Sign Regulations in Medford Township, New Jersey
Medford Township, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directory Sign, Wall or Window Sign - Option 1, Awning or Canopy 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 Medford Township, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Medford Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Identification Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | Set back at least 5 feet from public ROW/driveway or outside sight triangles |
| Exempt Signs (see Exempt list, e.g. Real Estate, Temporary, Election, Free Expression, Memorial, Nameplate, Flags, etc.) | Varies by type (e.g., real estate sign max 6 ft, election/free expression signs max 6 ft) | Varies by type (e.g., real estate sign 6 sq ft, temporary contractor 3 sq ft, election/free expression 16 sq ft, name/address 2 sq ft, memorial/nameplate 3 sq ft, flag 25 sq ft, etc.) | Signs over 30 inches high: min 5 ft from property line. Under 30 inches: can be at property line but outside ROW. |
| Identification Sign (Agricultural Use) | 5 ft | 6 sq ft | Cannot extend beyond 3 ft from property lines. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Medford TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
27
- Directory Sign
- Wall or Window Sign - Option 1
- Awning or Canopy Sign
- Projecting or Suspended 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 Medford Township
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Medford 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 Medford 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 Medford Township, regulated sign types include Directory Sign, Wall or Window Sign - Option 1, Awning or Canopy Sign, Projecting or Suspended 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 Medford 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 Medford Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Medford Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Medford Township, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Medford Township, New Jersey regulates 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Commercial and Industrial Uses in the HC-1, HC-2, and HM Zone Districts, HC-1, HC-2, HM zoning district are capped at 12 ft (top of sign) tall and Max single sign: 120 sq ft, with a 5 ft front, 10 ft side, outside sight triangles setback (Sec. §526R(1), (4)). Most commercial signs in Medford Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Medford Township, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Medford Township (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Residential, Agricultural and Preservation Districts (GMN, GMS, RGD-1, RGD-2, RS-1, RS-2, AR, FD, PD, HM, RC, CC, HVC, HVR, VRD, RHO, APA, SAPA, GMN-AR), Residential and Agricultural Uses Located in Medford, Including the Pinelands and Medford Village | 4 | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Uses in the HC-1, HC-2, and HM Zone Districts, HC-1, HC-2, HM | 8 | 30 in (if within 5 ft of ROW), 6 ft max overall | Max single sign: 120 sq ft | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Uses in the CC, PI, RHC and RC Zones Outside of the Historic Village Commercial (HVC) District, CC, PI, RHC, RC | 8 | 30 in if within 5 ft of ROW; 6 ft max | Max 120 sq ft per sign | — |
| Historic Village Commercial (HVC and RHO Zone Districts), HVC, RHO | 9 | 30 in if within 5 ft of ROW; 6 ft max | Varies by exempt type per §526J | — |
| Pinelands Area, ROD-2, RS-2, FD, PD, APA, SAPA, CC (portions outside the Regional Growth Area), PPE (portions outside the Regional Growth Area) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft (3 signs, 1 entrance); 48 sq ft (4 signs, 2 entrances) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Medford Township(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Commercial and Industrial Uses in the HC-1, HC-2, and HM Zone Districts, HC-1, HC-2, HM
| 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 | 12 ft (top of sign) | Max single sign: 120 sq ft | — | 5 ft front, 10 ft side, outside sight triangles | At rate above; total sign area based on frontage | Perpendicular to each public ROW the site fronts upon | — | Unlock | §526R(1), (4) |
| Wall or Window Sign - Option 1 | — | Per calculation (12% of area of the wall) | — | — | Per formula; one per facade | Parallel to building face/public right-of-way on business facade | — | Unlock | §526R(3)(a) |
| Awning or Canopy Sign | — | Contained within 12% total for all parallel signs of facade | — | — | Within overall sign area limits | Parallel to facade over pedestrianways | — | Unlock | §526R(3)(a,2); §526R(4)(e)(f) |
| Projecting or Suspended Sign | — | 4% of wall surface area up to 12 sq ft | — | — | One per facade | Perpendicular to building face (primarily pedestrian-oriented) | — | Unlock | §526R(3)(b) |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | 33% of window area of the building facade | — | — | One per window | Storefront windows | — | Unlock | §526R(4)(g); (7) |
| Directory Sign | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Not in front setback. | One per building | Relating to each building | — | Unlock | §526R(5) |
| Directional/Informational Sign | 30 in (if within 5 ft of ROW), 6 ft max overall | — | — | See max height rules near ROW | As needed | Where necessary on site (not primarily for advertising) | — | Unlock | §526R(6) |
| Portable/Sandwich Board/A-Frame Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per business occupant | Near building entrance | — | Unlock | §526J(13)(c) |
