Sign Regulations in Dunellen Borough, New Jersey
Dunellen Borough, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Side or Rear Entrance 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 Dunellen Borough, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Dunellen Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 3/4 height of building's sign band; must also not extend above top of first story or above parapet, or over 17 feet above grade (whichever is lower) | 2/3 length of facade/sign band (max 24 sq ft where no sign band is present) | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft (structure embellishments may add up to 12 in) | 24 sq ft (may be larger if directory sign is needed for tenants) | 10 ft from street side property line and interior side lot line; not within 30 ft of residential district; see formula. |
| Side or Rear Entrance Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Dunellen BoroughFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
26
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Side or Rear Entrance Sign
- Awning Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Dunellen Borough
Municipal Code1 permit application link available
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
In Dunellen Borough, wall signs can be up to 3/4 height of building's sign band; must also not extend above top of first story or above parapet, or over 17 feet above grade (whichever is lower) and monument signs are limited to 12 ft (structure embellishments may add up to 12 in). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Dunellen Borough, 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 Dunellen Borough, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Side or Rear Entrance Sign, Awning 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 Dunellen Borough, monument signs typically require a 10 ft from street side property line and interior side lot line; not within 30 ft of residential district; see formula. 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 Dunellen Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Dunellen Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Dunellen Borough, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Dunellen Borough, New Jersey regulates 26 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Commercial zones zoning district are capped at 12 ft (structure embellishments may add up to 12 in) tall and 24 sq ft (may be larger if directory sign is needed for tenants), with a 10 ft from street side property line and interior side lot line; not within 30 ft of residential district; see formula. setback (Sec. § 238-15B; Table 1; § 238-10; § 238-13). Most commercial signs in Dunellen Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Dunellen Borough, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Dunellen Borough (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial zones | 11 | 12 ft (structure embellishments may add up to 12 in) | 30% of awning area | — |
| Residential zones | 3 | Post mount: max 5 ft high | 72 sq in | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | Top of flagpole max 32 ft | Proportional to flagpole; top of pole max 32 ft above grade | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Dunellen Borough
Commercial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 3/4 height of building's sign band; must also not extend above top of first story or above parapet, or over 17 feet above grade (whichever is lower) | 2/3 length of facade/sign band (max 24 sq ft where no sign band is present) | — | — | 1 per facade (exception: up to 2 for corner lots with separate frontage; see additional requirements) | Only on facades fronting on a street, parking lot, or public right of way; must have frontage where sign is located; may not extend beyond ends of wall surface or more than six inches from facade. | — | Unlock | § 238-15A; Table 1; § 238-10; § 238-13 |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft (structure embellishments may add up to 12 in) | 24 sq ft (may be larger if directory sign is needed for tenants) | — | 10 ft from street side property line and interior side lot line; not within 30 ft of residential district; see formula. | 1 per lot (with exceptions); 1 per building for condos | Setback minimum: 10 ft from street side property line, 10 ft from interior side lot line; if less than 12 ft between street line and building, sign centered but no closer than 3 ft from sidewalk/property line; not within 30 ft of residential district. | — | Unlock | § 238-15B; Table 1; § 238-10; § 238-13 |
| Side or Rear Entrance Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per side or rear entrance | At side or rear public entrance only, where there is no other side or rear wall sign. | — | Unlock | § 238-15C; Table 1 |
| Awning Sign | N/A (but awning: not more than 5 ft from facade; min 7 ft off ground; no extension into 2nd floor line) | 30% of awning area | — | Awning projects max 5 ft from building facade; min 7 ft above base of door | 1 per business facade per establishment | Attached to building facade | — | Unlock | § 238-15D; Table 1 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business premises | Hung from ground floor facade, at least 10 ft above ground, not more than 3 ft out from facade. | — | Unlock | § 238-15E; Table 1 |
