Sign Regulations in Hillsdale Borough, New Jersey
Hillsdale Borough, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 38 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Freestanding Sign (Illuminated, Digital allowed), Wall 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 Hillsdale Borough, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Hillsdale Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 8 feet (maximum, see §310-61B(1)(b)) | — | 10 feet from all property lines unless otherwise stated (§310-61A(6)) |
| Identification/Name Sign (Non-Commercial) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Flag | 20 feet (residential parcels); 25 feet (nonresidential parcels in relevant zones) | — | 10 ft (residential); 15 ft (nonresidential) |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Hillsdale BoroughFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
38
- Freestanding Sign
- Freestanding Sign (Illuminated, Digital allowed)
- Wall Sign
- Directory Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hillsdale Borough
Municipal Code1 permit application link available
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
In Hillsdale Borough, monument signs are limited to 8 feet (maximum, see §310-61B(1)(b)). 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 Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale Borough, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Freestanding Sign (Illuminated, Digital allowed), Wall Sign, Directory 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 Hillsdale Borough, monument signs typically require a 10 feet from all property lines unless otherwise stated (§310-61A(6)) 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 Hillsdale Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hillsdale Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hillsdale Borough, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Hillsdale Borough, New Jersey regulates 38 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Flagpoles in the Industrial District zoning district are capped at 25 ft (flagpole) tall and Flag not greater than 15 sq ft, with a 15 ft from property lines setback (Sec. §310-64D). Most commercial signs in Hillsdale Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hillsdale Borough, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hillsdale Borough (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 15 | 20 feet (residential parcels); 25 feet (nonresidential parcels in relevant zones) | 25% of glass surface | — |
| R-1, R-2, R-3, TC, SC | 1 | 6 ft above existing grade | 16 sq ft | — |
| R-4 | 1 | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Parcels with permitted Public Park or Public Building | 4 | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — |
| Parcels with permitted Public or Private Nonprofit School | 3 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Parcels containing permitted Place of Worship | 5 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Industrial District | 5 | 25 ft (flagpole) | 32 sq ft (or 90% of frontage in ft, whichever is less) | — |
| Commercial District, Mixed-Use Districts | 10 | 25 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hillsdale Borough(sample of 3 of 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 8 feet (maximum, see §310-61B(1)(b)) | — | — | 10 feet from all property lines unless otherwise stated (§310-61A(6)) | — | — | — | Unlock | §310-61A(6), §310-61B(1)(b), §310-61E |
| Flag | 20 feet (residential parcels); 25 feet (nonresidential parcels in relevant zones) | — | — | 10 ft (residential); 15 ft (nonresidential) | 1 per parcel | Setback 10 ft from property lines (residential); 15 ft (nonresidential) | — | Unlock | §310-61D(3), §310-64D, §310-65G |
| On-site Directional Sign | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | On-site as needed for safety | — | Unlock | §310-61D(6) |
| Parking Lot Marker | 6 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | As needed; may include stenciled paint on pavement or freestanding | — | Unlock | §310-61D(7) |
| Temporary Construction Sign | 4 ft | 5 sq ft (residential); 5 sq ft each, max 2 (commercial/industrial) | — | — | 1 per residential parcel; 2 per commercial/industrial | On premises being constructed/altered | — | Unlock | §310-61D(10) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | 3 ft (residential); 5 ft (nonresidential) | 6 sq ft (residential); 20 sq ft (nonresidential) | — | — | 1 per parcel per street frontage | 1 per parcel for each street frontage | — | Unlock | §310-61D(11) |
| Garage Sale Sign - On-site | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 2 per property | On the property of the residence holding the sale | — | Unlock | §162-8A, C, D, E |
| Garage Sale Sign - Directional | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 2 per sale | With written permission of property owner | — | Unlock | §162-8B, C, D, E |
Industrial District
| 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 | — | 32 sq ft (or 90% of frontage in ft, whichever is less) | — | — | 1 per business/tenant per public street frontage | One per business per public street frontage | — | Unlock | §310-64A |
| Freestanding Sign | 8 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel | 1 per parcel (properties w/ 2+ businesses/tenants) | — | Unlock | §310-64B |
| Directory Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | Next to exterior entrance to upper story establishment | — | Unlock | §310-64C |
| Flagpole | 25 ft (flagpole) | Flag not greater than 15 sq ft | — | 15 ft from property lines | 1 per nonresidential parcel | Set back min 15 ft from all property lines and any other structure | — | Unlock | §310-64D |
| Incidental Sign (Industrial) | — | — | — | — | 3 per business/tenant | — | — | Unlock | §310-64E |
Commercial District, Mixed-Use 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 24 sq ft (or 95% of linear business frontage in ft, whichever is less) | — | — | 1 per ground floor use per public street frontage | 1 per ground floor use per public street frontage | — | Unlock | §310-65A(1) |
| Projecting Sign | Lowest edge min 8 ft above sidewalk/grade; highest edge max 14 ft above sidewalk/grade | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per ground floor use per public street frontage | 1 per ground floor use per public street frontage | — | Unlock | §310-65A(2) |
| Awning Sign | — | 20 sq ft (or 90% of frontage in ft) | — | — | 1 per business | 1 per business on first floor of commercial building | — | Unlock | §310-65A(3) |
| Supplemental Wall Sign (Rear facade with business entrance) | Top edge no higher than 10 ft above sidewalk or grade | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per rear entrance | Next to business entrance on rear facade | — | Unlock | §310-65B |
| Directory Sign | Top edge no higher than 7 ft above sidewalk or grade | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | Next to entrance to upper story establishment | — | Unlock | §310-65C |
| Freestanding Sign | 8 ft | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property | Properties where building set back 60 ft or more from right-of-way; 1 per property | — | Unlock | §310-65D |
| Menu Box | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per restaurant | 1 per restaurant | — | Unlock | §310-65F |
| Flagpole | 25 ft | Flag not greater than 15 sq ft | — | 15 ft | 1 per nonresidential parcel | Set back at least 15 ft from property line and other structures | — | Unlock | §310-65G |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Hillsdale 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 8 zones for Hillsdale Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in Hillsdale Borough
- No sign may be positioned on a structure so that it obscures any architectural feature, including, but not limited to, windows, transoms, cornices, trim, porch railings, etc.
