Sign Regulations in Hawthorne Borough, New Jersey
Hawthorne Borough, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Identification Sign (Residential Use), Professional Announcement Sign (Residential Use), Institutional 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 Hawthorne Borough, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Hawthorne Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Residential Use) | — | 2 square feet per sign, maximum aggregate area 3 square feet (except garden apartment complexes: 12 square feet aggregate) | — |
| Professional Announcement Sign (Residential Use) | — | 6 square feet | — |
| Institutional Sign (Institutional Use) | — | 30 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Hawthorne BoroughFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Identification Sign (Residential Use)
- Professional Announcement Sign (Residential Use)
- Institutional Sign (Institutional Use)
- Monument Sign (Multifamily Development)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hawthorne Borough
Municipal Code2 permit application links available
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Hawthorne Borough 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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne Borough, regulated sign types include Identification Sign (Residential Use), Professional Announcement Sign (Residential Use), Institutional Sign (Institutional Use), Monument Sign (Multifamily Development), 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 Hawthorne Borough 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 Hawthorne Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hawthorne Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hawthorne Borough, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Hawthorne Borough, New Jersey regulates 21 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Wall Sign (Business Zone)s in the Business zones zoning district are capped at 2 feet tall, Calculated by formula; not to exceed 2 ft height x 90% of width of storefront/wall, and Not to exceed 90% of storefront or wall width (lesser of the width of storefront, entrance wall or wall itself) wide (Sec. § 540-178A). Most commercial signs in Hawthorne Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hawthorne Borough, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hawthorne Borough (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential zones | 3 | — | 30 square feet | — |
| Zone district permitting multifamily development | 1 | 8 feet | 30 square feet | — |
| Business zones | 4 | 15 feet above ground level | 30 square feet | — |
| Nonresidential zones | 6 | 18 feet max overall height | 30 sq ft per side, max 60 sq ft aggregate (double-sided) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | Text and graphics: max 20% of exterior surface of awning face and valance; counts toward overall tenant sign square footage | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hawthorne Borough(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Business 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 (Business Zone) | 2 feet | Calculated by formula; not to exceed 2 ft height x 90% of width of storefront/wall | Not to exceed 90% of storefront or wall width (lesser of the width of storefront, entrance wall or wall itself) | — | 1 per eligible wall (entrance, street-facing, parking, railroad) | On any entrance wall, wall facing street, off-street parking, or railroad track; parallel to wall, not extending more than 12 inches from wall, at least 7 feet above sidewalk | — | Unlock | § 540-178A |
| Freestanding Sign (Structure Setback ≥ 30 feet) | 15 feet above ground level | 30 square feet | — | — | Not specified; likely 1 | Premises with no structure or where structure is set back at least 30 feet from front curbline. | — | Unlock | § 540-178B |
| Window Sign (Business) | — | 20% of window area | — | — | — | Painted on or attached to window(s), exterior or interior | — | Unlock | § 540-178C |
| Sidewalk Sign (Temporary) | 3 feet | 2 ft x 3 ft (6 square feet) | 2 feet | — | 1 per business | Within sidewalk area, within the frontage occupied by the business advertised | — | Unlock | § 540-178D |
Nonresidential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale/To Let) | — | 16 square feet | — | — | — | On property being offered for sale/to let by owner or broker | — | Unlock | § 540-181F |
| Real Estate Sign (Sold/Leased) | — | 16 square feet | — | — | — | On property where sale/lease has been concluded | — | Unlock | § 540-181H |
| Real Estate Sign (New Construction) | — | 16 square feet | — | — | — | On newly constructed building offered for sale or to let | — | Unlock | § 540-181I |
| Temporary Construction Project Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | 1 per project | Freestanding or attached to premises | — | Unlock | § 540-181J |
| Gas Station Freestanding Sign | 18 feet max overall height | 30 sq ft per side, max 60 sq ft aggregate (double-sided) | — | — | 1 | On building or permanently affixed to ground | — | Unlock | § 540-181C(4) |
| Gas Pump Price Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per pump | Attached to each gas pump | — | Unlock | § 540-181C(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | — | Text and graphics: max 20% of exterior surface of awning face and valance; counts toward overall tenant sign square footage | — | — | — | Projecting over individual window/door openings, minimum 8 feet above sidewalk or ground | — | Unlock | § 540-180 |
| Temporary Sign/Banner (General) | — | Signs: max 15 sq ft, Banners: max 32 sq ft | — | — | No more than 2 per property except as above | Not within public right-of-way, not attached to utility poles, trees, etc. | — | Unlock | § 540-179T |
| Professional Nameplate | — | 3 inches by 20 inches | — | — | 1 per professional occupant | Affixed to door or adjacent wall of premises | — | Unlock | § 540-181A |
| Memorial Sign/Tablet or Building Name/Date | — | — | — | — | — | Cut into masonry or made of bronze/noncombustible | — | Unlock | § 540-181B |
| Garage Sale Sign (Temporary) | — | 4 square feet | — | — | Up to 6 per event | Private property only; not on public property, right-of-way, or sidewalk, or on trees, utility poles, traffic signs | — | Unlock | § 258-7 |
| Sign for Public Convenience/Welfare, Legal, Traffic Signs | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 540-181D |
| Changeable Content Signs (e.g., Church Announcements, Theater Marquees, Menus) | — | Area of such interior illuminated sign(s) may not exceed maximum permitted for exterior signs for the premises | — | — | — | Interior or exterior | — | Unlock | § 540-181K; § 540-182 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in Hawthorne Borough
- It is unlawful to erect or relocate any sign without first obtaining a sign erection permit from the Zoning Administrator (§ 540-176, § 540-183).
- Billboard signs are prohibited (§ 540-179A).
