Sign Regulations in Clifton, New Jersey
Clifton, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Business Sign, Advertising Sign, Portable Sidewalk Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Clifton, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Clifton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Sidewalk Sign | 3 feet | 3 feet height, 2 feet width | — |
| Banner | — | 72 inches by 24 inches | — |
| Sail Pole Sign | 11 feet (pole) | 10 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Business Sign
- Advertising Sign
- Portable Sidewalk Sign
- Banner
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Clifton
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Clifton 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 Clifton, 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 Clifton, regulated sign types include Business Sign, Advertising Sign, Portable Sidewalk Sign, Banner, 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 Clifton 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 Clifton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Clifton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Clifton, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Clifton, New Jersey regulates 19 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Portable Sidewalk Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 3 feet tall, 3 feet height, 2 feet width, and 2 feet wide (Sec. ¤ 461-53N(1)(a)). Most commercial signs in Clifton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Clifton, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Clifton (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 11 feet (pole) | 72 inches by 24 inches | Yes |
| R Districts | 7 | — | 12 square feet | No |
| B and M Districts | 4 | 20 feet | — | No |
| B-A and B-A1 Districts | 1 | — | — | No |
| B-B Districts | 1 | — | — | No |
| B-C Districts | 2 | — | — | No |
| B-D Districts | 3 | — | 199 to 500 square feet | Yes |
| M-1, M-2, M-3 Districts | 2 | — | — | Yes |
| 2 more zones in PermitPal — start free | ||||
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Clifton(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Sidewalk Sign | 3 feet | 3 feet height, 2 feet width | 2 feet | — | One per business | Sidewalk or entrance alcoves, adjacent to the business | Yes | Unlock | ¤ 461-53N(1)(a) |
| Banner | — | 72 inches by 24 inches | — | — | One per business | Outside of the business premises | Yes | Unlock | ¤ 461-53N(1)(b) |
| Sail Pole Sign | 11 feet (pole) | 10 square feet | — | — | One per business | Sidewalk or entrance alcoves, adjacent to the business | Yes | Unlock | ¤ 461-53N(1)(c) |
| Real Estate Open House Sign | — | 6 square feet per side | — | — | Up to four per event | Comply with ¤ 461-53N(3) | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-53N(5) |
R 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate | — | 1 square foot | — | — | One per professional office | On the building | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-54A |
| Bulletin Board Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | One per house of worship | Attached to the facade or no closer than 10 feet to a street line | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-54B |
| Nameplate Sign for Private Schools, Clubs, and Institutional Uses | — | 9 square feet | — | — | One per institution | Attached to the facade or set back 18 feet from the street line | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-54C |
| Bulletin Board Directory Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | One per street frontage | Set back 18 feet from the street line | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-54D |
| Flat Business Sign for Nonconforming Use | — | — | — | — | Not specified | On the wall of the structure | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-54E |
| Agricultural or Horticultural Product Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | One per premises | On the premises | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-54F |
| For-Sale or For-Rent Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | One per property | On the property | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-54G |
B and M 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Sign | — | — | — | — | Not specified | On the building facade or sidewall | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-55A |
| Nonflashing Illuminated Flat Sign | — | — | — | — | Not specified | On the building facade or sidewall | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-55B |
| Ground Sign | 20 feet | — | — | — | Not specified | Directed to the roadway | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-55C |
| Roof Sign | — | — | — | — | Not specified | Attached to the roof of a building | No | Unlock | ¤ 461-55D |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Clifton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Clifton — start freeProhibited Signs in Clifton
- It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect or relocate any sign within the City of Clifton without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Officer.
- No sign shall have sound-generation equipment, rotating or moving parts, or illumination involving intermittent, rotating or flashing lights.
- Banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or other similarly moving devices are prohibited, except within 30 days of the grand opening or re-opening of a retail, service or restaurant business.
- No sign shall be attached to any public utility pole, lamppost, public sign or like structure.
- No signs shall be permitted containing words or pictures of any obscene, indecent or immoral character such as would offend public morals or general standards of decency.
- No signs shall be permitted which simulate or include official traffic signs or signals or which contain words such as 'Stop,' 'Go Slow,' 'Caution,' 'Danger,' 'Warning' or like words or designations.
- No private signs shall be located within or project over any part of any street right-of-way except as provided in Subsection N.
- No sign shall be attached to or placed upon another sign.
Exempt Signs in Clifton
- Political signs shall be permitted, subject to the provisions of Chapter 185 of the Code of the City of Clifton.
- Ballfield signs shall be permitted to be displayed on the fences of any public or nonprofit ballfield, subject to specific restrictions.
Source: other municipal code