| Incidental Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | No more than 2 per storefront | — | — | Unlock | § 238-15F; Table 1 |
| Decorative Flag | — | 3 ft x 5 ft | 3 ft (projects from facade); flag itself is 3 ft x 5 ft | — | 1 per business premises | Hung from ground floor facade at least 10 ft above ground level; projects no more than 3 ft. | — | Unlock | § 238-15J; Table 1 |
| Sandwich Board/Freestanding Portable Sign | 4 ft | 4 ft x 2 ft per side (2 sides max) | 2 ft | — | 1 per business | On sidewalk, within 2 ft of building entrance, not within 5 ft of curb/sidewalk furniture. | — | Unlock | § 238-8F |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Unit Nameplate | — | 72 sq in | — | — | 1 per family dwelling | Mounted flush on wall near entrance | — | Unlock | § 238-16A; Table 1 |
| Home Professional Occupation Nameplate | Post mount: max 5 ft high | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per home professional occupation dwelling | Attached to building or to a post not exceeding 5 ft high | — | Unlock | § 238-16B; Table 1 |
| Real Estate/Work in Progress/Garage Sale Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | Min 3 ft from sidewalk or property line | 1 per lot/property | At least 3 ft from sidewalk (or, if no sidewalk, 3 ft from front property line); on private property only. | — | Unlock | § 238-16C; Table 1; § 163-8 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address/Number Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building or window | — | Unlock | § 238-6B(6) |
| Open/Closed or Business Hours Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On or near entry | — | Unlock | § 238-6B(7) |
| Architect/Engineer/Contractor Sign (Work Site) | — | 12 sq ft | — | 15 ft from curb | — | At work site under construction, set back minimum 15 ft from curb | — | Unlock | § 238-6B(8) |
| Governmental Sign/Legal Notice | — | — | — | — | — | Where needed for government/legal purpose | — | Unlock | § 238-6B(4) |
| Interior Building Sign (Not Visible Exterior) | — | — | — | — | — | Interior of building | — | Unlock | § 238-6B(5) |
| Flag (Official/National/State/Foreign/Government) | Top of flagpole max 32 ft | Proportional to flagpole; top of pole max 32 ft above grade | — | — | — | On flagpole | — | Unlock | § 238-6B(2) |
| Temporary Sign (Educational/Philanthropic/Civic Event) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | § 238-6B(1) |
| Holiday Window Decorations and Lights (Commercial Only) | — | — | — | — | — | Inside window | — | Unlock | § 238-7A |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Dunellen Borough are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Dunellen Borough
- All signs not expressly permitted under this chapter or not exempt from regulation are prohibited.
- Signs located or worded to constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- Signs in the public right-of-way, except those specifically listed as allowed.
- Inflatable signs and tethered balloons, except noncommunicative decorative small balloons.
- Flashing, animated, fluttering, or rotating signs (with the exception of barber poles) or signs with the optical illusion of movement, including running lights having the primary effect of calling attention to a building, except for electronic message center signs used by municipal, educational, and places of worship.
- Strings of lights not permanently mounted, except for holiday lights displayed within 12 inches of glass surface from November 15 to January 15. Such lights shall not flash or blink.
- Wind signs, such as flags, pennants, or spinners, except as permitted.
- Permanent wall signs constructed of vinyl, paper, nylon, fabric, or any other type of nondurable material except awning signs, as permitted.
- Window signs above the first floor, except for professionally vinyl lettering stating the business name only (not to exceed 15% of window area).
- Signs placed, inscribed, or supported upon the roof or any structure that extends above the roof, except required directional devices by federal aeronautical authorities.
- Billboards, except existing billboards as of the date of enactment.
- Signs incorporating projected images such as from a movie projector, laptop, or other electronic device.
- Signs on standpipes or fire escapes.
- More than one neon or neon-like sign using gas, chemical, or fluorescent colors (including white) where tubing is visible; includes window border neon.
- Signs that cause glare on adjacent property.
- Signs for commercial purposes other than the use being made of the premises on which the sign is located.
- Beacons and searchlights.
- Sign covers designed to slip over an existing sign rather than replace.
- Signs advertising an article or product not manufactured, assembled, processed, repaired, serviced or sold, or any service not provided upon the premises, except as applies to permitted billboards.
