# Sign Regulations in Camden, New Jersey

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Camden, New Jersey, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Camden, New Jersey (NJ)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/new-jersey/camden
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-21
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/28328097#28328097)

## At a glance

Camden, New Jersey regulates 23 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Service Station Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 16 feet tall and 30 square feet per side, with a At least 10 feet from property line. setback (Sec. §870-253G(1-2)). Most commercial signs in Camden require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 16 feet | 40 square feet | — |
| R-1 thru R-3 Residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 6 | — | 24 square feet | — |
| C-1 through C-4 Commercial zoning districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4) | 11 | 20 feet or parapet line, whichever is lower | 100 square feet | — |
| GI zoning district (GI), LI zoning district (LI), PRI zoning district (PRI), OLI zoning district (OLI) | 7 | 20 feet or parapet line, whichever is lower | 100 square feet (if smaller than 3% of wall area) | — |
| TOD zoning district (TOD), MW zoning district (MW), MS zoning district (MS), CC zoning district (CC) | 9 | 8 feet | 24 square feet | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 40 square feet | — | At least 10 feet from base of sign. | 1 per lot | Located only on the premises under construction. | — | §870-253E(2) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Under 3 Acres) | — | 4 square feet | — | If freestanding, set back distance in feet equal to 1.5 times area in square feet. | 1 per tract | On property for sale/lease/rent only. | — | §870-253F(3) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Over 3 Acres) | — | 24 square feet | — | If freestanding, set back distance in feet equal to 1.5 times area in square feet. | 1 per tract | On property for sale/lease/rent only. | — | §870-253F(3) |
| Temporary Political Sign | 15 feet | 12 square feet (private property); 2 square feet (public ROW) | 6 feet (max dimension per side/diameter on private property) | — | 1 per lot (private property); unlimited in ROW (300' apart) | Private property or public right-of-way (ROW) | — | §870-253F(4) |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | 10% of window area | — | — | — | Inside window; only nonresidential zones. | — | §870-253I(1-3) |
| Window Sign (Temporary) | — | 25% of window area, including permanent window signs | — | — | — | Inside window; only nonresidential zones. | — | §870-253I(4) |
| Service Station Freestanding Sign | 16 feet | 30 square feet per side | — | At least 10 feet from property line. | 1 per station | Not less than 10 feet within the property line. | — | §870-253G(1-2) |
| Mechanic/Artisan Onsite Sign | — | 6 square feet (one side) | — | — | — | On-premises while work is occurring. | — | §870-253F(9) |

### C-1 through C-4 Commercial zoning districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On premises | — | §870-253O(4) |
| "For Sale" or "For Rent" Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On property being sold or rented | — | §870-253O(5) |
| Accessory Business Sign (Permitted Nonconforming Use) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On same lot as business/use | — | §870-253O(6) |
| Subdivision or Multi-unit Sale Sign | — | 24 square feet | — | — | 2 per development | On development site (subdivisions of 4+ lots or 10+ dwelling units) | — | §870-253O(7) |
| Wall Sign | 20 feet or parapet line, whichever is lower | 24 square feet (if smaller than 5% of wall area) | — | May not project more than 18" from wall | 1 per principal building, plus 1 for 2+ street frontage | Outermost wall of principal building | — | §870-253O(12) |
| Freestanding Sign | 16 feet | 100 square feet | — | Not over lot line; not within 15 ft of vehicular access | 1 per principal building | Any required yard; not over lot line; not within 15 ft of vehicular access | — | §870-253O(13) |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | Top of object to which attached | 12 square feet or 50% of smallest face's area (whichever is less) | — | — | 1 per principal building | Affixed to awning/canopy/marquee | — | §870-253O(14) |
| Attraction Board (Commercial) | 15 feet | 50 square feet | — | Not over lot line; not within 15 ft of vehicular access | 1 per principal building | In any required yard; not over lot line, not within 15 ft of vehicular access | — | §870-253O(15) |

### TOD zoning district (TOD), MW zoning district (MW), MS zoning district (MS), CC zoning district (CC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On premises | — | §870-253Q(4) |
| "For Sale" or "For Rent" Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On property being sold or rented | — | §870-253Q(5) |
| Accessory Business Sign (Permitted Nonconforming Use) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On same lot as business/use | — | §870-253Q(6) |
| Subdivision or Multi-unit Sale Sign | — | 24 square feet | — | — | 2 per development | On development site (subdivisions of 4+ lots or 10+ dwelling units) | — | §870-253Q(7) |
| Parking Area Entrance/Exit Sign | — | 3 square feet | — | — | 1 per entrance/exit | At each entrance or exit of parking area | — | §870-253Q(8) |
| Identification Sign (School, Playground, Park, Utility) | — | 24 square feet | — | — | 1 per use (plus changeable copy sign) | At facility | — | §870-253Q(9) |
| Wall Sign (Individual Entrances) | Maximum letter height: 6 feet (may be reduced for consistency with building design) | — | — | — | — | Buildings with no central lobby only; identifies user entrance; compatible in size, placement, color, material, and design with architecture | — | §870-253Q(12) |
| Freestanding Sign | 5 feet | — | 18 feet | — | Multiple allowed on single property | Any required yard; not over lot line, not in vehicular sight triangle or access points | — | §870-253Q(13) |

