The Red Bank sign ordinance is currently undergoing an overhaul. The municipality is looking to balance the competing interests of attracting new businesses and protecting the character of the historic borough.
Most New Jersey municipalities have sign ordinances that dictate the type, location, and size of signage. The goals of local regulations generally include protecting the character of the community and preventing visual “clutter” in downtown and other commercial districts. For instance, Red bank currently prohibits all billboards and blinking signs. In order to comply with the First Amendment, sign restrictions must be content-neutral. They must also advance a “legitimate governmental interest,” such as protecting public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.
For businesses, signs not only help attract and direct customers to their location, but also serve to solidify the company’s identity. However, in order to avoid running afoul of local ordinances, companies must be sure to obtain the proper permits and verify that all proposed signage complies with the code. Failing to do so prior to ordering and installing signs can be a costly mistake.
Amending Red Bank’s Sign Ordinance
In Red Bank, government officials have been working for several years to streamline the municipality’s sign ordinance. The current debate is whether the proposal to amend the code goes far enough.
James Scavone, executive director of Red Bank River Center, has been a vocal critic. River Center, a non-profit organization, manages Red Bank’s Special Improvement District. “We feel the current draft is injurious to business development in Red Bank and I urge [the council] to reconsider its introduction,” Scavone told The Hub.
According to Scavone, the scaled-down version of the sign ordinance is still too burdensome on businesses and could hinder development. He notes that the sign code is still 14 pages long, which is twice the length of the sign regulations in towns like Princeton, Montclair and Cape May.
The proposed ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing on March 23, 2016. We will be closely following its progress and will post updates as they become available.
You Just Received a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena in New Jersey: Now What?
Receiving a federal grand jury subpoena is not something most businesses or individuals anticipate. While it can be concerning, a federal grand jury subpoena does not necessarily mean that you are being accused of wrongdoing. It does, however, mean that a federal criminal investigation is underway and that federal prosecutors believe you may possess information […]
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review
Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)
Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
