Sign Regulations in Howell Township, New Jersey
Howell Township, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Sign, Traffic Sign, Transportation 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 Howell Township, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Howell Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — |
| Historical Tablet/Cornerstone/Memorial Plaque/Emblem | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Warning and No Trespassing Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
30
- Directional Sign
- Traffic Sign
- Transportation Sign
- Historical Tablet/Cornerstone/Memorial Plaque/Emblem
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Howell Township
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Howell Township 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 Howell Township, 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 Howell Township, regulated sign types include Directional Sign, Traffic Sign, Transportation Sign, Historical Tablet/Cornerstone/Memorial Plaque/Emblem, 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 Howell Township 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 Howell Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Howell Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Howell Township, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Howell Township, New Jersey regulates 30 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Single Sign - Permitted Use or Offices in the Residential zones zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 4 sq ft, with a At least 10 ft from property line setback (Sec. §256-4(A)). Most commercial signs in Howell Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Howell Township, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Howell Township (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | — | 25 sq ft | — |
| Residential zones | 4 | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Business zones, Industrial zones, HD-1, HD-2, HD-3, HC, SED, Highway Business Zones, Highway commercial zones, Neighborhood Commercial Zone | 12 | 12 ft | 200 sq ft (if less than 10% of facade) | — |
| Industrial zones (relocation of commercial signs/billboards), Highway commercial zones (relocation of commercial signs/billboards) | 1 | Max building height for the zone | — | — |
| Mixed-use areas | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Howell Township(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | Within shopping centers, office, commercial or industrial complexes. | — | Unlock | §256-3(A) |
| Traffic Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Installed by authorized persons (Township, County, State, or US Government). | — | Unlock | §256-3(B) |
| Historical Tablet/Cornerstone/Memorial Plaque/Emblem | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Installed by government agencies or specified organizations. | — | Unlock | §256-3(D) |
| Decorative Sign (House/Family Name or Address) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises of the house. | — | Unlock | §256-3(G) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 4 sq ft one side, 8 sq ft total if double-faced | — | See above | See above | On premises for sale/rent/lease. | — | Unlock | §256-3(I)(1) |
| Open House Real Estate Sign - On-Premises | — | 4 sq ft one side, 8 sq ft total if double-faced | — | See above | 1 on-property, 3 off-property at a time | On property being sold. | — | Unlock | §256-3(I)(2) |
| Business Sign - Awning (Valance) | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | — | Painted on the valance of an awning. | — | Unlock | §256-3(K) |
| Agricultural/Horticultural Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from any property line | — | — | — | Unlock | §256-3(M) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Sign - Permitted Use or Office | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from property line | 1 | — | — | Unlock | §256-4(A) |
| Temporary Sign - Major Subdivision | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from property line | 2 | — | — | Unlock | §256-4(B) |
| Multifamily Dwelling Project Identification Sign | 8 ft | 10 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from property line | 2 | — | — | Unlock | §256-4(C) |
| Boarding/Rooming House Identification Sign | 8 ft | 4 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from property line | 1 | — | — | Unlock | §256-4(D) |
Business zones, Industrial zones, HD-1, HD-2, HD-3, HC, SED, Highway Business Zones, Highway commercial zones, Neighborhood 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Facade Sign (Neighborhood Commercial Zone) | — | — | — | — | See §256-5B | First or ground story facade | — | Unlock | §256-5(A)(1) |
| Wall Facade Sign (Other Business and Industrial Zones, HD, HC, SED, Highway Business/Commercial) | — | — | — | — | See §256-5B | First or ground story facade | — | Unlock | §256-5(A)(1), §256-5(B)(3) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | See §256-5B | Side of building | — | Unlock | §256-5(A)(2) |
| Pylon Sign (Except Highway Business Zones) | — | 80 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property lines | See §256-5B | Standing apart from any other structure | — | Unlock | §256-5(A)(3) |
| Pylon Sign (Highway Business Zones) | — | 80 sq ft | — | 20 ft from highway right-of-way | See §256-5B | Standing apart from any other structure | — | Unlock | §256-5(A)(3) |
| Monument Sign | — | — | — | 10 ft from property line or 20 ft from ROW of highway | 1 per structure | Ground mounted horizontally, visible from adjacent street | — | Unlock | §256-5(A)(4) |
| Directional Sign (Permitted Off-site Directional, not on site of development) | 12 ft | 25 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from property line | — | Not on development site; for development in progress | — | Unlock | §256-5(A)(6) |
| Wind Flag | 12 ft | — | 4 ft | — | 2 per lot | On commercial lot; not in ROW or sight triangle. | — | Unlock | §256-5(A)(8), §256-5C(9) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Howell Township — 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 Howell Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Howell Township
- No sign in any zone may be greater than 45 feet in height, inclusive of the advertising structure.