## Prohibited signs in Camden

- No sign shall be hung, erected or placed upon any building or property unless a sign plan has been approved by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, or a written application has been made to the Zoning Officer/Administrative Officer by the owner of the building or property and a permit has been issued upon payment of the established fee.
- No sign using red, green, blue, or amber illumination in a beam, beacon, or flashing form resembling an emergency light shall be erected in any location.
- No sign which does not conform with these regulations shall be rebuilt, enlarged, changed or moved.
- No permitted sign shall extend or project above the highest elevation of the wall to which it is attached.
- No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street or which is entering a street by obscuring the view of traffic on either street.
- In no case shall any sign, other than an official sign or a functional sign, be erected within the official right-of-way of any street, unless specifically authorized by ordinance or regulations of the City of Camden.
- No sign shall be erected containing information on it which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this article in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
- All unlicensed signs shall be removed upon receipt of a written notice of violation served by the Zoning Officer/Administrative Officer or his representative to the landowner or lessor or lessee of the sign.
- All signs must have a valid, current sign permit. Signs not having a valid, current permit must be removed upon notification by the Zoning Officer/Administrative Officer.
- No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning, unless the business or use so advertised is open to the public later than 10:00 p.m.; then sign may only be illuminated while open.
- Signs are prohibited in all zones as specified in §870-253C, including but not limited to: abandoned signs; flashing, blinking, animated or moving signs; signs obstructing fire escapes or ventilation openings; signs painted or constructed on exterior walls as billboards; three-dimensional signs; signs advertising unavailable goods/services; signs on accessory buildings/structures; signs painted on exterior walls, parapets, fences; signs attached to or painted on utility poles, benches, trees, rocks, etc.; signs confusing or distracting to motorists; signs simulating official signs; advertising using sequential sign series; signs using red/green as to resemble traffic signals; revolving, moving or flashing signs; pennant signs, posters, streamers, ribbons used except as temporary signs; signs producing glare or with bare bulbs/tubing; signs visible from public right-of-way using word 'stop' or arrows; roof signs extending above parapet/eaves; portable/wheeled signs (except temporary ones); signs affixed to vehicles for advertising when parked and visible from right-of-way; replacement of any nonconforming sign; flags/pennants/moving advertising objects not directly attached to permanent poles; marquees extending over sidewalk; signs posted on City property except when authorized; signs installed/painted on sidewalks or curbs; signs using mechanical or electrical devices or wind to display movement or alternate messages; signs which constitute hazard to traveling public; signs with untruthful or misleading information; signs posted on fences, posts, benches, utility poles, etc.; signs on abutments, retaining walls, embankments, water towers; signs imitating or hiding official traffic signals; signs emitting odors, smoke, noise or sounds; signs with revolving beacon lights; signs causing radio/TV interference; billboards or signs advertising off-premises businesses, commodities, or services unless otherwise permitted; illuminated signs with light source visible from adjoining properties/street; changeable copy signs unless for a movie theater/school; all temporary signs except as otherwise permitted.
- No sign shall be suspended by nonrigid attachments that will allow the sign to swing in the wind.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, door opening, or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere with ventilation openings.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere with clearances to electrical power lines, utilities, or drainage facilities, or existing warning/instructional signs.
- No signs except directional or traffic signals shall be permitted on public streets or rights-of-way.
- No sign using OSHA-approved safety colors as sign or illumination colors is permitted.
- All permanent signs must be designed and erected in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Signs which are not properly maintained (structurally unsafe, not in good repair) are prohibited and subject to repair or removal.

## Signs exempt from permit in Camden

- Signs affixed to vehicles and trailers where the sign is incidental and accessory to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.
- Signs not exceeding four feet in aggregate gross surface area providing direction or instruction to guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public, provided such signs contain no advertising and are not accessory to parking areas.
- Flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, educational, or corporate organizations displayed for noncommercial purposes.
- Governmental signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety erected by or at the order of a public officer or employee in the performance of their duties.
- Signs or other materials temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays.
- Signs fully located within the interior of any building, or within an enclosed lobby, and signs within entrance or lobby courts of any building intended solely for interior informational purposes.
- Memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers, statuary, or other commemorative remembrances that are noncommercial in nature.
- "No trespassing," "no dumping," "no parking," towing, and other similar signs.
- Official notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties.
- Signs required by governmental bodies or specifically authorized for a public purpose by law, statute, or ordinance.
- Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles/trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle/trailer (but not if the vehicle is parked so as to advertise from a right-of-way).
- Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious or historical agencies not exceeding two square feet per face.
- Permanent, nonflashing signs on vending machines, gasoline pumps, or other similar machines, indicating only contents, pricing, directional or instructional information, not exceeding four square feet per face.
- Signs warning public of existence of danger but containing no advertising material (to be removed within three days upon subsistence of danger).
- Signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway, or other premises; signs controlling use of private property (e.g., hunting/fishing prohibitions).
- Principal building identification signs showing house number, street number or name, being small, unobstructed, nonilluminated, clearly legible signs not requiring a construction permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Each subdivision and site plan application shall include a sign plan showing the specific design, location, size, height, construction, illumination, and landscaping of proposed signs, in accordance with the regulations contained herein.
- No signs shall be hung, erected or placed upon any building or property unless a sign plan has been approved by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, or a written application made to the Zoning Officer/Administrative Officer and a permit issued.
- Signs located in a historic district and in an Historic Conservation Overlay District shall be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
- For planned developments, shopping centers, industrial parks, multitenant structures or multistructure uses: each such development shall submit a signing plan to the Planning Board for approval. The signing plan must include letter style, lighting, color, construction/materials, height, location, and standards, with an integrated design theme.
- The location and arrangement of wall signs in commercial and industrial districts is subject to review and approval of the Planning Board.
- The location and arrangement of awning, canopy, or marquee signs is subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer/Administrative Officer.
- All owners of nonconforming signs will be notified, and signs not receiving proper sign permits (as approved by Planning Board) are not considered nonconforming signs and must be promptly removed.
- Temporary sign permits must be obtained from the Zoning Officer/Administrative Officer when required.
- Within historic districts, the Historic Preservation Commission has the authority to further modify sign requirements.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 5 zoning districts in Camden — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Camden+NJ&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-camden

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