Sign Regulations in Passaic, New Jersey
Passaic, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Business 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 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Passaic, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Passaic
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 16 feet including supporting members or height of tallest building on lot, whichever is less | 8 square feet per foot of frontage; for corner lots use average of two street frontages. | — |
| Window Sign | — | Shall not occupy and/or cover more than 50% of a window | — |
| Political Sign (Temporary) | — | 8 square feet | 8 ft from inner sidewalk; if no sidewalk, 30 ft from street line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Ground Sign
- Business Sign
- Directional and Traffic Control Sign
- Directory 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 Passaic
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Passaic 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 Passaic, 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 Passaic, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Business Sign, Directional and Traffic Control Sign, Directory 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 Passaic 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 Passaic are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Passaic has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Passaic, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Passaic, New Jersey regulates 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 16 feet including supporting members or height of tallest building on lot, whichever is less tall and 8 square feet per foot of frontage; for corner lots use average of two street frontages. (Sec. §317-49A(1), (3), (4), (8711226, 8711228, 8711229)). Most commercial signs in Passaic require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Passaic, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Passaic (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 16 feet including supporting members or height of tallest building on lot, whichever is less | Shall not occupy and/or cover more than 50% of a window | — |
| R-1 Zone | 4 | Not to exceed height of building | 16 square feet | — |
| R-1A Zone, R-2 Zone, R-3 Zone, PD District (Residential Use) | 4 | Not to exceed height of building | 16 square feet | — |
| C District, C-R District | 7 | 16 feet or height of tallest building on lot, whichever is less | Aggregate area not to exceed 4 square feet per foot of building facade width | — |
| O-R District, PD District (Non-Residential Use) | 5 | 6 feet including supporting members | Aggregate area not to exceed 4 square feet per foot of building facade width | — |
| M-1 District, M-2 District | 7 | 16 feet or height of tallest building on lot, whichever is less | Aggregate area not to exceed 4 square feet per foot of building facade width | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Passaic(sample of 3 of 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 16 feet including supporting members or height of tallest building on lot, whichever is less | 8 square feet per foot of frontage; for corner lots use average of two street frontages. | — | — | — | Not to project over any portion of any street right-of-way | — | Unlock | §317-49A(1), (3), (4), (8711226, 8711228, 8711229) |
| Window Sign | — | Shall not occupy and/or cover more than 50% of a window | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | §317-49A(4) (8711229) |
| Political Sign (Temporary) | — | 8 square feet | — | 8 ft from inner sidewalk; if no sidewalk, 30 ft from street line | — | Grounds or yards, front, rear, or side, facing any public street | — | Unlock | §247-1(A), (D) (8638318, 8638322) |
| Political Sign (On Private Building) | — | 8 square feet (except campaign headquarters) | — | — | One per candidate per campaign headquarters | Private building | — | Unlock | §247-1(C) (8638321) |
| Temporary Sign (Nonprofit Event) | — | — | — | — | — | Municipal property during a nonprofit event | — | Unlock | §247-6(A) (8638331-8638335) |
| Temporary Sign (General) | — | — | — | — | — | Private property (with owner consent) | — | Unlock | §247-5, §247-6(B), (C) (8638328, 8638336, 8638337) |
R-1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Professional Office) | — | 1 square foot | — | — | One | Building on which such office is conducted | — | Unlock | §317-49B(1) (8711231) |
| Institution Identification Sign | — | 16 square feet | — | — | One | For house of worship, school, hospital, club, public or institutional use | — | Unlock | §317-49B(2) (8711232) |
| For Sale or For Rent Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | One | On subject property | — | Unlock | §317-49B(3) (8711233) |
| Nonconforming Use Sign | Not to exceed height of building | 10% of facade of first story | — | — | — | On facade of structure with nonconforming use permitted in C or M District but not R District | — | Unlock | §317-49B(4) (8711234) |
R-1A Zone, R-2 Zone, R-3 Zone, PD District (Residential Use)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Professional Office) | — | 1 square foot | — | — | One | Building on which such office is conducted | — | Unlock | §317-49C(1) (8711236; applies 'Same as R-1') |
| Institution Identification Sign | — | 16 square feet | — | — | One | For house of worship, school, hospital, club, public or institutional use | — | Unlock | §317-49C(1) (8711236; applies 'Same as R-1') |
| For Sale or For Rent Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | One | On subject property | — | Unlock | §317-49C(1) (8711236; applies 'Same as R-1') |
| Nonconforming Use Sign | Not to exceed height of building | 10% of facade of first story | — | — | — | On facade of structure with nonconforming use permitted in C or M District but not R District | — | Unlock | §317-49C(1) (8711236; applies 'Same as R-1') |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Passaic — 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 Passaic — start freeProhibited Signs in Passaic
- No signs shall be permitted to be posted or attached in any way or manner to any trees, poles, posts, trestles, traffic signs, traffic signals, walls, fences or any public buildings.
- No signs other than those placed by agencies or the government shall be erected on any public property, except as allowed for nonprofit organizations during municipal events.
- No temporary sign shall be placed on any private property without the prior consent of the owner.
- No temporary sign shall be placed on any utility pole, street lamp or fire alarm box except for utility identification or similar purposes.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected or displayed at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct vision.
- No person shall attach to any tree in any street or park or to a guard or device intended for the protection of any tree any rope, wire or sign or other thing.
- No sign shall include intermittent or flashing lights or moving parts.
- No sign, whether self-supported or attached to a structure, shall project over any portion of any street or right-of-way.
- Any sign, advertisement, poster, ornament or other document shall not occupy and/or cover more than 50% of a window in any way that impairs visibility.
Exempt Signs in Passaic
- Signs placed by agencies or the government on public property are exempt from general prohibitions on signs on public property.
- Temporary signs for utility identification or similar necessary purposes may be placed on utility poles, street lamps, or fire alarm boxes.
- Nonprofit organizations may post advertisements on municipal properties during events they hold, with City approval and subject to specific limitations.
- Permanent and legible identification, floor, and street number signs are required and permitted for multiple dwellings.
- Signs required for public safety (such as 'danger', 'warning', 'Keep Out') may be erected as directed by the City.
- Required exit signs in licensed establishments as specified are permitted.
- No-smoking signs as mandated by smoking ordinances are required and permitted.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Passaic
- No explicit mention of a master sign plan, sign plan, or required zoning variance meeting is present within the provided text.
Source: ecode360 municipal code