- No sign or structure other than official highway markers shall be placed within any street or highway right-of-way.
- Signs using red, amber or green lights placed within 100 feet of a light-controlled intersection are prohibited.
- Signs using blinking, flashing, vibrating or flickering lights are prohibited.
- Signs using reflective material which sparkles, glitters, or reflects light in a manner to create a traffic hazard are prohibited.
- Signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene nature are prohibited.
- Signs using wording such as 'stop,' 'look,' 'danger' placed in a manner or position that interferes with traffic or acts as a traffic hazard are prohibited.
- Any sign which causes confusion with existing governmentally authorized signs is prohibited.
- Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes, stairways, or keeping light or air from windows used for living quarters are prohibited.
- Flags, banners (except those permitted by § 256-5), pinwheels, A-type signs, sandwich-type signs, sidewalk signs, curb signs, or similar advertising devices are prohibited.
- Signs on poles maintained by public utilities, or on trees and fences, or attached to signs or buildings owned by other persons are prohibited.
- Any series of two or more signs placed along a street or highway, all carrying a single advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign, is prohibited. (Exemption for 'Open House' signs.)
- Commercial signs and billboards are not permitted; only legally existing ones, with strict regulations, may continue.
- Signs with any lighting or control mechanism which may cause radio or television interference are prohibited.
- No sign or commercial display shall be located on any roof or rooftop.
- All prohibitions also apply to LED/electronic signs. LED/electronic signs shall not contain animation and shall not change their message faster than every five seconds.
Exempt Signs in Howell Township
- Directional signs within shopping centers, office, commercial or industrial complexes for parking, loading, entrances/exits, not exceeding 8 sq. ft., are exempt from permits.
- Traffic signs installed by authorized governmental entities are exempt from permits.
- Public transportation stop signs installed by the Township or public transportation agencies are exempt from permits.
- Historical tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques, and emblems installed by government, civic, educational organizations, or historical associations not exceeding 6 sq. ft., are exempt from permits.
- Warning and no trespassing signs not exceeding 2 sq. ft. are exempt from permits.
- Flags or emblems of religious, educational, or governmental organizations flown from supports on their own premises are exempt from permits.
- Decorative signs showing house/family name or address not exceeding 2 sq. ft. and complying with location/height requirements are exempt from permits.
- Signs posted by agencies of Howell Township, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, or the United States are exempt from permits.
- Real estate signs on the premises (and certain temporary open house signs), subject to size, location, duration, and content rules, are exempt from permits.
- Signs displayed within a store for directional and interior advertising purposes are exempt from permits.
- Business signs painted on the valance of an awning bearing only the name, store number, or type of business, not exceeding 25 sq. ft., are exempt from permits.
- Political signs, provided they comply with timing, size, content, and removal regulations, are exempt from permits.
- Non-illuminated signs identifying an agricultural or horticultural use not exceeding 24 sq. ft. and setback 20 feet from property lines are exempt from permits.
- Metal 'No Parking - Fire Zone' signs as required by the Fire Prevention Bureau are exempt.
- Street signs for mobile home parks are exempt from inspection and application fees.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Howell Township
- For business and industrial zones, all exterior signs must be architecturally compatible and in conformance with an overall sign program and plan. The sign program and plan must be submitted at the time of application, showing location, size, and general design.
- Relocation of a commercial sign or billboard requires review and approval by the Planning Board based on a plan submitted by the applicant, showing original and proposed locations and landscaping details.
- Signage that conforms to the ordinance and is located on a property with valid site plan approval is exempt from new site plan requirements; otherwise, seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Board.
- Applications requiring public notice must provide a 'notice sign' on the property, meeting specific requirements for size, information content, location, and timing. This requirement does not apply to single-family residential lots without a use variance or to minor subdivisions creating no new lots.
Source: ecode360 municipal code