- Any sign which does not advertise a permitted business, use or product sold on the premises is prohibited, except as otherwise permitted (§ 540-179B).
- Signs using red, green, blue, or amber illumination in a beam, beacon, or flashing form resembling emergency or traffic lights are prohibited (§ 540-179C).
- Signs that resemble traffic safety signs are prohibited (§ 540-179D).
- Signs that are animated, full video, scrolling, rotating, gyrating, blinking, moving, or appear to move are prohibited (§ 540-179E).
- Electronic message centers are prohibited except for displaying fuel prices at automobile service stations (§ 540-179F).
- Signs attached to the exterior glass of a building are prohibited (§ 540-179G).
- Roof signs and signs extending above the wall to which they are attached are prohibited (§ 540-179H).
- Signs posted on fences, posts, utility poles, or trees are prohibited (§ 540-179I).
- Signs posted on Borough property except where specifically authorized by the Borough are prohibited (§ 540-179J).
- Signs installed or painted on sidewalks or curbs are prohibited (§ 540-179K).
- Signs on abutments, retaining walls, and embankments are prohibited (§ 540-179L).
- Signs painted directly on buildings or which obstruct any windows are prohibited (§ 540-179M).
- Signs on accessory buildings are prohibited (§ 540-179N).
- Signs that constitute a hazard to the traveling public by obstructing driving vision or regulatory/directional signs or signals are prohibited (§ 540-179O).
- Pole or pylon signs are prohibited (§ 540-179P).
- Automobile, trailer, or vehicle bearing signs or advertisements parked or left stationary for eight or more continuous hours are prohibited (§ 540-179Q).
- Rotating signs, live action signs, flashing, computer generator signage, variable message or scrolling signage, signs utilizing television monitors, and intermittent illuminated signs are prohibited (§ 540-179R).
- All illuminated signs must be either indirectly lighted or of the diffused lighting type, unless illuminated by an interior source. Signs may not use unshielded incandescent bulbs, lasers, neon or gas discharge tubes, mirrors reflecting direct light, or similar devices. Buildings, windows, or structures may not be outlined by tubing or strings of lights except for seasonal lighting, which may remain but not be illuminated post season (§ 540-179S).
- No strings or streamers of flags, pennants, spinners, or other similar devices strung across, upon, over, or along any premises or building are allowed in any zone district, except certain temporary signs/banners on commercial properties by permit (§ 540-179T).
- Awning materials with reflective or shiny finishes are prohibited (§ 540-180L).
- Striped awnings with highly contrasting, bright colors may be construed as visually blaring and inappropriate and are prohibited (§ 540-180O).
- It is unlawful to intentionally erect, locate, relocate or maintain any sign which falsely identifies the premises or occupant or which falsely advertises for sale any product no longer available (§ 540-188B).
- No temporary signs are permitted on public property or within any public right-of-way or sidewalk. This includes trees, utility poles, street or traffic signs (§ 258-7, § 540-179T(5)).
Exempt Signs in Hawthorne Borough
- The following signs are exempt from the provisions and regulations of the chapter, but must still comply with the permit requirement (§ 540-181):
- Professional nameplates affixed to the door or adjacent wall of premises so used, not exceeding three inches by 20 inches per professional occupant (§ 540-181A).
- A memorial sign or tablet or a sign indicating the name of a building or the date of its erection when cut into a masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material (§ 540-181B).
- Signs customary and necessary to the operation of filling and service stations, including: lettering over doors ('washing', 'lubrication', etc.), brand name/lead warning signs required by law on gas pumps, credit card signs up to two square feet, one brand/trade name sign up to 30 square feet per side or 60 square feet total, and price signs as required by law (§ 540-181C).
- Signs for public convenience and welfare erected by or on behalf of the United States, State, County, Borough, traffic controls in private ways and parking lots, legal notices, railroad crossing signs or other signs required by law, and temporary signs for public and charitable purposes approved by the Zoning Officer for up to 30 days (§ 540-181D).
- Signs customary and necessary in the offering of real estate for sale or to let by the owner in residential zones, up to four square feet (§ 540-181E).
- Signs customary and necessary in the offering of real estate for sale or to let by the owner and agent/broker in nonresidential zones, up to 16 square feet (§ 540-181F).
- Signs used to indicate that real estate has been sold or leased in residential zones, up to four square feet and for no more than two weeks after erection (§ 540-181G).
- Signs used to indicate that real estate has been sold or leased in nonresidential zones, up to 16 square feet and for no more than two weeks after erection (§ 540-181H).
- Signs customary and necessary in the offering of a newly constructed building for sale or to let in residential zones, up to three square feet; and up to 16 square feet in nonresidential zones (§ 540-181I).
- Temporary signs customary and necessary in connection with construction projects, limited to one sign per project, not exceeding eight square feet, and removed upon project completion (§ 540-181J).
- The interior contents of lawfully permitted changeable signs (church boards, marquees, menus, etc.) (§ 540-181K).
- Temporary signs for public, political, and charitable purposes, including holiday or patriotic exterior decorating (§ 540-181L).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hawthorne Borough
- A sign erection permit must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator before erecting or relocating any sign (§ 540-176, § 540-183).
- A sign exception (variance) may be sought from the Board of Adjustment if a permit is denied. The standard variance application procedure applies (§ 540-185, § 540-186).
- In any zone permitting multifamily development, a monument sign is allowed subject to review and approval by the reviewing Board (§ 540-177D).
- Temporary signs/banners located on commercial properties are permitted only by zoning permit after the required application is approved by the Zoning Officer (§ 540-179T).
- Awnings require zoning permit approval after application to the Zoning Officer (§ 540-180).
Source: ecode360 municipal code