Commercial and Industrial Uses in the CC, PI, RHC and RC Zones Outside of the Historic Village Commercial (HVC) District, CC, PI, RHC, RC
| 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 - Multi-Occupancy | 12 ft (top, shopping centers/complexes); 6 ft (top, single-use/premises) | Max 120 sq ft per sign | — | 5 ft from front, 10 ft from side lines | 1 per street frontage | Perpendicular to ROW; 1 per public street frontage | — | Unlock | §526S(1), (3)(a)-(e) |
| Wall or Window Sign - Option 1 | — | Per calculation (12% of area of the wall) | — | — | Per formula | Parallel to one building frontage facing one ROW | — | Unlock | §526S(2)(a); (3)(f) |
| Awning or Canopy Sign | — | Part of wall/window/awning 12% limit | — | — | Within sign area limits | Parallel on facade | — | Unlock | §526S(3)(g),(i) |
| Projecting or Suspended Sign | — | 4% of wall surface area or up to 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per facade | Perpendicular to building face | — | Unlock | §526S(2)(b) |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | 33% of window area | — | — | One per window | In one storefront window of each business | — | Unlock | §526S(3)(f), (6) |
| Directory Sign | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Not in front yard setback | One per building | Adjacent to each building | — | Unlock | §526S(4) |
| Directional Sign | 30 in if within 5 ft of ROW; 6 ft max | — | — | See max height near ROW | As needed | As needed for circulation | — | Unlock | §526S(5) |
| Portable/Sandwich Board/A-Frame Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per business occupant | Near business entrance | — | Unlock | §526J(13)(c) |
Historic Village Commercial (HVC and RHO Zone Districts), HVC, RHO
| 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 Monument Sign (Front Yard ≥ 15 ft) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | 5 ft from front property line | One per use | Front yard area; set back at least 5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | §526T(2)(a)(1) |
| Post and Gibbet/Pole/Hanging Sign (Front Yard ≥6 ft and <15 ft) | 10 ft | 9 sq ft per lot | — | Behind front property line | One per use | Behind front property line; if between property line and 3 ft, no sign face between 30 inches and 7 ft high | — | Unlock | §526T(2)(a)(2) |
| Projecting or Suspended Sign (Front Yard <6 ft) | 11 ft (top); bottom at least 7 ft above ground | 9 sq ft | — | — | One per use | Perpendicular to bldg. face, front yard <6 ft | — | Unlock | §526T(2)(b) |
| Wall or Awning Sign (Parallel) | — | 12% of wall surface area | — | — | Within area limit per use | Parallel to street/public right-of-way | — | Unlock | §526T(3)(a) |
| Window Sign | — | 33% of glass area | — | — | Within area limits per use | Building front windows | — | Unlock | §526T(3)(b) |
| Flag (Open/Decorative/Seasonal) | Bottom at least 7 ft above sidewalk/pedestrianway | — | — | — | One per business | At least 7 ft above walk | — | Unlock | §526T(4) |
| Directory Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Not in front yard setback | One per building | Per building | — | Unlock | §526T(7) |
| Exempt Signs (special options) | Varies | Varies by exempt type per §526J | — | — | Varies by exempt type | Per §526J | — | Unlock | §526T(5); §526J |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Medford Township. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Medford Township
- No sign of any type shall be permitted to obstruct driving vision, pedestrian or vehicular traffic, traffic signals, traffic directional and identification signs, walkways, entrances, exits, fire escapes, doorways, other places of business, forty-eight-inch-wide sidewalks, or other signs or windows of the building on which they are located, or in any way affect the safety of the public.
- All billboard and/or off-premises signs are prohibited within the municipality.
- Commercial vehicles, mobile signs or trailers displaying signage shall not be utilized as signage on any lot. Commercial vehicles or trailers utilized for deliveries, service or other specified uses may be parked in the front yard of commercial and industrial uses in commercial and industrial zones.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Animated, inflatable or moving signs are prohibited.
- Beacon lights are prohibited.
- Bench signs are prohibited.
- Bus shelter signs are prohibited.
- Mobile signs are prohibited.
- Neon or gas tubing attached to facades and rooflines or surrounding window frames to accentuate architectural elements are prohibited.
- Pennant signs are prohibited.
- Signs using red, yellow, and green lights which mimic the operation of any traffic control signal are prohibited.
- Signs using words such as 'stop,' 'look,' and 'danger,' which are placed to constitute a traffic hazard or interfere with the free flow of traffic are prohibited.
- Signs attached, affixed or painted on trees, fences, rocks, curbs, walks, hydrants, or bridges, except exempt signs, are prohibited.
- Roof signs or signs mounted on the roof are prohibited, except as provided within the ordinance.
- Signs painted directly onto buildings are prohibited, except on historic buildings or districts.
- Building-mounted strings of light (not including holiday lighting and decorations) are prohibited.
- Internally illuminated plastic, Lexan® or vinyl awning and canopy signs are prohibited.
- Internally illuminated projecting and suspended signs are prohibited, except as otherwise provided.
