# Sign Regulations in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for New Brunswick, New Jersey, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** New Brunswick, New Jersey (NJ)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/new-jersey/new-brunswick
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/NJ/New_Brunswick/codes/Municipal_Code?nodeId=TIT17ZO_CH17.03GERE_17.03.260SIRE)

## At a glance

New Brunswick, New Jersey regulates 11 sign types across 16 zoning districts. Freestandings in the C-1, C-2A, C-2B zoning district are capped at 8 ft. max. tall and 12 sq. ft. (only at gasoline service stations); otherwise prohibited, with a Min. 5 ft. from all property lines setback (Sec. 17.06.060 Table, C-1, C-2A, C-2B). Most commercial signs in New Brunswick require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (16 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 | 2 | — | 72 square inches | — |
| R-6, R-7 | 2 | — | 18 square feet | — |
| C-1, C-2A, C-2B | 4 | 16-inch letter height (valance); logo up to 4 sq. ft. on shed | 24 square feet | — |
| C-3A | 2 | 6 ft. max. | 16 square feet | — |
| C-3B, C-3C, C-3D | 4 | 16-inch letter height (valance); logo up to 4 sq. ft. on shed | 24 square feet | — |
| C-4 | 4 | 16-in. letter height (valance); logo up to 4 sq. ft. on shed portion | 10 sq. ft. (20 sq. ft. for corner property) | — |
| C-5 | 2 | 40 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| C-6 | 2 | 15 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| O-1 | 2 | 15 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| O-2, D-HI | 3 | 10 ft. | Complex identity sign: 300 sq. ft.; Unique building identity sign: 150 sq. ft. | — |
| I-1 | 2 | 15 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| I-2, I-2E | 3 | 15 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| IN-1 | 2 | — | 72 square inches | — |
| IN-2 | 3 | 6 ft. | 72 square inches | — |
| W-C | 1 | — | 72 square inches | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 16 zones)

### C-1, C-2A, C-2B

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Façade | — | 24 square feet | — | — | 1 per frontage | Attached to front façade of building | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-1, C-2A, C-2B |
| Awning Sign | 16-inch letter height (valance); logo up to 4 sq. ft. on shed | — | — | — | — | 1st story occupancies only; not on windows/doors | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-1, C-2A, C-2B |
| Projecting | — | 6 sq. ft. (or 12 sq. ft. for fabric banner) | — | — | — | Projection restrictions (see additional requirements) | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-1, C-2A, C-2B |
| Freestanding | 8 ft. max. | 12 sq. ft. (only at gasoline service stations); otherwise prohibited | — | Min. 5 ft. from all property lines | — | Min. 5 ft. setback from all property lines | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-1, C-2A, C-2B |

### C-3B, C-3C, C-3D

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Façade | — | 24 square feet | — | — | 1 per frontage | Attached to front façade of building | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-3B, C-3C, C-3D |
| Awning Sign | 16-inch letter height (valance); logo up to 4 sq. ft. on shed | — | — | — | — | 1st story occupancies only | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-3B, C-3C, C-3D |
| Projecting | — | 6 sq. ft. max. (projecting sign); 12 sq. ft. max. (fabric banner) | — | — | — | — | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-3B, C-3C, C-3D |
| Freestanding | 8 ft. max. | 12 sq. ft. (only for gasoline service stations) | — | Min. 5 ft. from all property lines | — | Min. 5 ft. from all property lines | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-3B, C-3C, C-3D |

### C-4

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Façade | — | — | — | — | 1 per frontage | Façade surface, within façade features; aligned with adjacent buildings if possible. | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-4 |
| Window Sign | — | 10 sq. ft. (20 sq. ft. for corner property) | — | — | 1 | Window | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-4 |
| Awning Sign | 16-in. letter height (valance); logo up to 4 sq. ft. on shed portion | — | — | — | — | 1st story occupancies only | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-4 |
| Projecting | — | 6 sq. ft. max. (building <50 ft tall); up to 20 sq. ft. (building >50 ft tall, sign min. 20 ft above ground) | — | — | — | — | — | 17.06.060 Table, C-4 |

