Sign Regulations in Leonia Borough, New Jersey

Leonia Borough, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Directional and Traffic Control 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 Leonia Borough, New Jersey

Sample Sign Requirements in Leonia Borough

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Wall Sign25 sq ft
Hanging Sign2 sq ft
Common Parking Lot Sign40 sq ft (total)Min 10 ft from any property line

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for Leonia BoroughFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

19

  • Wall Sign
  • Freestanding Sign
  • Directional and Traffic Control Sign
  • Real Estate Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

6

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Leonia Borough

Municipal Code1 permit application link available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Leonia 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 Leonia 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 Leonia Borough, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Directional and Traffic Control Sign, Real Estate Sign, 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 Leonia 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 Leonia Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Leonia Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Leonia Borough, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance

Leonia Borough, New Jersey regulates 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the LI-2 District zoning district are capped at 4 ft including support above ground tall and 15 sq ft, with a Not within 20 ft of curb or driveway, not within 50 ft of residential district boundary setback (Sec. § 232-9A, refers to § 232-8). Most commercial signs in Leonia Borough require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Leonia Borough, New Jersey

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Leonia Borough (6 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Business District440 sq ft (total)
LI District36 ft36 sq ft
LI-2 District46 ft36 sq ft
Residential District74 ft from ground12 sq ft (per side)
Commercial District, Industrial District, Manufacturing District216 sq ft (per side)
General Regulations For All Zones5100 sq ft or 3 sq ft/15 linear ft frontage (whichever larger)

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Leonia Borough(sample of 3 of 6 zones)

LI-2 District

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign3 ft36 sq ftMax 2 per premises (exclusive of directional/safety signs)On facade of buildingUnlock§ 232-9A, refers to § 232-8
Freestanding Sign4 ft including support above ground15 sq ftNot within 20 ft of curb or driveway, not within 50 ft of residential district boundary1On premises; not within 20 ft from curb of public street or parking area driveway; not within 50 ft of boundary of residence districtUnlock§ 232-9A, refers to § 232-8
Directional and Traffic Control Sign6 ft4 sq ft per side (each of two sides)On premisesUnlock§ 232-9A, refers to § 232-8
Off-Premises Advertising SignUnlock§ 232-9B, § 232-2K, § 232-3Q

Residential District

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Professional/Accessory Use/Name Sign2 sq ft (per side)For occupant of dwelling; trespassing or driveway signs; exterior propertyUnlock§ 232-3A
Identification Sign (Schools, churches, hospitals, etc.)12 sq ft (per side)On premisesUnlock§ 232-3B
Temporary Construction/Contractor Sign12 sq ftOn premises under constructionUnlock§ 232-3C
Real Estate Sign3 sq ft (per side)Min 5 ft from property line or 15 ft from curbline, whichever greater. Not within sight triangle or on right-of-way.1 per frontageOn property being advertised for sale or rent; for corner lots, one on each street frontageUnlock§ 232-3D, § 232-3H
Political/Noncommercial Sign6 sq ft (per sign)1 per candidate per electionOn premisesUnlock§ 232-3F(2)-(3)
Temporary Event SignOn premisesUnlock§ 232-2S
Freestanding For Sale/For Rent Sign4 ft from ground2 ft x 2 ft (4 sq ft)Min 5 ft from property line or 15 ft from curblineOn property offered for sale/rentUnlock§ 232-3H

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Instructional/Directions/Safety Sign5 sq ftOn premises as neededUnlock§ 232-2I
Temporary Banner/Cloth SignOn buildings or between buildings on private propertyUnlock§ 232-10A
Development/Construction Sign100 sq ft or 3 sq ft/15 linear ft frontage (whichever larger)1 per 500 ft of frontageOn property being developedUnlock§ 232-3E
Permanent Window Sign20% of total window area; max 25 sq ft per businessIn or within 18 in of windowUnlock§ 232-3L, § 232-2R, § 232-2L
Temporary Window SignCombined total of temporary and permanent window signs: 50% of total window area; event/project nonprofit signs are exempt from area restrictionsIn windowUnlock§ 232-3N

PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Leonia 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 6 zones for Leonia Borough — start free

Prohibited Signs in Leonia Borough

  • No sign or sign structure shall materially impede the view of any street or highway intersection.
  • No sign, other than official traffic signs, shall be erected within or project over the lines of any street unless specifically authorized by other Borough ordinances.
  • No sign or structure, other than official highway markers, shall be placed within any street or highway right-of-way.
  • No sign shall prevent free and safe ingress and egress from any window, door, or fire escape; no sign shall be attached to a fire escape.
  • Flashing signs are prohibited; no rotating beam, beacon, or flashing illumination shall be used in connection with any sign or sign display.
  • All signs must be stationary; revolving signs are not permitted.
  • Roof signs are prohibited.
  • Signs in a state of disrepair, including illuminated or neon signs, or signs which are abandoned, must be removed within 45 days.
  • Except as otherwise permitted in Chapter 290, Zoning, within District LI-2, off-premises advertising signs are prohibited.
  • The illuminated background panel of any sign may not exceed the allowable sign area by more than 20%.
  • Neon signage shall not consist of more than three colors per occupancy.
  • The light intensity of any illuminated sign, including neon or displays, shall not exceed 50 footcandles, measured as specified.
  • Neon-type bands on the exterior of a building and neon bands or bare bulbs on the inside perimeter of a window are prohibited.
  • Illuminated window signs may not exceed 15% of the total window area.
  • No sign shall be affixed to any public utility pole, public information sign, bus shelter, public bench, or public building or erected in any public space, such as a street or right-of-way, without the express approval of the Mayor and Council.
  • Strung lights and windblown devices, such as pennants, spinners and streamers, are prohibited.
  • Any sign not permitted under this chapter is expressly prohibited.
  • Window displays shall not consist of neon or flashing lighting, nor a television or video facing and viewable from the street or right-of-way.
  • No sign shall be permitted to interfere with safe sight distance.
  • No sign shall be placed upon any pole, tree, curbstone, sidewalk or elsewhere in any public street or public place, except as authorized.
  • No rooftop signs shall be permitted.
  • No illumination of any sign between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in LI District.
  • No sign may be located within the sight triangle at a street intersection or on any street, sidewalk or right-of-way.

Exempt Signs in Leonia Borough

  • Official traffic signs and official highway markers are exempt from prohibition on placement within or over street lines and within street or highway right-of-way.
  • Instructional signs such as 'no-parking,' 'entrance,' 'exit,' 'keep off,' 'parking,' 'no trespassing' and similar devices for the convenience or protection of the public are not considered in computing total sign area, provided their size does not exceed five square feet.
  • Municipal signs necessary to the public welfare of the Borough of Leonia are permitted.
  • All signs and notices placed in a window for the promotion of events or projects sponsored by nonprofit organizations shall be exempt from area restrictions for temporary and permanent window signs.
  • Outdoor umbrellas located in the outdoor cafe are exempt from Chapter 232.
  • Temporary signs, posters, or placards announcing a neighborhood event (such as garage sales or block parties) are permitted but must be removed within 12 hours after the conclusion of the event; signs reporting lost property/pets permitted for up to 14 days.
  • Existing legal signs that are not altered, rebuilt, enlarged, or relocated are considered nonconforming but may remain subject to inspection and maintenance.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Leonia Borough

  • Every sign application must be accompanied by a plan showing the location and erection of the proposed sign, scaled sketches, and details on copy, weight, dimensions, materials, and illumination type.
  • Each site plan application must include a sign plan showing specific design, location, size, construction, and illumination of all signs. If details are not provided, approval may be conditioned on providing this information prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
  • With every site plan (for a development), the applicant shall submit plans for all proposed exterior lighting and conform to the sign code.
  • Design, materials, and mounting methods for hanging signs must be approved by the Building Department.
  • Signs in the D Business District require conformance with specific architectural and design guidelines, which may include sign plans as part of site plan submission.

Source: ecode360 municipal code