Sign Regulations in Burlington, New Jersey
Burlington, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 42 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Facade Sign, Wall Sign, Ground Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Burlington, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Burlington
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | 25 feet from property line, not in a sight triangle. |
| Temporary Sign (Political) | — | 50 square feet per side | — |
| Sign Advertising Sale or Rental (All Districts except HC-1, HCO-1, HC-2, and Industrial) | — | 4 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BurlingtonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
42
- Facade Sign
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign
- Roof Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Burlington
Municipal Code1 permit application link available
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Burlington vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Burlington, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Burlington, regulated sign types include Facade Sign, Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Roof Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Burlington, monument signs typically require a 25 feet from property line, not in a sight triangle. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Burlington are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Burlington has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Burlington, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Burlington, New Jersey regulates 42 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Real Estate Signs in the Historic District (Overlay) zoning district are capped at 5 feet if ground sign tall and 4 square feet, with a 6 ft from curb or pavement for ground sign. setback (Sec. § 285-24D). Most commercial signs in Burlington require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Burlington, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Burlington (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | 50 square feet per side | — |
| Historic District (Overlay) | 19 | 6 feet if ground sign or wall sign | 20 sq.ft. per sign | — |
| Residential Districts, Waterfront District, Special Island District | 7 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| NC-1 Neighborhood Center, TC-2 Town Center District, W-1 Waterfront District | 4 | — | 15% per storefront glass or up to 30% for corner property (15% per street exposure) | — |
| HC-1 Highway Corridor District, HCO-1 Highway Corridor Overlay-1 District | 6 | 24 feet max (overall top); bottom of display min 8 feet above ground | 50 square feet | — |
| HC-2 Highway Corridor District, I-1 Industrial District, IP Industrial Park District, Industrial Zones | 6 | 24 feet (top); bottom of display at least 8 feet from ground | 100 square feet | — |
| Office Districts, Urban Commercial District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Burlington(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Historic District (Overlay)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Residential/Institutional/Waterfront) | — | 1.5 square feet | — | — | One per premises. | Affixed to exterior wall. | — | Unlock | § 285-24B |
| Ground Sign (Residential/Institutional/Waterfront) | — | 1.5 square feet | — | — | One per premises. | On premises. | — | Unlock | § 285-24B |
| Real Estate Sign | 5 feet if ground sign | 4 square feet | — | 6 ft from curb or pavement for ground sign. | — | On property being sold/rented. | — | Unlock | § 285-24D |
| Facade Sign (Commercial/Office, Ground Floor) | — | 10% of the area of ground-level facade | — | — | One per ground-floor facade per occupant, plus one secondary (up to half size) if a secondary entrance exists. | Ground floor facade, exterior wall. | — | Unlock | § 285-25H(1), § 285-26 |
| Ground Sign (Commercial/Office, Ground Floor) | — | 12 square feet | — | ≥10 feet from pavement edge or curb or outside right-of-way. | — | At least 10 feet from pavement edge or curb or outside right-of-way. | — | Unlock | § 285-25H(1)(e) |
| Projecting Sign (Commercial/Office, Ground Floor) | — | 6 square feet | Projects max 3'3" (39 inches) from facade | — | — | Projecting from facade. | — | Unlock | § 285-25H(1)(f) |
| Window Sign (Business, Ground Floor) | — | 15% of storefront glass per frontage or 30% for corner properties (w/ max 15% per exposure to each street front). | — | — | Up to two per business, not more than one per window or door. | Painted/affixed to glass of business windows and/or doors. | — | Unlock | § 285-25H(1)(g,h), § 285-25L |
| Grand Opening Sign (Temporary, Commercial) | 6 feet if ground sign or wall sign | 20 sq.ft. per sign | — | — | One per street frontage per business. | Ground, window or wall (one per street frontage). | — | Unlock | § 285-25I |
Residential Districts, Waterfront District, Special Island District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Occupant/Professional/Street Address) | — | 1.5 square feet | — | — | One per premises. | On exterior wall. | — | Unlock | § 285-17A |
| Ground Sign (Occupant/Professional/Street Address) | — | 1.5 square feet | — | — | One per premises. | On premises. | — | Unlock | § 285-17A |
| Wall or Ground Sign (Public/Community Facility) | — | 8 square feet | — | — | — | On premises of church, library, school, or other public building. | — | Unlock | § 285-17C |
| Wall or Ground Sign (Directional/Warning for Public Buildings) | — | 1 square foot | — | — | — | On grounds of libraries, schools, churches or other public buildings. | — | Unlock | § 285-17C |
| Sale or Rent Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | — | On property to be sold/rented. | — | Unlock | § 285-17D |
| Temporary Directional Sign | — | 1 square foot | — | — | — | For directional purposes. | — | Unlock | § 285-17E |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | — | On site during construction/development. | — | Unlock | § 285-17F |
HC-1 Highway Corridor District, HCO-1 Highway Corridor Overlay-1 District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 24 feet max (overall top); bottom of display min 8 feet above ground | 50 square feet | — | — | One per property. | Near but wholly inside front property line, at right angles to it, adjacent to side line closest to oncoming traffic. | — | Unlock | § 285-19A |
| Roof Sign | 3 feet | Combined total of all signs not to exceed 10% of building face | — | — | — | On top of building/ledge/marquee facing street. | — | Unlock | § 285-19B(1) |
| Facade Sign | — | 10% of building face | — | — | — | Face facing street. | — | Unlock | § 285-19B(2) |
| Window Sign | — | 10% of glass area of entrance/exit door or 25% of first floor/street level window area | — | — | — | On entrance/exit door or first floor windows facing street. | — | Unlock | § 285-19B(3) |
| Temporary or Mobile Sign | — | — | — | — | 30 day total/year per business. | — | — | Unlock | § 285-19C |
| Freestanding Price Board / Reader Board (Gas Station) | — | 10 sq.ft. per board | — | — | One per road frontage in addition to principal freestanding sign. | One per road frontage, permanently attached or incorporated into permitted freestanding sign. | — | Unlock | § 285-19D |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Burlington — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Burlington — start freeProhibited Signs in Burlington
- It is unlawful to erect or construct any commercial or political sign or other advertising structure without first obtaining a building permit from the Construction Official and making payment of the required fee.
