN

A single sign with items of information on both sides of the sign and mounted as a single structure.

ELECTION SIGN

A temporary sign erected or displayed for the purpose of expressing support for or opposition to a candidate or stating a position regarding an issue upon which the voters of the Township shall vote.

ERECT

To construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or establish but it does not include any of the foregoing activities when performed as an incident to the change of advertising message or customary maintenance or repair of a sign.

FACADE

The side of a building, and a building facade may be less than the entire side of a building if limited to the occupancy of a portion of a building.

FEATHER FLAG SIGN

Temporary advertising signs made of lightweight cloth that are supported by a lightweight freestanding pole or frame.

FLAG

Any fabric or bunting containing distinct colors, patterns or symbols used as an ornamental flag or as a symbol of government, political subdivision, corporation or business or other entity (see also "ornamental flag").

FLAGPOLE

A pole on which to raise a flag.

FLASHING SIGN

A sign which permits light to be turned on or off intermittently more frequently than once per minute or any illuminated sign on which such illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use, including an LED (light emitting diode) or digital sign, and changes more frequently than once per minute.

FREE EXPRESSION SIGN

A sign, not in excess of four square feet in size (area) per side and the top of the sign is not more than six feet off the ground, communicating information or views on matters of public policy concern or containing any other noncommercial message that is otherwise lawful.

FREESTANDING SIGN

A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground or at ground level and which are independent of any building or other structure, including, but not limited to, pole or pylon signs or monument signs.

FREESTANDING POLE SIGN

A freestanding sign whose ratio of width of sign to width of support is equal to or greater than three to one.

FRONTAGE

The length of the property line of a parcel of land that runs parallel with and along a road right-of-way or street, exclusive of alleyways.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT SIGN

A sign that functions to advertise the future or proposed development of the premises upon which the sign is erected, the building owner and/or the projected opening date.

GARAGE OR YARD SALE SIGN (GARAGE-YARD SALE SIGN)

Any on-site, temporary sign pertaining to the sale of personal property in, at or upon any residentially zoned property located in the Township. Garage or yard sales shall include, but not be limited to, all such sales and shall include the advertising of the holding of any such sale or the offering to make any sale whether made under any name, such as garage sale, lawn sale, yard sale, front yard sale, backyard sale, home sale, attic sale, rummage sale, patio sale, flea market sale or any similar designation.

GROUND LEVEL

The finished grade of a parcel of land exclusive of any filling, berming or mounding.

HEIGHT

Vertical distance measured from ground level nearest the base of the sign to the highest point on the sign.

HOLIDAY AND SEASONAL DECORATIONS

Decorations that pertain to legal or other recognized holidays or to a season of the year.

ILLEGAL SIGN

Any sign that has been determined to be in violation of any provision of this article.

ILLUMINATED SIGN

Any sign or portion thereof that is illuminated by artificial light, either from an interior or exterior source, including outline, reflective or phosphorescent light, whether or not the source of light is directly affixed as part of the sign.

INCIDENTAL SIGN

A sign intended for informational purposes as opposed to commercial or advertising purposes. Typically smaller in size, examples of incidental signs include parking signs, restroom signs and entrance and exit signs.

INSTITUTIONAL USE

A nonprofit, religious or public use, such as a religious building, library, public or private school, hospital, or government-owned or operated building, structure or land used for public purposes. Community centers operated by a homeowners' association within a PARC Zone and used for administrative, social, cultural and/or recreational uses shall be considered institutional uses.

[Amended 10-28-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-10]

INTERMITTENT SIGN

A sign which permits light to be turned on or off intermittently more frequently than once every 12 hours or that is operated in a way whereby light is turned on or off intermittently more frequently that once every 12 hours, including any illuminated sign on which such illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use, including an LED (light emitting diode) or digital sign, and that varies in intensity or color more frequently than once every 12 hours.

LED (LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE) OR LCD (LIQUID-CRYSTAL DISPLAY) DIGITAL MESSAGE BOARD

Any digital, illuminated sign with changeable message and changeable copy which shall not scroll. These signs shall comply with all other requirements and permits and shall not have any scrolling, flashing or animated message, but shall allow for digital, changeable copy.