## Prohibited signs in New Brunswick

- It is unlawful to erect or maintain any sign or advertising structure without first obtaining a permit unless exempted.
- No sign shall be altered unless in compliance with this section.
- All types of signs not expressly permitted by this section are prohibited.
- Billboards are prohibited unless otherwise permitted.
- Signs tacked, pasted, painted, or otherwise attached to poles, posts, trees, fences, sidewalks, or curbs are prohibited.
- Exterior signs using moving parts, except clocks and temperature gauges, are prohibited.
- No sign other than official traffic control devices or street signs shall be erected within or encroach upon the right-of-way lines of any street unless authorized by ordinance.
- No sign may move in whole or in part by any means, nor emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odor.
- No sign may display flashing or intermittent light, or lights of changing degree of intensity or colors.
- No sign may be erected which directly or indirectly causes or produces glare into a street or dwelling unit; exposed light sources or reflecting surfaces must be shielded.
- Mobile signs are prohibited.
- Painted wall signs are prohibited except murals that meet code requirements.
- Any sign using exposed incandescent bulbs or neon tubes, exposed neon tubing in mirrors directing a light source, and similar devices is prohibited.
- Roof or sky signs supported principally by the roof and projecting above the roof are not permitted.
- Signs on vacant or unimproved lots are prohibited unless exclusively specifying sale, lease, transfer, zone, or conditional use.
- No strings or streamers, flags, pennants, spinners or strings of lights or similar devices strung across or along premises or buildings.
- Any sign with lighting or controls that may cause radio or television interference is prohibited.
- Signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene nature are prohibited.
- No sign may obstruct the visibility of motorists or pedestrians proceeding along public ways or entering/leaving lots, driveways, access roads, or intersections.
- No sign may encroach into or obstruct sight triangles at intersections of public rights-of-way or private access roads with public right-of-way.
- Signs on trailers, truck trailers, or unregistered motor vehicles are prohibited.
- Internally illuminated, animated, flashing, or illusionary signs using mechanical or electrical devices to revolve, flash, or display movement or the illusion of movement are prohibited, except for time and temperature and barber shop poles.
- Illuminated signs using red, yellow, or green light are prohibited within 200 feet of street intersections.
- Signs advertising goods and services available at the premises upon which the sign is located are prohibited.
- Any sign that uses the word "danger" or "stop", implies caution or danger, or could be confused with official signs is prohibited.
- Pennants, banners, and mobiles are prohibited except where allowed by the administrative officer.
- No sign shall be erected, used or maintained which simulates official, directional, or warning signs by any governmental agency or public utility.
- No neon sign or illuminated advertisement shall diminish or detract from the effectiveness of any traffic signal or safety/warning device.
- The use of multiple signs placed in a line to display a single advertisement message across multiple signs is prohibited.
- No sign may have flashing lights or exposed high intensity illumination.
- No sign may obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway, or opening intended for ingress/egress or light, except that signs may occupy up to 25% of a window (subject to further provisions of the title).
- No existing sign may be enlarged, rebuilt, structurally altered, or relocated except in accordance with the ordinance and after obtaining a permit.
- No sign of any description shall be installed, erected, or constructed so as to obstruct any fire escape or any window or door, nor attached in any manner to a fire escape.
- Signs shall relate solely to the business or profession conducted on the premises (with certain exceptions).
- No establishment shall display more than one sign outside the premises identifying same that can be viewed from a public right-of-way.
- Illumination devices (e.g., spotlights) must be placed/shielded to prevent casting rays into neighboring properties.
- No portion of any sign may be located within or suspended over a public right-of-way or pedestrian walkway unless otherwise permitted.

## Signs exempt from permit in New Brunswick

- Professional signs indicating the name and profession of the occupant of a dwelling, provided such signs do not exceed two square feet on any one side.
- Residential nameplate signs within property lines not exceeding 72 square inches; only one per principal dwelling; must not be illuminated.
- Temporary signs inside windows of commercial establishments not covering more than 25% of the window area.
- Window stickers denoting organizational affiliations, credit card availability, burglar systems, pet restrictions, hours of operation, etc.
- Signs forbidding trespassing, hunting, fishing or trapping, not exceeding 2 square feet.
- Temporary non-illuminated political signs displayed for no more than 30 days and not exceeding 32 square feet. Must be removed within 7 days after the election.
- Temporary signs for advertising public function or fund-raising events for charitable or religious organizations, not displayed for more than 30 days prior/during event and removed within 7 days after; must be non-illuminated, no larger than 16 sq. ft., max 6 ft. in height, flat against building or freestanding.
- Temporary real estate 'for sale' or 'for lease' signs not exceeding 6 sq. ft. per side or 12 sq. ft. total; one per 100 linear feet of street frontage.
- Temporary construction signs indicating the business doing work, not exceeding 16 sq. ft., one per 100 linear feet of street frontage.
- Signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway, or premises, not exceeding 72 sq. in. and 3 ft. in height.
- Traffic control directional signs identifying parking areas, loading zones, entrances, exits, and similar, not exceeding 2 sq. ft. and 4 ft. in height.
- Special signs serving public convenience such as 'notary public', 'public rest rooms', 'public telephone' or similar, not exceeding 72 sq. in.
- Signs posted by governmental agencies or pursuant to governmental statute, order, or regulation.
- Historical tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems installed by government, civic, or religious organizations, not exceeding 6 sq. ft.
- Flags or emblems of religious, educational, civic or governmental organizations.
- Temporary signs for traditional holiday or seasonal greetings/decoration (not advertising a specific product/service/establishment); must be removed within 45 days.
- Signs integral to vending machines, including gas pumps and soda machines.
- Signage required by local, county, state, or federal government.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- In the event a sign is included in a site plan or subdivision application, the permit is issued by the administrative officer after planning board or board of adjustment approval.
- If a sign application is not in conformance with ordinances, the applicant must apply for a variance from the planning board or board of adjustment.
- There shall be a consistent sign design theme throughout a particular project, including style of lettering, construction, material, type, size, and lighting.
- The zoning officer may attach conditions and safeguards to sign approvals to further the purpose and intent of the chapter and harmonize with design themes.
- The regulations emphasize an aesthetic standard requiring sign design and integration with building and surroundings, and that sign standards are maximum parameters subject to administrative review.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 16 zoning districts in New Brunswick — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=New+Brunswick+NJ&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-new-brunswick

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