- No freestanding sign shall be situated in a sight triangle or closer to any property line than 25 feet, nor located in any sight triangle or interfere with any circulation pattern.
- Nonconforming signs may not be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, or relocated unless they are changed to conforming signs.
- Illuminated signs must not have beams, beacons, or flashing illumination.
- All sign lighting must be shielded or use a translucent fixture to reduce off-site effects and must be directed away from adjoining lots and streets.
- No wall sign shall cover, wholly or partially, any wall opening or project beyond the ends or tops of the walls to which it is attached.
- No more than two wall or facade signs per use are permitted.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to obstruct any door, window, or fire escape.
- No campaign material shall be painted or affixed to any public place, public facility, or private property (including private fence or tree) without owner consent.
- The following types of signs are specifically prohibited citywide: billboards and outdoor display structures (including temporary ones), advertising signs tacked, pasted, painted, or otherwise attached to poles, posts, trees, fences, sidewalks, or curbs; 'A' or 'sandwich' type signs or temporary signs on sidewalks; signs on trailers, truck trailers, or unregistered motor vehicles; animated, flashing or illusionary signs (except time-and-temperature or barbershop poles); illuminated signs using red or green lights within 200 feet of any street intersection; signs, words, murals, or graphic designs painted directly on exterior walls, streets, sidewalks, public places, or public facilities; signs advertising goods/services/businesses not available on the premises; signs that use the word 'danger' or 'stop' or are likely to be confused with official signs; pennants, banners, mobiles (except where allowed for mobile signs); and illuminated tubing or strings outlining buildings except for Christmas decorations in November, December, and January.
- Any sign that is dangerous, unsafe, or erected contrary to the code must be repaired or removed by the owner/occupant.
- Nonconforming signs that are not kept painted, illuminated, or in good repair for one year are considered abandoned and must be removed.
- Any nonconforming sign (or conforming sign) which no longer advertises a bona fide business or product sold must be removed (for nonconforming) or have the message obliterated (for conforming).
- Permit-exempt signs must still be kept in good and safe condition.
- No wall/facade/window signs may exceed 10% of the building facade on which they are located.
Exempt Signs in Burlington
- No permit required for ground, wall, or window signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which they are maintained, not exceeding 12 square feet in specific commercial and industrial districts and four square feet in all other districts.
- No permit required for occupancy signs (e.g., for professional purposes) containing not more than four square feet.
- No permit required for traffic or other municipal signs.
- No permit required for legal notices.
- No permit required for railroad crossing signs.
- No permit required for temporary emergency signs erected by government or public utility employees in carrying out official work.
- No permit required for names on mailboxes.
- Municipal signs related to traffic control, public information, public access or safety, or similar purpose erected or approved by the City or the Board of Education do not require Historic Preservation Commission review in the historic district.
- Exemption from permit requirements does not relieve the sign owner from the responsibility of safe erection and maintenance.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Burlington
- Any sign in the historic district requires submission of an application (with sketches and drawings) to the Planning Board (for Article I) or the Historic Preservation Commission (for Article II), which reviews plans for size, location, color, materials, style, illumination, design, and compatibility with the historic character. Approval is required prior to permit issuance.
- For any sign located in a historic district, applications must be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission and approved by the Planning Board as to size, location, color, materials, style, illumination, and design before a permit is issued.
- The Planning Board refers sign plans in the historic district to the Historic Preservation Commission for comment, which are considered in the Planning Board's review.
- No explicit requirement for a 'master sign plan' or similar for properties outside of the historic district, but all sign permits must be approved by the Construction Official. The only additional plan review applies to the historic district.
- Appeals of Construction Official decisions regarding sign plans and permits may be made to the Planning Board.
Source: ecode360 municipal code