Middlesex Twp. revises rules for electronic signs
Middlesex Township plans to revise its ordinance on signs in front of businesses for the first time since 2019 to update rules on electronic signs and lighting.
The proposed ordinance, discussed earlier at a planning commission meeting at the end of March, sets rules for the size, brightness, and image-changing frequency of electronic signs placed outside of businesses in the township.
“We recognize that, as more businesses move into the area and the ownership changes or evolves, they want to use this technology that is out there,” said Adam Hartwig, township manager. “It certainly affords them greater ability to advertise their business, and we certainly want the businesses in the township to be successful, but we also recognize that the residents like the rural nature of our township, and they would like it to remain that way.”
According to the proposed ordinance, electronic signs cannot be placed at the intersection of any streets “within the clear site triangle, or in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or at any location where by reason of its position, shape or color it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.”
Images and messages on signs may be changed no more frequently than two times in a minute, the ordinance says, and flashing images are not allowed.
“We want to be fair with the business owners in allowing them to use this technology, but we don’t want the technology and the signs to become a distraction to the general motoring public going up and down Route 8,” Hartwig said.
Signs must be designed and placed so as not to distract or interfere with operators of motor vehicles, or to create glare on adjacent properties, and so that they are compatible with the intensity of ambient light and illumination on surrounding properties.
Electronic signs must have automatic dimmer controls to lessen their brightness at night, and no sign within 120 feet of a residential zoning district can be lit between midnight and 5 a.m. Signs also cannot be brighter than 5,000 nits between sunrise and sunset and 250 nits between sunset and sunrise. A nit is a measurement of visible light intensity.
The proposed ordinance also defines the size regulations for business identification signs. Wall and pole signs cannot exceed 32 square feet in area, and internally and externally illuminated wall signs and pole signs are permitted. The size regulation was changed from 30 to 32 square feet to better match the size of components sold to build the signs, Hartwig explained.
The Middlesex supervisors will vote on the ordinance during the regular board meeting April 20.