- No sign shall be erected in such a way as to obstruct a door, window or fire escape of the building to which the sign is affixed.
- No sign as regulated by this chapter shall be erected at or near an intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of the words 'stop', 'look', 'danger' or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to display upon any sign any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- No freestanding signs shall be at any point more than eight feet above the ground level.
- Signs with flashing, moving or intermittent lighting of any kind are prohibited, except for carnivals or special events with governing body authorization, and 'Open' signs which may flash.
- LED illuminated signs are prohibited, except for 'Open' signs.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Temporary signs tacked, posted or painted to benches, barrels, buildings, posts, trees, sidewalks, curbs, rocks or any structure are prohibited.
- Signs listing the names of developers, contractors, subcontractors, engineers or architects on a job site are prohibited beyond the duration of construction or issuance of certificate of occupancy.
- Signs placed on a public sidewalk or public property are prohibited, except for signs erected by the Borough or with authorization of the Mayor and Council.
- Roof signs, including signs mounted on mansard roofs, are prohibited.
- Signs painted on the window or the facade of the building are prohibited, excluding water-soluble paints for seasonal displays.
- Flashing or steady-burning ornamental lights displayed within one foot of a window that are visible to the public for the purpose of enhancing or supplementing the visual attraction to a commercial business are prohibited, except as permitted seasonally (not longer than 60 days per year and must not create a hazard to safety).
- Signs that emit smoke, visible vapor or smoke, sound, odor or visible particles are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct, conceal, hide or otherwise obscure from view any official traffic or governmental sign, signal or device are prohibited.
- Signs within a sight triangle that obstruct a clear view of pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic are prohibited.
- Signs consisting of or containing balloons, blimps, streamers, feather flags, spinners or similar moving devices are prohibited. Feather flags without letters or logos are also prohibited. Pennants are prohibited when not in conjunction with permitted grand opening signs.
- Signs with more than two faces are prohibited.
- Vehicle signs are prohibited when the vehicle is not regularly used in the conduct of the business or activity located on the property and where the vehicle is visible and parked within 50 feet of a street right-of-way.
- Signs shall not be constructed or relocated without a permit from the Zoning Official, unless exempt under §310-61D.
- All signs and their supports must be maintained in good condition and not allowed to become dilapidated.
- Replacement of a nonconforming sign structure, in whole or in part, is specifically prohibited.
- Any sign which is nonconforming shall not be enlarged, extended, relocated or altered in any manner.
Exempt Signs in Hillsdale Borough
- Street address signage for each building or tenant, placed on the facade, door, or permitted freestanding sign; corner buildings may have address signage on both street-facing facades.
- Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only names of occupants of premises or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations.
- Flags of any government entity; on residential parcels limited to one flagpole (max 20 feet tall, setback minimum 10 feet from property lines).
- Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, identification, informational or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings (excluding letters, trademarks, moving parts or moving lights); includes names and date of erection of buildings.
- On-site directional signs not exceeding three square feet in area and three feet in height, as needed for safety; may include company logo (max one square foot); may be internally illuminated.
- Parking lot markers, including pavement stencils and freestanding pole signs (max six feet high, two square feet area); includes signs denoting handicapped spaces, reserved spaces, etc.
- Political signs: one freestanding political sign per parcel; must be removed within seven days following the election.
- One open sign per permitted non-residential establishment.
- Temporary construction signs identifying owner, architect, builder, realtor, or contractor on premises under construction/alteration/repair (limit: one per residential parcel, two per commercial/industrial; size: max five square feet, four feet high).
- Temporary real estate signs (limit: one per parcel per street frontage; size: residential max six square feet/three feet high, nonresidential max 20 square feet/five feet high; must be removed within seven days of sale, lease or rental).
- Temporary window signs advertising special sales/events where permitted; collective coverage not to exceed 25% of glass surface; not displayed longer than 20 days.
- Fee and permit exemption for temporary garage sale signs (per §162-8 E).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hillsdale Borough
- Any sign not exempt under §310-61D requires approval from the Zoning Official via a zoning permit; application must include scaled drawings and detailed information about the proposed sign and its mounting/location.
- No sign shall be erected, altered, located, relocated or reconstructed without first obtaining a zoning permit from the Zoning Official, unless it is an exempt sign as specified in §310-61D.
- A business wishing to have a combination of wall, projecting, or awning signs is required to obtain a variance.
- Permit applications require payment of zoning and permit fees as provided in Chapter 138.
- If a new sign is installed (including relocation), it is considered a new sign and must comply with current regulations and permitting requirements.
- Permit procedures include submission of application, plans, and possible review or questions to the Zoning Official prior to construction.
- Signs for uses permitted by variance (e.g., commercial in residential) must conform to the sign regulations for the applicable commercial zone.
- Applications for sign permits require: (1) completed application form, (2) accurately scaled, fully dimensioned drawing of the proposed sign and its construction details, (3) scaled drawing or photograph of the building with sign location indicated.
Source: ecode360 municipal code