- Signs which present lewd language or graphic sexual depictions are prohibited.
- Cardboard, plastic, placards and temporary signs affixed to windows, doors, bollards, poles, sign supports or other permanent or temporary fixtures or objects are prohibited except as otherwise specified.
- No sign other than street, traffic or similar official signs shall be erected within or project over the right-of-way of any public street, sidewalk, or public promenade, except as permitted by the governing body or as expressly permitted.
- No sign shall be placed on any property without the consent of the property owner.
- No sign shall be attached to utility poles, public structures, trees, stumps, fence posts, other signs or sign posts, except for specified warning signs.
- Signs shall be placed so that there is no visual clutter, conflict or interference with traffic signs or sight triangles.
- No signs that alter the residential character of the premises shall be permitted in any residential district.
Exempt Signs in Medford Township
- One temporary real estate sign per street frontage advertising the sale, lease, or rent of the premises upon which the sign is located, subject to specified size and height restrictions.
- Temporary directional real estate signs advertising an 'open house,' subject to time, size, and removal restrictions.
- One temporary construction sign on the lot(s) to which it relates, subject to size, location, and removal restrictions.
- One temporary contractor sign per contractor during the period of work, subject to size, height, and location restrictions.
- Decorations for a recognized federal or state holiday or observance or seasonal display, provided they do not create a traffic or fire hazard.
- Official municipal, county, state or federal governmental signs.
- Official off-tract signs for places of worship or fraternal organizations, setting forth location, meeting place, and meeting hours.
- Election signs, as defined, permitted 30 days prior to and removable within seven days after elections or referendums, subject to size and placement restrictions.
- Free expression signs, as defined, subject to size and placement restrictions.
- Signs denoting name and address of occupants of premises not exceeding two square feet in area.
- Memorial or nameplate signs when they do not exceed three square feet.
- Flags of the United States, state, county, municipality, foreign nations, or any other flag adopted and sanctioned by an elected legislative body, subject to size and height restrictions.
- Change in the copy of a window, changeable-copy or time-and-temperature sign, or any permitted sign conforming to this section, once a permit for the sign has been issued, with certain requirements for message display.
- Four times per year, temporary banner, grand opening and sales event signs (up to 20 square feet, not illuminated), with notification to Zoning Officer required.
- One portable swinger, A-frame, or sandwich sign per business occupant (max six square feet) for daily specials, special events, etc., only while open and not impeding pedestrians.
- Restaurant menu displayed in an exterior glass case or signboard (max three square feet), as long as it does not impede pedestrian flow.
- Four times per year, temporary window signs (not exceeding 20% of total storefront window area, displayed no longer than 30 days), with notification to Zoning Officer required.
- Directional and informational window signs (e.g., hours of operation, credit card acceptance, business affiliations) are informational and not counted towards permanent window sign area.
- Public utility, telecommunications, and alternative energy signs.
- Seasonal, decorative, or one 'open' flag (only when business is open for business hours).
- Community event signs, subject to §526.P.
- Signs less than 30 inches in height may be placed at the property line but must be outside the right-of-way; signs over 30 inches in height must be set back five feet from all property lines.
- One internally illuminated 'open' sign per business (max two square feet), only illuminated when open, and not flashing or animated, is permitted and not counted toward sign area maximums.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Medford Township
- Each application for development shall include a sign plan showing a description of the message, trademark, symbol, or insignia and the specific design, location, size, dimensions, colors, materials, height above ground, construction, and illumination of proposed signs.
- An application for an illuminated sign must include a lighting fixture catalogue cut or manufacturer's product description sheet with isolux or lumens specifications and mounting information; this is part of the sign plan.
- All development applications shall include all signs to be approved by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
- In applications where only sign modification is sought and no other site modifications are proposed, any sign exceeding the maximum area, height, or otherwise not in conformance with requirements shall require application and approval for minor site plan with waiver(s).
- No sign, other than exempt signs, shall be erected without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Office.
- Any sign hereafter erected and exposed to public view must conform to this section and any other ordinances; the most-restrictive regulation prevails.
- All applications for nonconforming uses shall provide a complete sign application package pursuant to §526.E, F and G.
- Exempt signs requiring notification to the Administrative Officer include: community information signs; temporary banner, grand opening and sales event signs; and temporary window signs.
- Developer signs directing to off-premises developments require a change of use application or site plan exemption and approval by the Planning Board; outside agency approvals or letters of no interest are also required in certain cases.
- Community event signs are exempt from a permit when in compliance with standards, but must be submitted to the Zoning Officer as a notification seven days prior to erection for timeline purposes.
- For illuminated signs, externally illuminated signs consisting of three or fewer 100-watt bulbs, compact fluorescent lights or LEDs of comparable wattage are exempt from submitting a lumens plan as part of the sign plan.
- Permit fee for a sign must be submitted with the application.
Source: ecode360 municipal code