- Signs that are in such a state of disrepair as to constitute an immediate threat to the public health, welfare, and safety.
- Internally illuminated signs.
- No sign may be erected or maintained so as to obstruct ingress or egress to building openings, driveways, sidewalks, or other passageways.
- Maximum of six colors per sign, including black and white.
- Signs must be constructed of permanent materials and permanently attached, except for banners, flags, limited duration displays, and window signs.
- All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition and appearance, in compliance with codes.
- Illumination must be external, properly directed, and shielded; no offensive light off property.
- Signs may not be placed on public property, telephone poles, or light poles.
- Garage sale and yard sale signs may be posted no more than three days prior to the sale and must be removed within 24 hours of the conclusion.
Exempt Signs in Dunellen Borough
- Incidental signs in commercial zones, if they are one square foot or less in area, do not require a permit.
- On any lot in any zone, one sign of two square feet or less for 15 days or less in connection with educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic, religious, or similar campaigns, provided location does not interfere with public safety or convenience.
- Flags of the United States, State of New Jersey, the Borough, foreign nations recognized by the US, and any official flag by an elected legislative body, subject to display guidelines and flagpole height (max 32 feet), and proportion regulations.
- Building marker signs.
- Governmental signs and legal notices.
- Signs displayed within the interior of a building that are not visible from the exterior.
- Address numbers not exceeding one square foot in area and attached to a building or window.
- Open/closed signs made of paper, vinyl, or neon and business hours signs made of paper or vinyl, not exceeding one square foot and limited to necessary information.
- Sign identifying architect, engineer, or contractor on a work site under construction (max 12 square feet, minimum 15 foot setback from curb, removed within 24 hours of issuance of final certificate of occupancy).
- In commercial zones, holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message within the interior of a window from November 15 to January 15, not blinking or flashing; permanent fixture exemptions for existing lights.
- Traffic control signs on private property that meet DOT standards and contain no commercial message.
- Signs or banners no larger than two square feet promoting educational, charitable, community, philanthropic, civic, or religious events, displayed up to 30 days before the event and removed within three days after, maximum 33 days display.
- Political or election signs placed entirely on private property, nonilluminated; temporary political signs not permitted on Borough property.
- Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body for legal notices, property identification, public information, or traffic direction/regulation.
- Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company.
- Informational signs of a public utility regarding its facilities.
- Awnings, flags, and signs projecting over a public right-of-way in accordance with this chapter.
- Emergency warning signs erected by a government agency, public utility, or authorized contractor in the right-of-way.
- Freestanding signs such as sandwich boards as specifically described (one per business, max 4 ft x 2 ft, within 2 ft of the entrance, at least 5 ft from sidewalk curb, removed at business day end).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Dunellen Borough
- No sign may be placed, constructed, erected, or modified without the issuance of a sign permit, unless otherwise exempted.
- Any application for a sign permit for a commercial use must be accompanied by a Master Signage Plan.
- A Master Signage Plan is also required as part of any development plan or site plan when sign installation or modification is proposed.
- Applications for sign permits and approval of a Master Sign Plan are reviewed by the Sign Ordinance Enforcer and Zoning Officer.
- Any permit application not in conformance with the ordinance requires a variance application.
- If commercial, the Zoning Officer must confirm the application meets Master Signage Plan requirements.
- Planning Board refers Master Signage Plan to Zoning Officer for review before acting on any development applications where new or modified signs are proposed.
- Completed applications must include all requirements set forth in the Master Signage Plan section.
- Master Signage Plan must list for each proposed and existing sign (except incidental): size/area, letter style, lighting, color, materials/construction, height, location, scale drawing with sign copy.
- Master Signage Plan must include a sketch/photo showing building facades, windows, canopies, and sign locations/dimensions, plus plot plan for free-standing signs showing locations on the property.
- Routine maintenance of signs does not trigger the need for a new sign plan or permit, but modifications/changes (not maintenance) bring signs under full conformance and likely require new plans.
- Development applications for business uses proposing new or modified signs must include Master Signage Plan review.
Source: ecode360 municipal code