Sign Regulations in Harrison, New Jersey
Harrison, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 44 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign - Construction/Repair, Temporary Sign - Institutional, Temporary Sign - Political. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Harrison, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Harrison
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate - Single-Family/Two-Family/Three-Family Residences | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Nameplate - Multi-Family Residences (per unit) | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Freestanding - Multi-Family Residences | 4 ft. | 2 sq. ft. per unit or 24 sq. ft. in aggregate, whichever is less | 1/2 of required front yard setback |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for HarrisonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
44
- Temporary Sign - Construction/Repair
- Temporary Sign - Institutional
- Temporary Sign - Political
- Temporary Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Harrison
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
In Harrison, monument signs are limited to 4 ft.. 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 Harrison, 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 Harrison, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign - Construction/Repair, Temporary Sign - Institutional, Temporary Sign - Political, Temporary 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 Harrison, monument signs typically require a 1/2 of required front yard setback 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 Harrison are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Harrison has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Harrison Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Harrison, New Jersey sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Harrison, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Harrison (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Zone | 12 | 6 ft. | 24 sq. ft. | — |
| Nonresidential Zone | 23 | 15 ft. or height of principal building, whichever is less | 80 sq. ft. | — |
| Public Garages and Motor Vehicle Service Stations | 5 | 20 ft. | 216 sq. in. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 40 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Harrison(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding - Multi-Family Residences | 4 ft. | 2 sq. ft. per unit or 24 sq. ft. in aggregate, whichever is less | — | 1/2 of required front yard setback | 1 per street frontage | 1 for each street frontage | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Residential Zone Specifications, Freestanding Multi-Family) |
| Directional - Multi-Family Residences | 2 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — | 1/2 of required front yard setback | — | — | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Residential Zone Specifications, Directional Multi-Family) |
| Freestanding Sign - Institutional Uses | 6 ft. | 24 sq. ft. | — | 1/2 of required front yard setback | 1 per street frontage | 1 for each street frontage | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Residential Zone Specifications, Institutional Uses - Freestanding) |
| Directional - Institutional Uses | 2 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — | 1/2 of required front yard setback | — | — | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Residential Zone Specifications, Institutional Uses - Directional) |
| Temporary Sign - Real Estate | 4 ft. | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Residential Zone Specifications, Temporary Signs - Real Estate) |
| Temporary Sign - Construction/Repair | 4 ft. | 4 sq. ft. per business | — | — | 1 per business or max 3 | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Residential Zone Specifications, Temporary Signs - Construction/Repair) |
| Temporary Sign - Institutional | 4 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Residential Zone Specifications, Temporary Signs - Institutional) |
| Temporary Sign - Political | 4 ft. | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Residential Zone Specifications, Temporary Signs - Political) |
Nonresidential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging Sign - NC Zone | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business | At least 8 ft. above sidewalk, not vertically above second story window sill, may project max 3.5 ft. from building at 90° angle. | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Nonresidential Zone - Hanging Sign) |
| Freestanding Sign - CC and I Zones | 15 ft. or height of principal building, whichever is less | 80 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. to any abutting street ROW or property line | 1 | 10 ft. to any abutting street ROW or property line | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Nonresidential Zone - Freestanding Sign CC and I) |
| Temporary Sign - Real Estate (<50 ft. frontage) | 4 ft. | 18 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Nonresidential Zone - Temporary Real Estate <50ft) |
| Temporary Sign - Real Estate (50-150 ft. frontage) | 8 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Nonresidential Zone - Temporary Real Estate 50-150ft) |
| Temporary Sign - Real Estate (over 150 ft. frontage) | 12 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Nonresidential Zone - Temporary Real Estate >150ft) |
| Temporary Sign - Construction/Repair | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. per business | — | — | 1 per business or max 3 | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Nonresidential Zone - Temporary Construction/Repair) |
| Temporary Sign - Institutional | 4 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Nonresidential Zone - Temporary Institutional) |
| Temporary Sign - Political | 4 ft. | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Not located in ROW, cannot create safety hazard | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Nonresidential Zone - Temporary Political) |
Public Garages and Motor Vehicle Service Stations
| 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 - Public Garage/Service Station | 20 ft. | 45 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. | 2 | Within property line, no part less than 8 ft. above grade | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Public Garages and Motor Vehicle Service Stations, Freestanding) |
| Building Sign (over individual entrance doors or bays) | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per bay or entrance door | Over entrance doors/bays | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Public Garages and Motor Vehicle Service Stations, Building over entrances) |
| Canopy Sign | — | 25% of area of facade | — | — | 1 per facade | On canopy/facade | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Public Garages and Motor Vehicle Service Stations, Canopy) |
| Temporary Sign | 3 ft. | 7 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. | 1 | 10 ft. setback | — | Unlock | 17-93.8 (Public Garages and Motor Vehicle Service Stations, Temporary) |
| Pump Mounted Fuel Price Informational Sign | — | 216 sq. in. | — | — | 1 per fuel pump | Affixed to fuel pump | — | Unlock | 17-93.1(H) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Harrison — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Harrison — start freeProhibited Signs in Harrison
- No off-site advertising sign shall be erected, used or maintained within the Town; except for permitted temporary nonprofit event signs and sandwich boards.
