Sign Regulations in Garwood Borough, New Jersey
Garwood Borough, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Portable Sign (Retail/Trade/Service/Eating and Drinking Establishments), Freestanding Temporary Sign (Construction or Real Estate), Freestanding Sign (Institutional Use). 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 Garwood Borough, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Garwood Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Temporary Sign (Construction or Real Estate) | 5 feet | 4 square feet | 5 feet minimum |
| Freestanding Sign (Institutional Use) | — | 40 square feet (combined with facade sign) | 5 feet minimum |
| Facade (Wall) Sign (Institutional Use) | 2 stories or 20 feet (whichever is less) | 40 square feet (combined with freestanding sign) | 5 feet minimum |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
23
- Portable Sign (Retail/Trade/Service/Eating and Drinking Establishments)
- Freestanding Temporary Sign (Construction or Real Estate)
- Freestanding Sign (Institutional Use)
- Facade (Wall) Sign (Institutional Use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Garwood Borough
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
In Garwood Borough, wall signs can be up to 2 stories or 20 feet (whichever is less) and monument signs are limited to 5 feet. 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 Garwood 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 Garwood Borough, regulated sign types include Portable Sign (Retail/Trade/Service/Eating and Drinking Establishments), Freestanding Temporary Sign (Construction or Real Estate), Freestanding Sign (Institutional Use), Facade (Wall) Sign (Institutional Use), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Garwood Borough, monument signs typically require a 5 feet minimum 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 Garwood Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Garwood Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Garwood Borough, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Garwood Borough, New Jersey regulates 23 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding/Projecting Directory Sign (Multiple Tenants, Setback ≥ 10 ft)s in the Central Business Zone, General Business Zone, Community Commercial Zone zoning district are capped at 15 feet (min 10 feet above ground at lowest point) tall and 40 square feet (double-sided), with a Min. 5 feet from all lot lines setback (Sec. §106-141B(4)(a)). Most commercial signs in Garwood Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Garwood Borough, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Garwood Borough (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential zones | 3 | 5 feet | 40 square feet (combined with facade sign) | — |
| Central Business Zone, General Business Zone, Community Commercial Zone | 8 | 48 inches | 60 square feet (double-faced) | — |
| Light Industrial Zone, Industrial/Commercial Zone | 4 | 48 inches | 100 square feet | — |
| Industrial Zone | 3 | 48 inches | 100 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 10 feet | 50 square feet (total for up to 3 signs) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Garwood Borough(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Central Business Zone, General Business Zone, Community Commercial Zone
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs Allowed in Residential Zones (Residential Use) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §106-141A |
| All Signs Allowed in Residential Zones (Nonresidential Use) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §106-141B(1) |
| Wall/Facade Sign (Setback < 4 ft, One Per Tenant) | — | 40 square feet (per total all signs) | — | < 4 feet | 1 per tenant | On facade of structure; for each tenant. | — | Unlock | §106-141B(2) |
| Projecting Sign (Setback ≥ 4 ft) | — | 6 square feet (double-sided) | — | ≥ 4 feet | 1 per structure (in addition to wall sign(s)) | Projecting from structure with front yard setback equal to or greater than four feet. | — | Unlock | §106-141B(3) |
| Freestanding/Projecting Directory Sign (Multiple Tenants, Setback ≥ 10 ft) | 15 feet (min 10 feet above ground at lowest point) | 40 square feet (double-sided) | — | Min. 5 feet from all lot lines | 1 | Min. 5-foot setback from all lot lines. | — | Unlock | §106-141B(4)(a) |
| Wall/Facade Sign (Multiple Tenants, Setback ≥ 10 ft) | — | 40 square feet per tenant | — | Front yard setback ≥ 10 ft | 1 per tenant | On front facade of tenant space | — | Unlock | §106-141B(4)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Community Commercial Zone Only, Alternative Option) | 5 feet | 60 square feet (double-faced) | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | §106-141B(4)(c) |
| Portable Sign (Retail Trade/Service/Eating & Drinking; includes Sandwich Board) | 48 inches | 8 square feet | 48 inches | — | 1 per business | Within side property lines, adjacent to building, entrance alcove, or adjacent to curb. May NOT block pedestrian movement, benches, parking meters, or motor vehicles. Not in public right-of-way without permit. | — | Unlock | §106-141B(5)(a)-(i) |
Light Industrial Zone, Industrial/Commercial Zone
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs Allowed in Central Business, General Business, Community Commercial Zones (Commercial Use) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §106-142A |
| Facade (Wall) Sign (Industrial Use Only) | — | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 | On principal structure parallel to street | — | Unlock | §106-142B(1) |
| Projecting or Freestanding Sign (Industrial Use Only) | 20 feet (minimum 10 feet above ground at lowest point) | 40 square feet (double-sided) | — | Min 5 feet from all lot lines | 1 | Minimum 5-foot setback from all lot lines. | — | Unlock | §106-142B(2) |
| Portable Sign (Retail/Trade/Service/Eating and Drinking Establishments) | 48 inches | 8 square feet | 48 inches | — | 1 per business | Within side property lines, adjacent to building, entrance alcove, or curb. Not in public ROW without permit. | — | Unlock | §106-142C referencing §106-141B(5) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Signs (Grand openings, special sales, special events) | Not exceeding maximum height permitted in zone | 50 square feet (total for up to 3 signs) | — | — | Max 3 | Nonresidential structures or uses; not in public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §106-144B |
| Directional Sign (On-site, e.g., entrance/exit/parking) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | On-site; location subject to site plan review. | — | Unlock | §106-144D |
| Loading/Shipping Dock Identification Sign | — | 5 square feet | — | — | 1 per dock | At each loading/shipping dock | — | Unlock | §106-144C |
| Consolidated Facade/Window Sign (Principal Tenant) | — | 5 square feet | — | — | 1 per structure/use | On facade or window | — | Unlock | §106-144A |
| Vacant Lot Sign (Nonresidential Zones) | 10 feet | 6 square feet (double-faced) | — | 10 feet from lot lines | 1 per vacant lot | Setback minimum 10 feet from all lot lines | — | Unlock | §106-144E |
| Window Sign (Sale/Product Promotion) | — | 25% of window area (max 2 signs per window) | — | — | 2 per window | In windows | — | Unlock | §106-144F |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Garwood Borough — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Garwood Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in Garwood Borough
- No sign shall be erected, placed, hung, painted, or otherwise located in any zone district unless a zoning permit is obtained.
- No sign shall be displayed which shall be dilapidated or otherwise in disrepair.
- No sign shall be permitted which does not pertain to an occupant, service or product actually occupying or provided on the premises where such sign is located.
- Signs which are placed on, or extend above, the roofline of any structure are prohibited.
- Signs posted on fences, posts, utility poles or trees, or standing, installed or painted on curbs, retaining walls or sidewalks are prohibited unless permitted under other Borough ordinances.
- Signs of the moving or revolving type are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Intermittent signs, or signs in which the message changes, are prohibited.
- Liquid crystal display signs are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Garwood Borough
- Signs of a political nature or signs advertising a community event are exempt from these regulations except as to sign size and location in applicable zones. All such signage is to be removed within one week of the date of the final decision or event.
- Subject to the landowner’s consent, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message or any duly permitted or allowed noncommercial message, without any additional approval or permitting, provided that the sign structure or mounting device is otherwise legal.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Garwood Borough
- On-site directional signs for the public such as entrance, exit, one way, stop, truck entrance, visitor parking, etc., shall be unregulated other than subject to site plan review by the approving authority, provided that they are no larger than two square feet in total sign area.
Source: ecode360 municipal code