[Added 9-25-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-18]

LIFE SAFETY SIGNS

Signage that conveys life-saving information such as important fire, security and evacuation information. The specific types of life safety signage required are determined by local, state and federal regulations.

LOT

Land that has been or which is proposed to be used, developed or built upon as a unit under single ownership.

MAINTENANCE

The replacing, repairing or repainting of a portion of sign structure or periodically changing changeable copy or renewing copy which has been made unusable by ordinary wear.

MARQUEE

Any permanent, roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

MARQUEE SIGN

Any sign attached to a marquee.

MENU BOARD

A changeable point-of-purchase sign that provides a list of products and prices, as commonly seen in food shops and other fast service restaurants where it is used to display the menu.

MURAL

An art installation on a wall surface, visible to the public right-of-way, consisting of paint, mirrors, tiles, printed graphics, and other similar materials, and adhered directly to the wall of a public building or structure and such depictions shall not contain words, logos, emblems, trademarks or other similar devices which identify or advertise any product, service or business.

NAMEPLATE SIGN or OCCUPANT IDENTIFICATION SIGN

A sign indicating the name and/or profession or address of a person or persons residing on the premises or legally occupying the premises.

NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE

Any message that is not a commercial message.

NONCOMMERCIAL ON-SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGN

An on-site sign providing direction or information to pedestrian or vehicular traffic that is related or reasonably necessary to the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on the premises and not displaying a commercial message, e.g., "Entrance," "Exit," "Caution," "No Parking," "One Way Only," "No Trespassing," and the like.

NONCONFORMING SIGN

A sign that does not conform to the regulations provided in this article.

OFF-PREMISE SIGN or OFF-SITE SIGN

Any sign relating in its subject matter to commodities, accommodations, services or activities on a premises other than the premises on which the sign is located.

ON-PREMISES SIGN or ON-SITE SIGN

Any sign relating in its subject matter to the commodities, accommodations, services or activities on the premises on which it is located.

ORNAMENTAL FLAG

Any fabric or similar material containing patterns, drawings or symbols used for decorative purposes and designed to be flown as a flag.

PARAPET

A false front or wall extension above the roofline of a building.

PARCEL

An area of land formally described and recorded with individual block and lot numbers.

PENNANT

Any series of small flag-like or streamer-like piece of cloth, plastic, paper or similar material attached in a row to any staff, cord, building or at only one or two edges, the remainder handing loosely.

PERMANENT SIGN

Any sign which, when installed, is intended for permanent use. For the purposes of this article, any sign with an intended use in excess of 12 months from the date of installation shall be deemed a permanent sign.

PORTABLE SIGN

Any sign, banner or poster that is not permanently attached to the ground or structure. For purposes of this article, a cold, air-inflatable sign shall be considered to be a portable sign.

PREMISES

Any property owned, leased or controlled by the person actively engaged in business at that location.

PRINCIPAL USE

The use that constitutes the primary activity, function or purpose to which a parcel of land or a building is put.

PROJECTING SIGN

Any sign affixed perpendicularly to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 10 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.

REAL ESTATE SIGN

A sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the sign is displayed temporarily.

REVOLVING SIGN or ROTATING SIGN

Any sign that revolves or rotates.

ROOFLINE

The highest, continuous, horizontal line of a roof. On a sloping roof, the roofline is the principal ridgeline or the highest line common to one or more principal slopes of roof. On a flat roof the roofline is the highest, continuous line of a roof.

ROOF SIGN

Any sign erected and constructed wholly on or over the roof of a building, which is supported by the roof structure, or any sign that extends in whole or in part above the roofline of a building.

SAFETY SIGN

See "warning sign."

SANDWICH BOARD SIGN

A temporary, portable, double-faced, freestanding sign.

SIGHT DISTANCE

A triangular-shaped portion of land established at street intersections or street and driveway intersections in which nothing is erected or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection. Locations and dimensions of required sight distance triangles shall be as defined in current AASHTO standards.