- No signs shall be placed on fences, utility poles, trees, railway or road bridges, bridge supports or abutments, retaining walls, or water towers unless approved by the Town Council.
- No roof sign (sky sign) shall be allowed.
- No sign shall be placed on an accessory building.
- No sign shall be lighted by means of a flashing light, nor shall any sign be in whole or in part moving, mobile, revolving, or electrically or mechanically activated.
- No sign with optical illusion of movement by means of a design giving the illusion of motion or changing copy is allowed.
- No commercial sign shall be allowed in a window which serves a residential use.
- The use and display of temporary portable signs or windsocks, banners, strings or streamers of flags, pennants, or spinners, or similar objects and devices across, upon, over or along any premises or building, as part of any sign or for advertising or public attraction, or otherwise, is prohibited in any zone, except for specified temporary displays in business or commercial zones and holidays/events approved by Town Council.
- No signs shall be allowed that are placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property to advertise a product, service or activity or direct people to a business or activity (except if incidental to the primary use of the vehicle).
- No sign shall be allowed which obstructs any window or door opening used as a means of egress, interferes with an opening required for legal ventilation, or is attached to or obstructs any standpipe, fire escape or fire hydrant.
- No sign shall be allowed which obstructs the view of vehicle operators or pedestrians entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, public driveway, alley or thoroughfare.
- No temporary signs shall be allowed except as detailed in the ordinance.
- No nonconforming sign may be enlarged or altered in a way which would increase its nonconformity.
- Should any nonconforming sign be damaged more than 50% of its replacement cost, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with these provisions.
- No sign shall extend or project above the highest elevation of the wall to which it is attached or above the lowest part of the roofline of the building, whichever is less.
- No sign shall have more than two display faces.
- All signs not specifically permitted are expressly prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Harrison
- Any public notice or warning required by valid and applicable federal, state, county, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, and not readable from more than three feet beyond the lot line.
- Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message.
- Any sign indicating name, date of construction, or construction info, cut into masonry or made of bronze or similar permanent material, including historic tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems, not exceeding 4 square feet in area.
- Traffic control signs on private property, with face meeting DOT standard and containing no commercial message.
- Flags of recognized governments or entities, with certain size and pole height limits (max 60 sq. ft., max pole 40 feet), no more than 3 flags per pole and must observe flag rule/etiquette.
- Signs or banners advertising public or quasi-public events posted with the permission of the Town Council or its designee per Council guidelines.
- Pump mounted fuel price informational signs, one sign per pump, max 216 square inches, directly affixed to the pump and stationary, as per State and Federal regulations.
- U.S. Postal regulation mailboxes.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Harrison
- No sign except those expressly exempted requires a sign permit from the Zoning Officer; and, where required by NJ Uniform Construction Code, a building permit from the Construction Official.
- If installation/modification of a sign was approved by the Board as part of a development application, the Construction Official issues the sign permit only if the sign is consistent with Board approval.
- The Zoning Officer may waive the requirement for site plan approval if proposed signs meet all requirements; if the waiver is denied, the applicant may apply for waiver or site plan approval from the Board.
- There is no explicit requirement for a master sign plan or similar sign plan for all properties, but site plan approval may be required for sign installation depending on Zoning Officer's findings or Board action.
- Consistent sign design is required throughout a particular project, including style, materials, size, and illumination.
- Signs as part of larger projects (e.g. in Table specifying 'There shall be consistent sign design throughout a particular project') may suggest consideration or submission of a sign design plan as part of a broader development/site plan review.
- Signs not specifically permitted or not meeting the standards and conditions listed are expressly prohibited.
Source: municode municipal code