Sign Regulations in Merchantville Borough, New Jersey
Merchantville Borough, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Identification Sign (Schools, Churches, Municipal Buildings, Similar Uses), Professional Sign (Single-Family Dwelling). 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 Merchantville Borough, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Merchantville Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 5 ft (if 18 sq ft or less); 10 ft (if over 18 sq ft) | 18 sq ft or less: 5 ft max height; Over 18 sq ft: 10 ft max height | — |
| Identification Sign (Schools, Churches, Municipal Buildings, Similar Uses) | — | 12 sq ft per side | — |
| Professional Sign (Single-Family Dwelling) | — | 3 sq ft | Not within 2 ft of back edge of sidewalk |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
21
- Ground Sign
- Identification Sign (Schools, Churches, Municipal Buildings, Similar Uses)
- Professional Sign (Single-Family Dwelling)
- Professional Sign (Wall Sign, Multiple Dwelling or Professional Office Use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Merchantville Borough
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Merchantville 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville Borough, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Identification Sign (Schools, Churches, Municipal Buildings, Similar Uses), Professional Sign (Single-Family Dwelling), Professional Sign (Wall Sign, Multiple Dwelling or Professional Office Use), 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Merchantville Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Merchantville Borough, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Merchantville Borough, New Jersey regulates 21 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the B-1 District, B-2 District zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 25 sq ft, with a Minimum 2 ft from sidewalk setback (Sec. § 94-57C(4)(a)-(c)). Most commercial signs in Merchantville Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Merchantville Borough, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Merchantville Borough (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 5 ft (if 18 sq ft or less); 10 ft (if over 18 sq ft) | 18 sq ft or less: 5 ft max height; Over 18 sq ft: 10 ft max height | — |
| Residential District (R-1) | 10 | — | 18 sq ft per frontage (total for both signs) | — |
| B-1 District, B-2 District | 9 | 18 ft above ground elevation | 25 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Merchantville Borough
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 5 ft (if 18 sq ft or less); 10 ft (if over 18 sq ft) | 18 sq ft or less: 5 ft max height; Over 18 sq ft: 10 ft max height | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 94-55(A), (F) |
| Identification Sign (Schools, Churches, Municipal Buildings, Similar Uses) | — | 12 sq ft per side | — | — | One per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 94-55(B) |
Residential District (R-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Sign (Single-Family Dwelling) | — | 3 sq ft | — | Not within 2 ft of back edge of sidewalk | One per property | On the grounds of the dwelling | — | Unlock | § 94-56(A)(1) |
| Professional Sign (Wall Sign, Multiple Dwelling or Professional Office Use) | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | One per property | Affixed to wall | — | Unlock | § 94-56(A)(2) |
| Sign Appertaining to Multiple Dwelling | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One | — | — | Unlock | § 94-56(A)(3) |
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale or Rental) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | On building or lot being advertised. If property fronts on more than one street, one per frontage. | — | Unlock | § 94-56(A)(4) |
| Institution Sign (church, convalescent/nursing home, school, or similar) | — | 18 sq ft per frontage (total for both signs) | — | — | 2 per street frontage | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | § 94-56(A)(7) |
| Civic/Service Organization or Club Sign | — | 12 sq ft per frontage | — | — | One per street frontage | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | § 94-56(A)(8) |
| Residential Identification Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | One | Attached to the dwelling, mailbox, post, or lamp post | — | Unlock | § 94-56(A)(9) |
| Historical Identification Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | One | On historic structure or site | — | Unlock | § 94-56(A)(10) |
B-1 District, B-2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overhanging Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per principal street/ground floor use | Perpendicular to building face, extending up to 3 ft from building; bottom at least 9 ft above ground; allowed to extend beyond front lot line | — | Unlock | § 94-57C(1)(a)-(c) |
| Building Face Sign | 18 ft above ground elevation | — | — | — | — | Painted, applied, or fastened to building face (main for ground floors, next to entrance for upper/lower floors); awnings on flap, at least 7.5 ft above ground | — | Unlock | § 94-57B(2)(b), 94-57C(2), (d) |
| Window and Door-Glass Sign (Ground Floor Use) | — | — | — | — | One per street frontage | On fixed, nonoperable window panes or on door glass | — | Unlock | § 94-57C(3)(a)-(b) |
| Window and Door-Glass Sign (Above Ground Floor Use) | — | — | — | — | One per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 94-57C(3)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft | 25 sq ft | — | Minimum 2 ft from sidewalk | One per building | Permanently attached to ground; only allowed where building is at least 30 ft from street frontage; must be on land owned/leased by user | — | Unlock | § 94-57C(4)(a)-(c) |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Within window area of ground floor use; bottom area of window | — | Unlock | § 94-57C(5) |
| Directional Sign | — | Less than 3 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 94-57B(2)(b) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On property being advertised only | — | Unlock | § 94-57B(2)(k) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Merchantville Borough are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Merchantville Borough
- Any sign that is not expressly permitted by the ordinance or regulation of the Borough of Merchantville shall be prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed in such a position that it may cause danger to traffic on a street by obscuring vision.
- All signs in any district shall comply with all provisions and requirements of the Building Code of the Borough of Merchantville and its amendments or supplements governing same, including the wind-load requirements.
- Illumination of signs: Signs with internal illumination are not allowed. Only external illumination of signs by incandescent flood lamps is allowed.
- Colored, flashing, blinking, twinkling, internally lit, animated or moving signs of any type or signs which present an illusion of movement are prohibited.
- Exposed-tube neon signs are prohibited (unless reflecting the period of an historically significant building, subject to further restrictions).
- No sign shall be erected or maintained on a lot, tract or parcel, including any improvement thereon, unless the message on the sign directly relates to the use of said lot, tract or parcel.
- Flags, banners, strings of banners, pennants, pinwheels, A-type signs, sidewalk signs, curb signs and similar advertising devices and search lights, balloons or other gas-filled figures are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed in such a position that it causes or is likely to cause danger to vehicular or pedestrian traffic on any street, sidewalk or right-of-way.
- No sign other than an official sign may be placed within the right-of-way of any street within the borough.
- No sign shall be attached, affixed or painted on trees, fences, rocks, curbs, walks, hydrants or benches, except for warning signs such as 'No trespassing.' No sign of any type shall be attached to utility poles.
- No billboards, billboard-type signs or rooftop signs shall be erected or maintained on any lot or in any location within the borough.
- No vehicle shall be regularly parked, stopped or located in such a manner as to be used as or considered as a sign.
Exempt Signs in Merchantville Borough
- Signs necessary to public welfare, posted or erected by public authority, or advertisements required by law are not intended to be regulated by this chapter.
- No sign permit required for: Commercial informational signs.
- No sign permit required for: Legal nonconforming signs.
- No sign permit required for: Official signs.
- No sign permit required for: Political signs.
- No sign permit required for: Residential signs.
- No sign permit required for: Temporary signs.
- No sign permit required for: Temporary interior advertising signs.
- No sign permit required for: A-frame signs.
- No sign permit required for: Bill-of-fare signs and/or menus.
- No sign permit required for: Flags.
- No sign permit required for: Signs relettered on the same signboard using the same colors and fonts.
- No sign permit required for: Any mobile sign, except that a business may have one A-frame sign immediately adjacent to its property unless the business faces multiple streets, in which case the business may have one A-frame sign per adjoining street.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Merchantville Borough
- When continuous display of temporary signs is desired in a business window, the temporary sign display area must be identified within a designated window. If temporary signs are displayed continuously without designation or without borough review and approval of such a display area, application to the borough is required for designation of a display area.
Source: ecode360 municipal code