SIGN

Any device, fixture, placard or structure that uses color, form, graphics, illumination, architectural style or design with text or writing to advertise, attract attention, announce the purpose of or identify the purpose of any person or entity or to communicate information of any kind to the public. The term "sign" includes sign structure. The following shall not be considered signs subject to the regulations of this article: artwork, holiday or seasonal decorations, cemetery markers, machinery or equipment signs or memorial signs or tablets.

SIGN AREA

The total square-foot area of sign surface, including all parts thereof devoted to the background, computed by bounding the exterior of the sign structure or surface with a series of straight lines. The area of a sign painted directly on a wall or awning and signs with letters attached directly to walls or awnings shall be calculated by constructing an imaginary series of straight lines around the outside of all elements of the sign.

SIGN CLEARANCE

Also called "height above grade," the measured distance between the lowest portion of a sign and the highest point of the grade underneath.

SIGN FACE

The part of the sign that is or can be used to identify, display, advertise or communicate information or, for the visual representation, which attracts or intends to attract the attention of the public for any purpose.

SIGN STRUCTURE

Any structure which is designed specifically for the purpose of supporting a sign, which has supports or which is capable of supporting a sign. The definition shall include any decorative covers, braces, wires, supports or other components attached to or placed around the sign structure.

SNIPE SIGN (BANDIT SIGN)

Any sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to trees, rocks or other natural features, or poles, stakes or fences, with the message appearing thereon not applicable to the present use of the premises upon which the sign is located.

SPECIAL EVENT SIGN

A content-neutral sign providing notice of or direction to an event, gathering, assembly or meeting that is open to the public at large.

STATUTORY SIGN

A sign required by any statute or regulation of the State of New Jersey or the United States.

STREET ADDRESS SIGN

Any sign denoting the street address of the premises on which it is attached or located.

SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED

As it pertains to a nonconforming sign, means that:

A. 

Fifty percent or more of the upright supports of a sign structure are physically damaged such that normal repair practices of the sign industry would call for, in the case of wooden structures, replacement of the broken supports and, in the case of a metal sign structure, replacement of at least 25% of the length above ground of each broken, bent or twisted support; or

B. 

That more than 50% of a wall or attached sign is physically damaged such that normal repair practices of the sign industry would call for the same to be replaced or repaired.

SUBDIVISION MONUMENT IDENTIFICATION SIGN

A monument sign that contains only the name of a platted subdivision or other residential development. A subdivision monument identification sign at a platted subdivision or neighborhood entrance shall not be considered a billboard.

TEMPORARY SIGN

A sign intended for a use not permanent in nature. For the purposes of this article, a sign with an intended use of one year or less shall be deemed a temporary sign.

TOWNSHIP

The Township Council of the Township of Mount Laurel, Burlington County, New Jersey.

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE SIGN

Any sign located within the right-of-way that functions as a traffic control device and is described and identified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the national standard. A traffic control device sign includes those signs that are classified and defined by their function as regulatory signs (that give notice of traffic laws or regulations), warning signs (that give notice of a situation that might not be readily apparent) and guide signs (that show route designations, directions, distances, services, points of interest and other geographical, recreational or cultural information).

UNDER-CANOPY SIGN

A sign designed to be mounted underneath a canopy.

VEHICLE SIGN

Any sign or signs where the total sign area covers more than 10 square feet of the vehicle.

VISIBILITY TRIANGLE

See "sight visibility triangle."

WALL SIGN

A sign that is painted on, fastened to or erected against the wall of a building, with its face in a parallel plane with the plane of the building facade or wall, which is used for advertising.

WARNING SIGN or SAFETY SIGN

A sign that functions to provide a warning of a dangerous condition or situation that might not be readily apparent or that poses a threat of serious injury (e.g., gas line, high voltage, condemned building, etc.) or that functions to provide a warning of a violation of law (e.g., no trespassing, no hunting allowed, etc.).

WINDOW SIGN

Any sign mounted in any fashion on the interior or exterior of the surface of a window.

WIND SIGN

A sign that uses objects or material fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind and shall include banners, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers or captive balloons; however, the term "wind sign" shall not include flags.

Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed the former definition of "menu display sign," which immediately followed.

Added 4-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-14