Sign Regulations in Chatham Township, New Jersey
Chatham Township, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Sign (General), Regulatory Sign (Traffic, Parking, Fire Lanes), Construction 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 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Chatham Township, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Chatham Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | — | 12 sq ft | At least half the principal structure's required setback from street right-of-way. |
| Name Plate Sign (Residential Use) - Option 1 | — | 72 square inches | Anywhere within front yard |
| Professional Name Plate/Customary Sign (Professional Uses) - Option 2 | — | 2 sq ft | Anywhere within front yard |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
20
- Sign (General)
- Regulatory Sign (Traffic, Parking, Fire Lanes)
- Construction Sign
- Name Plate Sign (Residential Use) - Option 1
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Chatham Township
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Chatham Township 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 Chatham Township, 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 Chatham Township, regulated sign types include Sign (General), Regulatory Sign (Traffic, Parking, Fire Lanes), Construction Sign, Name Plate Sign (Residential Use) - Option 1, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Chatham Township vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Chatham Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Chatham Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Chatham Township, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Chatham Township, New Jersey regulates 20 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Company Identification)s in the PCD District zoning district are capped at 5 ft (top of sign from ground) tall, 32 sq ft, and 12 ft (horizontal); vertical max is 1/2 horizontal (6 ft) wide, with a 50 ft from street right-of-way, 50 ft from sideline setback (Sec. § 30-98.6a-e). Most commercial signs in Chatham Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Chatham Township, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Chatham Township (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| Residence Districts, AH Districts | 8 | 5 ft | 72 square inches | — |
| B-1 District, B-2 District | 6 | 18 inches (vertical) | 30 sq ft | — |
| PI-1 District, PI-2 District, Professional and Institutional District (PI-1, PI-2) | 1 | — | 4 to 30 sq ft (see B-1/B-2 options) | — |
| PCD District | 2 | 5 ft (top of sign from ground) | 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Chatham Township(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residence Districts, AH Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate Sign (Residential Use) - Option 1 | — | 72 square inches | — | Anywhere within front yard | 1 per dwelling | Anywhere within the front yard | — | Unlock | § 30-98.3a, § 30-98.3g |
| Professional Name Plate/Customary Sign (Professional Uses) - Option 2 | — | 2 sq ft | — | Anywhere within front yard | 1 per dwelling | Anywhere within the front yard | — | Unlock | § 30-98.3b, § 30-98.3g |
| Real Estate Sign (Lease or Sale of Premises) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On premises for sale/lease | — | Unlock | § 30-98.3c |
| Church/Institution Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 30-98.3d |
| Major Subdivision Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises, major subdivision | — | Unlock | § 30-98.3e |
| No Hunting/No Trespass/Similar Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 30-98.3f |
| Entrance Sign (Multi-family development) | 5 ft | — | — | 15-30 ft from street right-of-way | 1 at each entrance driveway | Setback 15 to 30 ft from street right-of-way at each entrance driveway | — | Unlock | § 30-98.3h |
| Building Identification Letter/Number | — | — | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to each building for visitor/delivery ID | — | Unlock | § 30-98.3h |
B-1 District, B-2 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 - Option 1 (Per Lot) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Wall sign on exterior wall; one per lot | — | Unlock | § 30-98.4a, § 30-98.4b, § 30-98.4c |
| Wall Sign - Option 2 (Multiple Businesses, Single Entrance Each) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per store or office with outside customer entrance | Exterior wall at each separate outside customer entrance for each business | — | Unlock | § 30-98.4a, § 30-98.4b, § 30-98.4c |
| Wall Sign - Option 3 (Multiple Entrances per Store/Office) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance on different wall | Exterior wall at each outside entrance located in a different wall for each store/office | — | Unlock | § 30-98.4a, § 30-98.4b, § 30-98.4c |
| Wall Sign - Option 4 (Oversized, Increased Clearance) | 18 inches (vertical) | 30 sq ft | 12 ft (horizontal) | — | — | Exterior wall | — | Unlock | § 30-98.4d |
| Wall Sign - Common Sign (Building with 3 or More Stores/Offices) | 7 ft (from ground to top of sign) | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Exterior wall, for entire structure | — | Unlock | § 30-98.4e |
| Wall Sign (Theater Marquee - B-1 Only) | — | — | — | — | 1 per theater | Over theater entry door (B-1 only) | — | Unlock | § 30-98.4i |
PCD 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Company Identification) | 5 ft (top of sign from ground) | 32 sq ft | 12 ft (horizontal); vertical max is 1/2 horizontal (6 ft) | 50 ft from street right-of-way, 50 ft from sideline | 1 per company | No nearer than 50 ft to street right-of-way; no closer than 50 ft to any sideline. | — | Unlock | § 30-98.6a-e |
| Traffic Safety/Control Signs (Entrance, Exit, Parking - PCD) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | At designated driveways/parking areas | — | Unlock | § 30-98.6 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Chatham Township. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Chatham Township
- Any sign not permitted pursuant to the provisions of §30-98 is prohibited.
- No person shall erect, place or maintain within the Township any sign until a sign permit has been issued therefor by the Zoning Officer, unless exempted under 30-98.3a, b, c, or f.
- No sign shall be erected, placed or maintained in or over any street or road right-of-way or upon or over any sidewalk.
- No sign shall be erected, placed or maintained which obstructs any fire escape or creates any other hazardous condition, including any obstruction of the visibility of traffic.
- No sign shall be erected, placed or maintained unless it relates to the use of the premises upon which the sign is located, and no sign shall be maintained after the use of the premises has been terminated.
- No sign shall have any moving parts.
- No strings or streamers of flags, pennants, spinners, or similar objects or devices, rotating, or flashing lights or electronic message center or sign to attract attention shall be used or displayed.
- No sign shall be composed of phosphorescent, iridescent or reflective material or be painted with iridescent, luminous or reflective paint.
- No sign shall be internally lighted or contain internally lighted or lettering or contain or use moving, flashing, electronic message centers or signs, or intermittent illumination. All sources of sign illumination shall be shielded so as not to be visible from any street or adjoining property.
- No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except that businesses in the B Zone may have illuminated signs until closing time.
- Except as otherwise expressly permitted, wording on a sign shall be limited to the name of the person or company occupying/conducting business on the premises.
- All signs shall be kept in good repair and condition; any sign not so maintained shall be removed.
Exempt Signs in Chatham Township
- No sign permit is required for signs permitted under Subsections 30-98.3a, 30-98.3b, 30-98.3c, or 30-98.3f.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Chatham Township
- Every application for a sign permit shall include plans in sufficient detail, including dimensions and proposed location, in order to permit determination as to compliance with all provisions of §30-98.
Source: ecode360 municipal code